In case you are wondering i am still here

I have been M.I.A with putting my life back together, God has been so good to me and I would love to share and plan to when I can catch my breath. Although I am not on here as often as I use to be, I will stay committed to what gives me a piece of mind and makes me happy. I have realized that I may break from online natural community but the community keeps going no matter what so I have to keep that in mind and  stay true to my subscribers on ytube, new friends on fotki and followers on here. I appreciate and love each and every single person who take the time to join my pages to inquire about what I am doing. So if yo have been wondering, I am blessed and well. Toodles for now queens

Natural Queen of The Week: Gabrielle

This weeks natural beauty is truly a beauty, meet Gabrielle the unique beauty Gabby has to bring to the natural world is her creativity with styles and just her confident in embracing her gorgeous natural tresses. I love browsing through Gabbys' photos for inspiration and if you are seeking to be inspired you will find it with her.

1. How long have you been natural? How long did you transition?
I have been natural since September 2006.  My last relaxer was in March of 2006 and I transitioned for 6 months.

2. What are the pros and cons (if any) of being natural?
Pros:
Natural hair is low maintenance
Cheaper than my relaxed hair was
My hair is healthier than my relaxed hair
Having natural hair forced me to not be dependent on a beautician to style my hair for me

Cons:
Okay, thinking of any cons was a little challenging!
If you don't like frizzy hair, then trying to keep your natural hair looking "fresh" is going to drive you nuts!  I personally don't mind frizz
It might take you a while to get a solid routine down
Shrinkage sometimes is annoying when you want to show off your length, it is something you definitely have to learn to love.


3. Please describe your hair texture and its behaviors ex. kinky curly coarse coil very dry....
My hair is mainly very coarse.  However, I do have fine and normal hairs as well.  My hair is naturally dry and it is wiry.  On the LOIS hair typing system, my hair strands are mainly "O" and "S".

4.What inspired you to become natural?
I was at school one day back in 2005 and I saw a girl with a gorgeous high puff! I decided I wanted one after I saw hers and after one failed attempt of going natural in late 2005 I finally did it in late 2006.

5. What is your hair goal?
Having healthy hair is a goal of mine.  I try to do everything I can to keep my hair  healthy.  If you have healthy hair first then you can have any other hair goal you set for yourself.  The next goal I would like to reach is waist length.

6. Name 4 hair products you cannot live without?
My favorite moisturizer is Worlds of Curls Curl Activator gel and Worlds of Curls Comb Out Spray.  I like to use Aloe Vera gel for hold.  My favorite conditioner is Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose (good stuff!). 

7. What tips and advise would you share with us?
I have been natural for 4 years and I am still learning about my hair!  Yes, trying to get a routine together is very frustrating but do not give up. Also, work with your hair and not against your hair.  What I mean by this is that you will drive yourself crazy trying to get your hair to do things that it cannot do.  If you don't have any curls naturally but you are constantly trying to find some way to get defined curls then you are going to get very frustrated!  Learn to love your hair and work with what you have naturally, it will make your natural hair journey a lot more pleasant.

8. Where can you be found?
Everywhere! lol
My blog is: http://www.frostoppa.com/
Fotki album: http://www.fotki.com/ms-gg
Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/FroStoppa
And on Nappturality.com I am Ms-gg :)



9. What advise would you give someone who is considering becoming natural?
I will give you the same advise I gave myself:
Try it out.  Cut off all of your relaxed ends when you have enough hair that you are comfortable with.  If you don't like it, they sell perms Walgreens, Wal-Mart, CVS, they are everywhere.  If you don't like your natural hair say after a year, then go back to the relaxer.  It is that simple.  How will you know relaxed hair is not for you if you never give it a try? 
That is the advice I have myself four years ago and I have not looked back since!

10. Would you say being natural affect your life? if so in what way?
Yes it has.  It made me realize that I do not need to wear my hair straight and that my natural hair is beautiful and I do not need the approval of anyone to wear my hair natural. 

