Curlfest: The Ultimate Summer Picnic

Curlfest is an event by the Curly Girl Collective where natural beauties are celebrated!  It takes place on Sunday, June 22nd from 1-6pm in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY.

Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks and blankets; there will be music, games, vendors, and giveaways!  Some of the sponsors include EDEN BodyWorks, Ouidad, and Curls.

I'm super excited to be attending, and I hope to see some of you there!  If you are going, please let me know.  I'd love to meet some of my fellow curly girls! :)

See you then!

Ashley, xo

Are you attending Curlfest?  Do you know about any other curly girl events taking place in NYC this summer?  Comment below!

10,000K+ VIEWS!

OMG!

Yes, it was all the way necessary that I wrote that in all caps.  We have reached 10,000+ views on curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com!

I just want to thank everyone-- for all the reading, tweeting, emails, IG tag features, posts, and love.  I am truly grateful that you all believe in my word, and take the time to read my posts and come to me with questions.  It really means a lot to me.  I am especially grateful because you all believed in me enough to support me and support the blog.  I can't tell you how much it means to me when I see people tweeting about the posts or retweeting them after I've just published one.

I am NOT going to leave you all hanging after all the hard work you all have done.  I definitely want to share some love and some of MY favorite products with you all!

Yes, a GIVEAWAY is coming!

Stay tuned for official rules, details, and prizes.  You do NOT want to miss this one!

For now-- send me some of your BEST hair pics via Instagram @curlsfothegirls #curlsfothegirls AND I will definitely take email submissions at curlsfothegirls@gmail.com.  Let's celebrate!

Thank you all so very much, from the BOTTOM of my heart!

Ashley, xo.

Spotlight Monday: Mercedes

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Mercedes, and I’m an ambitious 21 year old from Hot-lanta!  I'm currently a senior at Syracuse University in the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, studying Political Science.  I aspire to fulfill my dreams of one day becoming a legend in both the entertainment and political spheres.

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!

> I've been natural since the 8th grade.  That was the last time I had a relaxer.  My hair is very curly & springy.  The curls resemble little ringlets like the Shirley Temple curls.  My hair is very thick, but soft.  For the most part, my hair is very manageable.  I would say my hair type is mixture of 3A, 3C & 4A.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I was actually forced to transition when a relaxer caused my hair to fall out in the crown area of my head.  The relaxer caused horrible scabbing, and once the scabs fell off, it took my hair with it.  I had a huge bald spot that got infected.  Going natural was the only option; I didn't have much of a choice.  I eventually found out that I’m allergic to some of the chemicals within relaxers (because I have a very sensitive scalp), which is one of the reasons I stopped getting them.  I was on antibiotics and had to use medicated shampoo for a year.  It took a total of 2 years to completely revitalize my hair to its natural state.  I've cut my hair several times, but my "Big Chop" happened during my freshmen year of college in 2010.  I cut my hair because of heat damage.  No dramatic revelations over here-- I just wanted my healthy hair back.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> I felt so beautiful!  I loved the feeling of simply rubbing moisturizer & oil in my hair without having to really 'do' anything to it.  I was very comfortable with short hair.  Cutting my hair isn't a big deal to me (I would do it again in a heartbeat).

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?

> When I first experienced my natural hair after I stopped relaxing it, I hated it.  I was very athletic & played several sports, so the relaxer maintained my roots and edges from "drawing up" or "napping up".  It took a couple of years to get used to it.  After doing research on the actual maintenance, I fell in love with it.  I'm in love with my natural hair now to the extent where I'll go months without putting the slightest bit of heat on it (including a blow dryer). 

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> Raw Coconut Oil, Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo, and Miss Jesse’s Curly Pudding.  These are products that I liked, and I found that they worked best for my hair.  However, I’m somewhat of a product junkie, and I’m constantly trying new things in my hair routine, especially when the seasons change.

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> My go-to hairstyles are curly 'fros using twist outs, two-strand twists, Bantu Knots on semi blow-dried hair (hair is still fairly damp, just blow-dried to stretch the curls) and natural updo hairstyles.  I’m known to switch up my hair A LOT.  I always have different hairstyles and I'm willing to switch things up.

How do you feel about your hair today?

> I've been through a long journey with my hair, but it was worth it to obtain healthy hair.  I love my natural roots and curls!

