Why Go Natural?

Why should I go natural? This is a question that many women would probably ask before they decide to take that step to transition. Having natural hair is more than just the physical. It is also psychological. It is coming to terms with ourselves, and making the decision to finally embrace who we are, and to accept ourselves for who we are. To not be ashamed of our image and to stop trying to alter our image to fit into society or because we feel that it is accepted as beautiful or presentable. It is understanding that we no longer feel that we have to conform to the European Standards of beauty to feel or to be considered beautiful. We are beautiful as we are. 

We grew up in a society which hinders our natural beauty, in which we grow up seeing and learning that straight hair is beautiful and that our naturally kinky hair is ugly. Everything we see in the media, the billboards, advertisements, etc glorifies straight hair. Models, actresses, singers, dancers, etc. There is hardly a moment where you are able to see a black women embracing her natural beauty, instead, we see black women trying to be something they're not. With the straight weaves, perms, etc. We have grown to hate our hair! Why? Because they have taught us to hate ourselves and our image, so subconsciously, even though many don't realize it, we are still in that state of mental slavery that they put us in when we wear straight hair.It's funny because it's something that many don't realize until they actually go natural. When people who don't understand, our own people, says that it's 'unsanitary' to be natural, or it's nasty, or it's ugly. But why? How is it nasty to be natural? It simply doesn't make sense. Many prefer to see us women with long, silky hair, but that is simply not who we are and we don't have to have those artificial things to be considered beautiful. 

if you think about it nobody else on this planet has hair like us, so why try to be like everyone else?

So while transitioning it is best to think of these things. What kind of role model do you want to be towards the young? or towards your children? Do you want to teach them self-hate or do you want to teach them to love themselves, regardless of what is considered 'beautiful'  in society. We are unique. We are beautiful! Don't be afraid to embrace what you have been given. And don't try to be like anyone but yourself, because everyone else is taken.

So while transitioning,  it's best to look at images of natural girls  for motivation because you'll actually be able to see how beautiful it really is and it'll help motivate you to continue on your journey. Don't listen to the haters! :p

Protective Hairstyles

Protective hair styling is VERY important when it comes to growing our healthy, beautiful, natural hair! This is because they help to protect your ends (the oldest part of your hair) from any damage and prevents it from breaking off. The more hair that breaks off the harder it will be to retain hair length. Some of the best protective styles would be braids, twists, Bantu knot-outs, etc, and another would be weaves. The reason why I say weaves last is because weaves are a little harder to maintain when it comes to moisturizing and can sometimes be a hassle. Also, with weaves, it is easier to forget all about the hair underneath it all! With braids, it is easier to moisturize and also get into the scalp and to be able to massage the scalp easily. 

Massaging the scalp is also a very important step because this helps support blood flow to the hair follicles and promotes growth. Remember, when using protective styling, always keep hair moisturized!

It is also important to wrap your hair at night and keep it protected from any friction (from your pillow) that will cause split ends. You can use a satin scarf or you can also get a satin pillow case! These work very well :)

Why you shouldn't get a Perm!

I've came across a very interesting article when it comes to using relaxers in your hair. Even though many don't realize it, relaxing your hair can cause PERMANENT damage to your beautiful tresses. Some of the most common problems that comes with constant chemical treatments on your hair is, hair loss, breakage, scalp irritations, scalp infections, stunted hair growth, etc.

A relaxer, straightens the hair transforming the original curl pattern by loosening or relaxing the kinky texture. This is where the evolution of your hair takes place changing it from its original natural state to a lifelong process of having to reapply chemicals to maintain the same look each time causing more damage to your hair. Is it really worth the time, money, and damage? The chemicals used in relaxers are the same chemicals (Sodium Hydroxide) used to make drain cleaners to unclog sinks. Its the same chemicals used to remove fur from animals to make leather. Its the same chemicals that you are putting in your HAIR! 

I posted a very interesting video below about the relaxers that many of us had, or still do put in our hair. Ever wondered why your hair has never seemed to grow with a perm (and yes our hair does grow, fast.) ? Or why it started to thin out? This is why!

Eco Styler Gel and Giovanni Leave-In Conditioner

My quick review of two products that I use in my hair; Eco-Styler Gel and Giovanni Leave-In Conditioner. 

:)

The Eco Styler Gel is great for wash-nd-go's when you do not have enough time to actually do your hair or if you just want a quick curly-fro. This product doesn't leave any flakes and does not dry out your hair. When applying, it is important to apply in sections and to moisturize your hair shaft with leave-in-conditioner or an oil of your choice.

Giovanni Leave-in Conditioner is works wonders! I absolutely love this product and would recommend it to anyone who is beginning their natural journey. This leaves my hair feeling wonderful and very soft and manageable while detangling. Remember, detangling is a VERY important step when it comes to natural hair because you want to avoid getting knots in your hair as much as possible. I detangle once or twice a week, depending on my hair-style and finger comb during the rest of the week while styling my hair. This keeps my hair soft and manageable, and prevents a lot of breakage.

These two products are very affordable and can be found at local beauty supply stores, drugstores, or supermarkets. I received my Eco Styler Gel from Sally's Beauty Supply and my Giovanni Leave-in Conditioner from The Whole Foods Market.

