Spotlight Feature: Zeze!

Hey Curlies! ❤

Sooo happy to interview and feature one of my favorite naturals!

Say hello to Zeze!!!

1. Tell us your name, where you’re from, how long you’ve been natural, WHY you went natural and a little bit about yourself! 

 – Hi, my names Zeinab but every calls me Zeze. In the natural hair blogging community I’m more known as Naturally Zeze. It’s rather cool having more than one name haha!  I am from London, UK and will have been natural 3yrs in May 2015 (yay!).

Prior to going natural I dyed and straightened my hair which left it dry and brittle. I decided to do something about it, which led me to come across a YouTube video talking about natural hair. After doing more and more research I finally made the decision to go natural.

I love travelling, snooping around historic buildings and trying new cuisines.

 2.    What is your go-to natural hair style?

My go to style at the moment is a Wash & go, which I prepare the night before.

 

3.    List 3 to 5 of your go-to or staple products for your natural hair and what you use them for? (Twists, braid outs, wash n’go’s etc.,)

 – Texture My Way, Keep it Curly (STYLE) Stretch & Set Styling Foam: I use this product for my wash-&-go’s and perm rod sets.

Mrs Milli’s Sweet Leave-in Conditioner (Mango & Lime): I use this product to style my hair in a twist-out.

Coconut oil: My favourite oil which I use for everything (hot oil treatments, add to deep conditioning mix, detangling, sealing moisture in hair, use on my skin even consume haha!).

Tresemme Naturals, Moisturising Conditioner: I use it for co-washing and as a leave-in.

 4.    What do you like/love most about being natural?

I love how versatile natural hair is! I can change the curl pattern, length and how big I want my hair it to be so easily. All it depends on is how I style it.

5.    How do you maintain your curls at night

– At night I sleep with my hair up in a ‘pineapple’ (high ponytail) and sleeping with a satin/silk scarf.

 6.    Have you ever big chopped or transitioned? If so, briefly tell us your experience! 

 – I transitioned for 1yr from May 2012. During this time I would cut 2-3 inches each month to help me reduce the amount of heat damaged hair I had. On May 15^th 2013, after transitioning for a year, I became fed up with my heat damaged ends and decided to cut it all off. I remember feeling really proud as I now was completely natural.

 7.    Do your family/friends support your natural hair journey? How about your place of work? 

 – My family and friends both really support me going natural. At first they were a little surprised as I would never be seen without straight hair however after they realised why I was going natural they became really supportive. Some have even decided to go natural or have started to make better healthy hair choices themselves. Being able to give them advice is great!

8.    Do you know your hair type? If so what is it? Has knowing your hair type helped your hair journey? 

– I would say my hair type is in the type ‘3’ category, with some ‘4’ category mixed in there somewhere. I think the hair typing chart can help if you are at the beginning of your journey and need some guidance into what will work for your hair as in products, detangling methods etc… However it shouldn’t be obsessed over!

9.    The blog is entitled happycurlhappygirl, so what makes your curls happy? (Deep conditioning, protective styling, hot oil treatments etc.)

– Deep Conditioning! There’s nothing better than having your hair moisture and protein level replenished, your scalp massaged and soothed and your curls bouncy and happy again. Like your blog title, when my hair is happy after a good deep condition, I too am very happy!

10. What is one thing you have learned since being natural? What advice would you give a new natural?

– Do your research about natural hair. Try to get the basics prepared before you take the plunge (wide tooth comb, satin scarf/pillowcase, spray bottle, conditioner, styler etc…) and create a regimen to follow and just go for it. Nothing can prepare you 100%, it’s a lifestyle change.

But most of all don’t expect your hair to come out looking like anybody else’s hair. Going natural is to find out about YOUR hair and embracing YOUR natural beauty.