Bonus: Check out Mercedes' growth as of December 2013!  She's definitely serving up fierceness in this pic, :)

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Mercedes about her natural hair journey?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Melissa

Tell us about yourself.
> Hello Naturals!  My name is Melissa; I dance, I love cats and I am a "Natural Hair" And "Black Self Love" enthusiast!  I am pursuing my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling.  I have strong aspirations of not only being an advocate in the Mental Health Community, but also of bringing more Mental Health services, and awareness, to our disregarded communities of color in any way that I can.

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> Well (brace yourself! Lol), I am one of those naturals who "went natural" more than once.  As a freshman in college, I made the decision to change a lot of my habits including relaxing my hair, especially because I didn't get them often.  My first relaxer was forced; I was only 8yo!  After attempting my 1st transition, a fresh relaxer and weave called my name.  After almost 9 months, I went back!  When I saw how TERRIBLE the perm was, and how weak and stupid I felt, I said "that's it for this!" and ever since the summer of 2009, I never got another relaxer. :)  My hair type is mixed, but overall I think I am a 4A & 4B with BEAUTIFUL tight coils and tight S shaped curls.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I transitioned with multiple trims, braids, and weaves.  Then I cut my hair to my ears when I saw how unhealthy my hair was.  I decided to transition because I wanted to see the difference in my hair as it grew, and I was honestly too afraid to cut it all off.  Now I feel that because I went through a lot of phases and heat damage, and even though my curls are coming back to life and I'm way more comfortable, I definitely want to cut it again in the future.

 What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> Like many transitioning naturals, I thought I would have Tracy Ellis Ross hair or something (lol), but I didn't.  I didn't know what I was doing with my hair and I felt kind of lonely in my journey.  It took me years to stop using heat and to embrace my TRUE natural texture after giving up crazy chemicals like relaxers (No lye, No lie lol).  However, when I decided to be 100% true to my naturalness, I was very happy when I saw how curly my hair was, and I was ecstatic for my freedom! - I felt so strong because this was one thing about me that NOBODY or NO social norm could continue to control. 

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> I'm still in a trial and error phase because I feel like my hair is a complicated girl, but to name three products:

- Raw Shea butter (my whole body swears by it)

- Eco Styler Gel

- Cantu Shea Leave-in conditioner

I know it says to name three, but the Tresemme Naturals Conditioner is really good, too! LOL

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> As much as I love twist outs and Bantu knot outs, I have too many failed attempts with them.  So my go-to hairstyle would be my Beautiful, coily puff aka "Le Puff Zaddy".

How do you feel about your hair today?
> Today-- I love my hair!  Even though I am still not 100% confident with every hairstyle I do or try, I rock it with love and pride because I do love and value my return to natural.  I love to use water in my hair everyday now, and I will never turn back to relaxers, which just didn't work for me, or even heat.  I am fully in love with the versatility of my hair, and the hair textures of all people of color!  I feel like I can make a stance with my hair in so many ways and I love it.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Melissa about her natural hair?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Milan

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Milan; I am from the Bronx, and New York City is my home.  I am a Junior at Syracuse University and I am studying Communications and Rhetorical Studies.  I am also an active poet on Syracuse's Campus.

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!

> I have been natural for 2 years now; it will be 3 years next summer!  For sometime, I didn’t know I was going natural (officially) until after a small chop of my hair.  I completely decided to stop getting perms.  Within those two years, I didn’t fully embrace my natural hair.  Instead, I would just flat iron it or get it blown out.  When I began to my rock my natural hair, I discovered that I had multiple curl patterns.  To my surprise, I am a 3c, 4a, and 4b, leaving me with three textures all around, providing me with different curls.  Some of my curls are super defined at times, and some of my curls can be loose, but not so much. My hair is thick so the different textures compliment each other.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I began to embrace my natural hair after 2 years when I had some kind of length.  I didn’t big chop; I transitioned by letting my perm grow out through box braid installations.  I took this route because when I used to get perms in high school, the chemicals were too strong for my hair so it started to break after a while.  My mother would treat my hair like it was her prized possession because my hair was long and soft.  I miss it sometimes, but going  natural was a big step for me and I knew it was my time to treat my hair like my prized possession, and I definitely do.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> It was crazy; it was like those who knew I was natural for that time always wanted me to embrace it.  When I finally wore my hair out in an actual style, it almost felt like “the wait” was over.  However, I was very insecure about it because I didn’t know how I would actually look.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)

> My favorite products are Cantu Coconut Oil leave-in conditioner, Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk, and Olive Oil.  I haven’t become a product junkie yet, but I can feel it coming soon.

