Love Affair with Safi

My hair has found a true love!  

I recently made my first purchase from Safi Hair Care, a hair care line that is homemade by Alex of The Good Hair Blog. I purchased the Hairsicle Cream to use for my twist outs to try and get more definition. The product has a soft fluffy feel that and it smells yummy! Its like moisturizing with an orange creamiscle!  I couldn't help but keep smelling my hands after applying. 

The claim:

Treat your hair to this yummy smooth custard. This product can be used on dry or wet hair. Using it on wet hair will give your twist outs and braid outs AWESOME definition and shine. Not to mention your curls will smell GREAT!

The ingredients:

Ingredients: Water, BTMS, Tangerine Butter, Lemon Butter, Tucuma Butter, Lime Butter, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter,Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Fragrance

**All products are preserved with Sodium Lactate**

I washed my hair with Curls Cleansing Cream and conditioned with Curls Coconut Curlada Conditioner. I used Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in and then divided my hair into four sections. To twist I divided each of those sections into two and applied the Hairsicle Cream and flat twisted.

I left my twists in for the whole day and overnight and took them out in the morning. My hair was ultra moisturized and smelled delicious!  Twist outs dont always work well for me because my hair is really fine but this was the best definition I have ever had with a twist out. 

Freshly untwisted 

Perfectly moisturized

I would purchase this product again without question. Not only will I use it again for twists but I use it to smooth my edges and lay my hair down when I pull it back and it lays does as smoothly as it would with gel but without the hardness.  I highly recommend this product but it sells out QUICKLY! So head over to Safi Hair Care and check out what's for sale. Updates for the store are also posted on The "Good" Hair Blog.

~Nik ❤

Featuring : Niambi

A beautifully creative natural who attracts us with her charm and holds us with her knowledge and willingness to share her journey.  

"Beauty is a culturally dependent concept."

Age: 31

How long have you been natural?

It will be 10 years since my original BC in August 2011!

Any interesting fact about yourself you want to share: I'm from CT, spent a lot of time in Boston and now live in the DMV :-)  I'm a graphic designer and visual artist. I do web work at a huge non-profit in DC and I love it.

Relaxed

Do you remember your first relaxer? If so, how old were you?

Yep- I was 12 and I didn't think much of it then.  I just didn't want my hair to be puffy anymore and my mom wanted me to start caring for it myself. 

What made you go natural?

Relaxed with some curly texture.

Most importantly a series of strong and mixed relaxer brands in undergrad.  I was stretching to every 3 months to save money. The relaxer brand I preferred left some curl in my hair to play with and I had been wearing my hair "curly" in wash and goes to save time.  I had a touch up with Affirm which overly straightened the 3 months of new growth and as it grew out I had 3 very different stripes of hair and no time to deal with camouflaging it.  This all led to a true BC to remove all the too straight relaxer 4 months later.   I had been curious about my own texture for a while so I wanted to see it, but I was still afraid of it and planned to texturise it.  I went "natural," however, once I saw my real texture and loved it.  It was about 3 days later that I decided not to change it.  I began asking a lot of questions about our culture then.

What reactions did you get from going natural?

People were SHOCKED that I cut all my hair off.  No one was doing that back in 2001 so it was a big deal! But then once it began to grow out and I never "did anything to it" I began to get a lot of questions, a few insults and a lot of positive and negative attention.  I was in Boston, so it was very odd for a woman to be in a corporate setting there and have an afro.  But my friends starting thinking about what we do to our hair and several went natural soon after. I gained and built a nice support system.

First Big Chop 2001

Have you had any negative comments/reactions to your natural hair?

I had a relative tell me I looked like a "bush woman"  and a few concerned relatives asked what was wrong, as if I weren't keeping myself up and must have gone through some trauma lol.  I'd also say that a lot of the attention I got made me uncomfortable, such as co-workers constantly asking how I "got it like that" and the random touchers!  More recently I went on vacation in NJ and I felt like spectacle because of at least 20 compliments and comments and countless stares. It was flattering at first but then I began to wonder- am I really THAT different? 

Did you have any insecurities you faced when going natural? 

I was concerned I would not look feminine with super short, fuzzy hair so I wore more makeup for a few weeks but the feeling passed quickly once I realized that strangers had no idea that I'd just cut a lot of hair off.  I had a rough time defing my curls and overcoming my ignorance of products at first so I had many days where my hair was dry or I wore head-wraps to hide my fro.  Once it got longer I was a little concerned about getting a job in Boston, but I got a job at a conservative bank, of all places, with no issues.  I've overcome all of these issues over the years and feel far more comfortable now with my natural texture than a press

Do you have any hair inspirations?

