Artiste Spotlight - Kristine Alicia

What a way I've been missing!

Anyways, we won't dwell on that.

What we will dwell on is this amazing artiste - Kristine Alicia

Who would I be if I didn't feature someone of the reggae genre from my beautiful island Jamaica?

I've had the pleasure of knowing her for almost 10 years

(since I was a teen)

and I've always been blown away by her unique voice.

It's soulful and sticks with you. 

So much so I find myself repeating her tracks.

She's also a fellow curly girl!

Isn't her tapered cut awesome? Makes me want to chop mine off.

Get into this acoustic version of her song Perfect Time

which just happened to be shot by yours truly :)

For more vids of her singing and giving her take on life

subscribe to her YouTube -> KristineAlicia 

Enjoy =)

MANE-ly Speaking - Nicole

Got another lovely MANE-ly Speaking feature with this gorge gal!

South Florida stand up! Take a peek into this model's mane story

Who are you?

My name is Nicole Arnold.  I’m a 25 year old Mommy of a 3 year old little girl, and a LPN nursing student. 

3 words you would use to describe yourself.

• Social
• Goofy
• Dreamer

Why did you go natural?

For multiple reasons.  Excessive blow drying and flat ironing caused tons of damage.  So I looked for alternatives.  I began to watch Taren916 and LoveIslandBeauty on YouTube and got my inspiration to go for it!

Was it difficult or easy to go natural?

It was pretty simple in the beginning.  It didn’t tangle easily and it was usually quick to style (half hawks or mohawks).  The downside was it never really looked good as a wash and go, so I spent hours twisting it every night.  I went through an awkward stage at around a year I believe where my curls just weren’t acting right, but I’m loving the stage my hair is at now. 

4 words to describe your mane.

• Big
• Frizzy
• Fun
• Unpredictable

Tell us a little about your regimen. 

To be honest, I’m not too consistent with a regimen.  I’m all over the place when it comes to products.  It changes every other month.  But currently my routine is wash day Sat or Sun, I shampoo with Pantene or Herbal Essence shampoo (I’m not picky with what it’s specific for… moisture, hair damage repair, volume..none seem to work better than the other for my hair), The conditioner I use is usually Pantene also.  I slather that on my hair to do the initial detangling, rinse it out, then I put either Loreal’s Moisture Mask or Damage Erasing Bomb on to comb through my hair.  I leave it on for a few hours, rinse it out and diffuse.  As the days go on my hair gets bigger and bigger.  With a little help from my pick and blow dryer.  Usually lasts the week then it’s in need for some serious detangling.

What have you learned on your natural hair journey?

PATIENCE my dear, patience.  I began with such unrealistic expectations, thinking my hair would grow over night and would be effortless every morning.  Boy was I wrong.  It took a year of crazy hair days and lots of long nights combing out my hair to get to where I began to be satisfied.  Expect for a different hair day every day.  Curly hair has a mind of its own.  Just make it work for you (accessories are a big help).  I’ve gotten the most genuine compliments since becoming natural.  It’s an instant boost of confidence and such a fun playful look.  

Candidly speaking.. 

Blow drying your roots does wonders!!  I’ve gotten so much extra length from my curls by blow drying directly on the roots while gently tugging on the section I’m focusing on.  It even works when the hair is dry.  Every morning it takes me about 5 minutes just to style.  

Tip: Pull up and out instead of down if you want BIG hair rather than just length & always use a heat protectant (like a light weight spray) . 

                                          

Find Nicole on Instagram - @nic0le_chantal

Daily Fix of Hair

Today's fix is a throwback of Moi

The year was 2010.. sometime in the Summer

think this was an old bantu knot out .. like ooold.

MANE-ly Speaking - Melody

Hey Lovelies! 

Got another MANE-ly Speaking with the beautiful Melody.

 Such a beautiful soul this gal is & I'm pleased to feature her. Do get into more after the jump!

