self care is about balance
- give yourself time to relax and do nothing, but keep up-to-date on homework and studying
- distance yourself from people if youāre drained, but donāt isolate yourself completely
- allow yourself to eat sugary food, but make sure you eat lots of vegetables and fruits too
- stay home/skip class if you need to rest but donāt let it become a habit
- be focused but donāt stress yourself out/give up when things go wrong
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Natural Black Hair Tutorial!
Usually Black hair is excluded in the hair tutorials which I have seen so I have gone through it in depth because itās really not enough to tell someone simply, āBlack hair is really curly, draw it really curly.āĀ
The next part of Black Hair In Depth will feature styles and ideas for designing characters and I will release it around February. If you would like to see certain styles, please shoot me a message!
[Patreon]
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And for those of you who are experiencing the Winter Blues like I am, know that your hair can still be uber-cute! Check out these wraps that keep your hair protected and your style FRESH!Ā
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When your dry curls need some lovin...
Hey yāall!!Ā
So I know itās been a while, but I need to take a moment and have a little hair rant. So, as you may or may not know, my natural curl pattern would probably fall in the 4c/4d/5a range and it does NOT like the single-digit weather of Northern Illinois! So Iāve been on the hunt for anything and everything that will moisturize my parched tresses! Iāve tried shea butter, castor oil, leave in conditioner....all at the same time. While these things definitely do work, I feel like my hair just slurps it all up, to the point where itās super dry within a day or so. But, as I was doing some much needed conditioner shopping, I came across this Conditioner from the Alba product line called Natural Hawaiian Conditioner. The āDrink it Up Coconut Milk (Mega Moisture)ā subtitle had me at hello, so I promptly made the purchase!Ā
Though Iāve only used this product a couple times, I do believe it has been one of my favorite conditioning experiences Iāve had since Iāve been natural! I really did feel the softness and moisture in my hair, and I even noticed a difference from my once dry texture. Iāve posted a picture of the product below, as well as the link to the website. I donāt have any pictures of my hair with the conditioner, because you canāt really see anything significant, but I thought that Iād recommend this product, especially for those of you who are feeling the wrath of cold climates! I know that everyoneās hair responds differently to different products, but I figured that Iād share with you my newfound favorite conditioner! Let us know what you think! And as always, suggestions are welcome!Ā
http://www.albabotanica.com/hair/conditioners/drink-it-up-coconut-milk.html
Wash on!
Kirsten <3
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SHOUTOUT
unitedstatesofsage, you. better. WERK.
#weloveyourhair
#welovethecolor
#girlyoubad #YESSS
#thekittylovessubmissions
xo,
Rebecca
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INTERVIEW: Camielle Taylor
Nappy Kats!
I have the pleasure of sharing an interview with a transitioning natural, Camielle Taylor. Camielle is a Senior here at Northwestern who has put a different spin on what it means to transition. She has found a way to work her transition to make it easy for her as a college student, and because I SUPPORT trying the method that makes you the most happy naturally, I decided to share! Read on to hear how Camielleās working to embrace her natural texture!
How long have you been natural?
Almost a year! (Blogger Note: Applause, ladies and gents!) My last relaxer was 9 months ago as of December.
So what made you decide to go natural?
Well, a couple things: 1. Curiosity ā I have not been natural since I was 10 or 11, and I was curious to see what my natural hair looks like. 2. I was the only person who got relaxers regularly in my family - Ā all my cousins and siblings have really nice hair. I like the texture and I figured āif they have it I should too.ā 3. I always wanted to do it, and now seemed like the most opportune time.
Haha, thatās pretty awesome. If you please, describe your hair journey thus far.
Well, itās been pretty easy: the first 3 months (Mar ā Jun) was the normal relaxer grow-out phase, nothing different, really. Over the summer, when things would have gotten harder, I was studying abroad in the Dominican Republic. I was kind of worried about that, but I was able to get my hair done every week because it was $2.50, so I would just go in. (BN: How can you ARGUE with that price!! Someone take me to the DR, please!) I never had the āI need to get a relaxerā moments because I went to get my hair done. When I came back in August I was wearing it in a gelled/funky way for a month, then I started a treatment with my hairstylist in September. I havenāt had a āplightā because there wasnāt one. I have had no reason to go back to a relaxer.
Interesting! Itās amazing that the movement has gotten to a place where professional help is now able to help you get through the work and struggle. Since you get your hair worked professionally, do you have any go-to products?
Well, my go-to product is this treatment, because I donāt have to do anything. Itās really nice in that, with this treatment, I donāt have to change my products at all ā my old products are still the same, and the treatment is still the same. There is a special shampoo/conditioner that comes with it, so I use those. Everything else is exactly the same. I havenāt changed them as of yet!
Word? Thatās pretty neat! Can you describe your hair for us?