Second Big Chop 2006

The women who inspire me are the ones who just kinda do their own thing.  Sounds crazy but I always admired Whoopie for rocking her locks for ever and all time.  I love the moves that Faith Evans makes with her color, though I have not gone so far as all over color.  I also always liked Rachel True's hair for her curly volume. I used to like that Monica, Toni Braxton and Halle stayed true to the short cuts for such a long time- which flatters their faces more than long hair IMO. I just appreciate that those women seem to do what they feel is right for them, despite trends. 

Do you have a hair regimen? If so, what is it?

I have a loose routine.  I mostly only co-wash, 1 or two times a week.  When I do a full wash every few weeks I always do a deep treatment with conditioners and oils the night before.  Otherwise I like to do hair and experiment, so my style will dictate what products I use and how I care for it between washings.  I tie my hair up at night and I don't use much heat, and no direct heat any more.

What are your favorite hair products?

I love Eco Styler gel, Castor oil, Paul Mitchel's The Conditioner, Kemi Shea Butter Pomade, and the Kinky Curly line.  Most recently I've fallen in love with Kiss My Face Upper Management gel when mixed with my castor oil, and Yes To Cucumbers conditioner. 

What are your thoughts on relaxers vs. natural hair? 

I wish a new right of passage would develop where every black woman would really spend some time in her own skin- or hair in this instance.  If she decides to relax again after that I don't begrudge her at all. But if relaxers are thinning your edges or your hair, and your wallet, I really wonder why it's often not an option to just stop. It makes me sad to imagine that embracing our hair is still just not a valid option in some women's minds.  If aesthetically she just prefers straight, I can understand the relaxer cutting down the work to get it to stay that way, but the fact that the ideal aesthetic is so opposite of all things black forces me to wonder if that preference is a learned behavior.  Beauty is a culturally dependent concept. 

How do you feel about the natural movement and the idea that it's just  a trend? 

Being on the wagon for so long I have seen the natural hair support system expand and grow into a marvelous social force, but I also have seen it become perverse at times.  There is an explosion of information available now to a new natural.  When I went natural there wasn't much support anywhere so I spent the majority of my time just learning about my hair on my own.  I felt then that I "invented" all of the styles- how to do them, how to preserve them.  I only did things that started from knowledge of what MY hair could do.  I think the perversion that is occurring today, and also the source for the notion that it's a trend, is the formation of a sub-culture with an ideal natural.  A style, hair type or goal worthy of aspiring to despite perhaps even greater efforts or harm than relaxing.  The scary result I see is the decision some women make that natural hair is not for all of us.  Like if your twist-out or wash-and-go never looks good that you just don't have good hair after all.  Sometimes too much information leads to coveting that can cause even more problems.  Now you don't want to relax, but you truly hate your real hair because it won't do what someone else's hair does= the saddest sad.

Where can we find you on the internet?

My Blog! www.itsjusthair.com :-) or @nisus on Twitter.   I started my blog in 2009 and have quite a bit of info, styles and photos there. 

~Nik ❤

Hair Beauty

Natural beauty finds!!

~Nik ❤

Featuring : Aisha

A PhD holding natural who stands as a true example of perseverance equaling success.

"Going natural and staying natural I think is a very personal process."

How long have you been natural?:
March 2011 will be my 2 year anniversary.

Any interesting fact about yourself you want to share:
My grandmother is 86 and has been natural her entire life :)!

Do you remember your first relaxer? If so, how old were you?
I remember having a kiddie perm (Just for Me) around the age of 7. My hair was so thick that mom didn't know what to do with it. I remember how straight it was the first day and two days later it was if nothing had been done to it. The beginning of a slippery slope...

What made you go natural?
A relaxing accident. I had recently taken out braids that I had in that summer and went to get a touch-up. The stylist mistook my unbraided hair for natural hair and double processed me. Within a week, my hair was breaking off in handfuls. I tried protein treatments and deep conditioning, but nothing helped. So, I had a different stylist chop my hair to about 3-4 inches long and then I went to an African braiding shop for single braids. I transitioned for a year and a half and debuted my fro in March of 2009.

What reactions did you get from going natural?
Overwhelmingly positive. My dad was the happiest of all.

                           Family of naturals!                                      

Have you had any negative comments/reactions to your natural hair?

I haven't gotten any negative comments or reactions. I have gotten a few ignorant and curious ones, but those are remedied with a little patience.

What does your significant other think about your hair?
He really likes my hair and is supportive in this journey. He is just as excited as I am as I get closer and closer to reaching my hair goals.

In general, do you think that men are intimidated or intrigued by natural hair?

No, I think those reactions depend on the way the woman wearing the hair carries herself, whether she's natural, relaxed, weaved up or bald.

Do you have any hair inspirations?
They've changed as I've gotten deeper into this natural hair thing. My best friend, LaToya was my initial style inspiration and motivation. As my hair grew out and I started to understand my hair more, it moved to a girl that I saw on Black Girl Long Hair, Jenteel who has amazing hair. And more recently, I hairstalk the Lead singer from the Noisettes. But I've realized that I can't really compare my hair to anyone else's, but hair idols are still nice and hair porn is addictive :).

