Permed to Natural is Getting Married

I am part of a growing trend in the United States. I will be a first time bride over 40. I am so proud of that. However, over the years, I was often told that I wasn’t going to get married because studies revealed that women in their 40s had a better chance at getting struck by lightning then get married for the first time. Whatever. I never paid attention to that stuff or people who said it.

One reason (actually there are many) I admire being a first time bride over 40 is that I have explored and experienced a lot. I am able to proudly check off many items on my bucket list, and because of that, I believe I am a better person and will therefore be a better wife.

But before someone says something, I am not going to talk about being married because I am not, and that would be just silly. I am going to say that since first time “older” brides are increasing, I feel really good that I am a member of this glorious “Sisterhood.”

Hey, by the way, I am looking for a broom to jump on my big day. Can someone tell me where I might be able to buy one designed for weddings? 

At the Kool and the Gang Concert

Celebrating Luminaria

Skiing at Taos Ski Valley

Taos Plaza in Taos, New Mexico.

Valentine's Day

Getting our skin ready for the big day.

Lets Get Married!

I am always happy when Permed to Natural is mentioned in the press. Below is a piece that came out last year in the newsletter titled LETS GET MARRIED! by reknown wedding dress maker, Cassandra Bloomfield!

DIY Hair Help   Some people think having natural hair means doing nothing, but that action will leave your hair dull, brittle, and that means breakage.  Caring for your natural hair and it will say thank you for all the love by looking great.   Natural Hair blogger Staci, has been creating  helpful recipes, Permed To Natural Blog.  The blog chronicles her hair journey.  She not only has created natural recipes, but also reviews natural product lines.      Check out this Homemade Hair Rinse made from Horsetail, which has been used to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, and  Nettle, that increases blood flow to the scalp and continued nourishment for healthy hair growth.    Herbs are a good way to help your natural look beautiful, but always be careful to check that you are not allergic to anything before using.  If you have serious allergies, check with your doctor that it is safe to use.

Horsetail Nettle

Meet Amaka

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Amaka and I am a 24-year-old living in New Mexico. I attend the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy and am pursuing my doctoral degree in Pharmacy. I am the oldest of four children, two brothers and one sister. Although my siblings and I were born and raised in New Mexico, my parents were born and raised in Nigeria, Africa. My dad moved to America to pursue his college degree in pharmacy and my mother in dental hygiene.

Tell us about your hair.

My hair can be a hot mess! It is so kinky, thick, and dense that I can’t even imagine trying to style it every morning. My solution? BRAIDS! I get them done about every two months and don’t have to worry about how much time it will take me to style my real hair or how much pain I will experience just trying to get a comb through it.

What inspired you to go natural?

Many people ask me, “Why don’t you just relax your hair?” I used to relax it religiously every two to three months but I just got so tired of it! The money wasted on relaxers, the pain from the chemical burns, and the stench of it all got to be too much. But the most important reason I stopped is because I questioned myself, why do I need to have my hair as straight as everyone else’s? Why can’t I embrace my real hair and all the different natural styles I can do with it. I was tired of “trying” to have hair like my Caucasian counterparts so I stopped relaxing it and went from permed to natural.

Did you transition, are you currently transitioning or did you do the Big Chop? Why did you choose to do your selected method?

I transitioned about three years ago. I did not do the big chop because it takes a long time for my hair to grow and right now I’m trying to grow my natural hair out into a nice afro.

Was this your first attempt going from permed to natural hair? If not, how many times have you tried? What made you go back to permed hair and what made you decide to go natural again?

This was my second attempt to go natural. My first attempt failed because I was trying so hard to fit in with everyone else – trying to have “un-nappy” hair. Afterwards I realized I should stop wanting to be like the girls in the magazines and on television. I needed to embrace my natural hair, and because of that revelation, the second time wasn’t even a question.

Have you ever done anything to your hair that you now regret? (Aside from getting a perm if that is what you regret)

No I don’t regret anything that I’ve done to my hair other than perming it

What is your favorite hairstyle(s)?

By far, my favorite style is braids. I just love how they look (on me HAHA). Next to that I would say twists are pretty neat too. I am a bit naïve when it comes to hairstyles because I live in a city where Black culture is not dominant so I don’t always know what the latest and greatest new hair-do is.

Which products do you like to use?

