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

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. 

MANE-ly Speaking - Marcia

All this talk about hair color had me on the hunt for colorspiration 

So almost a month ago , I came across this beauty on Instagram & was captivated by her colored curls

 I wanted to know her hair story and had to share with you guys.

Enjoy =)

Photos by Tyrell Banks Photography

MANE-ly Speaking - Anniki

Got a chance to catch up with the freckled faced beauty that is Anniki.

If you're just as curious as I was about this red-haired lady who hails from Jamaica, 

read on for what she has to say about her luscious mane.

Who are you?

I am Anniki Witter, an almost 3 year medical student/dancer in Jamaica. 

3 words you would use to describe yourself.

Outspoken, Analytical, Wild

Why did you go natural?

I went natural because I realized that I much preferred my “newgrowth” to my processed hair. It is also true that my sisters and classmates began transitioning or had already transitioned, so my social environment definitely facilitated my interest when I was ready to make the change.

Was it difficult or easy to go natural?

The decision itself was easy. I no longer thought of my processed hair as MINE. It seemed that it was someone else’s and that the only hair that belonged to me on my head was 1cm long. So, I wanted to chop it off and that was FINAL! BUT of course, there was discouragement LEFT RIGHT AND CENTRE! Even the “natural” hairdresser (who of course had her weave in) told me on arrival that my face was too fat to wear my hair short. I was scared, and waited another month before returning to her (I was in Minnesota, not much black people options :) and insisting that she cut it off. AND SHE DID! Some loved it. Some hated it. But most importantly, I was happy.

4 words to describe your mane.

Red, Wild, Curly, Perfect

Tell us a little about your regimen.

Well, to be honest, my regimen would be much more regular and complex if I wasn’t a poor and busy medical student. Everyday, I get up, I wet my hair regardless of the style (wash and go OR bun). 

I always leave a little conditioner in my hair & use Eco-Styler Gel because its cheap and it gets the job done. My real favourite gel is Kinky Curly Curling Custard. 

My favourite styling product is Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding. (I just tried Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls too: not bad, smells nice, bigger curls.) 

I use Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk for moisture. No matter what I do, I try to seal the ends of my hair with Coconut Oil (to combat damage). I also sleep on a satin pillow case. I shampoo my hair RARELY (at most twice a month, at least once a month). It’s too harsh! It dries my hair out! But I do need to remove build up, so when I shampoo, I slap on my Aloe Vera concoction immediately (Aloe Vera from in my yard blended with Coconut Oil and Honey) to moisturize and condition.

What have you learned on your natural hair journey?

I learnt to love myself a little more. I learnt that people are going to have all sorts of opinions and reactions to your appearance but that has more to do with them and their issues than it has to do with yours. I’ve always been a confident person, but no girl wants to be ugly. Every girl wants to be perfect. I learnt to be content with my perfection, not someone else’s.

MANE-ly speaking.. 

I’d like to encourage anyone who is thinking about going natural to GO FOR IT! And not because you want your hair to look like mine. It won’t. It will look like yours and it will be perfect.

MANE-ly Speaking - ARI LENNOX

Hey Lovelies! So excited to bring you this mash up of MANE-ly Speaking & Artiste Spotlight

Never been done before!

I'm pleased as punch that I got to interview the talented Ari Lennox

I came across her on YouTube and was blown away by her aura and her hair!!

Her curly fro is sickkkk as is her voice. Enough of the intro.

Get into it.

MANE-ly Speaking

Greetings Lovelies!

Got another gorge gal MANE-ly Speaking hurr

Meet Tawana from my place, my home

from dung ah Yaad

aka the best place on Earth - JAMAICA!!!!

:D

She also attended my high school there so mucho points for this lady.

Grab a cuppa and read on for more after the jump.

MANE-ly Speaking

Back with another MANE-ly Speaking!

Check out this gorge gal :)

Who are you?