My Natural Hair Regimine: Jamaican Black Castor Oil (part 1)

Jamaican Black Castor oil is an oil that has been used by many natural girls & has gotten a lot of great reviews as to the progress many has seen with their edges and hair growth in general! It's been said that when used on a regular basis, castor oil works to repair and prevent damage and can hide the appearance of damage while improving your hair's health. That leads to thicker, fuller hair over time.  Castor oil seals in moisture and leaves the hair feeling soft and silky. I also add the Castor oil to my daily moisturizer which is raw Shea butter and olive oil. My hair LOVES this stuff! I will be updating you with my progress and also post a couple pictures every 2-3 weeks.
I apply this every night before i go to bed on my edges and massage it in. It is important to wrap your hair with a satin scarf to help avoid breakage and damage to your hair.
Embrace your natural beauty :)

Transitioning Stages

When it comes to transitioning, there comes a  moment where you have to decide what process you are going to use and what process you think will be best for you. Either there is the big chop (above left) , or transitioning by using protective styles, such as braids, weaves, etc and dealing with two different textures (above right). The transitioning  stages can be the most difficult point in you're natural journey, as you may be tempted to perm it again (if using protective styles) because of the frustrations you may come across while dealing with two different textures. It's very important (from personal experience) that you keep your hair moisturized while transitioning because believe it or not, this DOES make a difference and helps to make your hair more manageable while transitioning! Natural hair is very different from relaxed hair and it requires a little more love, affection, and moisture. Also while transitioning, you will find that the shampoos that may have used to work on your relaxed hair, does no good for your natural hair, this is because most shampoos contain SULFATES, which causes your hair to dry out and tangle up (and trust me, you do not want that). Because of this, it is best that you co-wash (washing your hair with conditioner) at least once a week and then wash with a sulfate-free shampoo if possible at least once or twice a month to clear up product build-up. Co-washing has left my hair feeling smooth and very manageable and has been like heaven to my hair!

A few tips I would suggest while transitioning is:

-It is best to detangle when hair is wet or damp, therefore; have a spray bottle with water (distilled water is best because  it does not have any additives). It causes less breakage and hair stretches easier while wet.

-Keep hair moisturized! VERY IMPORTANT STEP! Natural hair looooooooves moisture and it will help promote growth, and keeps  hair healthy and manageable. A few products that would be good to use are Natural Shea butter(my favorite), Jamaican black castor oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc. A good brand for starters would be Shea Moisture (can be found in Target, CVS, Walgreens etc.) Also avoid products with mineral oil and petroleum as one of their main ingredients.

-It is easier to transition using transitioning styles such as braids because it will require minimal styling and will also prevent breakage. Some other transitioning styles could  be weaves, braid-outs, twist outs, bantu knot outs, micro braids, micro twists, and kinky twists.

If you become discouraged: 

- It is good to look at pictures of other girls with natural hair, whether it is short, medium or long because it will encourage you to continue on with your journey.

- Think about what you will get with natural hair. In reality, you will be able to have more versatility with natural hair, meaning you will be able to have more hairstyles at a cheaper price! Having to get perms every 6-8 weeks becomes very pricey (and annoying) , and also with natural hair you will be able to enjoy healthier (and longer) hair!
-There may be others who may criticize you, but you must remember, you are a beautiful woman inside and out, you're hair doesn't and shouldn't define who you are, so don't become discouraged, rather let that be fuel to motivate you to continue with your journey, whether people like it or not! (Anyone who truly cares and means well for you will support you in your journey)
-WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEOS! Do your research. This helps A LOT! You will be able to learn things about your hair that you've never learned before and also get a lot of tips whether it is transitioning, products people are using, or simply how to do simple hairstyles that look great!


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My Natural Hair Journey

As a child growing up, being Natural wasn't an option for me and I've always wanted to have long, straight, silky hair. Being natural meant being nappy, unattractive, and 'nasty' which is obviously not true and shows how ignorant many are when it comes to having natural hair. Being natural means accepting yourself for who you are, your culture, your identity, and also loving yourself while boosting your confidence in ways that you cannot imagine. It means freedom from the mental enslavement that we were once upon, and destroying the self-hate that we once had towards ourselves and our culture. No, transitioning isn't easy, and there are many who may disagree with your decision to finally accept yourself for who you  are -naturally- or simply do not understand. But what must be understood, is that the decision to go natural is for yourself, and not others, and that sometimes  people's opinions don't really matter and the people who really love and care for you for who you really are, will accept and support your decision to go natural. Don't be afraid to be yourself and definitely don't feel ashamed to embrace your natural beauty! Remember you are unique, you are beautiful, and you are strong, there is no one else like you, so don't be afraid to do you! :)

                                                                     My Youtube Channel!

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Mind of A Goddess.

Hello all!
      To have the Mind of A Goddess is to have the ability to love and accept your self the way you are. To know that you are special and unique. To love the skin your in , the hair you have, and everything that makes you who YOU are! To be able to realize, that sometimes, other peoples opinions really don't matter, and that you are beautiful inside and  out. To embrace your natural beauty, even if you believe goes against what it is considered 'beautiful' or goes against the European standards of beauty, it is important to love yourself as a whole, before you can love anybody or anything else. Treat yourself like a queen and get the respect you deserve! :)

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