Spotlight Monday: Andria

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Andria; I'm from Chicago, but I hope to move to New York in the near future.  I want to become an editor for Vogue or Teen Vogue.  I'm a very shy person and become really reserved in huge crowds.

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

> I have been natural for a year and a half.  It will be two years in July!  I don't hair type because I can never find my hair on those darn charts, but I would fall in the 3 range.  Part of my hair is wavy with spirals at the end and other parts are just spirals.  My edges don't really curl at all; they (for the most part) stay semi-private, which is why it's so easy to lay my edges down.  The front of my hair doesn't have deep waves like the rest of my hair. 

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

> I transitioned but wanted to big chop so bad, but my mother wouldn't allow it.  Had I been who I am now, I wouldn't have listened and just went for it lol.  Hair played a big part of who I was; I was always that dark skinned girl with "good hair".  So when I told my mother I wanted to cut my hair off, she had a fit and gave me an either or situation.  So, I waited until my hair was to my ear and cut it.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?

> I was so excited when I saw my curls.  I wasn't a child getting relaxers when I was younger, but I always got my hair pressed, which damaged my curls.  I remember growing my hair out and posting it on hair blogs asking my type, and I would always get that it wasn't my real curl pattern, and that I was black so my hair would be much nappier than that 4 inches of growth I had.  Funny thing-- that was really my hair texture.  Either way, I was willing to accept whatever grew from my head.

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

> When I cut my hair I felt so happy because I did it for me.  I didn't care about how long my hair was; I didn't even do it for the health of my hair.  I just wanted my hair to be curly.  When I wore my first wash n go I was so excited; I didn't care that it stopped at my ears!  I loved my curls.

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

> Cantu Shea Butter leave-in repair cream, Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie, Eco Styler Gel

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> My go-to styles would have to be braids, buns, and wash n gos.

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

> One hair care lesson I've learned is to NOT FOLLOW HAIR TRENDS!  I can't stress this enough.  I do not believe in only buying products geared towards African Americans, nor do I believe in not clarifying your hair with a shampoo.

What are your hair goals?

> I just want my hair to remain healthy and to grow out.  I recently cut it just because, so now I just want to get back to the length it was before.  Anything longer would be a bonus.

How do you feel about your hair today?

> Since I cut it and it's growing out, I'm back in the "awkward stage".  But I have to say I'm enjoying it.  I didn't realize how much I missed my hair at this length.

Instagram: anicolec_

YouTube: andriachildress

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

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!