Naturalista Series™ Presents: Gabrielle Allen

What's your name and where are you from?

My name is Gabrielle Allen aka MsLizziA and I am from New Orleans,La.

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

I was natural when I was a kid up until about age 8. My mom relaxed my hair much against my aunt's, who is my hairdresser, wishes. I wasn't really inspired to go natural the very first time. I was curious about how my hair would look with a texturizer so I grew my hair out with the purpose of getting a texturizer. I loved it but it became entirely too tedious to do so I just decided to put a relaxer over it which caused all of my hair to fall out. As soon as I got that relaxer, I hated my hair and I wanted the fullness back. The same month I put that relaxer in was the same month I decided that I would go natural and this time I would learn to take care of my hair. That's when I found Hairlista!

The first time i transitioned in 2008, I transitioned for a year. The second time I went natural I transitioned in Feb 2009 with braids for 4 months and then big chopped!

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What is your hair type?

My hair type is 3c/4a but I really try not to get caught up on hair types.

What do you love most about being natural?

I love the versatility, the fullness, the fact that I can straighten my hair without chemicals! I makes me different and it makes me standout from everyone else. New Orleans doesn't really have many women walking around with natural hair so I like that I can be different from everyone else.

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What are your hair goals for 2010?

My hair goals for 2010 are to get my ends healthier and to retain length so I can be APL in 2011.

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

Currently the biggest problem I have been having with my hair is my ends. They have been taking me through it with everything from SSKs (single strand knots) to just being dry. I have started DCing by saturating my hair in my deep conditioner as if i were applying a relaxer and concentrating on my ends. I have also start protective styling more often.

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

I love braidouts because it's easy, it takes less time, and I adore the look. I do braidouts on wet hair, damp hair, dry hair, and blown out hair. Sometimes I ask my cousin to flat twist it for me and sometimes I just do individual braids on my own.

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List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!

These are my staples:

Coconut oil - Great for DCs and leaves my hair soft
Olive Oil- Wonderful for detangling and pre-pooing
Crisco - Yes, Crisco because it's a great moisturizer and it is what i have been missing in my DCs
Roux Porosity Control - Love love love LOVE this stuff. My hair never used to retain moisture prior to discovering this.It literally saved my hair. I use it before or after I DC
Wheat Germ Oil - The ceramides boost my DCs like you wouldn't believe
Jamaican Black Castor Oil - I use this for my ends when I twist or braid my hair
Suave Coconut Conditioner and V05 Strawberries & Cream - My cowash conditioners
Aussie Moist Conditioner - My leave-in conditioner
LeKair Cholesterol - I make my own DC so this is the base of my deep conditioner
Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade - Great for my edges
Qhemet Alma Heavy Cream - This is my daily moisturizer even though i don't use it everyday. I used it mostly for when i bun my hair.
Eco Styler - My staple gel

I have my edges in micro braids right now and the middle of my hair is in a sew-in so I am PSing right now. As of now I just basically moisturize my scalp. I can't really wash my hair with this in because it will make the hair a tangled mess.

My regular regimen is pretty simple:
Cowash 2x a week
DC once a week
Moisturize and seal 2x a week
Pre-poo and Clarify every 4 weeks
Trim whenever I feel its needed

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

Sometimes I just use conditioner and sometimes I just use eco styler. The key for me defining my hair has been applying the products and shaking my head once im done to put them all back in place. This method works really well for me.

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How do you detangle your hair?

I saturate it in olive oil if its dry and detangle it from tip to root. If its wet, I just use conditioner and detangle in the same direction.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

I would say cowashing and has helped my hair flourish. The very 1st time I went natural, i remember always having issue with my hair being dry all the time so when I went natural the 2nd time, I started cowashing. Not only did my hair take off but it was actually moisturized!

Do you have any advice for other naturals?