Since I haven’t had my natural hair out of braids (I’m trying to grow it), I’m not sure what I like. I do like to use hair oils like Africa’s Best for my roots to keep them nice and soft and any oil sheen spray to keep my braids looking fresh and shiny. As far as shampoo and conditioner, I use Pantene Pro-V for Women of Color but I am currently looking for a new shampoo/conditioner.

What is your hair care ritual? Do you do it yourself or do you go to a salon?

I go to a salon…kind of. I see a lady who is from the Congo who braids my hair for me. But usually I get my braids in back-to-back so I don’t really style my natural hair. I do wrap my braids up every night to keep them from tangling too much.

Where else can we find you on the World Wide Web?

Man, I’m not famous like that! I’m not really on the web. Just Facebook and Twitter.

What do you want Permed to Natural readers to take with them after reading your story?

I would like for your readers to know that going natural was a personal decision that I made for myself. I didn’t do it because everybody else was doing it. I did it because it boosted my self-confidence and esteem. I am learning to embrace myself and love every aspect of myself including my crazy natural hair. If people want to judge you for not going natural, don’t pay them any mind because going natural is a personal journey not a social requirement.

The Importance of Knowing Your Hair!

 By Guest Blogger Crystal of Ishimma.com

You or a friend may have at one time seen a hairstyle, tutorial, or video and said something along the lines of “I wish my hair did that!” or “Dang, I can’t get my hair to do like that!” You get the point. Basically, imagine the frustration you feel when you’ve watched someone’s Youtube video or read their tutorial and your hair does not look exactly like their finished product!

Simply put, your hair may not always do what you want it to do or act how you think it should act. Often, our hair expectations come from what we see on other people’s heads but this is not necessarily the best way of navigating the relationship we have with our curls. Instead, it is important to be aware of the limitations of our hair and hair type, the little things your hair does or does not like, as well as its susceptibility to certain types of damage.

For example, I have a younger sister who has natural hair and I also have natural hair. In regards to the hair typing index, we’re both somewhere in that 4b area. With my sister’s hair, however, she can add heat to it without worrying too much about split ends, damage, or hair conversion…she doesn’t even really use thermal protectors! I, on the other hand, stay away from all types of heat because I know my hair is much more sensitive. We could frown and ponder about why our hair doesn’t do what the other person’s hair does, but it just doesn’t!

What I’m saying is that each of us needs to get in touch with our own hair and know what it can and cannot do. And once you’re aware of that, accept it as what it is instead of being upset because of what it isn’t.

So, why is it important to know your hair?

• Styling – Knowing your hair helps you to understand what types of styles will or won’t work as well as what extra steps you may have to take to achieve a specific style.
• Maintenance and Damage Control – Understanding what your hair needs in regards to moisture and care is extremely important so you can keep your hair from breakage and unnecessary damage.
• Self-assurance and Peace of Mind – When you know something about your hair, and you know it well, it creates a certain confidence in you that signifies a comfort level and bond with your hair. You don’t have to be disappointed in your hair because you are very familiar with its ability. And you can stop forcing your hair to do what it can’t or wishing it was something it’s not!

If you haven’t thought about getting to know your hair or you’ve just been following other people’s advice blindly, here are some things to think about in getting to know your hair:

• Frizz – Does your hair frizz? If so, when? What have you tried that has worked for your hair in reducing frizz?
• Heat damage – Do you use a lot of heat on your hair (with thermal protector)? If so, are you seeing scraggly ends, split ends, damage in the middle of the strand?
• Shrinkage – When your hair dries, does it shrink too much or do you not see much shrinking? If your shrinkage is a lot, no problem, you may just need to stretch your hair before styling, especially if your hair is shorter.
• Density – Would you consider your hair dense (more hair in a given area) or thinner (less hair in a given area)?
• Styling – Do you have a set of styles you can use for your hair depending on curl pattern, length, etc?

Those thoughts are just a part of knowing your hair, keep asking questions! On this hair journey, don’t get frustrated when things don’t work out…simply try something new; learning about and knowing your hair is a continuous process.

With that, I’m signing out!

DevaCurl – Product Review

Trying never before used products is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you are going to get. When I saw this hair care line that I noticed years before, but didn’t pay attention to until now, I decided to purchase a few items and put them to the test.

DevaCurl promoted to me that their products are made for curly heads from all ethnic backgrounds that includes, Latin, Caucasian and African. “If you have curly hair, then DevaCurl is for you.” Guess what? I disagree.

