Kasandra and Manorvia
I went back to my hometown in Michigan to host this event. My heart was touched and overwhelmed as I looked into the audience of beautiful natural women who attended. It was great to see my family, friends and meet many natural ladies.It was a very empowering event to say the least. We all had a wonderful time! I am looking forward to coming back!! Here's a re-cap: Design Essential Team of Southfield, Michigan Kasandra and Manorvia Design Essential Education Menorvia did an excellent presentation in educating the women on how to care for the tresses! Design Essentials model- Menorvia demonstrated a flat twist hairstyle tutorial. I was a blessed to have both (paternal and maternal) grandmothers there supporting me. Food was served, we played a few games (Natural Diva Bingo and Name that Natural Celebrity). Stacia Wright Owner and CEO of BRIVIN Cosmetics
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I've been so busy in the past 2 weeks with planning the upcoming event "Wonderfully Made" Natural Hair Meetup in Pontiac, Michigan on September 13, 2014. Also, I have successfully developed and ready to implement a youth program in our community. So my plate is definitely full!!! BUT I haven't forgotten about my curl friends.....As a matter of fact today right in the midst of preparing a presentation for a Professional Criminal Justice Conference, I realized its been exactly 2 years since the inception of Natural Diva. Let me just say I'm so appreciative of these past 2 years, not only did this blog provide information for naturals, I also learned along the way....My hair is not perfect, I'm not a hair professional...I'm just like every other natural, on a journey to having healthy hair through trial and error. For the past 2 years you all have been with me through my journey from good hair days through the second big chop, I'm so humble by your continual support. If it was attending my events, sharing an email of encouragement, posting on the blog, stopping me in the store for curl talk...You inspired me....Thank you.
In May of 2013 I did a product review on AS I AM Twist Defining Cream (click here for the review). I didn’t care for the product because my hair felt very sticky. However, the results were nice (pictured below) but didn't last long. May2013 Anywho, Since my hair is much shorter now, I decided to re-visited this product. Even though products may not work the first time, I will re-try them. I have found sometimes with different techniques or application the product works like a charm. Now, I know... I said I wouldn't purchase As I Am Twist Defining Cream anymore because it cost way too much, but I had a Sally's coupon :) I used the product for a two-strand twist…….and this happened….. I think I like it……. This time I used a lot less of the product and I noticed my hair didn’t feel sticky. I have been wearing these twists for the past 14 days (after day 7 I washed my hair with the twist still in). To maintain this style, I spritz a little water on my hair, add a quarter size of AS I AM Twist Defining Cream and go about my way….I love it…. Probably time to take the twist down, but I’m enjoying the cuteness and convenience! 14 days and still counting! Who said natural hair can't be managed.....Get Outta Here!
I found this article on BET.COM and wanted to share it with fellow Naturalistas. The article is very interesting and sheds light on Naturals embracing all textures of hair rather it be kinky, curly or relaxed. I actually agree with significance of this article. It gives a slight solution in this natural hair vs creamy crack debate. Very good approach to addressing some of the division among naturals and straights .......When we hate on folks' hair for no good reason. By C. Achebe, BlackDoctor.Org Posted: 07/30/2014 12:35 PM EDT In today’s climate of expert advice and expert opinion, there has been an ever increasing wealth of opinions surrounding what is and what is not acceptable for natural hair. This influx of “expert” opinion has given way to a new term bouncing around in the natural hair community, “Natural Hair Nazi.” The Natural Hair Nazi can be described in short as a know-it-all; one who has to be the authority on all things natural. If you are a newbie natural or a carefree, long-term natural, the Natural Hair Nazi will always have much to say.