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Thanks Zeze for sharing your story with us and showcasing your beautiful face and curls!! I wish you the best on your hair journey! ❤

Instagram: @naturally_zeze

YouTube: Naturally Zeze

Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturallyzeze

Blog: www.naturallyzeze.weebly.com

If you would like a feature showcasing your natural hair story, please email me at happycurlhappygirl@yahoo.com. I would love to have your story and beautiful photos of you and your natural hair on Spotlight Fridays! XO! 🙂

Until next time Curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna

Spotlight Friday Feature: Nia!

Hey Curlies! ❤

It’s Friday and the spotlight is on the beautiful…(drum roll…)

Nia!

1. Tell us your name, where you’re from, how long you’ve been natural and a little bit about yourself!

– My name is Nia, and I’m from Tampa, FL. I’ve been “natural” for four years now, from transitioning from a relaxer I did for a year. I’m 22, junior at USF. I love thrift shopping, going to new places to eat. And I’m trying to tap more into my spiritual side of being.

2. What is your go-to natural hair style?

– My go to natural hairstyle would have to be a twist out, with either one or two buns in the front.

3. List 3 to 5 of your go-to or staple products for your natural hair?

– My staple products would be, coconut oil, kinky curly knot today conditioner, and eco styler gel, and of course water lol.

4. What do you like/love most about being natural?

– What I love most about being natural is the versatility, my curl pattern and the growing process. The compliments is what keeps me going.

5. How do you maintain your curls at night?

– Most likely I just twist or braid my hair back up and wrap it, or I just pineapple it. Sometimes I don’t even do anything lol.

6. Have you ever big chopped or transitioned? If so, briefly tell us your experience! 

– I transitioned. For a year I had a relaxer, cut my hair so many times. Till I was like, this is enough. August 2011, I started cutting the relaxed ends out. Still learning about split ends, and minting length. Because I never even had those worries prior to relaxing my hair.

7. Do your family/friends support your natural hair journey? How about where you work? 

– Of course my family supports my natural hair. They literally did not talk to me when I tried a relaxer. From the womb I’ve been natural. Graduated from high school in 10 and I wanted to try something different. It works for me in my work place.

8. Do you know your hair type? If so what is it? 

– Ahhh, I believe my hair type is between three and four .. my curls are sometimes loose, the roots are thick.

9. The blog is entitled happycurlhappygirl, so what makes your curls happy? (Deep conditioning, protective styling, hot oil treatments etc.)

– What makes my curls happy would be my mayonnaise deep conditioning. It loves it. It used to be protective styling with weave, but lately weave has just been irritating my scalp, so I can’t keep it in for more than a week.

10. What is one thing you have learned since being natural? What advice would you give a new natural?

– The one thing I’ve earned about being natural is LOTS of patience. And that comparing your hair growth to others and its time spanned is not going to help you. For new naturals drinks lots of water, research everything, AND just embrace your natural crown of beauty.

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Thanks Nia for sharing your story with us and showcasing your beautiful face and curls!! I wish you the best on your hair journey! ❤

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Follow Nia: @Queenzingha

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If you would like a feature showcasing your natural hair story, please email me happycurlhappygirl@yahoo.com. I would love to have your story and beautiful photos of you and your natural hair on Spotlight Fridays! XO! 🙂

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Until next time Curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna

Spotlight Friday Feature: Alyssa!

Hey Curlies! ❤

It’s Friday which means I have the Spotlight on the beautiful…(drum roll…)

Alyssa!

1. Tell us your name, where you’re from, how long you’ve been natural and a little bit about yourself!

– Hey!!!! My name is Alyssa, but everyone calls me Lyssa or Lyssa Lou. I’m originally from Reno, Nevada but I currently reside in Birmingham, Alabama. I’ve been natural for about 3 years. After saying for years, that I’d never go natural because it just didn’t fit my lifestyle, I started transitioning in June of 2011 and decided to chop it all off February of 2012. There was no real reason why I went natural other than I was just tired of flat ironing my hair ALL the time. I can easily say that it was the BEST hair decision I’ve made in my life (and I’ve made quite a few of hair decisions lol).

2. What is your go-to natural hair style?

– My go-to natural style is typically a wash n go or you know what they say…when in doubt…PUFF it out!!

