A Story of Transition: Jasmine

Ladies, meet Jasmine! A natural hair transitioner with a pretty awesome story, I hope you all enjoy it!

Please introduce yourself!

My name is Jasmine, I'm 22, I'm originally from West Virginia, but now I'm living in Nashville, TN. I'm currently majoring in Criminal Justice, & I'm an aspiring makeup artist.

When did you decide you wanted to transition to natural?

Well, I started watching YouTube videos about the subject. Eventually I came across this blog, & just started reading. However, I still wasn't 100% sold on the idea yet. I ended up having to stay in the hospital in early February of 2010, my nurse had locs. So I just started asking questions, & she was just happy to tell me everything I wanted to know. It was then and there that I realized that I was gonna go natural.

Do you plan on being a long term transitioner or a short term?

LONG TERM! I have a TON of respect for women who do the big chop. I've worn short hair before, but I didn't want it to be THAT short. So, I knew that I wanted to retain length. I'm currently 15 months in; I plan on cutting the relaxed ends off once I reach 24 months.

Captured Curls: Jillz

So, I have been trying to get this cool chick on my blog for a while and she is FINALLY featured! Jillz is a very talented young lady with awesome curls and style. I hope you all enjoy her story as much as I did, enjoy! 

Please, introduce yourself!

I'm Jillz but mostly known as Elle Maxwell (the lyricist). I'm a student, optimist, and most importantly an artist. Currently residing in Southeast, Washington, DC I'm trying to figure out where I fit into the script for this play called "Life".

What is your current hair care regimen?

My current hair regimen differs depending on which way I'm wearing my hair. Now that my hair is at a nice length since I went natural (again), I wear it straight majority of the time. When I do wear it this way I usually just wash with Creme of Nature Sunflower and Coconut Detangling Conditioning Shampoo, condition with Cantu Shea Butter Rinse Out Conditioner, then put Carol's Daughter Hair Balm on my hair (just a little) before I blow dry it and flat iron it. I don't like applying too much heat to my hair than needed so to keep up my style I either pin curl it or just wear a satin bonnet at night. My hair is also naturally thin so I tend to lean more towards the satin bonnet. It gives my hair a bump on the morning.

When my hair is in its natural state I wash with the Cream of Nature shampoo, condition with Cantu, then put on Creme of Nature Lemongrass & Rosemary Leave-in Creme Conditioner. To keep my curls I just add a layer of Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk.

Protective Style Challenge

As many of you know, I've been wearing protective styles for months now. Since about December I have tried to wear my hair (95% of the time) in low maintenance styles that include wearing my ends protected, tucked, ect. By December this year I hope to be at or close to arm pit length when my hair is stretched. I definitely think that it's possible to attain and retain that goal and hair length.

I am inviting you ladies to join me in a 3 month PS challenge! (I will keep up the PS challenge after the 3 months is over-- you are welcomed to as well). This challenge will be simple, fun and a way for us to come together and "fellowship" in a positive way while uplifting one another on our growth journeys. Whether you are growing out a TWA, a bad hair cut, dye job or just want to set a hair goal for yourself and reach it-- you are all welcomed! If this is something you'd be interested in click the jump for details.

Great Slip with Vo5's Strawberries and Cream Conditioner

CVS, $0.89

Ingredients: Water Aqua, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Stearalkonium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol, Steareth-21, Glyceryl Stearate, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Tocopherol Acetate, Biotin, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 20, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance Parfum, Red 33 CI 17200

Ingredient Attributes: silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, glycerin free (via Naturally Curly)

My Experience: I have heard so many good things about Vo5's conditioners from fellow naturals. The product is cheap and provides great slip while detangling. I saw that it was on sale for $0.89 at CVS and I had to get a bottle to try for myself! Y'all know I love a bargain so a 15oz conditioner for LESS than $1 was an awesome buy. I've gone into a few different CVS before looking for the strawberries and cream conditioner but it was always sold out, so I was happy to get my hands on it this time around.  I used this conditioner while taking down the cornrows under my weave install. Every cornrow I took down, I lathered with conditioner, detangled and clipped off the the side to prevent matting and tangles. I was so impressed at how well my hair responded to it. My shed hair literally slid out very easily without snagging or knotting around my hair strands. I should have bought a few bottles of this stuff because I love it.  It smells like a great, like strawberry ice cream and it gets the job done.  I have also used it to co-wash and I was also very satisfied at the results. My hair was soft, moisturized and easy to comb through once the conditioner was rinsed out. My experience with this Vo5 conditioner was good and I am glad I gave it a try to see what all the hype was about. 

Overall: I like this conditioner and I will be repurchasing when I see it on sale for just 89 cents! Such a great buy and it works very well. I would definitely recommend kinky, coily, curly haired ladies to try this out if you need a product that provided great slip at a affordable cost.

Captured Curls: Javania

Ladies meet Javania! I came across this natural hair beauty and her awesome hair via Twitter a couple of weeks ago. Once I clicked her avi picture and saw her hair I had to have her featured so I quickly shot her a DM to see if she was interested, she was!

 I liked reading her about her journey and I'm sure you will too! Click the jump to read Javania's story.

Hair Rules Kinky Curl Cream

I stumbled across my Hair Rules Kinky Curl Cream under my sink a couple of days ago and decided to give it a try AGAIN. The first 2 times I was not a fan of the product but this time around I got great definition using the products as a styling aid for twisting in prep for a twist out versus a wash n go.