Product of the week: Green tea

One of the many beautiful things I admire about being natural is learning new discoveries that become  life changing practices and part of my everyday lifestyle. I discovered green tea earlier this year while researching online about natural hair.  Here are some facts about green tea; Green is very high in antioxidant, in fact it contains more antioxidant than any of the other herbal teas. The following illnesses are a few of the many cures green tea have been proven to take care of. 

• cancer
• rheumatoid arthritis
• high cholesterol levels
• cariovascular disease
• weight loss
• impaired immune function
  
  

  
  

  It's No wonder the Chinese call this tea the miracle tea. Here is how I use it;
  
  
  

  Drinking Green Tea: As for the hair, green tea is known to stop hair loss and restore skin cells. In my opinion it promotes growth, during my last braid set I noticed my hair literally sprouting in a rapid pace to the point where i had to take my hair down 2 weeks before expected (this is all after re braiding my edges). Although I would like to give drinking 2-3 cups of green tea daily sole credit for this remarkable progress I can't , in any circumstance; TLC=positive results and I think that's what contributed to my success. I do however think drinking the green tea added to it.

  
  

  Hair/face  Rinse: My hair loves green tea rinse, I usually do this rinse as my final rinse on the days of my DTs and I don't rinse out. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  I purchased my tea from China town in Los Angeles, it came in a cool container and the herbs were nicely wrapped in a bag (as shown in the above pix). I used about tablespoon amount and put it in roughly 2 cups of bowling water for about 5 mins then strained it, next I transfer the tea into a  pitcher and add cold water to cool down and dilute the tea some. When I am done the tea is the color of the first pix. I drink it daily as water replacement. I do not add anything to it. This may be somewhat bitter but anything this beneficial is worth it. You can add lemon juice, honey or sweet and low to minimize the taste.
  
  
  *I like my tea in the herb form vs bagged because I can taste the difference, the herb is stronger and more effective. Green tea herb can be found at any local Asian super market.
  
  
  
  
  

Congrats to my natural queen Janelle Monae for winning the soul train award

Tonight while watching The Soul Train Awards my girl Janelle monae won the Soul Train Award YAY!!!! 

Her speech was so empowering and I couldn't help it but to think she was referring to being natural when she said Black young girls should embrace what God gave them and take advantage of what makes them unique. Of course I could be wrong but that's what I got from it. Any way, CONGRATS Janelle, you are the face of unique in a beautiful way and in the music industry, I am so glad you are finally starting to get recognition for your talent. We need more woman such as Janelle in the industry promoting positive self image for our little Black women growing up in a euro centric worldview of what beauty is. 

http://www.centrictv.com/photos/Soul-Train-Awards-2010-photos/10139/

Hair styles tutorials: Mini twists updos

 This weeks style can be worn in countless ways; its can be dressed up with accessories, updos, it can be worn as a everyday look the trick is to be creative.

you will need: rats tail comb, clips or rubber bands, foam wrap, hair butter(whipped shea butter,styling creme etc)

Step 1: wash and condition hair then add foam wrap to hair wait till hair dries to begin

Step 2. section wet hair into 4 sections with rats tail comb. use clips or rubber band to separate sections.

Step 3. Start on nape area or  back of head begin by parting first section hair horizontally into small square shaped parts. use clips to hold hair from mixing with small section.  then add small amount of hair butter to section before twisting.

Step 4. repeat step 3 until entire head is twisted, leave  for a few days, if gets frizzy retwist with natural oil of your choice.

For up dos: Use bobby pins and clear rubber bands to keep style up

tips: when twisting, start by twisting your  wrist to get a secure start.

Natural Queen of The Week: Leisl

Inspiration comes in different aspects. I love the beauty of natural hair; its textures, styles, colors..the list is never ending. This weeks beauty of the week is also a friend of mine, every now and then I meet a natural sista I feel truly makes being natural more rewarding. Meet Leisl, the unique beauty Leisl has to bring to the natural world is her warmth inside out, her hair is thriving and she has taken it a step further by creating her very own deep treatment (DT) concoction that I am dying to try once my hair is out of braids. Thanks Queen for making this journey another reason to be excited.