Who are you?

My name is Melody. I am a Senior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in Health Sciences. Beyond the basics, I am a lover of life, music, good food, and good vibes. 

HeatWave

I have a thing for all things Jamaican since I hail from that lovely little island

Jamaican designer James Black who is responsible for Yahdie Conscious (apparel) & GlamHEAD (hair accessories)

has lines out this summer for both brands.

The GlamHEAD line aptly titled HeatWave features a natural haired model who rocked the heck out of the items.
These are perfect for adorning your crown in this summer heat. Looking chic while having your hair up!

If you're interested in any of the pieces, you can shop them at www.ycglamhead.bigcartel.com

Enjoy =)

Daily Fix of Hair

Today's fix is courtesy of Koko Celeste's S/S 2010 Collection

Blonde TWA screams Summer

So do these clothes..

Enjoy =)

source

Daily Fix of Hair

Today's fix is in film form of British singer Laura Mvula

Her sound is amazing and if you don't know about her

GET INTO HER!

Her face was plastered all over the London Underground for her album

&

rightly so.

Great vid for Spring. I love the greenery, the flowy dresses and the pastels.

Of course I'm loving Laura's low cut. I'm slightly envious of chicks that can rock those super low fades

Check out the visuals below for "Green Garden" and do Enjoy =)

HAPPY HUMP DAY!

Started From A BC Now We Here

My freshly washed hair after my Big Chop

It's been 3 years since I did my Big Chop!

Time has surely flown by.

I remember that day.. going to the Paul Mitchell School across from FIU 

Twas a rainy day, had no class so I went by myself. My friends wanted me to wait til they were done with classes but I just had to do it then and there.

I told the stylist to cut where the straight and curly met. They only asked me once if I was sure and when I confirmed, away we went to the sink to condition my hair.

Snip, snip snip!

I didn't even stay for them to shape my fro. I put on my hat and went straight to the CVS in the same plaza and bought

Huge bottle of Dr. Bronners Peppermint Liquid Castile Soap

Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner

Ecostyler Gel

Went home and did a cowash on my curls and I was in love!

I felt naked, I was always used to hair by my shoulders at least.

Took me awhile to get used to it but I never thought about going back to a relaxer.

 3 years later here I am.

For all the ladies who are just embarking on this journey, be patient and take loads of pics!

I might share some with you over the years.. Just have to comb through the pile lol.

Hope this post can be inspirational for you to keep on going!

For the ladies who have been on the ride for a minute, you know what I mean.

Enjoy =)

Daily Fix of Hair

Sky Goddess

Sabriya Simon Photography

Daily Fix of Hair - Mizz Knowles in Complex

Solange Knowles has been all over the blogosphere in the past couple of months and she is not slowing down.
Pics from her latest shoot for  Complex Magazine have been reblogged all over Tumblr and plastered on hair and fashion blogs. I mean why not? Homegirl has a mean behind style.

I adore Solange. One of my first posts on this blog was dedicated to Solange but I've shy'd away from putting on her my blog because she's on everyone else's.
Well, I couldn't hold it in because I am loving how she looks in this interview with Complex.
Peep the vid below

I couldn't stop staring at her hair (of course)

The tapered fro with what looked like a wash n go was amazing paired with the coral lip.

Happy Anniversary!

Its the anniversary of my BC!

Two years ago, I set out in the rain ( yes it was pouring, no lie) and I walked across the street from my university in FL to a Paul Mitchell Hair School to get my relaxed ends cut off.

I had enough of the two textures so bye bye bye! *cues generic boy band choreography*

Here's a pic from that day after the cut. I had hopped in the shower and did a co wash after I got back from the salon.

I had some ends that needed to still be trimmed. I got out of the salon real quick, no shape up :|

I was in utter shock so I needed to get it together and to help myself cope, I went to CVS and bought some products lol.