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> My go-to styles are definitely box braids (when it’s a colder-- you can never go wrong), and my 'fro!  I do two strand twists and wash & gos with JUST conditioner and my curls come out defined!

How do you feel about your hair today?
> Honesty, I love my hair, and I never thought of turning back to the chemicals that once damaged my hair before.  I felt like it was going to be harder to maintain my natural hair, and at the beginning, it was.  I didn’t know what I was doing, and I didn’t have any sort of guidance.  Now this blog happened and, I can connect with some women on here, whether its their hairstyles or different texture types.  When I visit the blog, I see some similar products that I've used, and some that I can use in the future to produce some of the same results as these lovely women have.  I feel like I am apart of this glorious resurgence of natural beauty and embracing it.  It makes me feel like the movement is here to stay.  This is only the beginning of my journey.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Milan about her natural hair?  Leave a comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Toni

Tell us about yourself.
> My name is Toni; I’m a Syracuse University alum, NYLS law student, and Bronx native.  My love for music has influenced me to pursue a career in entertainment law-- hopefully working with musicians *fingers crossed*.  I’m completely obsessed with my hair and researching, and buying, products for my hair; I’m a little bit of a geek.  Oh, and I’m a recovering sneakerhead (very little emphasis on recovering). 

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I’ve been natural for a little over a month.  I’m pretty sure I have about 2-3 different curl patterns in this curly 'fro of mine.  If i had to pick, I’d say i have a mix of 3b and 3C-- at least those are the ones I can identify.  My tightest curls are along my hairline, and the curls at the crown of my head are, by far, the most defiant.  Because of all my researching, I’ve realized that I have low porosity hair!  Being low porosity makes wash days and styling considerably interesting (lol)! 

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I transitioned for a year and 4 months.  My last relaxer was just 2 months after I graduated from Syracuse University.  After that year and 4 months, I was over it!  Long term transitioning is a challenge to say the least!  I was too terrified to have short hair.  I’ve never had hair shorter than shoulder length, so the thought of shorter hair literally gave me anxiety.  I didn’t know what I’d be able to do with it-- and God forbid-- a bad hair day and I couldn’t have a ponytail!  I spent the majority of my transitioning time doing flat twist outs.  Occasionally, I did some braid-outs and straightening.  I tried bantu-knots twice; that was a no-go for me!  I even got Senegalese twists over the summer thinking I’d do some protective styling-- they lasted a week! 

If you big chopped-- how did you feel?
> I’m not sure if I even did a big chop, but when I finally cut my hair on November 1st, I felt free!  As cliché as that sounds, it was literally one of the most liberating things I’ve done in a while.  I didn’t care about what anyone thought anymore; I just wanted those disgusting relaxed ends off!  I let my older sister, who has zero hair cutting experience, cut my hair for me.  We recorded the entire process!  I was sooo excited; I kept sticking my hands in my hair when it was over.  I did a wash and go right after and took my hair out for a drink! 

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> I can’t lie and say it was easy!  When I looked in the mirror the morning after I cut it, I laughed!  I got my first relaxer at the age of 6 for my mom’s wedding, so finally seeing my curls was weird.  I wasn’t sure what to do with it, so I let the wash and go-- styled by my sister-- rock out for another day or two.  I LOVED my hair though.  The laughter I experienced was definitely joyous!  I still constantly look at the pics of my BC and actually laugh.  I still can't believe I did it sometimes.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> I live by Aussie Moist as a rinse out conditioner!  The slip is insane and it smells tropical-- and I LOVE tropical scents!  I also love coconut oil.  It’s light enough that I don’t feel like my hair is weighed down by it or that it's building up on my hair.  Also, because my hair has low porosity, products tend to just sit on top of my hair.  Lastly, I loveee eco styler gel especially the clear one!  It defines my curls better than anything I’ve tried yet, but it’s only been a little over a month (lol)!  When I first did my wash and gos, they were too crunchy and I couldn’t stand it.  I tried scrunching my hair with coconut oil, but it just didn’t do it for me.  I tried layering my products-- a layer of coconut oil right under my gel-- and that did the trick!  Since trying that, my wash and gos are super soft! 

 What are your go-to hairstyles?
> Since BC’ing, I’ve retired my flat twists.  My go-to is definitely a wash and go!  I love seeing my natural curl pattern, so wash and gos work best for me.  I did a twist out since BC’ing and didn’t like it until I made it frizzy.  It was just a little too perfectly defined for my taste. 