Knowledge is power. Learn as much as you possibly can about products and how to care for your hair before you go run out and buy stuff. BE THROUGH . Just because someone markets a product as "made for naturals" doesn't mean it is. Know your ingredients, read reviews, and ask other naturals about their experience. Also, be patient with your hair and don't manipulate it so much. It will thank you for it later.

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Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

You can find me on my natural hair blog, http://strawberricurls.tumblr.com, on twitter,http://www.twitter.com/mslizzia, and on fotki, http://www.fotki.com/mslizzia .
You can also find me on Hairlista, Longhaircareforums.com , NaturallyCurly.com and Curlynikki.com's forums.


Thank you Gabrielle Allen for sharing all that information with us!

Naturalista Series™ Presents: Rene Syler

What's your name and where are you from?

My name is Rene Syler. I grew up in Sacramento, CA but my television career took me to Reno, NV, Birmingham, AL, Dallas, TX and ultimately NY where I live now.

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

I have been natural for just over a year and I LOVE IT! Being on air talent for various TV stations and ultimately CBS (The Early Show), I wore my hair in the style of most black anchorwomen, relaxed and styled into a bob. When I got to CBS, we experimented with my look a bit and I started wearing it curly. The problem was, it was still relaxed straight, then my staff hairdresser, EVERY MORNING, would blow it out and then hot curl it (you know, with the oven, not a regular curling iron). Along with that, I was getting it relaxed every 5 weeks (per another hairdresser’s suggestion) and coloring it too! It’s a wonder I had any hair on my head when I left in late 2006. I continued on with my over processing ways until November 2008. I cam down with asthmatic bronchitis and had to be hospitalized. They pumped me full of medication and when I was released two days later, I headed right for the beauty shop for a touch up. Well, my poor hair had had enough. It started breaking and falling out, most acutely in the crown where the hair was about ½ long. I had never, even in all the years of abuse, had an issue with my hair falling out. I was so stunned I didn’t know what to do. By this time, I was seeing another hairdresser who told me no more relaxers, at least for the next several months. I took her advice and then some. I used no relaxers, I didn’t even manipulate it much, it was all hats for me (perfect since it was winter in NY). By late December, I had about ½ inch of new growth and I was shocked by how beautiful it was! I had no idea because I was so busy beating the heck out of it , relaxing as soon as one little curl turned up. I had actually forgotten what my natural hair looked like! Lo and behold it was gorgeous and in that instant I decided, no more chemicals for me, I am a natural girl.

I transitioned for about 3 ½ months, checking out YouTube videos and my own daughter’s hair for inspiration

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What is your hair type?

I guess I am a 3B with 3C around the crown but not really sure. I could be all 3C. But what I have discovered is I have a bunch of different things going on on this head, LOL. I have hair that is nearly bone straight right next to a corkscrew shape, tightly curled hair. I do LOVE the curl pattern near the nape of my neck and at times, wish I had a head full of that. This whole journey, as traumatic as the beginning was, has been a wonderful learning experience. I was a 45-year-old woman who had NO IDEA how to take care of her own hair, much less what my hair type was or the products I should be using.

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What do you love most about being natural?

There are so many things I love about it. I love that this mass of curls totally fits my personality, wild and untamed, soft and surprising. Curly, straight, twists, I love the versatility, who knew I could do so much with my hair? I love that I have NEVER had a bad hair day since going natural. I love that God made my hair so unique and I now (after more than 4 decades of not) appreciate it. I love that it takes so little time for me to get going in the morning and I love that its like a new toy with me.. everyday is a new surprise.

What are your hair goals for 2010?

When I first cut my hair, all I could focus on was length. I now understand “if you build it they will come” in other words, the length is a byproduct of a solid foundation of good hair care.

I just want the kind of healthy hair that turns heads and makes people ask, “ is that a weave?” KIDDING!


Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

I would have to say I am blessed because I haven’t really had many challenges with my hair, once I stopped beating the crap out of it! But I suppose my main challenge would be retaining moisture. I baggy at least 4-5 nights a week, for the whole night and that helps immensely. I also carry around travel size moisturizers in my make up bag and will apply it at least once or twice a day, depending on the time of year.

