Spotlight Monday: Flose

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Flose, and I am a recent Syracuse University graduate, where I double-majored in sociology and public relations.  I currently reside in Rockland County, New York, but I was born on the beautiful island of Hispaniola.  Poetry is my life and the answer to all my woes; I aim to share her with all who are willing to listen.  If there's one thing I want the world to know about me, it's that I'm a lover of humanity, and I am continuously looking for ways to help us all advance as a people.

MY Preference Between Aussie Moist & Hello Hydration Conditioners

In all honesty, this was not a PJ moment; I was in desperate need to find a new detangling conditioner.  I had been using the Tresemme Naturals conditioner, but I noticed that it was no longer working for me.  My detangling sessions took longer than usual and my hair felt dry after using it.  I honestly think my hair had gotten used to it.

Spotlight Monday: Isabel

Tell us about yourself.
> I’m a New York City native, and a recent Syracuse University graduate.  I studied Television-Radio-Film, and I will be pursuing a career in film production.

Spotlight Monday: Dhaakira

Tell us about yourself.
> Hey Guys!!!  My name is Dhaakira.  I am an alumna of St. Bonaventure University where I studied Journalism/Mass Communications.  I grew up and currently reside in NYC.  I am a young woman trying to make something of myself and enjoy life as it comes.

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I’ve been natural most of my life!  Growing up, I did put a texturizer in my hair once because I figured it would help my hair last longer, but that was an EPIC fail.  It didn’t do much for my hair and it was a waste of money LOL.  I would say my hair type is between a 3B and 3C.  I’m honestly still trying to figure that out, but for right now that’s what I think.  My curls are very soft and loose.  Some sections of my hair have defined curls and others are a mix of waves and curl.  My hair does get frizzy at times, but I prefer the frizz.

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

> During my junior year of college, I decided to bleach my hair because I was OBSESSED with blue hair!  I just had to have it.  It definitely was not my brightest idea, smh.  I had my friend bleach my hair then dye it and it came out ALL wrong.  My hair had broken off from the bleach and the blue, unfortunately, did not come out as planned.  I was left with multiple gross colors in my hair and it looked crazy.  I panicked and dyed my hair jet black the next day-- BAD IDEA.  That whole process destroyed my hair.  My hair became brittle and extra thin to the point where you could literally see through my hair strands.  After that whole process, I decided to transition and just cut my hair from time to time.  Looking back, I should have just big chopped, but I was too afraid.  I’ve always had long hair and I wasn’t sure how I would look or feel about it.  The transitioning process was taking forever and my hair wasn’t looking too hot, so I finally manned up and BC'd!

If you big chopped-- how did you feel?

> I big chopped after I graduated, and I can honestly say that it was the best decision I’ve ever made for my hair.  I cut it into a short style-- short layers in back and sides and leaving the front with some length.  I instantly loved the cut!  I felt that it made me look a little older and it was something different for me.  Anyone that knows me knows I love different!

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

> After my big chop, the experience was very new.  While growing up, natural was just not putting relaxers in my hair.  This time around, I actually had to do research about different hair products and figure out what was or was not good for my hair.  The biggest challenge was finding hairstyles that would be easy for me to do.  With my hair being shorter, it was a little easier because I did a lot of wash and gos.  However, once my hair started growing out, it became harder for me.  I might be the first to say that I am a little hair challenged, so I was always asking my friends for help and watching tons of hair tutorials, LOL.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3) > Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream: I liveee by this stuff.  I searched high and low to find a moisturizer that worked for me, and when I tried this product, it was love at first sight.  I have fine hair and this butter cream brings my hair back to life.  It softens my curls, while keeping them moisturized for days.  Whenever I feel my hair getting a little dry, I use my moisturizer and it bounces right back.  This is definitely a must-have for me!  EVOO/Coconut oil: These are my favorite oils that I use to seal my hair.  Sealing definitely helps me retain moisture and keep my hair from getting too dry.  SheaMoisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque: I recently discovered this product, thanks to Curls Fo’The Girls, and I absolutely love it!  It is perfect for my fine hair and it smells AMAZING!  It keeps my hair moisturized, which is key for me, and it leaves my hair so silky soft.

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> My go-to styles are currently wash and gos, Bantu knots, two strand twists, and I’ve recently been able to put my hair into a puff.  I'm super excited about that! LOL  I'm still trying out new styles, but those are the ones I know best.

What is a haircare lesson that you've learned that you'd be willing to share with someone who wants to go natural?