I can’t tell you how excited I was to spend my money on this brand that boosts to be 100% sulfate free, botanically drenched, silicone free, plastic free and paraben free. The sales clerk hyped up DevaCurl then quickly suggested I try the travel sized products to see how I liked them. At first, I questioned her insinuation, but later realized why she might have directed me in a different direction.

Check out my experience below.

DevaCurl No-Poo – Zero lathering cleanser designed to stimulate, hydrate and cleanse the scalp and hair.

My Experience– No-Poo is a zero lathering cleanser. I don’t believe lather is the only method to clean your hair. After using a generous amount a couple of times my hair and scalp did feel clean but I didn’t like the way it actually felt. My hair gave off a signal that it was dry and brittle.

DevaCurl One Condition – This daily conditioner provides maximum hydration and is perfect for all curl types.

My Experience – I literally used a ton of One Condition and my hair did not feel conditioned, soft or manageable.

DevaCurl Heaven In Hair – This intensive moisture treatment provides super hydration and is perfect for all curl types.

My Experience – After applying this product I donned a plastic cap and got busy with weekend chores around the house. The next thing I knew I had left the conditioner on my hair for more than two hours. After rinsing, my curls were soft, but they did not feel conditioned and moist.

DevaCurl B’ Leave-In- A botanically enriched curl volumizer that enhances curl fullness and strength.

My Experience – This product offered no moisture. I mean NO moisture. My hair reminded me of straw on a broom and my curls were neither enhanced nor full.

DevaCurl AnGEL- A light hold moisturizing and defining gel that dissolves instantly when applied to wet hair. As it dries, AnGEL forms a moisture-protective cast to enhance curls

My Experience – I don’t know what they are talking about. The gel left my hair looking and feeling very dry with flakes everywhere.

DevaCurl Set It Free – Eliminates frizz, adds shine and enhances curls with this 24-48 hour moisture lock spray.

My Experience – My hair was frizzy, it had no shine and there was no enhancement or moisture that made my tresses feel loved.

Overall, I don’t think DevaCurl is for African hair even though the sales person and their website gave me the indication that it is suitable for all curly hair types. After applying the products, my curls were dull, dry, lifeless, brittle, and most importantly, they lacked moisture.

On a scale of 1 to 5 curls I give DevaCurl a minus 0.

Whitney

There are no words to describe the pain, sadness and hurt I am experiencing due to Whitney Houston’s death. I’ve been a fan since her days as a teen model when she graced the cover of Seventeen Magazine. It was a big deal for me to see a black face on the cover of that publication during the early 1980s. She was one of the first African American models to do so.

When her first album was released I was a college freshman. In the dorms and at parties, Whitney’s songs were constantly played.

I was just thinking about Whitney during the Super Bowl. Her interpretation of the Star Bangle Banner was the best ever and I thought about her doing the remake of “Sparkle” and couldn’t wait to see it.

She was confident, beautiful and an amazing woman. I am going to miss her.

Whitney performing some of my favorite classics at the American Music Awards.

Motions Naturally You Contest

“You Could win the Motions Naturally Fabulous Search”

Do you have natural style? Do you dream of being a spokes model? Motions Salon hair care is searching for 3 fabulous girls with natural style to introduce their newest line of natural hair care products, MOTIONS Naturally You!

If you’re chosen as the Motions Natural Girl, you’ll be on your way to New York City for a full makeover weekend, where you’ll be featured in a hair style how-to-video featuring a celebrity hair stylist! You’ll also appear in a special Motions spread in Essence magazine, plus other MOTIONS Naturally You print and/or campaigns!

Please click HERE to enter!

Prizes will include:

• All expenses paid trip to NYC for a makeover weekend
• Featured in a hair style how-to-video
• Appear in an Essence Magazine Spread

Whether you’re wearing your natural hair in tightly-coiled curls, loose ringlets, flowing waves or super straight, new Motions Naturally You products are specially-formulated to moisturize your hair with essential natural oils. Embrace the incredible beauty of your natural hair with Motions Naturally You. For more information visit us at http://bit.ly/zxbd4g.

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Motions via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Motions”

Jane B – “Got A Fabulous Hair Style For My Micro Locs”

Check out TV Host Jane B’s new hairstyle for mirco locs.