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

I am really pretty much a wash-n-go girl. I use Hair Rules for curl definition, though sometimes I like the way it looks with just a little JBCO on the ends. I like twists as a protective style and I pull them back during the day but to be honest, I have not managed the twist out look for me as yet. My hair is still a bit uneven as the back has a looser curl and hangs differently. So when I do a twist out is resembles a mullet. I do roller sets about once a month.

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List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? Share what works for you!

Well the path I took to get here is littered with shampoo bottles and curl products, lol but here goes.

--I pre-poo overnight with olive oil then cleanse once a week using Organic Curl Maintenance shampoo that I buy at the health food store. It has no sulfates which I SWEAR by.

--Deep Condition with whatever is on hand. I like the Olive Oil Replenishing Pak by ORS.

--I have been around the horn on gels and crèmes and the like. I started with Miss Jessie’s, then on to Kinky Curly Custard Crème, Deva Curl before settling in on Hair Rules, which is my favorite. I like it because you use it in the shower and then let it air dry, or sit under the dryer. It pulls my curls together and minimizes frizz without looking wet or greasy.

--I baggy overnight 4-5 nights a week to help ends and retain moisture.

-- I use NO DIRECT HEAT, in fact, I used a flat iron only twice in the last year and one of those was an emergency TV appearance.

--I avoid like the plague sulfate shampoos and conditioners with silicones in them. My curls really started to pop after I did those two things.

--I co wash 3-4 times a week with VO5 conditioner (no cones) and dry hair with a COTTON (not terry cloth) T-shirt, which helps minimize the frizz.

And that’s it!

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

I’ve tried a lot of things, but have settled on Hair Rules. I think you really have to find the thing that works best for your hair. I was not a fan of Kinky Curly and though I began with it, really ended up not being wild about Miss Jessie’s. I like my curls to look natural, like I just rolled out of bed, gave my head a shake and they tumbled into place. Some of the other products made my hair look wet or greasy and I was not wild about that for me.

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How do you detangle your hair?

I use a Denman brush to detangle sometimes but mainly I just use my hands. I get the hair good and soaked with my cheapie conditioner and then use my fingers as a rake sort of and work my way through it. I like using my hands because I can get a feel for how hard I am working my hair and if need be, lighten up a bit.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

Wow, that’s a tough question as I don’t think there is really an easy answer. But it boils down to what I stopped and what I started. I stopped abusing my hair with chemicals, color and heat. But it really took off once I got the sulfate shampoos and silicone conditioners out of my regimen. The baggying helped me retain length and treat the ends well though I never had much problem with breakage (outside of the post hospitalization episode). Being consistent with the hair vitamins, exercise and drinking water have helped a lot too.

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Do you have any advice for other naturals?

A couple of things I think are very important.

--For those who have just BC’d I’d say be patient and enjoy every stage you are at. I look back at pictures of me from last summer and think, oh look how cute that short hair was. Your hair WILL grow if you are good to it.

--Have realistic expectations. Yes, your hair will grow. No it will NOT grow three inches in one month. Expecting it too, watching with a tape measure will only create stress, which will not help. RELAX!

--Find the regimen that works FOR YOU! You will read about so and so tried this and her hair grew three inches in a month (no it did not) and you may run out and buy and try that regimen. Don’t be sucked into that cycle. Follow your own path.

--Be Flexible. You may need to make changes here and there. Products that worked for your hair while it was shorter may not be as effective as you get more length. Don’t be afraid to switch it up.

-- Be proud of your look! Others may not understand “why you cut off all that beautiful hair” but they don’t need to. This is a personal decision and you don’t need to explain your motives to anyone. Look in the mirror, repeat after me “ I-AM-BEAUTIFUL!”