3. List 3 to 5 of your go-to or staple products for your natural hair?

– When I started on my natural hair journey, like most newbies, I became an absolute product junkie. I had a big big problem but thankfully before I could cause my pockets too much damage, I quickly found some things that my hair just LOVES. My go to products are: Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream, Whipped Shea Butter (a concoction that I put together myself), an oil blend of Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Peppermint Oil, Avocado oil, and Olive Oil, Shea Moistures’ Jamaican black castor oil leave in and deep conditioning masque and finally apple cinder vinegar (for cleansing of course).

4. What do you like/love most about being natural?

– The thing I love most about being natural is the versatility. I have options with my hair now that I just didn’t have when I was relaxed. Second to that, I get away with stuff as a natural that I NEVER would have when I was relaxed. When your hair is natural, sometimes the crazier the better and your hair is never really “out of place”.

5. How do you maintain your curls at night?

– I’m pretty low maintenance when it comes to my hair aka lazy lol, so maintaining my curls is really as simple as throwing on a bonnet, spritzing in the morning and shaking it out, but other than that, I just twist it up for the night.

6. Have you ever big chopped or transitioned? If so, briefly tell us your experience! 

– I transitioned for about 6 months before I just couldn’t take my raggedy relaxed ends ANYMORE!!! Plus, I found transitioning really hard. When you become a natural, you’re trying to find products that work with your hair and having two different textures, with different needs made that extremely difficult. I’d find a product that worked on my roots but my ends HATED…so finally I decided enough was enough and I chopped it OFF.

7. Do your family/friends support your natural hair journey? How about where you work? 

– Most of my friends are natural and my family loves my hair. The people at my job are fans of my hair as well. My boss finds it amusing that my hair never looks the same for more than two weeks at a time haha.

8. Do you know your hair type? If so what is it? 

– My curls fall 3c and a 4b….mostly 3c and 4a though…4b in my stubborn crown area haha.

9. The blog is entitled happycurlhappygirl, so what makes your curls happy? (Deep conditioning, protective styling, hot oil treatments etc.)

– Low manipulation and protective styling keeps my curls the happiest. The less I mess with it, usually the better it looks which works great for me because like I said, I can get a little lazy when it comes to my hair.

10. What is one thing you have learned since being natural? What advice would you give a new natural?

– One thing that I learned when I became a natural is that it definitely ain’t easy. I thought I’d get to wet it and forget it but boy was I wrong. Having natural hair is more work than having a relaxer ever was; although it fits my lifestyle better (with working out 4 days a week and sweating buckets, I kept a flat iron to my head). Having natural hair isn’t for everybody. If you don’t have the time and willingness to experiment and learn the dos and don’ts then you’re doing yourself and your hair a disservice by being natural. You have to find what works for you and that could mean a lot of product trying and failing and patience. Make this decision because you want it, not because its trendy or anything like that.

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Thanks Alyssa for sharing your story with us and showcasing your beautiful face and curls!! I wish you the best on your hair journey! ❤

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Follow Alyssa: @lyssalou_who1103

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If you would like a feature showcasing your natural hair story, please email me happycurlhappygirl@yahoo.com. I would love to have your story and beautiful photos of you and your natural hair on Spotlight Fridays! XO! 🙂

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Until next time curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna

A Black Man’s Point Of View On Natural Hair…

Hey Curlies! ❤

What do Black men have to say about Black women and their natural hair?

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Meet Omnid and his lovely wife Meme!

1. Tell me your name, your age and a little bit about yourself!

My name is Omnid Benzi Dowell. I am a 29 year  old proud husband and father. My wife is 29 and my daughter is 9 years old. I majored in Business management at Arizona State University and I currently work in the finance industry and have been for the past 10 years. One of my favorite attributes of my wife is her hair and the variety of things she does with it.

