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Author Zimkhitha Sulelo's Hair Journey & Favorite Products

Three years ago I did the big chop and started my natural hair journey. It wasn't planned and unlike a lot of unplanned things, cutting my hair turned out to be the best decision I have ever made.

While I watched my hair grow, something amazing happened.

I fell in love with my natural hair again which I haven't really been since my first relaxer. It was thick and had a healthy natural glow. I realized that I have been paying good money to achieve similar results without any success.

If someone told me all I needed was a pair of scissors, and a brave hair stylist who wouldn't argue against the big chop, I would have done it years ago.

It has been an interesting journey and I had to learn to be patient with my hair. Hair growth does not happen overnight and hair envy is a killer.

Go to those YouTube channels for inspiration, but don't expect to achieve the same hair growth because we all have different hair types.

Here are my top 5 products that have been keeping my hair looking good.

1. Water

This might come as a surprise for some, but it is the most important for hair growth. Natural hair can be very dry at times, so, moisturize, moisturize and moisturize. Make sure that your natural hair products are water-based for added moisture. Read those labels like you would read food labels.

To make sure that my hair gets enough moisture I mix water with olive oil and spray m

Rhino Africa Author Zimkhitha Sulelo Stylin' On Em'
Author Zimkhitha Sulelo Stylin' On Em'

y hair regularly before using any other hairspray. I choose olive oil because it is readily available in my kitchen, but there are so many good natural oils out there to pick from.

2. Tresemme Naturals Conditioner

Naturals hunt for a good conditioner like it's gold, because shampoo is a bare necessity but a really good conditioner is a life-saver. With this conditioner the packaging grabbed me and I think the word NATURALS written in bold had something to do with it. On close inspection it got even better.

It's silicone free which means my hair will not be left sticky and dull. And if you are into organic foods, you will be happy to know that this conditioner has organic orange extracts. It smells like citrus heaven too. When I am feeling too lazy to wash my hair I think of this as my reward for doing it anyway.

3. ORS Hair Fertilizer

After a protective hairstyle I find that my hair gets very dry and before I do anything I use this hair fertilizer and gently comb it out from top then roots to avoid further hair loss. My water bottle with olive oil is never too far away and I spray it whenever I feel like its needed. This hair fertilizer is water based, so it's perfect for dry hair.

4. Dark and Lovely Night Wrap Cream

I have used Dark and Lovely products all my life and when I decided to go natural I didn't find anything suitable for my hair. So you can imagine my surprise when I saw this night wrap cream. I inspected it suspiciously because it looked so much like a relaxer tub, but anything with Amla Oil, is good to me. I decided to give it a try. I just love how my hair feels in the morning. It looks soft and has a healthy shine that makes the night wrap ritual worth it. I also use it when I am twisting my hair just to seal in the moisture.

5. ORS Olive Oil Spray

This is the only spray in a can that gives the instant healthy shine for my protective styles with a smell that I can tolerate. I used to use two different hairsprays, one for a healthy shine and one to mask the smell till I found this one. I am sure my pillows are happy too.

A lot of people are going natural these days and there are a lot of miracle products out there, but you can't keep buying new products. It's good to try new products, in fact its a necessity but always stick to the products that keep your hair looking healthy and strong. It's all about good healthy hair after all.

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How To Rock Killer Crotchet Braids In 2015

Crochet braids have really made a comeback more than ever and has made an impact as something that woman can do themselves. You have seen successful stories on Instagram, numerous pictures in groups on Facebook, and many pictures on Pinterest being pinned to our “styles to do” boards.

We all want to know how to make this style look as sleek and natural as possible, so we ask many questions and try different tips to make sure that the install is just that. Keep these tips in mind when doing your crochet braids install:

Tips for getting the look you want:

  • Have a "hair inspiration" photo for the hairstyle you want to have.
  • Detangle your hair with a paddle brush.
  • Use hot water for a tighter curl.
  • Keep in mind that crochet braids are a protective style and shouldn't be permanent.