Ello, ello!! My name’s Brittani but everyone calls me Buni. I’m 22 years old and I’m a Fashion Merchandising major at Miami International University of Art & Design (Whew! Long title … I know!) I’m also a Sales Associate at Sunglass Hut. Originally, I was born in Georgia, but I grew up in the Bahamas where some of my family’s from. I’ve traveled to Europe and all around the U.S. due to my father serving in the Army. <3

3 words you would use to describe yourself.

Innovative, Spontaneous, & Definitely Humorous (I love laughing and giving laughs!) =]P

Why did you go natural?

After high school I wanted a different look. My hair was so damaged, the only thing I could think to do was cut it. So I had my hair cut into a style inspired by Rihanna from Disturbia. It wasn’t until I left for college that I went natural. I was greatly influenced by my roomie Ryan (yes she’s a girl if your wondering lol). I never knew what “natural” meant until I met her. I had only grown up on relaxers. When we met she was already natural. She would style her hair nearly every week and I loved each style. We would go out and people would compliment her hair. I became interested and wanted know what my natural texture looked like. My journey began because of her. She encouraged me, helped do my hair, and was always around when I felt to relapse. 

Was it difficult or easy to go natural?

It was definitely a struggle for me, as I said before, I only knew of a relaxer. I was so naïve, I thought relaxers were what ethnic women were supposed to use. So I educated myself (about hair). I never had a big chop; I continuously trimmed my ends throughout my journey. I wore mini braids and hair extensions. For years I’ve struggled with not feeling beautiful. While transitioning I felt pressured to straighten my hair. However, being an aspiring model, I’ve never felt pressured to do so. Surprisingly, agents are looking for girls with natural hair! Although I may appear fully natural, I’m not. The front of my hair is still in transition. That’s the area I would straighten the most when wearing hear extensions. I’ve grown to love my hair! Curls, kinks, and coils! 

4 words to describe your mane.

Fluffy, Kinky, Coily, & Free (I swear it has a mind of its own!) >_<

Tell us a little about your regimen.

My regimen is very simple, I promise lol. After washing and conditioning, I would twist out my hair with Shea Moisture’s Curling Soufflé. I wear a satin cap at night (although it tends to end up on the floor in the mornings lol). Then for the day I would either wear a Pineapple Pony (My signature look lol), Bun, or out in a fro (which I don’t do as often because I want more length). ^_^ 

What have you learned on your natural hair journey?

I’ve learned to be gentle with my hair, how to care for my hair, and to be patient with its growth. I’ve also learned that everyone’s hair react differently to certain products. I’ve found two product brands as well as a regimen that seems to be working for me. I’ve noticed some major growth. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to become a naturalista.

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

Yes, it’s everyone’s own personal choice whether to be natural or relaxed, but there’s something exceptionally beautiful about a woman who’s bold and isn’t afraid to be different!! Thanks so much Allison ^_^ my goal is to reach your length someday!! 

MANE-ly Speaking

Who are you? Where are you from?

Bonjour!! My name is Noémie, I'm 19 and I'm from Paris. Music is what makes me alive. I am studying engineering in order to work in aviation later :)

3 words you would use to describe yourself.

I am very sensitive, maybe too curious, definitely goofy.

Why did you go natural?

Technically ... Ive always been natural. And I used to have almost waist-length hair. When I was a child my mom (who is white) did the only thing she was able to do with my hair: braiding it ... Growing up I was tired of looking childish, but same dear mom always refused to give me a perm. At age 14 I found an alternative which is ... FLAT IRONING! Worst decision ever for my hair. For about two years i savagely straightened my mane everyday single day and was hit by ... SERIOUS HEAT DAMAGE :( my curls had COMPLETELY disappeared, and my wash and go's were looking like flat ironed hair after a rainy day (perhaps even worse than that). On a fabulous day 3 years ago, I was lookin at myself in the mirror and thought "how ridiculous..", grabbed the scissors and chopped it all off without saying to anyone. That was my best hair decision for sure :)

Was it difficult or easy to go natural?

