Feature Friday - Tiffany in the Spotlight

Today on my blog I have the beautiful and genuinely sweet, Tiffany, sharing her natural hair story with us today. 

Tiffany, I want to first thank you for taking time out to share with us today.  I discovered you on Instagram a while back and I knew I had to have you on my blog. Not only do you share pics of your natural hair, but you share fashion and beauty as well.  I just love that about you. 

Well let’s go ahead and get started…..Can you introduce yourself to everyone?

 I'm Tiffany, a married woman, mother of 1, retired US Marine.   

 Here's a little about my natural hair story:  Unlike most, my "going-natural" story is a little different.  I didn't really have a choice in going natural.  It was either go natural or go bald.  In 2010 I suffered from hair loss.  I have to shamelessly admit that I noticed thinning around the temple area at the end of 2008 but I wasn't too alarmed.  By the beginning of 2010 I could no longer deny that it wasn't just thinning, it was flat out hair loss.  I had a lot of bald spots in many areas of my head.  I was always able to conceal the bald spots because I had long hair.  I wasn't sure if my hair loss was due chemically relaxing and coloring my hair but I decided that I should stop.  I didn't want to go natural but I knew it was best to stop relaxing my hair.   

Wow….I am glad you shared that with us.  There are a lot of women suffering from hair loss and thinning of the hair, but they still continue to relax and/or color treat their hair, not really stopping to think that those two things could very well be the cause.

So when you finally decided to go natural did you transition or did you do the Big Chop?

I was a very slow transitioner.  I believe that was due to my lack of confidence with going natural. I transitioned for 18 months. I held on to those relaxed ends for a while.  As I think back on it, I feel silly for doing so.  

After you finally let go of those relaxed ends how did you feel?

 

I Am Able To Say That I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR.  (Huge Smile) 

It wasn't until I joined Instagram that I started to really embrace my natural hair. The natural hair community is large and welcoming with such beautiful ladies and men who are so inviting.  Recognizing how important and necessary the community is on Instagram, I decided that I should be actively apart of it. Instead of just pulling from and receiving from the community, I wanted to give back, even if it's only in a small way.  I put more energy into inspiring other women who were newly natural or thinking of going natural.  It's amazing how my attitude changed once I realize that I could help others.  Especially those who's story/journey may be similar to mine.  I started learning what works best for my hair and experimenting with different hair styles because I knew my followers, who I affectionately call my IG family members, were waiting for another inspiring style.  

I've always had a passion for women.  I've always loved to encourage women in many ways.  IG gave me the opportunity and outlet to uplift, motivate, inspire and encourage through social media; spiritually through posts, through fitness posts and even the more superficial things such as makeup and fashion but I never imagined that I would find so much joy in encouraging women to embrace being natural.  I receive lots of positive feedback and lots of love. I’m so grateful to my IG family members for their love, support and kind words.  It was through each post to encourage my sisters that I learned to embrace being natural.  I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR.   

That is awesome!  Instagram is definitely a great source for naturals new and old.  Like you said, the community there is very welcoming and encouraging.  I think the natural hair community as a whole is very encouraging and inspiring.  You are definitely one of the many that I enjoy following and getting information and tips from. 

So, we know that the natural hair community embraced you, but how did your family and friends react to your decision to return back to natural?

My family was/is very supportive.  My husband shows his support in many ways.  He sometimes twists my hair for me.  He often gives me compliments on my hair and it seems he gives compliments at a time when I feel that my hair is acting a fool. LOL!!!  My daughter has just recently started her journey back to natural.  She's transitioning.  Two of my three closest friends were already natural and my third closest friend decided to go natural in support of my decision.  I have very supportive and loving family and friends.  

 

 

That is truly some great support coming from your husband.  Not too many men when twist a sista’s hair up for them. You go girl!!! LOL! 

So how would you describe your hair?

I have a combination of 4B/4C hair.  My hair is healthy.  That is what's most important.  My hair has lots of personality now.       

 LOL….can you share your current hair routine with us?