> A haircare lesson I would share is to STOP using heat on natural hair, or at least in the beginning stages.  As much as I love my straight hair, I had to stop straightening it because I was beginning to see signs of damage.  I would also tell them to definitely keep their hair hydrated and moisturize often!

What are your hair goals?

> My hair goals are to grow my hair to bra strap-mid back length and keep it healthy and strong.

How do you feel about your hair today?

> I love, love, LOVE my hair!  I honestly can not say that enough.  When I was younger, I never wore my hair curly unless it was in a ponytail.  I always straightened it as much I could, which caused major heat damage, but NOW I can’t get enough!  I feel more secure with my hair, and I love this journey I am embarking on.  My hair has never been this healthy and I’m just having fun with it.  I'm still learning as it grows!

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

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

Bentonite Clay Review by Melissa

Melissa & 'Le Puff Zaddy' the day after the Bentonite Clay use, a bigger & more defined 'Le Puff Zaddy'

Melissa has previously appeared on Curls Fo' The Girls as a Spotlight Monday feature.  This time, she's bringing a product review on a natural clay that can be used to cleanse and help define curls!

Product: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay - Bentonite clay ($4.99, Vitamin Shoppe)

Why did I purchase this product?
> I decided to buy this clay because of all the amazing and satisfied reviews I read and heard from so many different people (on and offline).  When I heard that your hair gets so clean that your curls soften and become more defined, I said "that's it, I have to try it!"  The clay is fairly inexpensive so I was lucky enough to purchase a pound from the Vitamin Shoppe for only $4.99!  I have had so many failed attempts at trying to define my curls with different products and retain the definition after my hair dried, that I was becoming discouraged.  After detoxing with the Bentonite Clay, I was absolutely more in love with my hair than ever!  I didn't even need anything else in my hair after I used it.  I was really impressed with the results and happy that those reviews steered me in the right direction.

Clay Mix and Application

> I measured each ingredient by eye instead of precise measurements.  Luckily, I've been managing to make the exact amount for one use-- not too much and not too little.

I mixed the clay powder, some castor Oil, aloe vera juice and apple cider vinegar together because this is what works for my hair.  I used the castor oil to give my hair a little more moisture, but you can use any oil that works for you.  This mixture works better than water and the clay alone.  The ACV also made a fizzing sound when it touched the powder!  I highly recommend that you don't use water and the clay alone because there is a possibility of dryness.  However, everyone's hair is different!  When you mix the clay, do not use metal bowls and utensils because the chemical reaction can actually mess up your dishes.  I used a plastic bowl and a plastic spoon until I got a heavy paste.  I sprayed my hair with some water and aloe juice.  Then, I applied the clay section by section-- from the back of my head to the front.  I applied it from my scalp to the ends of my hair almost like I was applying a relaxer LOL.  I also made sure to rub the mixture along my scalp to ensure that my hair and scalp were as clean as possible.  When I was done, I applied a little more to my edges and then I let the clay sit until it was about 80% dry.  I left it in for a little over an hour, but you can leave it in for as little or as much time as you want.  Your hair will start to get hard while the mixture is drying, but once it's time to rinse, it will come right out!  I rinsed my hair in the shower and refrained from disturbing my curls until I saw clear water.  This knocked out the shampooing and conditioning process!  However, I did do a deep conditioning treatment to add more moisture although my hair was super soft.

Results & Recommendation

post treatment

> When I was done, it was safe to say that my hair was amazeballs!  It felt really soft, my coily curls popped, and I saw definition I had  never seen before.  I cowash more than I shampoo, but after using this, I do not think I will ever buy shampoo again.  I like the fact that it's a natural powder from the earth (literally from deposits in the ground from old volcanic ash) and you can use it as a weekly facial and body detox, a twice a month hair detox, to remove dead skin from your feet and calm bug bites, stomach aches, etc.!  It balances the pH in your hair, removes toxins and product buildup from shampoos, conditioners and other products, and it releases minerals in your hair.  It does a lot for $5 so I definitely recommend that every natural try this hair detox at least once.  I am a frugal person, and I am happy that I found something very affordable and simple to add to my already simple regimen.  I believe your wallet and hair will thank you if you use this clay.  I now have hope my first "wash and go" instead of a "wash and no".

Do you have any questions for Melissa about the Bentonite Clay detox?  Comment below!