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Natural Hair Is Going Mainstream - Why Isn't It Going Hollywood?

More and more black women are shunning wigs, chemical straighteners and flat irons in favor of wearing and celebrating the hair they were born with—but you wouldn't know it from the hairstyles shown on television.

In primetime, nearly every black female character—from Kerry Washington's high-powered handler on "Scandal" to Taraji P. Henson's Cookie Lyon on Lee Daniel's new series "Empire," plus Nicole Beharie ("Sleepy Hollow"), Gabrielle Union ("Being Mary Jane") and Alfre Woodward (playing the president in "State of Affairs") —wears a wig or weave. hollywood natural black hair

It is also nearly impossible to find real hair on reality television.

 

Lee's Article Highlights:

    • The natural hair movement movement is so big that major corporations are taking notice, businesses like Target, which has shelves dedicated to natural hair products for black women.

 

  • Fewer of today's shows are truly for us, by us, with black writers and producers and creators

 

 

  • According to image activist, Michaela Angela Davis, many actresses still think that natural hair means they're making a statement or that they need to be playing a character who is political or some kind of bad girl. Most actresses want to appear neutral so that Hollywood sees them as a candidate for any role.

 

(Go to full article)

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6 Steps To The Perfect Wash Day For Natural Hair Sistas!

Featured Author: Tangela, Founder of NaturalRootSista

Hello my NaturalRootSistas! Here are a few of my healthy hair wash day tips. My hair texture is between 3c-4a.

We all have different textures of hair and we all like for our hair to look and feel a certain way. My hair has to have softness, shine, definition, but most importantly it must be healthy.

It had gotten to the point that I was sick of putting different products on my hair to achieve the look I was going for, so I decided to come up with my own hair care regimen.

Step 1- The day before I wash my hair I always mix-up a blend of rich natural oils.

Tangela is Founder of NaturalRootSista and an official OMG Army Member...
Tangela is Founder of NaturalRootSista and an official OMG Army Member...

You need to apply this special mixture all over your hair from root to tip and make sure you really massage your scalp.

Oils used: Rice bran oil, grape seed, and avocado oil. (Apply on wet hair)

Step 2- Section your hair into 4-6 big twists, now place a plastic cap over your hair and wrap it up with a hair scarf and leave it on overnight.

Step 3- The next day wash your oils out with a sulfate-free shampoo or whatever you feel your hair texture needs.

Step 4- I condition my hair with sulfate free conditioner as well, I leave it in for 20 minutes and use my Q-Redew Hand-held Hair Steamer.

Step 5- I wash the conditioner out with cool water. The benefits are that cold water retains your hair’s moisture and leaves your hair less prone to frizz.
Most people add moisturizer or whatever to style their hair. This is a mix I make to get my hair on the right track for the week. And yes I do add moisturizer (I make my own) sometimes on the third or fourth day. I keep my hair shiny and soft with this method.

Ingredients for my mix: Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Black Seed Oil, Aloe Vera Gel.

I used 1/3 cup of each oil in equal parts.

Step 6-
I section my hair into four sections and apply this mixture from root to tip while the hair is damp. You may need to mist your hair throughout the process.

Now style as usual. Done.

Follow these steps and send me photos on your results!

 

Get more from Tangela at www.naturalrootsista.com

[email protected]

https://twitter.com/naturalrootsis1

Interested in being a guest author? Email me at [email protected]

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Natural Hair Movement Hits The Neglectful Hair Care Industry In The Pockets

CEO Jane Carter says she has seen “definite” changes in the hair industry as black women chose to spend money on nurturing their hair rather than disguising it.

Women no longer must bow down to straight hair and the perfection demanded of them in glossy magazines and celebrity culture and are making a statement, she says.