If you embody this term or if you aren’t sure if you’ve encountered one of these “experts”, here is a short checklist of ways to tell where you land (all in love and fun, of course). —You detest relaxers and weaves and consider them the natural hair devil. —The only color allowed is what comes naturally from your gene pool or the sun. —Your “curl friends” lack diversity. (“No New Friends, No Straight Ends” Drake Remix recorded by you is your ringtone) —You throw shade at straight hair naturals and have great disdain for flat irons or pressing combs. (If you have an Angela Davis fro ‘sis’ raise your fist here.) —You are a natural hair #hashtag queen! #startedfromrelaxernowimhere #teamnatural_fa_life #realliferealnatural If one or all of these five points apply to you or someone you know, take heart. The first step to change is awareness. What should you do with this newfound revelation? Remaining true and authentic to your natural hair journey involves a commitment to self inside and out, but be willing to connect with that natural part of you and know her so well that you become your own expert of what is right for you and your natural hair. Releasing judgment will open up an opportunity for self-love and community love for women whether they are natural or not. Remember, it’s not about natural hair, relaxed hair, short hair or even long hair. It’s about HEALTHY hair. Read more about being a natural hair Nazi at BlackDoctor.Org. BET Health News - We go beyond the music and entertainment world to bring you important medical information and health-related tips of special relevance to Blacks in the U.S. and around the world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. (Photo: Granger Wootz/Blend Images/Corbis) Actual article can be found at BET.COM Over the past several weeks I have noticed a few posts from naturals expressing frustration and the urge to relax their hair. AND then this week the news dropped that my FAVORITE Natural Vlogger Simplyounique relaxed her natural hair. I was confused and somewhat disappointed, but nonetheless, I express my support for whatever makes her happy……but dang really???? She had the flyest natural hair styles though! The natural hair community will miss her dearly. I digressed, so back to where I was going with this blog…. Frustration is normal. We deal with it in every aspect of our lives. When it comes to our hair we want easy, breezy and beautiful, which can be accomplished with natural hair. First, you have to accept your hair texture and learn to manage it. The process of accepting and managing will make it easier to accomplish time efficient hairstyles. For example, I have SUPER coarse hair with many different textures. I have 101 things to do every day which includes being a wife, mother of 2 active sons, full time Criminal Justice Professional, Part-time Criminal Justice College Professor, and much more…. So what it boils down too.. I don’t have a lot time to fool with my hair…. I have learned to accept that my hair is not going to look like Tracy Ellis Ross hair EVERYDAY. I have accepted, I don’t have the type of curls that bounce at the squirt of water. I have accepted that I have kinky, super coarse, afro textured hair… Once I mentally accepted the texture of my hair, frustration decreased. I found ways to manage it during my busy schedule with styles that last 7 days or longer (Wash & Go’s, Pony Puff, rod-sets and 2 strand twists). (Time Efficient Hair Styles) When you accept your hair texture, you embrace your hairstyles. I would have never imagine wearing 2 strand twist in public at any time….until I realized my hair texture is happy with the style and its easy… Once twisted the hairstyle requires very minimal upkeep for the next 7-14 days. Just some moisturizing and go…..It works for me. Don’t let frustration push you to the point of relaxing you hair. Dig deep and find out the real issue as to why you are frustrated….. Have you REALLY accepted your natural hair?
Want to go swimming and wondering how to protect your curly tresses from Chlorine water? Here are a few suggestions from my experience swimming with natural hair.Step 1: If possible, rinse your hair in the shower before getting in the pool. If your hair is rinsed with water it won't absorb as much chlorine. Step 2: Apply a coating of hair serum or natural oil to your dripping wet hair, paying special attention to the ends. The serum/oil will help protect your hair while swimming decreasing the chances of chlorine water absorbing in the hair. Use any oils which include Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Coconut Oil. I use both of these oils, mixing them together and apply to my hair before swimming. Step 3: After you swim, it is very important to rinse your hair with water again. If you plan to stay in the sun and hang out around the beach/pool, I recommend applying a liquid spray leave-in conditioner such Aussie Leave In Conditioning spray, Infusium 23 leave-in treatment or Giovanni weightless leave-in. The sun + chlorine can be extremely harsh resulting in dry brittle hair. Step 4: Always shampoo your hair after you're done swimming for the day. It's important to use a shampoo that gets rid of chlorine. Make sure you’re shampoo contains EDTA or Phytic Acid such as Kinky Curly Come Clean. If you have trouble finding a shampoo that contains EDTA or Pyhtic Acid you can purchaseUltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo. Step 5: Continue with your usual shampoo and condition routine. VERY IMPORTANT you must deep condition your hair and make sure to put moisture back into those tresses. I have added a video by Naptural85 demonstrating pre-swimming and post swimming techniques. I've been adjusting to my new natural journey after getting 41/2 inches cut 6-7 weeks ago. My new regimen consist of washing my hair every other week using As I Am co-wash with a tablespoon of Baking Soda. Now remember one of the many reasons my hair experienced damaged (in my own opinion), I was using shampoo to remove all the build up products in my hair on a REGULAR basis. No more shampoo in my regimen!!! After I wash my hair, I use my fav conditioner Shea Moisture Deep Conditioning Masque, rinse and apply As I Am Leave-in Conditioner. For styling, I have been using Nene's Secret Best Beauty Butter for two-strand twist (pictured below). I have been wearing my twist 7-10 days at the most, just to give my hair a break. After I take my twist down, I pull my hair into a pony puff (pictured below) and wear it until my next hair wash. In the meantime I moisturize my hair daily using Afri-Care Glycerin mixed with 1 part water in a spray bottle. My hair seems to be very healthy and SUPER thick which takes a little bit longer to manage and style. But, I'm not complaining, I love my hair relationship. I did a length check this weekend noticed a 1 inch in growth. So there you have it Natural Divas.....My journey continues....
Of course I LOVE featuring my sister Taria gorgeous hair! AND She's at it again, rocking a fierce twist out using some different products. To accomplish this style, Taria started on washed hair using Keracare Leave-in Conditioner, to add moisture she used Keracare's Hair Milk. She two-strand twisted with As I Am Curly Jelly and walaah!!! FIERCE HAIR!!!!
So remember, a couple weeks ago I got 4 1/2 inches of my hair cut off due to breakage (click here to read more). Well here's the picture of my mini afro taken a few days after the massive hair cut....... I've had a little difficulty with styling because I haven't adjusted to the haircut. But no fear, I welcome this challenge and ready to experiment with different hairstyles & new products! My first real challenge comes this weekend when I go "On The Run" with Jay-Bey ....MUST have FIERCE hair, stay tuned!!!
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