In my case, considering being natural as not flat ironing anymore... It was not difficult to go natural for me. At first my West Indian dad went crazy when he saw I had chopped it all off, and boyfriend was really surprised BUT afterwards all of my friends and family thought it was best for me to rock my curly fro that was clearly ressembling who I really am on the inside.

4 words to describe your mane.

I would say it is light as a cloud, very versatile, kind of exotic, completely messy.

Tell us a little about your regimen.

My current regimen has to be very simple for timing reasons. Therefore I co-wash my hair only once (or sometimes twice) a week, and use a sulfate shampoo about once a month. I do love wearin my hair out and I found that wash and go was what was working best for me, so what I usually do is co-wash my hair with any Tressemme moisturizing conditioner, then apply my leave-in (I LOVE Cantu Shea Butter and Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie) and seal my ends with raw shea butter. For rainy days or sometimes fifth day hair I usually wear a high bun, or my top-afro puff that my friends are used to calling Noémie's Palm tree. I also deep condition with Hair Mayonnaise every 3 weeks. I refresh with my oil and water spritz in the morning.

What have you learned on your natural hair journey?

Ive learned that patience is the key!! I learned how to be gentle with my hair and to listen to it in order to achieve my shoulder length goal :) Im trying to stick to a regimen that seems to be working for me, and I've been seeing noticeable growth lately. Next step is bra-strap length! :D

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

Well... For sure it is only hair... And it is of everyone's choice to relax or keep it natural. But I wish I saw more fros hanging out in the streets! To me accepting your hair in its natural state is being thankful and loving what poppa and momma gave you. Ain't nothing wrong with that. We should not let anyone fool us about that. Gotta love ourselves!!

And thanks to gorgeous Cinni!!

MANE-ly Speaking

Introduce yourself.

My name is Jessica Ray. I am 19 and an aspiring salon owner. Currently I am a cosmetology student in Miami, FL hoping to turn my salon into a franchise.

3 words you would use to describe yourself.
I would have to say carefree, adventurous, and spontaneous.

Why did you go natural?

I decided to go natural because I could not stand the way relaxers would make my hair feel all stringy and the texture was awful. Oh and I hated having to constantly blow dry and flat iron my hair, it’s just so damaging, causing all sorts of split ends and breakage.

Was it difficult or easy to go natural?

For me it was fairly easy to go natural because I believe that hair is hair and it will always grow back. Before I went natural I had my share of Mohawks and asymmetrical bobs, all kinds of crazy colors and highlights. One day I just took some clippers and shaved it off, and I had to do it myself because for some reason any barber shop I would go to begged me not to cut my hair, oh well…

4 words to describe your mane.
diverse, bountiful, voluminous, and manageable. 

Tell us a little about your regimen.
Well I wash my hair weekly, and change my shampoo brand after I finish each bottle. I religiously do a monthly deep conditioning treatment to keep the texture soft. I try to minimize gels and hairsprays, but I do use mousse and leave in conditioners for work and special occasions when a wild mane should be kept to a minimum. 

What have you learned on your natural hair journey?

On my natural hair journey I have learned that it is best to just go with the flow. However my hair dries is how it’ll stay. When I wash my hair I comb it out while conditioner is still in it and then I don’t touch it anymore. My wild and crazy hair reflects my personality and my carefree attitude, although sometimes I am in my spontaneous moods and want to do something crazy, I realize that my hair is me and it suits me perfectly.

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

:)

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

MANE-ly Speaking

New ting deh pon di site! In English, one of the new things I said I had up my sleeves. If interested in being featured, email me. Do Enjoy =)

Who are you?

Nia W., student.

3 words you would use to describe yourself.

I’m passionate, analytical and classy.

Why did you go natural?