The Art of Hairshadowing

'Hairshadowing' itself is nothing new, but it has become a big thing in the natural hair community.  It is a fun and easy way to get beautifully colored curls without the commitment, trouble of color maintenance, and the worry about hair protection or damage.  With spring and summer coming around the corner, hairshadowing is a great way to spice up your curls for the seasons!

The term 'hairshadowing' was created by YouTube Vlogger NaturallyTash about 2 years ago on her channel.  It is the process of using an eyeshadow and/or hair chalk to color your hair.  The process is very easy and doesn't take very long depending on the amount of hair you have and how much of it you wish to shadow.  I usually pick a few pieces of hair to shadow just as accent pieces.  However, in the picture set to the left, we see that Tash shadows larger sections of hair for a bigger statement.

I actually started 'hairshadowing' my hair sometime last year.  I didn't learn about it through Tash, but I must admit that she is one of my favorite IG (NaturallyTash) 
hairshadowers.  She definitely uses great colors and isn't afraid to experiment.  It is because of her that I'll be revisiting hairshadowing very soon!

Tash's Favorite Shadows: Tash loves using the Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadows and the NYX High Pigments.  She doesn't use much chalk, but when she does, she uses the Color Buzz Hair Chalk. :)

My Choice of 'Hairshadow'

For my hairshadowing needs, I use the Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in 'Painted Purple' (bottom left).  The eyeshadow is a cream gel formula, which is very easy to melt between your fingers to make the application process so much easier!  This eyeshadow has great color and staying power.  I've worn this eyeshadow throughout my curls for days on end and I've never had a problem.  I've had to do minor touch ups after covering my curls with a bonnet, but I didn't have any major issues with the eyeshadow coming off or smearing throughout the day.

The great thing about this shadow is that it washes off easily during wash day.  Just wetting your hair is enough to rid your curls of the eyeshadow.  I've gone swimming with my colored curls and didn't have a single strand of color when I exited the water.  It's that simple!

Check out the pics below to see what a little shadow has done for Tash's curls:

I definitely hope you all experiment with hairshadowing.  It's definitely a fun process and allows you to have fun with your hair.  If you work in an extremely professional environment, you can shadow your hair for the weekend and wash it out before the work week.  I'm actually going to invest in some more colors for the spring and summer.  I used the purple as my starter, but maybe I'll try some kind of blue or orange... This should be very fun!

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Have you tried hairshadowing before?  If so, what are your favorite shadows to use?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Sasha

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Sasha; many know me as Asha, I’m 21.  I’m an Anthropology and Forensic Science major with a minor in Medical Anthropology at Syracuse University.  I was born in Jamaica, moved to the United States when I was 13, and became an American citizen probably a year ago.  I teach dance and theatre works every summer when I can, and I have been dancing and doing musicals since I was 5yo.

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

> I’ve been steadily natural for about 2 years.  I think my hair is a 4c, maybe 4b.  My hair literally does what it wants, when it wants, and I’ll gladly let it.  My curls are sometimes super tight and coil-ish, then some days they're nonexistent.  It probably depends on the shampoo I use.  My hair gets really dry and that scares me and obviously with my curl type, when it gets wet, it shrinks to nowhere land.  I think I do a pretty good job of maintaining it since I’m a product junkie.  I have just about everything at my fingertips.

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

> I kind of did both when I was around 17/18yo.  I was going natural without much thought  to it.  My hair was red on the right side and black on the left side, and my bang was relaxed; I had a phase.  Freshman year, I randomly decided to shave my head but leave enough for some hair to cover my face; again, another phase.  During this time, my hair grew out and I just decided to keep it like this instead of frequenting a barber to cut it and a hair salon to relax it.

If you big chopped-- how did you feel?

> Well, when my hair was growing out from the shaved style, I still had some relaxed ends, and while I was twisting my hair and preparing for the winter, those relaxed ends bothered me!  So I got some scissors and snipped them away without a second thought, but then I freaked out!  I don’t know why, but I started panicking, like "Oh my God!  What did I do?!  Oh no, my hair in the front is so short now!" and even though everyone liked it, I was just nervous that it didn’t look good.

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

> I remember all the times I was natural-- from a kid, to my phase, to my chop-- each time, honestly, was traumatic.  Being of mixed ethnicity showed in my hair and it bothered me as a child.  We all had those horror stories of our mom combing out hair like she was searching for silver pieces and parting like Moses had nothing on her.  Well, my hair was long and it was thick so it took hours.  I would fall asleep as she did my hair so I hated it.  I hated my hair so much which is probably why I went through so many phases of coloring and cutting it.  Being older, going back natural was confusing.  I didn’t do any research on it and it was clearly spur of the moment.