I believe in keeping it simple.  I have the simplest hair regimen ever.  I wash/cowash may hair only when I feel it needs it.  I try hard to stretch it 4 weeks if I can.  I deep condition every other wash.   When my scalp is itchy, I do a ACV (apple cider vinegar) rinse.  After washing, I use a leave-in and a moisturizer and I seal in the moisture with oil.  Nothing more than that.  

 

That may be the simplest hair routine I have heard thus far.  I don’t know how you can stretch your washes out to 4 weeks.  I can barely make it 2 weeks.  LOL!!

What are your favorite products?

My favorite/staple products are Hair One Conditioning Wash for washing, As I Am leave-in conditioner, Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque for moisture and coconut oil to seal in the moisture.   I’m not a product junkie.  I don’t have an arsenal of products in my bathroom cabinet. (smile) The only product that I change often is my conditioner/deep conditioner.  I don’t buy another bottle without finishing the one I have.  I haven't found a deep conditioner that I would consider a staple product yet. So I will probably keep trying conditioners/deep conditioners until I find one that I absolutely love.      

 Other products I have but use on occasion are:

Argon oil

Aloe Vera Gel for my edges
Eco Styler Gel for a strong hold when I do a sleek afro puff
Chi Silk Infusion heat protectant for blow drying and flat ironing 

 At night how do you maintain your hair?

 I maintain my hair at night by moisturizing, sealing in the moisture with oil and twisting. Twist-outs are my absolute favorite styles.  There are so many ways to style a twist-out.   This is why twisting is part of my nightly routine.  I cover my hair with a silk scarf or satin bonnet before going to bed.  

Twist-outs are my favorite too. They are so versatile, like you said, there are so many ways to style a twist-out. 

 In closing, please tell my readers what the best thing about being natural is?

The best thing about being natural is its versatility as shown in my pictures.  The second best thing is being apart of the community and meeting/interacting with other naturals.  It is such a loving community.  There is ALWAYS someone offering support, suggestions, ideas, compliments, encouragement and love.  We come together to give product reviews, share sale promos and to introduce naturals to other naturals.  Isn't it a beautiful thing?  I love it!! 

Thanks again Tiffany for taking time out to share your journey and hair care with use today. 

 For more information about Tiffany, you can check her out on Instagram @TIPIAM (www.Instagram.com/TIPIAM)

 

The Tapered TWA

 

 

I don’t know about you, but I have been seeing so many naturals decide to cut their hair into a tapered TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) hairstyle and I absolutely LOVE it!!!

Now wait a minute!! Don’t get any ideas!!  I AM NOT considering cutting my hair.  Maybe after letting it grow for a few more years, will I even think about putting some scissors up to my head for anything other than a trim or a dusting. LOL!!  I just really like the fact that a lot of women are rocking this style and rocking it well. 

To achieve any variation of this style I would suggest the following:

·        Go to a professional hair stylist, preferably one who knows how to cut and style natural hair.  I would hate for you or your home girl to get to cutting and messing it up so bad, you would have to go down to a fade. LOL!!  But, seriously let a professional do it. 

·        Do research either on the web, social media, or magazines and provide the stylist with a photo(s) of the way you want it cut, so that they have an idea of what you want.

·        Have a consultation with the stylist or with multiple stylists until you find the one that you are comfortable with.  While you are there ask to see some of their work.  Most stylists now take photos of their clients hairstyles they have whipped together, so don’t be afraid to ask to see what they can do. 

·        Get a recommendation from someone. Maybe you have seen a young lady rocking the hairstyle you want, don’t hesitate to stop her and ask who did it.

·        Make sure this is what you want to do!  I know hair grows back, but you may be stuck with something for a while that you really didn’t want.  So make sure you really want to cut your hair.  You can pray about it, you can even purchase a wig to see what you would look like with that particular hairstyle or you can even get a sew- in or quick weave so you can get an idea. 

 I hope you follow some of these suggestions before taking the plunge.  Also, if you do cut it I hope you love it!

*Disclaimer: I own none of this pictures.

 

Until Next Time…..

Take Care and God Bless!!