Tomorrow I'll post some more throwback pics in comparison to today in celebration of this momentous occasion.

My hair needs to be washed but I've been rocking a banging twist out so that's my excuse.

It's been two weeks since I last washed my hair :|

Blah blah.

Enough of the speeches, tis party time.

Crank ya speakers up and do a two step with me cuz its OUR (me & my hair) Anniversarryy!!

TWA Tales - Colo(u)r Change

This is so late.. like pre NYE late but better late than never right?

My lovely sis who I posted about couple months ago. Sum it up, she had done the BC and chopped off her locs. While I was in FL over the winter break, she decided she wanted to spice up her TWA & she colored it.
By herself.
Box set. If I recall correctly it was Silk Elements MegaSilk Permanent Hair Color in Jazzy Red.

Brave don't it? She did already with her locs once upon a time so it wasn't anything new to her.
Here is a before pic of her hair -BTW all these pics are from December-
Check out the rest after the jump

Daily Fix of Hair

Kwesi Abbensetts Photography

MANE-ly Speaking

Who are you?

WELL!!! I am Amanyea Shadea Milagros Stines (love my full name :))  :) I dance with L'Acadco - A United Caribbean Dance Force and I am studying Aerospace Engineering and Dance at Penn State University. I love cars, shoes, clothes, chemistry and ballet :)

3 words you would use to describe yourself.

Eclectic, Random and ADHD (not an adjective but! lol definitely me )

Why did you go natural?

I have been natural almost all my life, I've been rocking short cuts since I was 13 (when I decided to go completely bald :)) ONE DAY! -_- I decided to put a relaxer in, that was almost the worst decision in my entire life, SO! last year, I cut all my hair off! to start again!. I am currently trying to achieve a long mane.

Was it difficult or easy to go natural?

Wasn't very difficult for me, since that is what I was use to, I didn't know how to manage my new found relaxed hair, it was a lot more work for me. My mother also didn't believe in relaxers or anything chemical, not even gel. I've been putting olive oil, shea butter and mayonnaise treatments in my hair from an early age, :)! THANK GOD for the mother I have. 

4 words to describe your mane.

unruly:)!, bipolar, GORGEOUS!, and loyal!

Tell us a little about your regimen.

In all honesty, I love my hair but I always NEED a different look. So my regimen is purely strategies to keep the hair "on my head" lol. I highlight, low light, streak, and bleach my hair almost every month, and I cut it almost 4 to 5 times a year. This is my first year attempting to grow my hair out. I shampoo once a week and co wash every other day :).  I deep condition my hair every other week, and do oil treatments the weeks I don't deep condition. I use anything that smells good and feels good to me, I trust my hair to tell me what it likes and it definitely likes Herbal Essence's Hydration conditioner, and Yes to cucumbers shampoo. I usually make my own deep conditioner with anything that is left in my refrigerator. 

Yogurt

Mayonnaise

Avocados

Eggs :)!

and I mix it with MY FAVOURITE OIL IN THE WORLD, coconut oil! 100% coconut oil :)

What have you learned on your natural hair journey?

To listen to my hair. I've realized my hair is my hair & although you can listen to other opinions, you have to just follow what makes you! feel good. I've realized Giovanni didn't work for me nor Kinky-Curly and that Shea Moisture and Herbal Essence did. It all depends on you.  Do not be afraid to experiment :)

Candidly speaking.. (anything else you would like to add)

I love designing swimsuits, I actually can't even remember the last time I've worn a swimsuit that wasn't my design! 

also, I secretly want to be a performing artiste

:)

Daily Fix of Hair

Today's fix is of Abenah Gonzalez

TWA Tales - Styling

Hello my gentle people out there!

Ok so as the post says TWA Tales. No I do not have a TWA (not anymore) but I've been on the hunt for easy TWA styles for my sister. She's like me - likes no fuss hair. She likes elaborate styles but rather have someone else do it for her.