Women that really take a stance like this—whether it is political, or to say “‘I love myself,’—are making the same statement as those who moved forward in the civil rights movement.”teamnatural

She says that only in the last six years has she seen young women decline to relax their hair, making it smoother and silkier.

Lee's Article Highlights:

  • It really is impressive to see the amount of support naturals have given each other through social media channels. Naturals have truly created a self-supporting and empowering beauty movement that is now starting to effect the big hair care companies in the pocket because of the years of neglect.
  •  This one isn't exactly an article highlight, just my thoughts, I'm so proud to be a #teamnatural and #naturalhairmovement supporter. It really is one of the most exciting shifts in the psyche of black women that I've seen in my lifetime, the effects are nothing but positive. As your biggest male cheerleader, I must say, I'm proud of you!
  •  The best selling hair products for naturals are not being bought from the giants who ignored black women for decades.Now that they are losing money because of the movement, I can only think that we'll soon see these same companies who've never put natural hair on display or even tried to make products for kinky textured hair jump on the band wagon in the next couple years. My question is, should you support them when this happens? (Leave a comment below...)

 

(Go to full article)

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What Exactly Is Hair Porosity? And How To Manage It...

hair porosity
Porosity is defined as your hair’s ability to absorb water or other chemicals into the shaft of the hair. All hair is porous but your level of porosity will vary based on genetics and the amount of damage that the cuticle layer has been subjected to. Processes such as coloring the hair, heat styling or relaxing are examples that can affect increase the porosity of hair. Also, daily maintenance such as detangling and shampooing can sometimes affect the cuticle layer.

Porosity is usually measured as being low, medium or high. Highly porous hair absorbs a lot of water, but it also means it released moisture fast, meaning it is harder to keep highly porous hair moisturized! Low porous hair will hold on to moisture longer, but it is more difficult for the hair to pull in the water.

Lee's Video Highlights:

  • You cannot change the level of porosity you were born with but you can change how large the cuticles on your hair shaft enlarge by limiting the manipulation of your hair in its entirety.
  • If you have high porous hair it's suggested to occasionally try an apple cider vinegar rinse in order to lower the pH of hair which will help to close cuticles tighter and trap moisture in
  • If you have hair with low porosity that is resistant to moisture you can help infuse moisture into your hair by incorporating a hair steamer into your hair care regimen.
  • Another cool tip for low porosity hair is to soak your hair in natural alkaline water for a few minutes just to slightly increase the pH of it, this helps open the cuticle more and infuses more moisture into the hair strands.

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Curly Nikki's "Better Than Good Hair" Book Gets Rave Reviews - 4.5 Stars

The fresh new handbook on how to achieve and maintain stylish natural hair, from one of the savviest and most revered expert on coils and curls

These days there's a revolution going on. A natural hair revolution...

Relaxers are out. Weaves are so yesterday.

Tired of damage from expensive chemical treatments and artificial enhancers, women of color are going natural thanks to many natural hair enthusiasts and supporters, one of these people is Nikki Walton of CurlyNikki.com, the natural hair blogger and online hair therapy expert.

In Better Than Good Hair, this gifted "cblackhairomg - Lee torrey - curly nikkiurl whisperer" educates women on how to transition from relaxed to completely natural hair, with advice and styles for every length—from Fierce Braid-and-Curls to Fancy Faux Buns.

She also counsels those considering the "big chop"—cutting it all off at once to sport a bold and beautiful "teeny weeny afro." Here, too, is essential guidance for parents of mixed-race children dealing with new and unfamiliar hair textures and styles.

Lee's Review Highlights: First off, I love everything about Curly Nikki. She's a beautiful and brilliant businesswoman who cares about her readers. To see her success makes me proud. So when I saw HUNDREDS of amazing reviews for her "Better Than Good Hair" book I was pretty geeked for her. Out of 260+ real person reviews, she only has 4 "haters"(people that gave her book 1 star), most of her readers are loving the book. In my opinion, you get more scientific and in-depth info from "The Science of Black Hair" book from Audrey Davis-Sivasothy but Curly Nikki delivers more entertainment value. I'll share some of the customer reviews below...