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Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

I update my progress on my own website at www.goodenoughmother.com, on facebook, I have a fotki page (need to update that too, LOL) and of course, HAIRLISTA.COM!

Thank you Rene Syler for sharing all that information with us!

Naturalista Series™ Presents: Vonetta

What's your name and where are you from?

My name is Vonetta, and I’m originally from Georgetown Guyana (South America), but I now live in Brooklyn, NY. http://www.hairlista.com/profile/VonettaFischer

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

I relaxed my hair for the first time in third grade at the age of nine. I totally pressured my mom into doing it. My oldest sister insisted I didn’t because she loved my curly hair, but I so wanted to fit in at my new school in a new country (by this time I was in America for three years) so we did it. I loved having relaxed hair but by the age of 24 I was fed up with it. I couldn’t take the new growth being a completely different texture than the rest of my hair, getting the blow out in between touch ups, the scalp burns I always got when I did relax, it was all just too much. So I decided to be natural. I tried transitioning for about 3 weeks but being the impatient person I am I went to a hair salon and asked her to cut all the straight ends off. It was actually really funny because she looked at me in disbelief she was like “that’s almost all of your hair! Are you sure that’s what you want?” She tried and tried to get me not to do it but I insisted, and when she turned and reached for the scissors, honestly for a few seconds I wanted to back down but I didn’t change my mind. Seeing myself with shorter hair totally freaked me out for a good couple of minutes. I thought to myself” OMG your nose looks ten times bigger now!” but after a while I totally starting feeling the look, yes it was drastically different but I liked it. There were some days in there when I hated it but as time went on those days came fewer and fewer.

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What is your hair type?

My hair type is a 3C.

What do you love most about being natural?

My curls! I just love having curls, I love when I’m having a great hair day and my curls are bouncy and soft. I can do so many different styles as a natural girl that I couldn’t when my hair was relaxed. The freedom I do whatever I want with it is great! J I like relaxed hair, 3 out of my 4 sister have relaxed hair and they always look amazing, but I stressed so much more over my hair when it was relaxed compared to now. Yes I do have my days when my hair just doesn’t want to work at all, but I just bun it and I’m good J Now that I’m natural my hair is so eclectic it’s amazing! <3

What are your hair goals for 2010?

I’m aiming for shoulder length hair when it’s dry, at the moment I’m about three inches past shoulder length when wet or straight. When my hair dries like almost all curly hair I experience a great deal of shrinkage. I’d also like to have thicker healthier hair, hair, ( I <3 big hair!) I’ve seen so much improvement in the last two months and that has me crazy excited to see how my hair will be in Dec. 10!

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

Since my hair has grown out in the last month or two my twist outs have failed miserably I’m currently experimenting with different variations of a twist out to see what will work best, hopefully I figure something out quick, because I’m trying to be bun less for the rest on ’10. If all fails I’ll just revert back to doing wash and go’s (where I co-wash add styling products and let it dry without any further manipulation).

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

I love doing twist outs (see question # 9 for a description on how I do them), I also do this flat twist updo thingy I like to do, it’s a little hard to describe so I’ll post a video on how to on the Hairlista community website.

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List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!

Deva Curl No Poo, Organix Coconut Shampoo, Moroccan Oil Shampoo, and Miss Jessies Crème De La Curl Cleansing Crème : if I have a lot of build up on my scalp and feel the need to shampoo

Herbal Essence Totally Twisted, Suave Coconut Conditioner, Moroccan Oil Conditioner, Trader Joes Tea Tree Conditioner, and VO5 Strawberries and Cream conditioner : for Co-washing

So Shine Gel, Deva Curl/Curl Angell, Miss Jessie’s Curly Butter Crème, and IC Firm Hold Spritz,: as styling products

Jamaican Black Castor Oil (thanks the Sunshyne :}) and Moroccan Oil: for scalp oil treatments every time I wash. I also use Moroccan Oil on a daily basis to add shine to my hair.