& now I'm looking for easy styles for her. Oh the joys of being the younger sibling -.- (which would be me if You didn't catch that)
The search for the styles took me back to the times I had a TWA and it kinda made me want to do it all over again... kinda.

That is a whole 'nother post.
Anyhoo I found this vid on CurlyNikki. I remember really digging this style.. I think I attempted it too.

Enjoy =)

Daily Fix of Hair

Today's fix is Anonymous.

I saw the pic & loved it.

MANE-ly Speaking

Who are you?

My name is Shamar Chin. I am 21 years old and I am currently a junior at Wesleyan University studying Earth & Environmental Sciences.

3 words you would use to describe yourself.

Driven, bubbly and quirky

Why did you go natural?

I was 8 years old when my hair was first relaxed (long time ago).  Clearly at this age I did not appreciate my mane, instead, I was caught up with crying about how thick my hair was.  As I got older I grew tired of the maintaining relaxed hair. No matter what I did, I was never satisfied with the state of my hair. The brittleness, constant breakage and my lack of patience made the process painful and tiring. I have attempted to go natural a few times, this time being my third try and my second big chop. Each time I had a different experience and this time around I feel like I am more prepared to take care of my hair. All in all, I was killing my hair and it was time for me to stop. 

Was it difficult or easy to go natural?

Going natural has definitely been difficult for me despite the fact that this is my third attempt.  I tried to transition once and I gave up after 5 month, so once I made the decision to go natural again I knew I had to big chop. Both times I big chopped I did it myself and it was quite impulsive. Chopping my hair off was the easy part.  This journey has been difficult for me because I am in the awkward phase. My hair is not short enough to slick it back and go and it is not long enough to pin it up. I feel like I am at a standstill point and it is very frustrating because I like to change the style of my hair on a regular basis. Another difficult thing is learning how to take care of my hair because what works for someone else won’t necessarily work for you. It is also hard being in this climate because it is cold and dry for most of the school year which is quite harsh on my hair.

4 words to describe your mane.

Thick, coily, big and sponge-like

Tell us a little about your regimen.

For my protein treatment, I use an egg and mayo and allow it to dry on my hair for about 2 hours. 

I deep condition my hair every other week with some coconut oil, mayo, jojoba oil, a conditioner and olive oil. 

After I wash out this deep conditioner I apply avocado oil to my hair.  For shampooing, I use a sulfate free shampoo (Organix is one of my favorites).

Everyday Regimen:

• I wet my hair using a spritz bottle. 
• I apply mane n’ tale as a leave in conditioner. 
• If it is humid, I apply vegetable glycerin to my hair because it is a humectant.
• I apply some cantu shea butter and seal in the moisture with castor oil. 

What have you learned on your natural hair journey?

I am learning to be patient. I have a long way to go before I reach my ultimate goal and I know that it won’t happen overnight therefore I constantly remind myself that patience is key. I am also learning to love myself and appreciate my natural hair.  I have also become a stronger person during this journey because there are days when I feel like giving up but I have to tell myself to keep it together and be strong. 

MANE-ly speaking.. (anything else you would like to add)

Everyone is beautiful in their own way. I have made the decision to go natural but I am not against straightening your hair because at the end of the day it’s your happiness that matters. Whatever you do, do it for the right reasons. Also, if you are thinking about going natural, give it some thought because it is not easy. Do some research about how to take care of your hair, decide if you want to transition or big chop and figure out if you would want to use extensions to make your journey easier. 




Follow Shamar on Twitter @Sham_Cee

Daily Fix of Hair

Todays fix is close to home.. it's my sister Shivonne =) 

SHE DID THE BC! She chopped off her locs yesterday & surprised me by sending me a pic.

I just had to share.

my sister in May 2011

Lil difficult for me to find a headshot of my sis & her locs recently *shrug*

the locs all gone!

Soon to Come...

STAY TUNED!