How do you feel about your hair today? 
> I LOVE my hair!!!  I can say, without a doubt, I’ll never put another relaxer in my hair again!  I feel like my hair suits my personality better now than before.  I’ve become obsessed with myself since BC’ing.  Seriously-- the amount of selfies I have on my phone is slightly sickening.  A friend of mine actually reminded me that there’s a 'three selfie a week' rule for IG; I highly doubt I follow that.  I can’t wait to see how much it grows and how big it gets.  I’ve already noticed more growth since November 1st.  I think it’s safe to say that I’m obsessed with my curls!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Toni about her natural hair?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Christinia

Tell us about yourself.
> I am a Syracuse University Alumna pursuing a career as a Criminalist-- one laboratory position at a time.  I love to dance, watch movies (action & horror), paint my nails, do hair, shop and EAT!  I just enjoy having a good time with good people.

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I have been fully natural for 2 years & 7months, but began the process April 2010 (my last relaxer was for my 20^th birthday).  My hair type is 4a/4c; my hair is very tightly coiled yet soft.  However, the middle of my hair is so thick and tightly coiled that it lacks definite shape while the sides of my head have more defined curls that are springy when pulled.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> In May of 2011 I did my Big Chop!  Prior to, I would just wear braid outs, but running out of patience, I was ready to cut all of the remainder of my relaxed hair off.  I thought and found it to be easier to deal with one texture of hair.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> After my BC I felt like a new person.  I had given myself a new look; however, I was still shy to show it off because it was very different than what I was used to.  It was definitely a style I would have to get used to being that it was only my natural hair.  I also felt like I had accomplished a goal being that I had been talking about going natural for a long time.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
>  As time went on, I was surprised at how much I began to fall in love with my hair.  Not only was it easy to maintain, as far as saving time on doing my hair, the compliments I was getting played a part on it growing on me.  But when it came time for me to style my hair differently, I did think "OMG! what did I do?!" because it was so thick, and short, and I thought there was no way I could straighten it as good as it could have been straightened with a relaxer-- glad to know I was wrong.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> I love using curling lotions and smoothies especially the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.  Prior to washing my hair, I apply Taliah Waajid’s The Great Detangler while twisting my hair (I wash my hair while its twisted), and I wash and condition with Crème of Nature’s Shampoo and Conditioner with Argan Oil.

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> I love, love, love wearing Bantu knot outs, regular twist outs and my wash-and-go 'fro!  As a protective style, or a style when I know I’m not going to want to do my hair for a long time, I braid my hair in goddess box braids.

How do you feel about your hair today?
> I love my hair!  I find it simpler to maintain than if it was relaxed.  I am so glad I became natural because my hair is much healthier.  I know I can still do as many styles as I want, as well as styles I have done prior to becoming a Naturalista!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Christinia about her natural hair?  Comment below!

You Did What?!

Yes, folks.. I did it again, and by it, I mean I big chopped for the second time and it felt good!

So I had been having these thoughts about a tapered haircut for quite some time and after a conversation with a friend about haircuts via Twitter, and a quick talk with my mom the same night, I decided that I should just do it and be done with it.  I had been looking at pictures of tapered cuts, stalking McKenzie Renae's blog and her cute cut, and tweeting every now and then, "I want a tapered cut!".  After some research on my bus ride home, I decided that I was going to cut my hair and as soon as possible!

I went to the salon on Friday to discuss the cut and price with my stylist, and I made sure I was the first person at the salon on Saturday.. ready.  She used the clippers for most of the cut-- along the back and sides of my head and she used scissors only to even off the tuft of hair that was left to create the shape I wanted.  I couldn't really tell if I was liking the cut at first because my hair was combed out and not curly.  I kind of started to worry, but I had to wait until it was 100% done before I panicked.

After the cut, she washed my hair with my L'Oreal EverCurl Hydracharge Shampoo.  I forgot a conditioner-- I seriously don't know how-- so she went straight for my deep conditioner and applied my Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Mask.  She combed it through, I donned a plastic cap, and sat under the dryer for about 15 minutes.  Once the timer went off, I had her rinse the deep conditioner out with cold water and headed straight for the chair.  While in the chair, she applied my Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-in/Detangler and a little bit of my Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls gel.  Then, I sat under the dryer, again, for about 10 minutes.  I just wanted to make sure my hair wasn't soaking wet before I headed home.

Once I got home, I snatched my hood off and I headed for the bathroom.  I rinsed out the product, reapplied some leave-in and a little more gel and diffused my hair.  Now, I was definitely liking it.