Yes, I <3 Moroccan Oil ever since my hairstylist Keisha used it in my hair I’ve been addicted. Their line of products are amazing!

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

Miss Jessie’s Curly Butter Crème, Moroccan Oil and DevaCurl Curl Angell make my have uber soft and manageable.

I always start by co-washing my hair and detangling, to style I add Moroccan Oil to my scalp trying not to over power my hair with too much, the I divide my hair into about four sections I add Curly Butter creme to each and ever strand and repeat the same process using So Shine Gel and Curl Angell (yes I use three styling products at one time, I’ve found this helps my curls pop more when dry) I then double strand twist my entire head adding white rods to the end for added bounce when I’m all finished I spray my hair with IC spritz for added hold. Finally I add Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my scalp right before going under the dryer. I usually go under my hooded dryer for a half an hour, but as my hair has grown I now have to stay under for a whole hour in order to dry my entire head. I HATE!!!!!! Being under the dryer, lol!

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How do you detangle your hair?

I always, always detangle when my hair is wet and saturated with conditioner. I separate my hair in four sections and comb thru with a wide tooth comb. I start at the ends and work my way up. If I encounter a knot I stop combing and detangle with my fingers, making sure they have a little conditioner on them.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

I think twisting my hair and taking Biotin has really helped to aid in my hair growth. Now I have fewer knots in my hair and I’ve noticed some added thickness and length.

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Do you have any advice for other naturals?

Know your own hair. Honestly, no two heads of hair are a like. What might work for me may not work for you. Realizing this has totally helped me to better understand my hair. I also believe in taking Biotin I’ve definitely seen a huge improvement in growth and thickness since I started taking it. Protect your hair at night, whether it’s by twisting, braiding, setting, or just tying your head with a scarf do it. Also moisture is your friend, when your hair is dried out it’s at its weakest state and can be damaged easily. And own your style regardless of your hair type accept it, own it, and work the heck out of it! Confidence makes any hairstyle look good!

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Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

My best friend and I have a fun/funny blog called http://goinplatinum.blogspot.com. Just us giving our opinion and I want to start doing more hair and make-up posts in the upcoming future.

Thank you Vonetta for sharing all that information with us!

Naturalista Series™ Presents: Brittany

What's your name and where are you from?

Brittany Matthews and I am from Silver Spring, MD (DMV).

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

When I was younger me and my sister had hair down to our behinds, needless to say it was overwhelming for my mom to manage two heads of thick long hair so I got a perm. I received perms all the way up until my freshmen year of college when I decided I wanted to grow my hair out for health purposes and to have the option of wearing it natural if I chose to. In 2006, I received my last perm a week before Thanksgiving, I also cut my hair into a bob. Right before the new year I cut my bangs. It took me about a year to get rid of all the chemical.

What is your hair type?

I have naturally curly/wavy hair that is very thick. My hair is more curly underneath and more wavy up top.

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What do you love most about being natural?

Being natural can be a challenge but one that is well worth it. My hair is stronger, longer and over all healthier than it is was with a perm.

What are your hair goals for 2010?

I have become very interested in reaching MBL which I originally said was too long for me but I have changed my mind and made that my hair goal for 2010

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

Trying to cut back on the time I spend doing my hair is the main problem. I have yet to find a solution to this problem. I do not EVER go to the hair dresser I do my own hair and it takes about 4 hours to wash, condition, blow dry, and flat iron.

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What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

99% of the time my hair is down with my bangs out or parted down the middle. I use a flat iron to get my hair as straight as possible then I wrap it at night to give it some bend.

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List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!

I am a NEXXUS girl 100% I love the entire line.

1. Therapee shampoo
2. Humectress conditioner
3. Silk elements heat protectant

I use these products in this order then I blow dry and flat iron my hair. IF I use any oil at all (my hair created it's own oil in excess) I use Lisa's Hair Elixar from the Carols' Daughter line.