2. Natural hair is very popular and many women are becoming natural, how do you feel about that?

I think Natural hair becoming popular is great for not only the African American community, but for all races. It shows there is more to hair than a perm. Often times people of color were looked down upon because our hair isn’t always naturally straight. Now more people are realizing that having only straight hair limits the variety of hair styles you can do with your hair. Natural hair also seems to be more healthy and opens the door for a person to change their hair style every day.

3. Is your significant other natural? If so, for how long?

My wife has been natural all her Life. There was a point of about 1 year she put chemicals in her hair because she cut the sides really short and it required her to put perm on just her sides. That ended about a year and a half ago and she cut out her perm and let her natural hair from back on the sides.

4. Do you prefer a woman with natural hair or straightened hair?

I don’t really prefer one over the other. As long as a woman’s hair is DONE is all that matters to me. My wife sometimes will still wear her hair straight but only with some heat, no chemicals. I believe that still counts as natural hair right? My wife doesn’t stay with one hair style longer than a month. To keep one hair style is boring to her and she loves to change it often. As long as her hair is in a style I LOVE IT. Even if the style is a small Afro.

5. Do you have any dislikes about natural hair? If so, what are they?

 I have no specific dislike about natural hair.

6. As a black man, can you tell us a few reasons  why some black men don’t want their women to go natural?

Most times a man doesn’t like natural hair because they don’t see the many different things you can do with natural hair. Most men don’t know about hair or hair health and when we think of natural hair we think of short curly or nappy hair and that’s not always desirable by men.  Just as much as women love long hair we do as well. When you think of natural you don’t think of long hair. However as Natural hair gets more and more popular people are starting to notice that natural hair helps your hair to grow longer.

Also there is a fear that your woman won’t do what is necessary to maintain the up keep of natural hair. Most young men (21-39) do not want their natural hair woman to get lazy and only wear a fro every day because she is “NATURAL”. A fro here and there is okay but not ALL THE TIME.

The other reason some black men don’t want their woman to be natural is because they all dream of their woman looking like a Video Girl or Hollywood Star. Because Hollywood portrays the standard as long straight or wavy hair, most men want their woman to look the same way.

7. How do you feel about your significant other going to bed with a head wrap, satin bonnet or rollers in their hair?

Since I’m usually the one who pays for my wife to get her hair done, I encourage her to wrap her hair or do whatever is necessary to keep her hair from getting messed up in her sleep. However, sometime during our intimate moments ill take that wrap off lol. But if she has in curlers I’m just out of luck. But I do understand that’s what it takes to maintain certain hairstyles.

8. Can you name one thing you love about natural hair?
I love the uniqueness it offers. No natural hair style is the same because everyone’s hair grade, thickness and texture is different. Even if 2 women attempt to get the exact same style it will look different.

9. What’s your favorite natural hairstyle on a woman? (Braids, wash n go, twist outs etc.)

My favorite natural hair style is the curly Mohawk.

10. As a black man what advice would you give a woman who’s significant other doesn’t like their natural hair?

Show your man a variety of natural hair styles on a few women in a magazine or on the internet. Find out which ones he likes. Then don’t mention it again. Wait a month and then pick the natural style he likes most and let your hair dresser do it for you. Come home and ask him if he likes it. Don’t give him and forewarning just do it. He will most likely like it since he liked it in the pictures you showed him. That will help him like you with natural hair. If that doesn’t work, the night you get the new hair style give him the BEST night of his life. Tell him the hair bring a whole new side out of you. Lol One of those things have got to work!

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Thanks Benzi for sharing your views on Natural hair and showcasing your beautiful wife and all her unique and beautiful natural hairstyles! I appreciate you for being a part of my blog!

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Follow Omnid : @mrdowell818

Follow Meme : @1124meme

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If you would like a feature showcasing your natural hair story, PLEASE email me happycurlhappygirl@yahoo.com. I would love to have your story and beautiful photos of you and your natural hair on Spotlight Fridays! XO! 🙂

Check out my previous post on “What To Do if Your Man Doesn’t Like Your Natural Hair!” here!

Until next time Curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna

 

Spotlight Friday Fitness Feature: Jessica!