Do you have a hair regimen? If so, what is it?
I try to detangle, wash and deep condition my hair once a week. Sometimes things can get a little crazy. Depending on how its feeling or how much I've worked out, I either co-wash with herbal Essences hello hydration conditioner or wash with Shea Moisture Moisturizin Shampoo. I detangle before I wash by wetting my hair with conditioner and water and use a brush (NOT a Denman, but the cheap Goody ones). I DC after washing and style my hair when its wet (twists, plaits for a braid out, flat twists, etc.). In the summertime I co-wash up to 5xs/week and use Carol's Daughter Hair Milk with a little Olive Oil or Castor oil and leave my fro alone.

What are your favorite hair products?
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Alikay Naturals Shea Hair Yogurt
Shea Moisture Moisturizing Shampoo
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner
Carol's Daughter Hair Milk  (in the summer)

What are your thoughts on relaxers vs. natural hair? 
For me, I would never go back to relaxed hair. And also, knowing what I know about the chemicals in relaxers, I think its the best choice for me. But, again, to each his own. Going natural and staying natural I think is a very personal process.

How do you feel about the natural movement and the idea that it's just a trend?
Its kind of sad that what naturally grows out of our heads is just a trend to some. For me, I've never felt more like myself and my hair is a reflection of me: my heritage, my mental and physical state, my creativity.

Where can we find you on the internet?
I'm on facebook, I also have a smugmug  (isha.smugmug.com) and an abandoned blog 3amorsomethinglikeit.blogspot.com. You inspire me to pick it back up...  

~Nik ❤

My Curls are Back!!

...and oh, how I missed their sweet, sweet smell!

~Nik ❤

Featuring : Courtney

A natural who shows us that locs can be both versatile and beautiful!!

"To each its own! YOU DO YOUR HAIR, I DO MINE! ;-) "

How long have you been natural? 

BC (Big Chop) December '05/  Loc'd (Twisted up) February  '07 ( I just had my 4 year Lociversary) -Total Almost 6 years

Do you remember your first relaxer? If so, how old were you?

No, I don't remember, but I'm sure I was in Jr. High

What made you go natural? 

I was tired of the burnt scalps and hair breakage from relaxers. I was sick of the WEAVES, SEWING, GLUE, BRAIDS, etc. I had been wearing some type of weave since grade school.  I felt the need to start over! ALL THE WAY OVER!

Why did you choose locs over free strands? 

I wanted something more "permanent. I think "locs", when done correctly and are well maintained, are the sexiest of natural hair styles for both women and men.  

What reactions did you get from going natural? 

Back when  I went natural, going natural wasn't so trendy. I received a few "Oh My God!", "What were you thinking!?!", "It's BEAUTIFUL!", and "You make me want to cut all my hair off!". Needless to say, there were many MIXED reactions! LOL!

Have you had any negative comments/reactions to your natural hair? 

Yes of course, from those who don't understand "Natural Hair" or "Locs"! In the beginning, the most common comment was "DreadLocs are so unprofessional!"(Good thing mine are "LOCS" and not "DreadLocs") Being that I was just graduating college during my transition, a trending comment was "How do you EXPECT to get a job with those?"

Do you have any hair inspirations? 

Not really. If I see a style that I like rather natural or not, I push to see if my Locs can rock it! No boundaries! When I go into my loctician I describe how I wanna feel when I look in the mirror at my style. (i.e sexy, classy, with a little bit of edge) We sit there and tweak it until I feel those exact emotions. 

Do you have a hair regimen? If so, what is it? 

Not really. My hair lets me know what it needs and when it needs it. 

What are your favorite hair products? 

I'm still working out the bugs on my favorite product. I know I love ALL NATURAL products! NATURAL OILS AND PRODUCTS THAT HELP WITH DRYNESS! NO SULFATES! 

What are your thoughts on relaxers vs. natural hair? 

To each its own! YOU DO YOUR HAIR, I DO MINE! ;-) I'm not an "Oooooo if your hair isn't NATURAL YOU ARE THE DEVIL!", natural hair advocate. :-/  I'm more of a "This is my hair, my locs, and this is why I LOVE them!" natural hair advocate.  :-)

How do you feel about the natural movement and the idea that it's just  a trend? 

If its a movement "HOT DAMN!" there's nothing wrong with that! If its a trend, I've seen worse! (I.e Myspace!)

Any interesting fact about yourself you want to share: 

Not only is my hair natural, but I like to say I'm ALL NATURAL! I also don't wear make-up.

Where can we find you on the internet? 

On Twitter @BlaqueKilam

~Nik ❤