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

I never wear my hair natural. This summer is actually going to be my first time wearing my hair natural so I have yet to find a good product for my hair. I know that when it's natural it dries out extremely fast so something with a lot of moisture will probably be necessary.

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How do you detangle your hair?

I don't detangle my hair because it almost never tangles. I don't comb it before I wash or before or after I condition. I only comb it right before I sit down to blow dry it the comb usually slides right through.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

I would attribute a large part of being able to manage my hair to the Silicon. I no longer use this product but when I was using it my hair was amazing!!! Now I attribute all my hair success to the NEXXUS line in it's entirety.

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Do you have any advice for other naturals?

For the Naturalista's who wear their hair natural often I would be careful straightening it to much because it can lessen and ruin your curl pattern.

Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

Hairlista is the only site I use solely for hair but my facebook page has pictures of my hair at all different stages over the last 4-5 yrs. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1228950114#!/profile.php?id=1227900161&ref=profile

Thank you Brittany Matthews for sharing all that information with us!

Naturalista Series™ Presents: RMichelleM

What's your name and where are you from?

My name is RMichelleM, I'm from Baltimore, MD.

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

No I have not always been natural. When I moved from home for college I didn't have a beautician I trusted relax my hair. Instead, I would wait months until I went back home to get my hair relaxed. Eventually, I just decided to nix the relaxer (since I was rarely getting touchups) and give natural hair a try. I transitioned for about 8/9 months; I've been natural for almost 3 years now.

What is your hair type?

4a

What do you love most about being natural?

I like that I'm not committed to a relaxer anymore. I like that I can just wash my hair and bun it, puff it, twist it or leave it out and be done with it. I used to be so annoyed by trying to camouflage my new growth with my relaxed hair when I needed a touch up; I like that all of my hair is always the same texture--it's just so much simpler for me.

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What are your hair goals for 2010?

My hair goal for 2010 is to reach bra strap length.

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

Right now, I can gladly say that I am not facing any challenges with my hair! It took some time for me to get to this point so I'm very proud of my progress. I used to deal with dryness, frizz and single strand knots. Deep conditioning and finding a moisturizing leave in conditioner has alleviated the dryness and reduced frizz a lot. Keeping my ends stretched (by two-strand twisting or wearing my hair in buns) and well detangled has almost eliminated the single strand knots.

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

I mostly wear my hair in buns, puffs. I like my texture so I like to style my hair in puffs; and I've always liked the look of buns so I mainly alternate between those two styles. I do two strand twist my hair quite often as well. Recently I tried roller setting my natural hair; it was a successful experiment so I've been styling my hair that way every now and then.

For my buns and puffs, I simply co-wash, moisturize & seal and put my hair up into a ponytail. Last, I'll smooth some gel on the front of my hair with my hands. I don't use a brush to smooth.

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For my two strand twists, I co-wash, moisturize and use a Shea butter pomade for hold; and twist small sections of hair. This usually takes me about an hour and a half to finish. I usually pin my twists up into different styles; I like two strand twists because they make my hair more workable for different styles and they can last at least 2 weeks (I co-wash and deep condition while my hair is twisted).

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For my roller sets, shampoo my hair with Dr. Bronner's peppermint liquid castile soap, deep condition with Aubrey Organics honey suckle rose conditioner. I use a setting spray (ultra sheen setting lotion & a little conditioner) and a creamy setting lotion (black & sassy creamy set). I use 1.5 inch rollers and sit under the hooded dryer for about 2 hours. Once dry I let my hair cool and then remove the rollers.

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List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!

Products--Aubrey Organics Conditioners (DEEP CONDITIONER), Nature's Gate Conditioners (RINSE OUT/COWASH), Giovanni Direct Leave in Conditioner (LEAVE IN), Castor Oil (SEALANT), Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap ("SHAMPOO").