5-Star Reviews from real customers... (5 out of 169 comments)

Positive customer review from Places2Love -

  • The Quintessential Kinky/Curly Encyclopedia: Whether you are an inquisitive newly natural beauty or a natural hair expert/goddess looking to give your friends some sound advice, Better Than Good Hair is it! There are great features from Nikki AND many of the hair bloggers and youtubers that the natural experts will be familiar with and the newcomers will glean from. I was discouraged when I first saw the reviews that said this book was just like the website (and I almost did not buy it). But in actuality the layout, conciseness, and illustrations make this a very user-friendly, quickly accessible MANUAL for readers of all ages, transcending just a website that can take hours upon hours to search. Moreover, it should be comforting to the natural hair experts that the quality hair principles you have experimented with and learned by trial and error are encapsulated in one handy reference guide. I just hope updated editions will be printed every few years :-). As a bonus, Kim Wayans adds a hilarious and fitting foreword that makes me wonder when her first book will be coming out because I would buy it!

Positive customer review from Chrishonda Davis -

  • Loved It: I love this book It really breaks down how to care for your natural hair during all stages, not only that, it doesn't ridicule those who prefer to relax or chemically alter their hair. It simply encourages you to take the right steps in caring for your hair no matter how you choose to wear it. Nikki helps you have confidence in your hair and yourself.

 

Positive customer review from SDO "Swtdrk1" -

  • It's Better Than Just a Hair Book: I have been natural for almost 4 years and what I love about this book the most is it is a guide, a source of information. As I was reading it I was nodding in agreement. I was laughing and I was intrigued. Even though I am going on 4 years I can always benefit from things I didn't know or haven't tried and that is what BTGH is for me...information that I don't have to keep in my head. I can simply go back to that section of the book. I had to get my daughter her own copy, because there will be no borrowing. 🙂

 

Positive customer review from Angela P. -

  • Very Informative & Good Read: I've been natural well over 5 years and was able to take away some very good tips from this book. Nikki never disappoints. She has been humble from the beginning and is extremely clear in the book that this is not about her, but about US. I bought 3 copies and plan to buy more just to give away. This is a Godsend for anyone considering to go natural or for anyone who has been natural for years. Not many hair books can accomplish that.

 

Positive customer review from Deborah Houston, TX -

  • Amazing Book: It took me a while to finish this book (not because it's not good) because I'm so busy. However, I finally finished the book and I just have one word AMAZING!! I was on the Curly Nikki forum for 2 years, and reading this book was just like being on the forum but better. I like the way the book was organized, the information provided, and how Nikki used ladies that contributed to the forum to share their natural experiences. I don't know maybe it was just me, but I felt connect to the book and the articles. I have been natural for 3+ years, and the content of this book is still relevant for all of my natural hair care needs!! I only wish it had been around when I BC'ed!! Love you Nikki please keep up the good work!! Deb

 

1- Star Reviews from real customers (2 out of 4 comments)

Negative customer review from Bobby Ray -

  • Don't Waste Your Money: I check this book out from my local library, save your money and do the same.
    All the information in the book can be found on CurlyNikki or any other natural hair blog. The photos & illustrations are in black and white and look cheap and tacky!
    The book covers big chopping, transitioning, 5yrs natural and natural kids but nothing for naturals that are regular folks with medium length strands. The book seem dated to me I wanted color photos of "hair porn" you get none of that.
    Bottom line dont waste your money, honey check it out if need be at your local library!

Negative customer review from Steph -

  • Over-rated: It does not address enough about people with fine hair. Glad I was able to support a black author though. (Author note: Even the Science of Black Hair book got 2 bad reviews out of 400, someone will always complain, that's life so take it for what it is. )

 

(See All of The Reviews for "Better Than Good Hair" Book Here)

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Fired Weather Woman Rhonda Lee Has New Job & No Regrets After Defending Her Natural Hair

Rhonda Lee had long been told that she needed to make her natural hair "more pleasing to a wider audience," she told HuffPost Live on Thursday, but she never expected her hair style to actually compromise her job.