 

Flat-Twist Natural Hair Updo Protective Hairstyle

Hello Everyone.....I am just stopping by to let you know there is a new video posted on my YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/TiffanyNicholsDesign It is a simple Flat-twist Updo that is a super cute protective hairstyle, that would be cute for women and little girls.

If you are unable to flat-twist, then you can attempt the hairstyle with cornrows or even by twisting the hair over and pinning it in place.

Here is a list of what I used to create the style:

Hair Moisturizer
Coconut Oil
EcoStyler Gel
Hair Clips
Hair Pins
Bobbi Pins
Comb
Mirror

I hope you like the style!! If you try it please tag me on Instagram www.Instagram.com/TiffanyNicholsDesign or hit me up on Facebook www.facebook.com/tiffanynicholsdesign so I can share it. 

Until Next Time,
Take Care and God Bless

Feature Friday- Dina in the Spotlight

 

This week on my blog I have the beautiful Dina sharing her natural hair story and regimen.  I discovered this natural beauty on IG and I am so glad she took time out to share with us today.

Let's get right into it.....Dina tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a 28 year old girl who works as an import and export assistant in a big company. I live in Paris but I come from Africa, as you might guess I'm mixed my dad was Italian and my mum is Camerounese. I am so proud of both parts of me. I'm crazy about visiting the world and blessed to have the chance to travel a lot.  I have been to Gabon , Cameroon, Tunisia, Marocco, Thailand, Italia, Germany, Spain, England, NYC.... 

What I also love in life is music. I can't not go on a day without hearing some good soul, old school and lots of Caribbean music. I like reading, dancing, and all the reviews that matter with natural hair because yes this is also an addiction!

I consider myself as a very simple girl who love life and respects people, I trust and fear god at the same time, trying to not judge the human being and thinks that every happen for some reason... 

Sounds like you are we well traveled woman and you seem pretty laid back....I like that!

 

So let's talk about your beautiful tresses.  When you decided to go back natural did you do the big chop or did you transition?

I actually went directly to a big chop because the first time I decided to cut my hair 6 years ago I did a transition because I was not prepared to have short hair after having long hair.  I didn’t like it at all, I wasn’t used of my head and it felt so bad inside cause I didn’t accept this transition

So that’s why the second time I wanted to go back natural I did the big chop and you know  what,  I just love it, I felt so free!

 

Being natural is definitely liberating.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural?

My family was so chocked, they all were like why have you done that you had so much long and beautiful hair, you are crazy cause you don’t know if they will grow back that long, your mixed girl , not white

And my answer was I did not cut my hair for fun I needed it, I was really fed up of relaxing them and damaging them and as a mixed girl mostly proud of her African origin I needed that change in my life and guess what,  natural hair completes that part of me who was missing and I don’t regret it at all.

I am so glad you stuck with it and didn’t go back.  I know a lot of women to give in to the relaxer because not everyone is onboard with their decision to go back natural. Way to do you !!!

So Dina, how would you describe your hair ?

My hair are kind of weird …LOL ! I got three different types of hair.

At the back, my hair is long, perfectly curly, and smooth.

In the middle, my hair is so kinky, hardly curls or never curls…LOL!

In the front, I have a mix of both not kinky and not completely soft.

I guess it just a mixed of both…Lol !

 

It’s so funny how we have so many different textures, curls patterns, etc…in our heads.  I guess that is what makes us unique. 

Can you share with us what your current hair routine is?

I really don’t have a special hair routine, I am doing a wash and go every 5 days, and when I am tired of them I doing protective style, braids, Senegalese twist, twist out,  flat twist or just a bun.

 

 

 That really sounds easy-breezy !! Well do you have any favorite products?

I often use a brand called Dop for curly and kinky hair, I have the shampoo and the conditioner that I used for the wash and go. I also used the Tangle Taming Conditioner from Beautiful Textures.

For deep conditioner I use the VITALI hair mayonnaise and I add some extra virgin oil and rinse it out with cider vinegar, and for beautify curls pattern and hydration I use the Shea Moisture brand, the Curl Enhancing Smoothie, the Coconut and Hibiscus Curls Styles and the Moisture Mist too. And yes a lot of shea butter from Organics

 

 

I can definitely get down with the Shea Moisture line, as well as, Beautiful Textures.  Their products are affordable and can be found locally at Target or Sally’s Beauty. 