Hey Curlies! ❤

Meet the beautiful Jessica Jordan!

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1. Tell us your name, where you’re from and a little bit about yourself!

– My name is Jessica Jordan and I’m from Los Angeles, California. I’m a NPC figure athlete and new naturalista.

2. Have you always been into fitness? If not, what got you interested?

– I’ve been an athlete since the age of 8. I’ve sustained my passion for health and fitness in my adult years as a preventative method for the numerous health ailments in my family. Both of my parents are cancer survivors.

3. What are 3 of your favorite and most effective workouts?

-Back and Front squats: Builds amazing legs and glutes. It’s also an amazing way to build your core.

-Pull-ups: builds a sexy back and chips away at back fat (the area around the bra line)

-Burpees: love-hate relationship

4. Where do you like to exercise? (Gym, outdoors etc.)

I LOVE lifting weights, so I prefer working out in a gym; however, I like hiking at Runyon Canyon to switch things up.

5. What are some tips that you would give someone wanting to get into fitness?

– Fall in love with WATER. It really is your best friend

– Lifting weights will not make you look like a man. It is a very efficient way to burn fat in trouble areas.

– Do not be afraid of the free-weight section of the gym. Don’t be intimidated!

– Find a workout partner to hold each other accountable. Its more fun when you have someone to sweat with you!

6. Are you natural? If so, for how long?

Although, I’ve been natural my whole life, I was married to my flat iron until February 2014. I cut off 4 inches of heat damage and have avoid heat since then.

7. How do you care for your hair after your workouts?

Following an intense workout, I allow my hair to air dry prior to manipulating it. Once dry, I pick my hair out from the roots without disturbing my curls.

8. What are 3 of your go to hair products?

– Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel
– Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner (Slip like no other)
– MY leave-in combo (1part water, 1part aloe vera juice and 1part kinky curly knot today)

9. How do you wear your hair while you exercise?

When I am training for a competition, I wear my hair in twists or weave. During the off season, I simply wear a headband and leave my hair free or I pull it into a high puff.

10. What are some of your fitness and hair goals?

My main fitness goal is to become an IFBB pro figure athlete and maintain an overall healthy active lifestyle. My hair goal is to obtain shoulder length hair (with shrinkage).

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Thanks Jessica for sharing your story with us and showcasing your beautiful face and curls!!! I wish you the best on your hair journey!

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Follow Jessica: @limitlessfitjess

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If you would like a feature showcasing your natural hair, PLEASE email me happycurlhappygirl@yahoo.com. I would LOVE to have your story and beautiful photos of you and your natural hair on Spotlight Fridays! XO!

Until next time Curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna

Spotlight Feature: Janae!

Hey Curlies! ❤

I love featuring naturals…meet Janae!

1. Tell us your name, where you’re from, how long you’ve been natural and a little bit about yourself!

Janae, I’m from Long Beach, California and I’ve been natural for about 2 years. I absolutely love everything about natural hair. It makes me smile when I see women or little girls rocking their natural hair. ( hey Blue Ivy) 

2. What is your go-to natural hair style?

Twist outs. Even though my twists take at least 16 hours to dry, twist outs define my curls the most. I can stretch it to 5 or 6 days. 

3. What are some of your go-to or staple products for your natural hair?

I love Carol’s Daughter leave- in conditioner hair milk, As I am Co-wash ( smells amazing) and Miss Jessie’s Jelly soft curls or Eco-Styler.

4. What do you like/love most about being natural? 

I love the versatility. I’m completely confident with rocking my curls or twists in public. I might straighten my hair once or twice a year, and I’m over the flat iron look after 3 days. 

5. How do you maintain your curls at night?

I spritz my hair with water every night, put it in a Pineapple, and use my satin bonnet! 

6. Have you ever big chopped or transitioned? If so, briefly tell us your experience!

I transitioned, and it was frustrating because my hair never looked like the girls in the YouTube videos I watched (Mahogany Curls, Glam twins etc.). That’s when I discovered the universal rule “what works for others may not work for you” I started to experiment with different products and techniques until I figured out what worked best for MY hair.