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

> Only 3. . . . . oh boy.

1.     The Yucca & Baobab Thickening Growth Milk- makes my hair really soft after a long day so I can retwist it.

2.     Carol's Daughter, Black Vanilla Leave-in Conditioner- super helpful when I detangle on wet hair.  It really helps to loosen up those knots I get.

3.     Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo- I actually got this from Ash and I thought it would be bad for my hair, but it’s perfect!  It doesn’t erase my curls.  In my opinion, it defines them way better than what I’ve been using.

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> I always have a twist out, afro or a Mohawk, mainly because one is the precursor to the other for me Lol.  When I get home and forget to re-twist, I just comb it out to an afro then the next day maybe the Mohawk.  For protective styling, I usually do Senegalese twists, but I’m slowly backing away from that.

How do you feel about your hair today? 

> Today?  Well I just twist my hair and notice how much longer it is.  Man, I love my hair.  As deceitful, complicated and time consuming it is, there’s never a day I think “You know what, I’m getting a relaxer”.  It’s exciting to see how much it grows and everything I can do with it.  I’m still learning about it and realizing that my hair now isn't the same as when I first started, and I need to take better care of it.  Lord know it's been better to me than I have to it, but I am truly happy with my hair!

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Sasha about her natural hair?  If so, comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Natural Hair Junkie, Sie

Tell us about yourself.

> I go by the moniker "A Natural Hair Junky" AKA NHJ, but some call me Sie; I am 23 years old.  I am the mother of one, a full-time student, and a business owner.  I am the ONLY person behind the Natural Hair Junkies brand.  I “aspire to inspire”-- that is why I’m here.  I am super shocked that people have valued my opinion the way they have. It's amazing!

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I have been completely natural since February 19th, 2013.  This is my third and final attempt at going, and staying, natural, LOL Sad, huh?  I am a type 4 a/b chick (Kinky/Coily me!!).  My curls clump together for the most part and my hair shrinks up 85% of its length. *sigh* lol  So you can't really see my curls when I Wash & Go.  I have really soft, thick hair.  My hair has a high porosity level.  I actually just dyed my hair a 'cool, soft black' so we shall see, lol.

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

> I transitioned for a few months and then decided to big chop in February.  My transition went pretty smooth.  I did a lot of research and developed a lot of patience.  I decided in February, once I had all of my "essentials," to big chop.  I bought a pair of hair shears and some butterfly clips, and spent two hours cutting my hair.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?

> I decided to big chop after a few months of transitioning.  It was about 4 months after quitting the creamy crack.  I was tired of not really seeing my natural hair; dealing with two textures was starting to become more of a hassle.  I chose to free myself from all of the extra work and just go completely natural.  I wanted to see my hair for what it was and finally rep that #TeamNatural, lol.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> Lawd, when I experienced my natural hair for the first time, I HONESTLY, wanted to fall out... on the ground, LOL.  I couldn't believe that I had done that to myself.  Even though it was freeing, I was shocked; I was just like wow!  My hair was super soft and very healthy, but I felt boyish.  However, it was definitely an experience I do not regret.  If it wasn’t for my big chop, I would have never learned the true value of healthy hair.  That drastic change inspired and motivated me to remain natural.

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

> My top three favorites?  This is a hard one, BUT I loveee the honey shea twist and curl cream by www.prettykinkynaturals.bigcartel.com & their co-wash truffles.  I love the www.anunaturals.com Vanilla Capuaçu Daily Hair Lotion & the LCO kit.  And my third choice would have to be the www.mainelementlove.com Herbal Styling balm, and the citrus hair smoothie.  I have never had my edges laid the way this product lays them.  I pick and choose every week from these three products when it comes to doing my hair.  They are always in rotation.

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> My go-to hairstyles would have to be flat twists and puffs.  I love rocking flat twists with a cute start, a full flat twist out, or doing some form of flat twist out with some flat twists left in for style.  My hair is still a tad bit too short to do twist outs, (I don’t have hours to do mini twists, lol) and I haven’t really tried braid outs or “cornrow” outs, lol.  I also do puffs and flat twist combos or just puffs.  That’s my go-to whenever I am having a bad hair day.  I make it cute and keep it moving.  I plan on experimenting now that I have more length.  I am almost at a year without heat.

How do you feel about your hair today? 