I wanted to cut my hair for a while especially because I had always liked the tapered cut look.  It was actually the first cut I looked at when I planned to BC.  I also got a little tired of my big hair.  Yes, I did love it and I was happy that it grew out-- as much as it did, and as fast as it did-- but I wanted something different.  I wanted something spicy, and I felt that the tapered cut was the right amount of spice for me.  I also missed my super curly coils.  I noticed that as my hair grew out, it became less curly and more wavy.  I missed my springy curls and I was happy to have them back.

I got a lot of questions about why I cut my hair especially because people couldn't understand why I would do it.  I had to do what I felt was right for me.  I definitely got asked 'why' a few times, but it is my hair. :)

If you are interested in cutting your hair, do your research!  Don't be afraid to look up tons of pictures and take some with you to your stylist.  Make adjustments as you feel necessary so that the cut fits your face.  And do not be afraid!  It's just hair and it will grow back :)

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Are you thinking about a tapered cut?  Do you have a tapered cut and want to share your experience?  Comment below!

5,000+ Views! (Contest/Giveaway CLOSED!)

Hey everyone!

I'm SO very super excited about this.  Can't you tell?! :o)

Curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com has reached 5,000+ views in less than 3 months-- woo!  With that being said, I want to thank everyone-- naturalistas, fashionistas, etc-- for your support of curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com; it means a lot to me!  I've been told numerous times to start a blog, and I'm honestly not sure what sparked the decision that day, but it's been great thus far :)

I wanted to invite you all to participate in the Curls Fo' The Girls' FIRST contest/giveaway-- yes, the FIRST contest/giveaway on this blog.  Isn't this exciting?!

The Details:

A bomb ass Twist Out is MY favorite curly girl style.  I absolutely love them!  They require a lot of patience while twisting, BUT the definition is always amazeballs!  So.. it only seems right that the first contest/giveaway is about Twist Outs!  I challenge you all to share your BEST Twist Outs with me on Instagram @curlsfothegirls with the hashtags #curlsfothegirls #ilovetwistouts.  *The photos must be hashtagged!  I will accept multiple submissions, but I cannot guarantee that it'll help your chances of winning.  I'm looking for the BEST Twist Out ;)

Things to keep in mind (Read thoroughly):
- I won't be able to see posts from private accounts so if you wish to participate, your account must be public (at least until the contest is over).
- All submissions must be hashtagged: #curlsfothegirls #ilovetwistouts.
- You MUST be following Curls Fo' The Girls on IG @curlsfothegirls!
- Invite EVERYONE you know!

The contest/giveaway will start tomorrow, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18th, and go until FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27th!

The Prize:
Since this contest is about Twist Outs, I wanted to put together a prize pack of items that I use for MY Twist Outs :)

A Winner Has Been Announced via Instagram!

- Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask: a GREAT deep conditioning treatment that adds moisture to dry hair.  It's one of my favorites!

- Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-in/Detangler: a great leave-in/detangler that aids in detangling and keep tresses moisturized.  It's very light but perfect for twist outs :)

- Sweet Almond Oil: I use very little of this oil to seal my hair while twisting, but it's great for taking down twists and preventing frizz!

I'm super excited about this contest and I wish all participants luck.

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Please be sure to read the contest details thoroughly!  Comment below if you have any questions about the contest/giveaway!

Spotlight Monday: Dominique

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Dominique Smith; I'm a Bronx, New York native.  I am a senior studying Political Science (Pre-Law) and Communication at Wesleyan College in Georgia.  I am also President of my school's Black Student Alliance.

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls.

> I have been natural for about two years now.  Within those couple of years, I have done a couple of big chops and lots of color.  My curls are small coils, probably the size of a straw.  Because of the thickness and the size of the curls, I have A LOT of shrinkage.  I also have a lot of natural blonde highlights throughout my hair, especially at the tips of my coils.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?

> When I began my natural journey I did the big chop.  I did not do the big chop with the intent of going natural; I did it because I had a point to prove.  I go to a predominately white school in the south.  People often met me with preconceived notions because of the length of my hair, my hair type, and the fairness of my skin.  Once people got a chance to know me they were often taken aback by how pro-black I was, and by the fact that I wasn't mixed.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> Chopping my hair off was my way of proving to myself, and others, that I wasn't anyone's pageant princess.  It also helped me prove that my hair did not define my beauty.  It was one of the most fulfilling and liberating things I've ever done!

