Birchbloggers x Miss Jessie's Event

In early April, I was invited to attend a private Birchbloggers x Miss Jessie's event at the Miss Jessie's salon in Soho, NY.  After participating in a quick 'contest' on Twitter-- telling #Birchbloggers and Miss Jessie's what our favorite product was, or one that we were interested in trying-- several winners were selected to attend the event.  Luckily, I was one of them.

Check Me Out on FashionRoyaltyBlog.WordPress.Com!

Hey beautiful people!  This is a quick post to tell you about my feature on FashionRoyaltyBlog.wordpress.com.  My friend, Jair, is the creator, and asked me to share some easy products to use during spring/summer since no one wants to spend so much time doing hair during warmer temps; I definitely have to agree with this.

Aside from beauty, my friend Jair has a keen eye for fashion, styling, and trends, and offers great advice and insight on the industry.  She is able to put together some fab pieces and I definitely encourage you all to swing by and take a look!

If you have any questions, you can reach Jair via email (jneverson1004@gmail.com) or twitter @FPR_Royalty!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for myself or Jair?  If so, comment below, OR shoot us an email!

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!

A Transitioner's Point of View: Niaya

Tell us about yourself.
> Hi Guys :), My name is Niaya.  I was born and raised in NYC.  I am a currently a first year graduate student, and I love, live, and breathe all things fashion.

Spotlight Monday: Stephanie

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Stephanie, but everyone calls me Steph.  I'm 20 years old from NYC!  I am the youngest out of 6 girls and I'm always getting picked on lol.

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

> June 2nd will make 2 years of me being natural.  The top of my hair is 3c and I would say the back and sides are 4a-4b.  I love my hair, but I'm still trying to figure out what to do because the top of my hair has looser curls than the rest.

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

> I transitioned for a little while during my first year of college.  One day, I decided to just cut it all off.  I could have transitioned longer, but I was far too anxious to feel my hair texture and not have to worry about my natural hair and the permed hair, too.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?

> When I big chopped on June 2,2012, I was terrified!  My mom made it even harder.  I thought she would be so supportive of my decision, but she wasn't.  She told me she didn't like it and that I looked like a little boy.  Feelings hurt much?  Yes!

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

> Above all of that, I was so in love with my little afro lol.  I washed it every single day to keep my curls poppin'. 

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

> My favorite products now would have to be anything from the Shea Moisture line, as well as Curls Unleashed.

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> I don't think I have any go-to hairstyles, but I do like putting my hair up in a puff, or a twist across the front and my puff in the back.

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

> I think a really important lesson is don't go natural in hopes of having hair like someone else.  You will come into the natural hair world hating yourself.  Your hair is YOUR HAIR and only your hair.  Your hair is unique and you should love it regardless whether it's kinky, coily, curly, or very loosely curled.  It'll be hard at first, but I think it gets easier with time.

What are your hair goals?

> My hair goal would probably be to get BSL (bra strap length) but above all else I just want to maintain healthy, natural hair.  Keep in mind that Black hair does grow!

How do you feel about your hair today?

> Being almost 2 years natural, it's the best decision I've ever made, I lovvvvvveeeee my hair, and I love everything about this little natural hair movement that keeps growing.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

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

Spotlight Monday: Kenvi

Tell us about yourself.

> My name Kenvi (IG: naturallykenvi) & I am from Houston, TX.  I am a girly girl that loves shopping, natural hair & everything beauty!  I am currently preparing to apply to Physical Therapy school with hopes of graduating & owning my own physical therapy clinic.

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I decided to go natural by accident.  As a college undergrad, I didn't have time to keep up with my hair so I stopped getting relaxers.  Once I stopped, I fell in love with my natural hair pattern.  After a year without chemicals, I cut my relaxed ends off & became fully natural.  That was January 2011 & I have been natural ever since.

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

> I transitioned with my hair because I was too afraid to do the big chop.  However, I had no fears about going natural.  I liked my hair, so that was all that mattered to me.  I get more compliments on my hair now than I ever did while getting relaxers.  

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

> My favorite hair products are virgin coconut oil, African Pride leave-in conditioner & Shea Moisture's kids shampoo & conditioner just to name a few. ;)

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> My go-to styles are twist outs, flat twist outs on a blow out & my all time favorite is a big, curly bun. 

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

> One lesson I've learned is that you have to be a product junkie.  You have to try different products to see what does & doesn't work for your hair.  No two naturals have the exact same hair.  Find out what works for your hair & rock it! 

What are your hair goals?

> My natural hair goal is to always have healthy hair.  Of course, we all want long or "big" hair, but your hair must be healthy in order to reach those lengths.

How do you feel about your hair today?

> I love my hair.  My hair is constantly changing & I love the fact that I have so much versatility with my hair.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Kenvi about her natural hair journey?  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!