After a full day of ripping and running and now you are getting ready for bed, what is your night routine.

I just bun my hair in an high pineapple and sometimes I add the satin bonnet

 

 

I want to thank you Dina for taking time out to share with us today.  I love to hear from other naturals and find out their hair routine and find out how their journey was going back to natural. 

In closing, what would you like to tell my readers is the best thing about being natural ?

Being natural gives me life I swear, I feel more confident, and I just love my fro, I take care of my hair more than when I used to straighten it.

Sounds great….to see more pic of  Dina and her beautiful tresses check her out on Instagram.  The link is listed below

Instagram:  @DEEDEELOV (www.instagram.com/DeeDeeLov)
 

 

Feature Friday - Alexcia in the Spotlight

 

This week I have the beautiful Alexcia sharing her natural hair story and regimen with use today.  Thanks for taking time out to share with us today, can you start off by telling us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, my name is Alexcia Scott. I am a 21 years of age college student.  I am West Indian, from the beautiful Island of Jamaica. I was natural for 13 years of my life then I got a relaxer in 2007 for 4 years and then I big chopped in 2011, really because I missed my Natural Hair.

I am sure you did….well I am sure you are glad you made the decision to return back to natural.

So, it sounds like you didn’t waste any time and you did the big chop.  Is that right?

I tried to transition but it was a little too frustrating for me so I did do the Big Chop, well my best friend actually did it…. Lol.

How did you feel after returning back to natural?

I know that this may sound a little cliché for us Natural Hair girls but it is so true! I literally felt liberated! No joke. This amazing feeling just came over me, (well after I stood in front of the mirror few minutes after that is), and I think that u can only feel get that feeling when you Big Chop.

I definitely understand and can relate. It is certainly a freeing feeling when you rid yourself of the relaxed/damaged hair and see your natural hair for the first time in a long time.

I know you were excited about your decision, but how did family and friends react to your decision to go back natural?

My family, they were ok with the idea of me going natural but not ok with the idea of me chopping of my hair, as I never had short hair before, and my husband wasn’t too happy at first because my hair was short but was very supportive. My friends, they were ok with it they thought I was brave being able to have the courage to cut my all my hair, and my best friend really just wanted me to get it over with already because I talked about doing it so much but was always a little scared, lol that’s why she ended up doing it.

 

How did you respond to them?

Whatever reactions I got from my friends and family it was ok, in the fact that I understood why they would have a certain reaction but I was very certain about what I wanted in my decision, my mind was already made up.

How would you describe your hair?

My hair is color is black naturally never been colored and shoulder length. I don’t understand the “hair Scale” thing (4c,2b) I don’t know. My hair is very manageable, as long as a take care of it I have no problem.

 

Speaking of taking care of your hair, can you share with us your current hair routine?

My hair routine is very simple, I try to wash my hair now, every week or two weeks, I deep condition every time I wash my hair.  

Yes…Deep conditioning the hair is very important, it helps you maintain moisture and help keeps it healthy.  Well tell you tell us what your favorite products are?

My favorite product line is the Shea Moisture line; I used almost all of their products. Love them. I’ve used their products ever since I did my Big Chop. I also currently use Cantu Shea  

Shea Moisture is definitely a good product line there is a little something for every hair texture. 

When it’s time for bed, how do you maintain your hair at night?

Two-Strand Twist when I am in the mood lol, if not I just put on my satin hair tie or satin bonnet.

Girl yes….many a nights I will just slap on my bonnet or just fall asleep on my satin pillow case without re-twisting a thing.  LOL…but of course if I want my hair to look a certain way the next morning, I will muster up enough energy to do it. LOL!!

 

 

In closing, what would you say is the best thing about being natural?

I love that I am always learning about my hair and I like that I am inspiring others.