So I have 5 different textures [laughs], but I really do! The front is more loose wavesā¦yeahā¦loose waves are in the front half, and the other half [is full of] loose curls. The center is more like a puff ā it just growsā¦the center has a mind of its own! I donāt understand it at all [laughs]. The back half is a combination of accordion waves, and then accordion curls. Like I said, 5 different textures! I didnāt believe my hairdresser when she told me, but itās the truth.
Haha, thatās pretty cool! Do you have any favorite bloggers/vloggers/naturalistas?
Not really ā I havenāt done too much research about going natural. I just go to my hairdresser and she tells me what to do. I havenāt researched too much on internet yet, but will do more research as my hair becomes more natural. (BN: Sheās working to grow out alllll of her relaxer ā transitioning and cutting it slowly until itās all natural, with no permed hair on her head.)
Alright, I feel that. Your method of going natural is interesting ā itās not the average journey, to say the least! Why did you choose to transition this way?
Well, a couple of reasons: first, it just seemed so much easier for me. I am not the type of person who necessarily likes to do her own hair, and even though I did, I just never liked it. I knew transitioning would be harder for me because Iād have two different textures [relaxed and natural] and would have to figure out how to work with those two ā or six. Doing it this way would be a lot easier for me because when I did it before I would get to that point in 4-5 months where my hair would break and shed and Iād run to my hairdresser and ask for a relaxer. (BN: I know a lot of people whoāve been there. I had a couple of those thoughts myself!) This way I blow dry it and Iām done, and I donāt have the same stress. Second is my hairdresser. I trust her with the life of my hair, and when I told her I wanted to transition she said āhereās the easiest way for you and for your hairā. Third, I didnāt want to do the big chop. I didnāt want to cut my hair at all. Hereās a way to look like I have a relaxer even though I donāt have one at all, and the treatment can also be used by people who are done transitioning because itās an easy way to care for your hair, but itās specifically for people who are transitioning because itās the easiest [way Iāve seen].
(BN: I plan on presenting my thoughts about the different ways to transition & wear non-relaxed hair soon. I may not use these types of processes, but they ARE an alternative that quite a few people choose!)
Okay, that makes a lot of sense, especially as a college student with a million and one other things to worry about. In that case, will you start doing it on your own someday? How will you handle that?
Um, Iāll probably start wearing it out in a couple months, probably around graduation time ā so like June. Iāll start wearing it natural when the length that I have it now straight will match [when I start wearing it] curly. Weāre cutting the relaxer off [as it grows] so that itās all natural. I should be done transitioning around June, so thatās when Iāll start wearing it natural. Dealing with the different textures ā relaxed and natural ā is just too much [for me], so when I have a full head of natural hair, Iāll start figuring things out.
Alright, word! Itāll definitely be a new and interesting turn in your natural journey. So from your experiences, what is one tip/insight youād like to share with others?
I think something thatās really important is to talk to a hairdresser who knows your hair really well. If youāve gone to the same person for a while talk to them and see what would be best for your transitioning process. (BN: I actually donāt think this is a bad idea.)Ā There are lots of ways to do it other than mine, and mine is costlier than most (BN: I lay out her treatment process, the stylist, and the prices for her services in the next feature!). I wouldnāt have known how to do it if I hadnāt talked to my stylist. Itās important to get professional consultation because they might know of a product that will help ease the process more and make it less frustrating.
A super huge shout-out to Camielle for sharing her unique hair journey with us! Naturals, I know this isnāt the normal way of transitioning, but I do support anything that will help women achieve healthy, natural hair. To find out more about Camielleās treatment, CLICK HERE for my feature on her stylist, Melvina Cox!
xo,
Rebecca
Your thoughts, Kats? Do share! Have you heard of treatments like Camielleās? Do you use them or like them? What reactions, reviews, or similar experiences have you come across?
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INTERVIEW: Melvina Cox, Chicago Beautician & Trichologist
Nappturals,
Camielleās hairstylist was gracious enough to share a bit of information about herself, her skills, and the services she offers (and Camielle gave her a nice review to boot!). Sheās a veteran in the game (an almost 40-year hairstyling vet, to be exact!) and has a passion for helping each of her clients achieve their healthiest hair yet. Read on to find out about Melvina Cox, a Chicago Hair and Beauty Expert who wants to help each of us have our fullest, longest, and healthiest tresses!
Ā SPECS:
Melvina Cox, Hair Haven Beauty Spa ā 2600 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago
38 Year beauty vet, expertise in all types of hair
Haircare Educator, Cosmetology Instructor
Certified Hair Loss Specialist (Trichology is herĀ focus)
Her Moniker: āLess heat, more health!!ā
(also, a Namaste pro for 14 years ā check out her LinkedIn!)