>  Every time I look at my hair, and its progress, I start singing, “Started from the bottom now we here.” Cliché, I know, but over the last 10 months, my hair has grown so much.  I can honestly say that I have learned the true meaning of beauty, being unique and what it means to have confidence.  I am very proud of how far I’ve come.  Most importantly, I love my hair more every day.  I am very proud to tell people that I have type 4 hair, and I honestly couldn’t complain.

*Be sure to check this NHJ out on http://www.naturalhairjunkies.com/ & on Instagram at @naturalhairjunkies, #naturalhairjunkies!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Sie about her journey?  If so, comment below OR send her an email at naturalhairjunkies@gmail.com!

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!

Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Baobab Anti-Break Masque Product Review

This stuff right here.. This. stuff. RIGHT. here!  OMG.  This stuff right here..

So I ordered the Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque from Walgreens during the BOGO sale.  I had heard so many things about it, and the sale was a perfect time to try it out.  For $5.24, how could I go wrong?!

I have fine strands so to hear about a product that is supposed to thicken the hair, and it isn't JBCO, sounded great to me.  I couldn't wait to try it!

The masque is formulated "with biotin & bamboo extract for fine, thin hair."  It claims to "strengthen, thicken & volumize."

Claim:

"Our all-natural treatment masque penetrates deeply to moisturize, strengthen, and fortify fine, thin hair.  Helps prevent breakage while increasing volume for thicker, full-bodied hair."

"Baobab oil contains Vitamins A, C, D, E, and F to fortify and strengthen hair.  Yucca thickens hair while adding volume.  Biotin is a powerful B Vitamin that strengthens the hair follicle."

Ingredients:

Deionized Water , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)* , Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut)* , Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter* , Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado) , Olea Europaea Oil (Olive)* , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract , Ammonium Salt (Conditioner) , Yucca Filamentosa Extract , Vegetable Protein , Adansonia Digitata Extract (Baobab) , Biotin , Panthenol (Vitamin B-5) , Rosemary Extract , Bamboo Extract , Sorbitol Esters , Caprylyl Glycol , Essential Oil Blend , Tocopherol (Vitamin E) , Lonicera Caprifolium Flower (Honeysuckle) , Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Honeysuckle) 

*Certified organic ingredient

Review:

First off, this stuff smells amazing!  It's not like the Deep Treatment Masque, which smells great, but is a bit overpowering after a while.  The DTM honestly reminded me of men's cologne.  However, the Yucca & Baobab masque is very light in scent, and it reminds me of the Curl Enhancing Smoothie in texture.

I washed and detangled my hair, and I applied the anti-breakage masque.  Because it has a thick consistency, like the curl enhancing smoothie (CES), less is definitely more in this case.  I threw on a shower cap, and headwrap, to run some errands.  Once I got back in the house, I set up my steamer and prepared to steam.  My hair had been feeling extra dry, especially with the extreme temperatures, so I definitely needed an extra boost of moisture.  The directions state that a plastic cap or any other hair covering is not needed when using a steamer because the "moist heat will add to masque's hydration".  I removed my cap and set up a seat.

I had two steaming sessions-- one to get the front of my hair and one for the back.  I needed all of the moisture I could get!  After steaming with the anti-breakage masque, I sat for a bit until the conditioner cooled.  When I used to steam during my textlax days, my stylist used to make me sit for about 10 minutes until the conditioner cooled.  After it cooled enough, I began to rinse my hair with cold water.  *Cold water helps to close the cuticle to lock in the goodies! :)  

I immediately noticed a difference!  My hair was a lot softer and it felt extremely moisturized, which was great after suffering from the cold weather.  The slip was also great, which allowed me to run my fingers through my hair while rinsing.  I also noticed that I had very little hair to remove from my hands after rinsing.

I will say that although my hair was soft and moisturized, I noticed that I had a frizz patch in my crown area.  I'm not sure why the frizz occurred, but I was not happy to see it! LOL Luckily, the frizz was in one area, and not all over, and it was soft! :)

I would definitely use the Anti-Breakage Masque again.  I loved how my hair felt-- it was soft and moisturized for DAYS (I couldn't keep my hands out of it, *bad Ashley*)-- and I loved how the masque smelled.  I think it's a great moisturizing deep treatment with a boost of protein.  If your hair is protein sensitive, I wouldn't recommend using this masque every week as a protein overload is never a good thing, especially in cold conditions.  However, if you need a boost of protein, using this masque one to two times a month would be sufficient enough.

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Have you used the Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque?  Share your experience 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!