There are many reasons why I decided to go natural, the most prominent ones are: I wanted to know my hair, I was frustrated by the constant negativity encircling the hair God blessed me with, I needed to change my mentality and not think of my natural hair as a burden, unlike me I need my kids to grow loving and appreciating their hair and last but not least I realize this decision felt like a rite of passage in order to be the complete individual I aspire to be.

Was it difficult or easy to go natural?

It was definitely a mixture, there were very few who supported the decision and I had to face insolent comments quite often, but on the other hand the reward I felt within myself greatly out-shadowed the negative energy. So on my off days it might feel difficult but once I accepted/remembered that this is something I wanted and needed to do then it became extremely easy.

4 words to describe your mane.

My hair is glorious, kinky, fierce and free.

Tell us a little about your regimen.

Regimen: condition & detangle, wash with shampoo, deep condition, thoroughly rinse, apply leave in conditioner then style every week. My regimen alters depending on whether I’m rocking braids or if it’s out and also depending on how hectic my life is at the moment. I also try to rotate hot oil and protein treatments in my hair routine occasionally. 

What have you learned on your natural hair journey?

 I’ve learned what the extent of loving and appreciating you truly means, we walk around saying these things and just never stopped to ask ourselves specific questions that I was bombarded with.  Questions like: why wouldn’t I love my hair? Why would I think someone has better hair if my hair is healthy? Why can’t I make time for my hair? Why is it “unnatural” for black women to embrace their natural hair? Why can’t I picture myself getting married in natural hair? Why should I hide my hair texture? Why does my hair need to be flowing?  Is my worth determined by how fast, thick or long my hair grows? What’s wrong with my hair growing upwards instead of downwards? Why am I worried about what people would think of my hair? and the list goes on and on. Honestly, it’s not easy being told that you hair is unattractive, unappealing or that if you go natural you need “good hair”, meaning curly/loose hair, why isn’t my hair deemed worthy to be called magnificent, and ironically I took the heat mainly from the black community.

MANE-ly speaking.. 

Deciding to go natural has been a very positive experience for me. It taught and enforced certain characteristics I possessed, for example,  I was always a person who loved myself, but now it’s on such an untouchable level it’s amazing, if the future me had told me I could love myself even more I wouldn’t have believed it. I was placed in puzzling situations where I was coerced to confront inner conflicts I didn’t know existed within me and each time I conquered one I felt like a stronger individual. Now I’m honestly not even bothered by what the world thinks of my hair anymore because I now know the truth about it. Whenever I receive an ignorant gesture towards my hair all I feel is pity, because I can understand and relate with that person but I also know where that person could be if only they understood and related to me presently. This experience also helped me to quickly be able to weed out individuals who cross my path, mainly the men, which has been amazing, you start to realize if a guy wouldn’t be with you when you’re natural why would you want to be with him? Yet another simple question that popped up. 

Going natural also pushed for me to set healthier lifestyle goals for myself, it has made me feel like I’m just going to go all out and make all the changes I want in my life. Whether it be to have a healthier diet, better body, be more spiritual, volunteer & donate more frequently, set time aside for people who actually need my time more than me, these were all things I’ve been wanting to do, and after I jumped the hurdle of going natural it propelled me to start setting things in constant motion, to get serious and start shaping me. I know it’s just hair but surprisingly women tend to carry a lot of emotional attachments with it, so it did cause a big revolution for me and made me more driven to just always be a positive energy, and in situations where I messed up I’m immediate to correcting myself. I’m so conscious of how people feel now, I don’t  even entertain certain jokes or conversations anymore, I’m so aware of what might be offensive whether it be your skin tone, shape of your eyes, your weight, the size of your nose etc. and I try my hardest  to not discriminate against anyone’s physical features. I don’t believe everyone needs to go natural, at the end of the day it’s just hair and for most it’s a form of expression, but I will say I would coax anyone to do this for the experience, but you never know, as small as it is it just might be the thing to enlighten you.