Why She Loves Her Job: āI love the aspect of having control of my hair and doing what I can to keep it healthy.ā
Camielle Says: āEveryone calls her āThe Hair Doctorā. She knows how to deal with every type of hair, knows how to make it grow and condition it in order for it to be truly healthy hair. Iāve been going to her since my sophomore year of high school (so 6-7 years), and at the time I had chemically damaged hair ā all but two inches from my roots was damaged! I went to her twice a month and her treatment helped grow back all my hair in a little over a year.ā
Ā SERVICES & $$:
Private Consultations: $25 for 30 minutes
Wash: $60-75
Scalp Treatment: $25 as of 2/21/13, $45 value
DC & Strengthening Treatment (Camilleās): $185 for students, $300 value
What is it?: A strengthening system that utilizes sulfates and amino acids to help soften and stretch the hair. Itās similar to Keratin, but unlike that procedure you can shampoo this one right out! Comes in two different treatment strengths and can be flexed to whatever you desire for your hair.
Other Services: Curler Rods & Flexi-Rod Styling, Sulfur Wraps, Extensions, or Custom Styles
BN: Sulfates can sometimes be a buzzword as a bad substance for the hair, but it is only bad if you OVERUSE IT (in accordance with your curl type). Check out what CurlyNikki & Black Girl With Long Hair found out about sulfates and our natural curls! (Click the Links!)
Camielle Says: āI donāt mind paying her prices because I know that she knows what sheās doing. Youāre able to build a rapport with her ā she knows your hair, and can tell you things you donāt know about yourself.ā
Ā A BIT MORE:
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āShe takes her job very seriously. Lots of hairdressers wouldnāt take the time to know you and your hair, but she does. There are different treatments that she does for your hair that she may not do for the next person. Itās a case by case basis in how she handles [her clientsā] hair. For example, she uses an extra special conditioner for my hair because I have a dry scalp.ā āCamielle
Ā --
As you can see KittyKats, with almost 40 years in the game and one (of many, I'm sure) happy clients in tow, Ms. Mel (as sheās affectionately called) is a pro in the game. I understand that on a college studentās budget some of her services might be out of reach, but for the naturalista who wants an expert eye on their strands, sheās definitely a good way to go. Youāll get your moneyās worth, guaranteed (and thatās huge for me to say when Iām āallergicā to beauticians!).
Ā Check her out, and when you do, give NK a shoutout, and do tell me how it goes!
xo,
Rebecca
What do you think, Naturals? Will you or have you gone to Ms. Mel? What are your feelings about stylists/beauticians and natural hair?
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This is my favorite! Cuter than cute itself!
@cymoneregineās Protective style šš #luvyourmane #blackgirlsrock #blackisbeautiful #naturalhair #naturalistas #naturalhairrocks #naturalhairsistas #naturalhairstyles
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EVERYTHING.
Sister Sister #fashion#montreal#african#sisters#photoshoot#natural
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Natural queen with a style so MEAN!
Apparel: http://www.triplelsociety.com/
Model: http://kaymulan.tumblr.com/
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The color, the lip. Just gorgeous.Ā
started editing.
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Beautiful.
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Beycause.
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PRO-TIPS from Melvina Cox!
Melvina not only shared info about her amazing services, but dropped a couple wisdom-nuggets on how to keep your hair at its very best. Hereās her top 4 tips on how to achieve your best hair yet (click the links for the full scoop!):
Donāt Over-Moisturize! Melvina says: āHair absorbs so much moisture that people end up using too much for their hair.ā Moisturize smart! Understanding your curl type will help determine how much moisture you should place on your strands. Looser curls (Type 2-3) will need lighter moisturizers in different amountsĀ than tighter curls (Type 4 ā SHOUTOUT! ;] )
Feed your hair right! Melvina says: āUse a product with moisture that your hair will accept.ā This is all about porosity (meaning how much moisture a strand of your hair can retain). Learn your hairās porosity to understand how much moisture it needs and how often.
Keep it Clean! Melvina says: āHair should be shampooed every ten days to maintain a healthy amount of cleanliness. She recommends if youāre shampooing more often that you use products that will add moisture to your hair ā or add some moisture to your regular routine!
Stylists are Your Friend! Melvina says: āItās good and smart to find a hair professional to help you with your growth and maintenance.ā Once upon a time (and still in some areas, unfortunately) stylists were anti-natural and it was a bad move to go to them. That trend is quickly changing, however, as natural-focused stylists and shops are popping up nationwide. Magazines like Essence do a great job featuring these stylists, and local bloggers help you stay on top of the whoās who in your area. (I got you Evanston/Chicago!)
Canāt disagree with an expert, right? These are things that, though most of us know, itās smart to reiterate. Maybe thereās something youāve been doing at home that ā with a slight adjustment ā could lead to the healthiest head of hair youāve ever had! Let me know how this helps! ;)
xo,
Rebecca
Sound off, NappyKats! Any adjustments youāre making to your haircare? What is foolproof for you? What mistakes have you made?
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