7. Do your family/friends support your natural hair journey?

Yes, everyone is always asking me for  tips. Even random people I run into.

8. Do you know your hair type? If so what is it?

I never really followed the whole hair type thing, so I really have no idea. 

9. What is one thing you have learned since being natural? What advice would you give a new natural?

I’ve learned how to stay away from the heat. The heat is not your friend, just a distant friend you see every now and then! To the new naturals, stick with it!!! You will not get the results you want over night, but trust the process. Know that your hair is beautiful and learn to love it! 🙂 I’ve been natural for 2years and I still have hair goals 🙂 

10. The blog is entitled happycurlhappygirl,  what makes your curls happy? (Deep conditioning, protective styling, hot oil treatments etc.)

When someone else massages my scalp!!!! It feels like an old school Herbal Essence Commercial no lie!!!! But DIY deep conditioning makes my curls the happiest. 

Thanks Janae for sharing your story with us and showcasing your beautiful face and curls!!! I wish you the best on your hair journey!

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Follow Janae: @_Janae_   @naturalnae7

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If you would like a feature showcasing your natural hair, PLEASE email me happycurlhappygirl@yahoo.com. I would LOVE to have your story and beautiful photos of you and your natural hair on Spotlight Fridays! XO!

Until next time Curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna

Spotlight Friday Feature: Troya!

Hey Curlies! ❤

Ever considered getting locs? Meet Troya!

1. What’s your name? Where are you from? Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hello, my name is Troya L. Ellis, (31) I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. I am a lover of the arts and I have a deep passion for creating change within the education system for African American students. Locing my hair was a huge statement, it was a statement of “I am ok with being different” and “I am ok with standing out for more reasons than simply being an African American female.”

2. How long have you had your locs? 

My loc anniversary is July 28, 2009, so I have had my locs approximately 5 years and 3 months.

3.  What/Who inspired you to get locs?

My initial inspiration was my mentor/big sister Keysha. She was the first personally knew personally with locs. In 2009, I met another friend that had locs and that was the inspiration i needed to make the transition.

4. Did your family and friends support your decision to get locs?

My family was supportive. They knew that it would eventually happen based on my personality and draw to my big sisters locs. Since I have started my locs, a few of my family members have considered them but none have embarked upon the journey.

5. How do you maintain your locs? Do you have a regimen?

I either wash my locs every two to three weeks with Shea Moisture shampoo. Every 6 months the loctician will condition them and once a year I get color.

6. How often do you re-twist?

 Within the first year, I would go to a loctician twice a month for wash and retwist (maintenance). Once my hair loc’ed I begin retwisting my locs myself every two weeks and I would make periodic visits to the loctician, Sometimes I do not retwist all my locs every two weeks and I simply retwist the first few rows to give them a refreshed look. I tried out the tool method a couple of times but I was not a fan of the lump that my locs would have after I had growth.

7. What are some of your go-to products?

Coconut oil for my scalp, and head sprung from simply wholesome in between washes (helps with smelling fresh).

8. What do you like most about having locs?

I love the growth process. i feel they are a form of artistic expression. I have been able to explore more colors and styles with my locs then i would have been able to do if I stuck to getting my hair pressed every two weeks.

9. What are some of the questions you get often since getting locs?

Often times people think they are braids. I assume because they are not fuzz like locs people are use to seeing. Most questions are related to my loc styles. But I must admit Most all of my  BOMB styles are created by Brandii Hollaway. That leads to the question of who maintains your locs.

10. What advice would you give someone who is considering getting locs?

The cliche advice i have is that know if you are going to enbark upon the loc journey you must be prepared to be patient. The loc journey will feel slow but before you know it you will have endured the initial start to the budding stage to the loc’ed stage.

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Thanks Troya for sharing your story with us and showcasing your beautiful face and Locs!!! I wish you the best on your hair journey!