 

Well, there you have it ladies.  I hope Alexcia’s story was inspiring and beneficial to you.  For more information about Alexcia, you can find at the following locations:
You can find me on YouTube: NaturalLuLu  (www.youtube.com/natuallulu)
Instagram: @NaturalLuLu  (www.instagram.com/naturallulu)
Email: 2naturallulu@gmail.com

High Buns and Natural Hair

 

I have seems tons of pics of beautiful women rocking high buns floating around on social media and I am definitely feeling the different variations. 
High buns have definitely become one of my favorite go-to-hairstyles this summer.  They are quick to do and can be easily dressed up for a more elegant look or dressed down for a more casual/chic look.

For those days when you didn't re-twist your hair or you missed your wash day you can easily do this style and no one would ever know. It has also been a great way to combat the humidity and keep your hair out of the way and off your neck during these hot summer days.  It is also a good way to protective style as long as you don't have the ponytail pulled too tight and as long as you have your hair well moisturized while in the bun.  Water + Moisturizer + Oil =Well Moisturized Hair!!!

I have seen it down on straightened hair, old twist-outs, old braid-outs, and wash'n'go hair.  It is just the cutest thing ever!!! Now you know I am being a bit over the top, but it is a very cute hairstyle.

Check out a few pics of beautiful women I have seen wearing their high-buns.  Also, click the video below to check out how I do mine.

Until Next Time,

Take Care and God Bless!!!

Tiffany N.

Naturally Divine Texture Revolution 2013: The Science



On Saturday 8/10/2013, I attended the Naturally Divine Texture Revolution 2013: The Science natural hair conference/seminar that was held in Addison, TX (a suburb right outside of Dallas) at the Addison Conference Centre.  This event was being held by Naturally Divine Beauty Supply and NaturallyCurly.com was the media sponsor. 

Photo by: NaturallyCurly.com

Photo By: NaturallyCurly.com

 This was an exciting event featuring CharyJay, Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, and Karen Wilson as guest speakers. There were tons of vendors that were selling natural hair products, clothing, jewelry, hair accessories, and even candles. They had a food vendor on site, professional photographers with a booth, and they even gave out swag bags with plenty of product to sample. The event was well organized and they stuck to the schedule that was provided which was a plus. 

Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, CharyJay, and Karen Wilson
Photo From: CharyJay

Charnika Jett, better known as, CharyJay, who is one of the top 10 YouTubers for Natural Hair was one of the guest speakers.  She gave the audience insight on how and why she started her YouTube channel and how her winning the Huetiful Hair Steamer box contest and being mentored by Myleik, the CEO of Curlbox, has helped her gain notoriety in the Natural Hair Community and come out of her shyness.

CharyJay
Photo By: NaturallyCurly.com

Audrey Davis-Sivasothy the author of, “The Science of Black Hair” and a few other books was the second speaker. She broke natural hair down to a basic level and gave us a few a tips and valuable information about our hair.  One key was that “water is the best moisturizer for the hair”.  Moisturizing your hair with water and using moisturizers with water as one of the first ingredients is very beneficial to our hair.

Photo By: NaturallyCurly.com

Photo By: TeamNatural_

Karen Wilson who is a licensed cosmetologist and instructor was also a key speaker that got the crowd involved and energized with her humorous presentation.  She also shared tips and valuable natural hair information, as well as, did a few live demos.  She showed the proper way to roller set the hair, do two strand twists and twist-outs, bantu-knots, two strand bantu-knots, and during her session there was a live big chop and a few hair models. 

Live Big Chop
Photo By: NaturallyCurly.com

Photo by: NaturallyCurly.com

Not only did I have a couple of “Ah ha” moments that I will include in my regimen and styling routine, but I also got to meet so many beautiful naturals and was also able to meet some of my favorite Instagramers, Bloggers, and Vloggers. Making the trip from Oklahoma City with my good friend Nicole Jocleen and the author of, “Life is Crazy” a book of poems and the book, “On the Scene” was well worth it and I will definitely be back again.

Nicole Jocleen and Me

CharyJay and Me

 

Nikki (@NikkibCurly on IG) and Me

Audry and Me



Vee of (www.TheHodgePodgefiles.com) and Me