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> In the beginning, it was beautiful.  I enjoyed every minute of my hair being short.  Once I hit the middle stages it became frustrating.  I got bored a few times and have had it several different colors, which resulted in me cutting it off. 

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> My favorite products are olive oil, coconut oil, and "Curls Unleashed" by Organic Root Simulator.  I've been using these products since I've done the big chop.

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> My daily go-to hairstyle is my 'fro.  I haven't had my kick in creativity yet in regards to things I can do with it.  Now that I am trying to grow my hair out, my official go to hairstyle is braids of some sort.  They're very low maintenance and it's a little easier to find things to do with them.

How do you feel about your hair today?
>  I love my hair!  I'm nervous about finally giving it a chance to really grow out.  Sometimes it is frustrating because of the thickness and the fact that my hair grows so fast. But I wouldn't change anything about it.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Dominique and her natural hair?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Kimberly

 Tell us about yourself.
> I am a 22-year-old Syracuse alumna with a passion for ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic through education and advocacy!  I am a makeup junkie-- no.. seriously-- (My mint app lets me know that I spend more money on makeup than I do food, LOL!) and a lover of peace and all things beautiful :)

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> My last perm was September 2012, so I have been perm-free for 15 months and I couldn’t be happier!  My hair type is a spunky and fierce mix of 3C and 4A.  In the middle of my head, my curl pattern is a bit curlier; the back of my hair, the sides, and front are a bit more of a loose pattern.  What I love most about my curls is how soft and beautiful they are.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?

> I transitioned for 11 months before I did a big chop.  I didn’t plan on doing a big chop because I was afraid of how I would look after since I was used to having either long hair flowing from my scalp or long hair flowing from my tracks, LOL!  During the summer, I finally decided to experiment with my transitioning hair and do a two strand twist.  I spent HOURS combing and parting and moisturizing and twisting in hopes of having my hair looking as beautiful as I had seen on the natural hair blogs.  The next day, I unraveled the twists and was so disappointed with the finished product.  One half of my hair was nicely curled, and the bottom half of my hair was straight and stringy and didn’t curl at all.  I was so frustrated!  So, I hopped on the 4 train, got off at Nevins, and walked into the Evolution Green Room, on Atlantic Avenue, and chopped the rest of my permed hair off.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?  
> I didn’t tell anyone that I was going to cut my hair off except for my line sister, Simi. After the stylist cut my hair and gave me a nice finger coil style, I looked in the mirror with feelings of excitement and happiness.  I finally did it, and honestly, there was no turning back since I spent all I had on the cut and style LOL.  I was very happy with the way it looked and was pleasantly surprised that a short do fit my face.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> It was hard.  I had my first perm at age 7, so for 14 years, I hadn’t seen my natural hair and I didn’t know what to do with it.  I wanted to teach myself how to do my own hair so I spent hours upon hours researching styles for TWAs on YouTube and became comfortable with finger coiling my hair.  It was a pretty time-consuming hairstyle in comparison to my previous hair regimens with perms/weaves/box braids.  I grew discouraged and eventually got box braids.  However, now that I have my hair out again, I am so hyped to see how healthy and how much my hair has grown since August!!!

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> I love the Jane Carter restore moisture mist!  It makes it so easy to moisturize daily and refresh my hair.  My favorite conditioner is the Organix Biotin and Collagen!  It smells sooo good, and always leaves my hair soft, bouncy and full.  Lastly, I love, LOVE, LOVE the Eco Styler Olive Oil gel.  It is by far the best product that gives my hair the perfect curl definition for my wash and go.  After trying Jane Carter's curl defining cream, Cantu coconut curling cream, and Taliah Waajid curly curl cream, this product gave me the best curl definition without making my hair feel heavy, greasy or flaky.  As a matter of fact, my current “Wash and go” style has been going strong for the last 12 days!

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> Since I am still learning my hair, I’ve only experimented with finger coiling and wash and go styles.  But my favorite of the two is my wash and go with eco styler gel.  It's easy and gives my hair the best curl definition.

How do you feel about your hair today?
> I loveeeeee my natural hair, and I am never turning back to the permed and flat-ironed life I was used to!  It was harder in the beginning because I was adjusting to the change, but my boyfriend definitely made it a lot easier for me to love my hair since he too loved it and preferred it over my weaves!  I am in love with my natural hair, but I can’t lie, I still love a good weave.  I think as my hair grows longer, I will become more and more comfortable with my hair and nothing else.  But, this is all apart of my natural hair journey!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Kimberly about her natural hair and/or journey?  Comment below!