Follow Troya: @t_roya

Awesome Q&A video on Locs…

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If you would like a feature on my blog showcasing your natural hair, PLEASE email me happycurlhappygirl@yahoo.com with 2 to 3 photos of your natural hair! I would LOVE to have your story and beautiful photos of you and your natural hair on Spotlight Fridays! XO! ❤

Until next time Curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna

Spotlight Friday Feature: Brittani!

Hey Curlies! ❤

>> 1. Tell us your name, where you’re from, how long have you been natural and a little bit about yourself!

Brittani C. (IG= cool_mo_b) Los Angeles, CA I’ve been natural my whole life the only difference now as an adult is I no longer straighten my hair.

>> 2. What is your go to natural style?

Wash and Go (air dry) 

>> 3. What are your go to products?

Shea moistures restorative conditioner and Cantu Curl cream (I use them together) 

>> 4. What do you like/love most about being natural?

I love that my curls have a mind of their own and that my hair looks different everyday. 

>> 5. Who is your celebrity hair crush or inspiration?

Sadly there aren’t really any mainstream celebrities that have natural hair like mine but my ig hair crushes are @beautybylee and @tarenguy. I truly enjoy all their post and videos. #inspiration 

>> 6. Have you ever big chopped or transitioned?

Yes I had to do a big chop to my ears a few months after deciding not to put heat in my hair. I had badly heat damaged my hair and had to get rid of all the straight parts which left me with a Foxy Cleopatra fro for awhile. 

>> 7. Does your significant other or family/friends support your natural hair journey?

My decisions about my hair have nothing to do with anyone. My family in the beginning would tease me and tell me I look like I stuck my finger in the electrical socket but now that I’ve worn my natural texture so long they dont make slick comments anymore. I get the most support from friends and strangers. My natural friends love finding out what products I’ve recently purchased that doesnt work for my curls so they can have it.  I love meeting people out and about and teaching them better ways to take care of their hair encouraging them that the process does get better just be patient.  At the end of the day we are all on the same journey to healthy hair. 

>> 8. Do you know your hair type? If so what is it?

This depends on the length of my hair. When I grow it out it is 3B/3C the length weighs it down. If I keep it to my shoulders then it is 3C/4A and my curls really have great definition. 

>> 9. What is one thing you have learned since being natural?

My natural hair and beauty is so much better than the unrealistic standards/images of beauty that we are engulfed with on a daily basis. 

>> 10. What makes your curls happy? (Deep conditioning, hot oil treatments etc.)

My curls love moisture so I use lots of butters and creams that my curls love. Deep conditions and protein treatments are also really important for my thick hair as well. 

Thanks Brittani for sharing your story with us and showcasing your beautiful face and curls!!! I wish you the best on your hair journey!

 Follow Brittani: @cool_mo_b

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If you would like a feature on my blog showcasing your natural hair, PLEASE email me Freshlyblessed@gmail.com with 2 to 3 photos of your natural hair! I would LOVE to have your story and beautiful photos of you and your natural hair on Spotlight Fridays! XO! ❤

Until next time Curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna

Spotlight Friday Feature: Nakela!

Hi Curlies! I had to fit in the bff for Spotlight Fridays!

 >> 1. Tell us your name, where you’re from, how long have you been natural and a little bit about yourself!

My name is Nakela and I’m from Los Angeles, Ca. I’ve always been natural (without chemicals) but I decided to take it easy on the hot comb and explore my natural curls 2 years ago. I started out in the banking industry, switched to automotive, and now I’m recruiting! My ultimate dream is to have a company of my own, preferably something having to do with beauty. Currently working to make this dream a reality! I’ve always been natural with no chemicals, but I’ve been exploring my hair in its natural state for two years.

>> 2. What is your go to natural style?

 My go to style is a big twist out for days when I want it down. If it’s a low key day I’ll go for a curly ponytail or bun.

>> 3. What are your go to products?

 I looooove the Shea moisture line, specifically the coconut & hibiscus. I use the co-wash, curl milk, and curl cream.