1. How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural since the end of February 2009 - 1 year and 9 months.

a. How long did you transition?

I transitioned for 18 months and my hair was braided the whole time.  If you choose to do your transition this way, remember to keep your scalp and hair moisturized and do nightly massages on your scalp.

2. What are the pros and cons (if any) of being natural?

          

  When it comes to being natural, the pros far exceed the cons.  I actually had to stop and think about the cons and I can only come up with a couple things the first is getting used to your hair in a natural state and figuring out what products work best for you.  It’s all in how you perceive things that determine the end result so rather than seeing it as a challenge, enjoy the adventure of doing your research – which I strongly advise and be patient with yourself. 

The pros are numerous, aside from the feeling of freedom that comes with being natural; I now have a strong urge to take better care of myself.  My eating habits have also changed.  I’ve always loved to do experiments and now that aspect of me is being fully appeased. I love shopping for and creating hair concoctions that work effectively on my hair.  Once you figure out what works best for you, coming up with your own hair creations will come naturally as you learn to expound on what you’ve gained through your research.  Before I didn’t know what loving my hair really meant but now I love it to the point where I have to remind myself to stop touching it so much - lol

3. Please describe your hair texture and its behaviors ex. kinky curly coarse coil very dry....

            My hair texture is 4a mostly with S and O curls. It’s fine and soft to the touch.  My hair tends to be on the dry side with high porosity so my focus most of the time is on moisture.  I also incorporate protein into my routine – internally and externally but be careful when it comes to protein overload as everyone’s hair is different.  Do some research on protein and moisture balance to see what’s right for you.  Also, Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV) tends to help with my porosity issues so I rinse with it often.

4. What made you want to become natural?

            My decision to become natural started when I put braids in my hair to help gain some length and give my hair a rest from the relaxers – being natural was the furthest thing from my mind.  Prior to that, my hair had been breaking badly. I never wore it open and I had a closet full of wigs – I was known for wearing a different wig everyday!  Anyhoo, I decided to put braided extensions in and maintain it for 6 months.  During that time my hair flourished but it was on the dry side so I started doing research and that first search led me to Long Hair Care Forum (LHCF).  I must say, I thought I knew a thing or two about hair cause I could braid and work with natural hair care ingredients but nothing could have prepared me for the wealth of knowledge these ladies openly shared – I’d rather not list names for fare of forgetting some but there are a lot of talented beautiful people there – check it out when you get a chance.  What I learned through this site and additional research enabled me to enhance what I already knew and some!  It wasn’t long until I found Fotki - a site with volumes of pictures for me to enjoy - I was hooked!  So much beautiful natural hair, so much versatility, so much love, so many jaw-dropping hair pictures – literally.  The way these ladies support one another on these sites is ourstanding.  The encouragement I saw passing from one person to another as I read and learned more and more about my hair, strongly influenced my decision to go natural.  I felt like I had found a place where I could be a part of something cool, something bigger than me, something enlightening, something inspirational.  It wasn’t too long after I did my Bid Chop (BC) that I opened a free account with Fotki and began documenting my journey.  I’ve met so many wonderful naturals since then – including the host of this site – who’ve really been so kind and supportive from the start.  Now that I’m natural I know that I could never go back to relaxing my hair again but I respect those who choose to do so.

5. What is your hair goal?      

            My goal is to have healthy, waist length hair stretched.

6. Name 4 fave hair products?

            Currently, my 4 favorite hair products are: IC Fantasia hair gel (clear and green), World of Curls curl activator gel (for extra dry hair – it has a slightly yellow colour), Henna and VO5 Repair and Protect. BTW, this stuff is an excellent leave-in conditioner and if your hair tends to be dry like mine, it’s especially good when mixed with your favorite oils.  My mix consists of VO5 Repair and Protect, EVOO – 2 tablespoons, Vitamin E oil – 1 tablespoon, Shark Oil – 1 tablespoon, Argon Oil – 1 tablespoon and Rosemary Essential Oil - about 10 drops.