I detangle my hair with conditioner first, then I cleanse and condition my hair, finally I moisturize and seal my hair in sections. I do this at least once a week. Also, I've started doing a protein treatment once a month that consists of full fat yogurt, baking soda and liquid aminos (The Cherry Lola Treatment).

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

Typically, I just use the same products I use regularly. I don't really like curl defining products because the hold is never as soft as I'd like. But, in the summer, a cheap curl enhancing product I use from time to time is Long Aid Curl Activator--the reason I only use it in the summer is because it is LOADED with glycerin and takes forever to dry on my hair, when it is hot out it dries faster.

How do you detangle your hair?

I put my hair into four sections, saturate my hair with water, then coat it with conditioner (usually nature's gate--jojoba, aloe vera or pomegranate). First I finger comb through each section, then use my denman brush.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

The Curly Girl Method has been amazing for my hair. When I first went natural I struggled with major dryness, some of my hair was rough and the front of my hair would not curl. Within 1 month I started noticing improvements; after 6 months the changes were significant. My hair maintained moisture, it was softer and developed natural sheen; also the section of my hair that would not curl developed a curl pattern. What I do not use: petroleum, mineral oil, sulfates, cones and drying alcohols. Eliminating these ingredients from my hair regimen keeps my hair in great condition.

Do you have any advice for other naturals?

Take you time learning about your hair. Don't jump right into doing what you see works for other people without considering what you know about your hair.

Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

Right now, Hairlista.com is where I keep all of my hair info. But I am a member on several other sites including Longhaircareforum.com and Naturallycurly.com.


Thank you RMichelleM for sharing all that information with us!

Naturalista Series™ Presents: Nola

What's your name and where are you from?

My name is Nola. Hairlista user name ladyvp05. I am from a small town called Blytheville, AR.

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

I have not always been natural. I was inspired by my two sister-in-laws. One had been natural for years. When I met her I saw how curly her hair was and I asked her how she got her hair like that. She told me she was natural. My other sister in law decided to go natural for spiritual reasons. I saw how fast her hair was growing after she cut it and it got me interested. I only transitioned for 3 months. Another reason I decided to go natural was because I put a relaxer in my hair and it had my hair falling out in clumps. So I put in kinky twist. When I took them out my hair started back falling out. So I decided enough was enough and just cut it. That relaxer was the last straw that made me decide to go natural.

What is your hair type?

My hair type is considered 3c with a mixture of 4a.

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What do you love most about being natural?

I love the ease of it. I can literally wake up, put water and moisturizer in my hair, shake it and it looks amazing. If I’m not having such a great hair day. I can put my hair in a puff and it works every time. I love how people look at my hair and ask how did you get your hair to do that. Is that a straw set? I tell them this is my natural hair.

What are your hair goals for 2010?

My hair goals are to try more styles. I love doing puffs but I need to step out the box and try other things. I also want to learn how to cornrow.

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

My hair does not like hair creams including shea butter. I have tried everything I could but my hair hates them. I don’t really worry about it anymore. I know what my hair likes. It likes gels and products full of glycerin. My natural hair loves jherri curl products. I think that butters are just too heavy for my hair type.

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

I love the puff. I usually do a braid out first and let the braids sit for two days to stretch the hair. Then I undo the braids and pick the roots only. I slick my hair back with eco styler gel. I wear all types of flowers, headbands and accessories with the puff.

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List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!

Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Naturals Shampoo

Suave Professionals almond shea butter conditioner – rinse out detangling conditioner

Suave Professionals humectant conditioner – rinse out detangling conditioner

Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor – protein treatment

Sally’s GVP Moisturizing Conditioner (compare to Nexxus Humectress moisturizing conditioner) – deep conditioner

Glycerin – used to make spritz which is 2 parts water and one part glycerin – liquid leave in

