Natural Is…Anticipating Summer!!!

With summer fast approaching and bathing suits being prepared for the beach, what to do with our hair always come to mind. How can we prepare our hair for summer? Should I change it up this year?

Well if you’re wondering the first question, how to prepare your hair, then look for no simpler answer then here at Natural Is… The best thing about summer is good ole sun. Momma always said that if you stay out in the sun long enough you’re hair will lighten. This was true in my case, however, just like our skin needs some sort of SPF sunscreen, our hair needs something too; Moisture. Always use Shea based products? Humectants are natural ingredients that pull moisture from the air. Why not add some to your favorite moisturizer and give your hair an extra boost of moisture. Some humectants are Pure Aloe Vera Gel, Vitamin E and Glycerin. Remember, a little dab will do ya! Too much and your hair may be a victim to FRIZZ.

Always rock the same style? Why not try a protective style. There’s a bevy to choose from that are cute and fun. One that lasts a while is the two strand mini twist. These can be put in after washing your hair and taken out by your next wash day. You can wear em up if your hair is long and wear down if its on the short side. And best of all they can be converted into a funky twist out. Tell us some of your favorite styles.

Natural Is... Versatile!

So you're contemplating going natural but you're hesitant because you think your style choices will be few, that you'll always be limited to the "Afrocentric" look. Or, you've already decided to ditched the sodium hydroxide but find yourself in a rut, feeling like wearing your natural curls is strictly for hanging out with the girls on the weekend, not so much for the office or formal affairs. Well, ladies, that couldn't be further from the truth!!

True, it can and may very well take you (and others!) a while to get used to your newly-unearthed coils. But here's the thing girlies, your natural hair is just that: YOUR hair. It's as part of you as that mole on your index finger or that oddly-shaped birthmark on your tummy! Embrace it!

So why not take a free evening, get in front of that mirror and start playing around with some style options. It's 2011- it's time the world see that unprocessed hair doesn’t mean you’re "stickin' it to The Man" as it once did in years past, but that it can be chic, professional and elegant. Let's see what you can do:

*Business meeting on Monday? If you have some length, how about a simple slicked back pin-up or French roll? For a little more height, take the front section of the hair, roll and tuck it back for a painless pompadour à la Janelle Monàe! Got a TWA? Apply your favorite alcohol-free gel (we like Eco-Styler) along with your spray bottle water mixture (water + essential oils) and make those curls pop. Accessorize with some studs or a subtle, not-too-long drop earring to accent your business attire and hellooo Miss Career Woman!

*Date night to a fancy shmancy restaurant on Wednesday? Hmmm. Since this IS a week night, you probably don't have a whole lot of time to get ready so an easy breezy wash-n-go is in order! Dampen the hair, apply your staple moisturizing, curl-defining product, scrunch & diffuse (colder months) or shake & go (in the warmer months). Tuck a cute metallic hair accessory on one side to match your cute outfit and BAM!

*Wedding one week from Saturday & you still haven't a CLUE what hairstyle to wear? Well, no one said you couldn't steal-...umm, borrow one from a beautifully natural celeb. Try your hand at a middle-parted do with either side in large flat twists or French braids, meeting at the nape and rolled into a bun or left hanging (think Tracee Ellis Ross). If your hair hasn't quite reached that length yet, do what I've done...yup- the fro! Pick that hair out till you can't pick it anymore. Pat it, shape it & use a beautiful flower pin to accent!

So curly girlies, this is merely a taste of the infinite style options you have at your disposal. Look out for more style ideas coming soon.

Ciao for now!

Natural Is…Creative!

For the recent Big Chopper, this goes out to you!*

One of the best things about going natural is…you get to be creative! Aside from the array of hairstyles to choose from, accessories to play with and Youtube videos to watch on Going Natural, creativity can take you far. Here’s a fun and cute way to be creative as you embark/continue on your Natural Hair Journey.

Now that you’ve decided to take the complete plunge and rid your curls of creamy bondage, why not document your journey. Some have created a hair journey picture album showing their progress. However, if you’re anything like us and follow the beat of your own drum, why not make a Natural Hair Memory Box. This is a funky idea will not only capture your progress, but it will provide smiles on the days when you’ve had it up to here with your hair. What can I fill it with you ask. EVERYTHING!!!

1. Take pics of great hair days for days when you are having a bad one. 
2.   Print or tear out pics of your Natural Hair Inspirations. 
3. Take an index card and write the best compliment you’ve ever received on it and keep it in the box.
4. Have an absolute MUST READ WHEN GOING NATURAL that helped you get to where you are now; THROW IT IN THERE!!!
5. Got a ticket from your first Natural Hair Meet-Up keep it!

And the great thing about creating a Natural Hair Memory Box  is,  if you’re single or a soon to be mom why not keep it as something that you can pass on to your daughter when she gets old enough to take care of her own hair. If you’re a teenager who faces issues about your hair care choice, why not show kids, family members etc, why you LOVE your new style? And if you’re a great friend who wants to support a friend in her journey, why not put a bow on it and give it as a Going Natural Survival kit. The possibilities are ENDLESS!!!!

*Please note that this is great for all who are natural or contemplating going natural.