>> 4. What do you like/love most about being natural?

 I like the versatility of natural hair. I never knew I could do so much with it.

>> 5. Who is your celebrity hair crush?

 Tracey Ellis Ross

>> 6. Have you ever big chopped or transitioned?

No just keep my ends trimmed

>> 7. Is your mate/ family/ friends supportive of your natural hair?

They’re very supportive and like the styles I create.

>> 8. Do you know your hair type? If so what is it?

 I’m not really sure because it’s different all around. If I had to guess I’d say 3c/4a.

>> 9. What is one thing you have learned since being natural?

I never thought I had the kind of hair that would “curl” or “good hair”. Through experimenting with natural hair, I’ve learned everyone has a curl pattern and good hair is healthy hair. Plus it’s all about the products you use to define the curls you have.

>> 10. My blog is called ‘Happy Curl Happy Girl’ so what makes your curls happy? (Deep conditioning, hot oil treatments etc.)

 My curls looooove to be conditioned…. Deep conditioning in addition to regular conditioning and moisturizing daily!

Thanks Nakela for sharing your story with us and showcasing your beautiful face and curls!!! I wish you the best on your hair journey!

Follow Nakela: @kela_f_baby

If you would like a feature on my blog showcasing your natural hair, PLEASE email me Freshlyblessed@gmail.com with 2 to 3 photos of your natural hair I would LOVE to have your story and beautiful photos of you and your natural hair on Spotlight Fridays! XO!

Until next time Curlfriends! XO!

Love,

Rayna

SPOTLIGHT Friday Feature: TIFFANY!

(Waves!) Hey Curlfriends! It’s Spotlight Fridays! So excited about featuring beautiful naturals!  

 

>> 1.Tell us your name…Where are you from, how long have you been natural and a little bit about yourself!

My name is Tiffany I’m from Long Beach Ca! I’ve been natural for 3 years this November. I started out doing photography, shooting local LA artists. I captured images of people such as Problem, Kendrick Lamar, Skeme, and Dom Kennedy. I then started an urban lifestyle brand called Just Rock. I still have a love for photography and fashion and I hope to branch out on a large scale in the near future!

>> 2. What is your go to natural style?

My go to protective style is a high bun.

>> 3. What are your go to products?

 My one go to product is Eco Styler with argon oil!

>> 4. What do you like/love most about being natural?

 The thing I like is that I feel unique and I feel as though my natural hair is a representation of me and my culture.

>> 5. Who is your celebrity hair crush?

My hair crush would have to be Erykah Badu and Leela James.

>> 6. Have you ever big chopped or transitioned?

 I won’t say I big chopped I more or less chopped large amounts of dead hair off for about 6 months until it was gone. I wasn’t relaxed just had been married to my flat iron. So my transition wasn’t that long.

>> 7. Is your mate, family and friends supportive of your natural hair?

My family and friends completely support my natural hair, after I transitioned my sister did as well and my mother just big chopped 4 months ago.

>> 8. Do you know your hair type? If so, what is it?

 I don’t know my hair type. But I know I have a mic of two very different textures through out.

>> 9. What is one thing you have learned since being natural?

I learned that embracing the natural you is freeing and inspiring. My life changed once I went natural. The best decision I’ve ever made.

>> 10.My blog’s name is ‘Happy Curl Happy Girl’ so what makes your curls happy? (Deep conditioning, hot oil treatments etc.)

My curls are happiest after a good deep conditioning!

Thank you Tiffany for your story and showcasing your beautiful face and curls!!! I wish you the best on your hair journey!

Follow Tiffany:

 Instagram: @_justrock_

Tumblr: justrockjr.tumblr.com

If you would like a feature on my blog showcasing your natural hair, PLEASE email me Freshlyblessed@gmail.com with 2 to 3 photos showcasing your natural hair I would LOVE to have your story and beautiful photos of you and your natural hair on Spotlight Fridays! XO!

Until next time curlies! XO!

Love,

Rayna