I made a YouTube video that will be posted under the jump and I wanted to get you fellow naturals opinion on something. This products description is "This amazing, ultra-moisturizing curling cream transforms spongy 'fro and kinks into bouncy, luscious spirals, simply and effortlessly. Stretches and defines tightly wound tresses without chemical or thermal manipulation." Now, the part I highlighted in red is what I disagree with, personally I do not think that tight kinky hair cannot be "transformed" into BOUNCY LUSCIOUS SPIRALS but that's just my opinion. In my mind I am picturing type 4 curls becoming type 3 curls-- maybe it's just me. HairRules YT channel left a comment on the video which you can check out for yourself. Doesn't seem like they were too keen on my opinion. 

I do think that there are products on the market, like this one, that can definitely enhance the natural curl pattern of ones hair but NO PRODUCT can give you what you don't already have. What do you ladies think about that? Please leave your comments in the box below, I think this can lead to some GREAT natural hair convo. 

xoxo,

Alex

Simple Summer Style

Yesterday I decided I had enough of wearing my hair out. It's been very humid in the DC area and my hair has been a frizzy mess lately! So I decided to throw it in a cute little bun and add bangs and a flower to give the style a little "umph!"

Read below on how I achieved this Simple Summer Style

A Man's P.O.V: Cas

  

1. How important is a woman's hair to you? Especially if you are dating her, does she have to wear her hair a certain way to keep grab your interest? (i.e. which styles down vs. ponytail vs. bun, hair length?)

I once heard it said that a woman's hair is like her jewel. It is her ultimate accessory and the pride and care she takes in it and puts into it are a reflection of how she feels about herself. A woman's hair is important to me, because I feel like it should be important to her. Hair is a large part of our outward appearance and a woman's hair style shows her style, her level of "hair care" shows how much she cares. I know that we live in a busy world but I do notice and appreciate those who find or make time to express their personalities not only through their clothing but with their hair as well. I personally like many styles varying from long to short to natural (although I have to admit I do have a weakness for long curly hair) but the main thing I look for is the fact that she put effort into doing something with her hair, And I ALWAYS notice that. It's one of the first things I look for.

2. Do you think that there is a 'Natural Hair Movement' or trend going on these days? Why do you think so many women are choosing to go natural now, do you think it's a fad?

I'm not sure it there is a 'Natural Hair Movement' or trend going on right now, but I would fully support one. I think a few people are trying to do something different and natural is the way they are going.  I try to encourage my friends and co workers to "go natural" and those who have look great. I think that weaves and un-natural styles will always be more popular because it is easier and culturally accepted on a wider scale. Long Silky hair is taught as the general standard of beauty for girls from the time they are playing with dolls on throughout their lives. I don't think Natural is big enough to even be considered a fad. If it is a movement it's a underground movement. and it will probably stay that way until culture becomes more accepting of the beauty of natural hair

3. Would you support your partner or family members (i.e. mother, sister, daughter) if she decided to become natural?

I think it is important for anyone to find their own personal style and hair is a big part of that. I would fully support anyone in my life going natural to express their sense of style. My sister had very long permed straight hair.  I admit, when she cut it all off so that it was shorter than my hair I was upset with her... and I let her know how I felt. She decided after some time to let her hair grow again and kept it natural and I would compliment her at every opportunity because the style fit her personality, and it looked good. Natural hair is beautiful as long as it is cared for. to quote a rapper "effort is all I ask."

4. How important is hair texture to you? If your significant other were to go natural, would the texture of her hair affect your opinions on wheather she should remain natural or not?

Hair texture is not that big of a deal for me. I like soft hair. But if my significant other to go natural I don't think the texture of her hair would affect anything. I would just be happy she was going natural.

5. What is your definition of "Good Hair" and how do you feel about the word "Nappy?"

I would say "Good Hair" would be just nice very manageable hair that is well kept. The word "Nappy" doesn't affend me or make me mad. Some people just have coarse hair and just need to know how to manage it better.

6. Would you rather your partner wear her hair natural or in a weave? Why or why not?

I would much rather she wear her hair natural. I'm not into weaves at all. I just like a woman to wear her hair natural. It's sexy to me and seems rare to me.  I feel a woman wearing her hair natural is more comfortable also. She didn't have to go to weave to achieve some "new look". Weave is deceiving to me.

7. If you are involved with a woman do you think she should consult with you when it comes to making changes to her hair?

I would hope she would just let me know what she was going to do to it. But at the end of the day it's her hair and she can do what she likes. I'll support her.

8. Why does it seem like some men are "hung up" on hair length? Does it matter to you?

I think men just want their kids to have long hair if they have a girl. Hair length doesn't really matter to me. But I do love a woman with long hair, seems kind of rare now days also.

9. Would you be supportive in your partner's journey to go natural?

I would be 100% supportive with her journey to natural hair. I've already supported to female coworkers. I think it's a tuff process and the support is needed.

10. What makes black women and their hair unique and beautiful to you?

The texture and the amount of styles they can wear.

11. Who is your favorite "curly girl?" (i.e. celebrity, actress, friend, etc.)

I don't have a favorite oddly enough but here are a few ladies hair that I like. I like yours to be honest. 

Kovert Kotten Towel Giveaway!

Giveaways GALORE have been going on lately; y'all are some spoiled blog readers and I love it! I was contacted by the winner of my latest giveaway Kay, aka LoveNWright, to host ANOTHER giveaway for an item that I AM IN LOVE with just from reading the description! The item being given to one lucky read is Kay's Kovert Kotton Towel, you curly girls are going to love this! Read the description and entry rules below. GOOD LUCK!  

Captured Curls: Jenna

Everyone meet Jenna! I came across Jenna and her awesome hair via Twitter earlier this week. I had to have her and her gorgeous mane featured so I quickly shot her a DM to get the ball rolling! I liked reading her about her journey and I'm sure you will too! Click the jump for Jenna's lovely feature.