7. What tips and advice would you share with us?

          

  Finding other naturals (online or in person) with similar hair, really takes a lot of guess work off the early stages of your journey.  I was really new to the natural world so I quickly realized that I needed to do more research after I found LHCF – there are many similar sites but this is the one that resonated with me.  This site enabled me to gain a vast scope of knowledge and eventually led me to the Fotki photo sharing website.  

Natural hair is very versatile so why not enhance it as such…There are lots of times where a simple style is essential but having fun with your styles is a great way to show how creative you are; a flower here, a scarf there, a head band, a pretty clip or two all these adornments serve to take a style from pretty to fabulous!  Whenever you can, show the world how unique, exciting, versatile and fun natural hair can be J

8. Where can you be found?

            You can find me at http://members.fotki.com/Leisl/about/

9. What advise would you give someone who is considering becoming natural?

            Decide whether you want a long or short transition and how you want to transition.  Also, if you don’t already know, learn the proper way to comb your hair – this will enable you to retain more hair on your scalp.  Research what proper protein/moisture balance is – remember, hair mainly consists of a protein called keratin.  Treat your hair like it’s a piece of fine delicate jewelry – love your hair and it will love you back.  You may want to check out supplements geared towards hair health but again do your research to see what works best for you and your health.  I’m currently using: MSM(100mg) – 2 per day, Omega 3 – 1 per day, Nettle – 1 per day, Horsetail – 1 per day, A prenatal pill in place of a multi-vitamin (I’m not pregnant), Soy Lecthin – 1 per day, Mega Acidophilus – 1 per day and Garlic & Parsley – 2 per day. I take less than the daily requirements for some of my vitamins because I find it best with my current diet.  I also take one teaspoon of wheat grass per day.  I find that these supplements work well for me and I take them 5 days per week and rest on the weekend – I take some in the afternoon and some in the morning.  I may add or remove vitamins as necessary but the above list are my staples and if I remove any, it’s only temporary.  I also get my protein mainly from ingesting beans, eggs, fish and protein shakes - I use the shakes as meal replacements.  Lastly, drink lots of water and eat your fruits and veggies.

10. Would you say being natural has affected your life? if so in what way?

             

Yes, I would say that being natural has affected my life profoundly.  I receive compliments daily and I also receive inquisitive looks.  My hair is healthier and grows faster than ever before.  I’ve gained volumes of knowledge.  I now know what liberation feels like and I definitely look and feel more beautiful.  I’ve been told that I’m emanating a calm confidence - I didn’t even know such ‘emanations’ existed – lol and I’ve met some incredibly supportive people along my journey.  If you’re thinking of going natural, now is the time.  If I could change anything about my natural journey it would be that I would have transitioned years ago but then again, there’s no time like the present J

 

Tips naturals need to know about natural hair

Being natural I have also become aware, it's like seeing the world for the very first time, things I once overlooked are now an important part of my regimen. If you are transitioning, thinking of transitioning, a newbie, or already natural there are a few things you must know.

1.  Water is your friend not your enemy
2.  Black hair is prone to dryness, so its very important to keep it moisturized at all times.
3. Natural hair is very fragile so handle it with care.
4. Toss the tight bristle combs and replace them with wide tooth comb ( I use plastic picks)
5. Comb/detangle hair ONLY when it has conditioner in it, never comb while dry.
6.  Gently comb hair from tip to root.
7.  *do not comb against hair growth direction, this will pull your hair out; http://www.growafrohairlong.com/combbrush.html  
8. Working in sections makes getting through the entire head easier
9. Silk bonnet helps tremendously at night
10.  Always keep your scalp clean and clear of products and buildup 
11.  Deep condition/deep treatment (DT)  at least 1x monthly
12.  DO NOT curse or get mad at your hair.