Lee, an African American woman who currently works as a meteorologist for WeatherNation TV, recalled how comments she made in response to Internet vitriol targeting her hair ultimately led to her being fired by her former network.rhonda lee natural hair

Lee's Article Highlights:

  • Rhonda says it's a blessing and a curse that people can say exactly what they think about you at any given time on social media.
  • It's amazing to think people consider statements about your own hair "controversial", as Rhonda said, she didn't consider her hair to be controversial but something that grows out of her head.
  • Rhonda Lee was told on her job interview at KTBS 3 News, an ABC affiliate in Shreveport, Louisiana, that it was seen as "the white station" in town, later she was told she might want to change her hair to appeal to a "wider" audience.

(Go to full article)

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Are Non-Black Women Flaunting Their Hair Or Just Being.... Women?

It's like they automatically assume all black women are jealous and bald. My hair is to the middle of my back and I'm currently rocking a press. When I straighten my hair most people assume it's a weave and these women at my college are a hot mess.

They will literally keep running their hands through their hair then look back at you, like you're suppose to be upset. This is way to common and very annoying. Just had to rant, I know others have probably noticed this as well.

black women vs white womenLee's Article Highlights: This was an interesting mini-rant I noticed the other day on the lipstick alley forum. I honestly have never heard of this "phenomena" (as one forum member called it), my first reaction is to think the original poster is being a bit over-reactive. Women fuss with their hair, it's what they do. Just because someone with different hair from you fusses with it around you doesn't mean they are trying to make a statement. There really is no statement to make.

I did take note that many of the other forum commenters didn't notice this or think anything sinister was going on. Sometimes people need to worry about themselves more and not look for reasons to get upset. Don't get me wrong,

I'm sure it has happened before, but to assume a woman flipping their hair is directly against you is as crazy as saying that every woman that flips her hair around me "wants me" (which some guys actually think, lol). Fussing with their hair is a what women do. No need to read more into it.

  • Many women in the forum thread said that they played with their hair all the time so they aren't taking offense to someone of another race doing so.
  • Not to be discounted, many women identified with the mini-rant and said that they noticed this going on.
  • One of my favorite comments in the entire thread was " LOL. To be honest I don't typically pay attention to other women's hair regardless of race. I prefer my natural hair so even if another woman was trying to flaunt her hair I wouldn't have noticed because I wouldn't have cared." That's what I'm hollerin'!

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Porsha Williams' Natural Hair Is BOMB - and Hidden

Hairstylist Kellon Deryck shared the same photo and added, "@porsha4real got hella hair but it's time to put that #flawlessillusion back in"

So what exactly is Williams using to get her hair so grand? What do you know, she has her own hair extensions line. Her high-fashion hair line is described as "premium quality virgin human hair extensions," the products promise to give any women that Real Housewives style.

 

Natural For a few Seconds Porsha Williams Shows Off Her Real
Lee's Article Highlights:

  • I'm loving that Porsha's natural hair is looking so beautiful, Natural For a few Seconds Porsha Williams Shows Off Her RealI'm hating that she only shows it as a teaser to the next weave. I agree with Porsha's stylist, the constant weave is an illusion, I'd disagree that it's flawless though. The flaw is acting like your own hair isn't acceptable and not good enough to be seen in public.
  • Porsha looked naturally beautiful in her shortly-lived natural hair moment. Genuinely beautiful, but.... She feels the need to... Ahhh forget it. Do what you wanna do Porsha.
  • Porsha Williams is definitely a weave queen, it'll be interesting to see if that changes one day. Sometimes I have to wave the white flag and hope for the best, this is one those moments.

 

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