Extra virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin coconut oil

Pro-Line Comb thru softener - leave in

Eco styler gel – wash n go gel

Long aid activator gel – braid out and twist out gel

Suave clarifying shampoo

I wash and condition my hair 1-2 times a week. I detangle with conditioner still in my hair and put in fat twist to keep the hair from being tangled again. I rinse my hair while twists are still in with cool water. If I am doing a braid out or a twist out I apply activator gel. Undo the braids or twists when they are fully dry and lift the roots with a pick. To maintain the style I will re-braid or re-twist my hair at night. I moisturize every few days and seal in moisture with olive oil and wear a satin bonnet. Undo hair and style in the morning. If I am wearing a wash in go I apply Pro-Line leave in and eco styler olive oil gel. I plop my hair with a t shirt to get it to dry faster. After I take the shirt off I shake my hair and that’s it. I will just sleep with a satin bonnet at night. In the morning spray my hair with my water/glycerin mix and style it. Every few days I will moisturize and seal.

I clarify my hair every two weeks. I follow up with my protein treatment under a hooded dryer for about 8 minutes. After that I deep condition with my deep conditioner mixed with 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and coconut oil for 20 minutes under the hooded dryer. I then follow up with my detangling, moisturizing, and styling routine.

In the winter I wear braid outs and twist outs. In the spring and summer months I usually wear wash n go’s.

I do not like to co wash. It does nothing for my hair but leave a white buildup on my hair and scalp. I need shampoo.

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

I use Pro line comb-thru softener and I then apply my eco styler gel for my wash n go’s. I use long aid activator gel for braid out and twist outs.

How do you detangle your hair?

I put a lot of conditioner in my hair and detangle from tips to roots. I first detangle my hair with a wide tooth comb. Then I go back over my hair with the goody mosaic double detangling comb. I used to only use the wide tooth comb but I find that when I use it alone my hair does not get detangled well. I end up with a lot of knots on the end of my hair. So I have to go back over it again with the other comb to get the hair the wide tooth comb missed. Then I put my hair in fat twists and rinse out the conditioner while hair is still in twists.

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What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

Wearing a satin bonnet to bed is so important. Back in my relaxed days I never protected my hair and my hair would always be matted and dry. Now my hair is never that way thanks to the satin bonnet. Detangling well is so important. Naturals always complain about those annoying knots. I promise if you detangle well they will be minimized. Keeping a proper moisture/protein balance is important. Before, I would only moisturize my hair and avoid protein. My hair was breaking when I touched it. When I started putting protein in my regimen the breakage stopped.

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Do you have any advice for other naturals?

Do a lot of research and watch youtube. Don’t get caught up in all the hype. You do not have to buy expensive products for your hair. Do what works for your hair.

Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

Find me on youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/NaturalNola86.

Thank you Nola for sharing all that information with us!

Naturalista Series™ Presents: Aliya

What's your name and where are you from?

Aliya. I'm from Philly

Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

I was relaxed since middle school. I tried to go natural in high school because Lauryn Hill was my hero but there wasn't much information about it then. I had no idea what I was doing so I went back to relaxers. I somehow found CurlyNikki.com and became inspired to try going natural again. Relaxers did not work for my hair type. My hair is very fine, thin and soft. The chemicals and heat from curling irons would make my hair break off very easily. I was forever stuck at neck length and knew there had to be a better way to grow my hair. I began my transition during the summer of 2008 and did my big chop in January 2009! I only transitioned for a few months. My hair was about .5-1 inch when I did my big chop.

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What is your hair type?

I have z-pattern hair but it coils and curls on the ends. I would say I'm mostly 4/b but I have some sections of 4/c & 4/a as well.

What do you love most about being natural?

I love my hair texture. We had a rocky start but we're cool now. LOL. I've always liked natural hair on other people, I figured why not try it on myself? Who knew that my confidence would be affected too! There's nothing like showing the world who you really are with no filter. It's very liberating. The main thing that I like about being natural is that my hair is GROWING and it's a lot thicker! As I said before, I always had neck length hair. Now, I'm grazing shoulder length.

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What are your hair goals for 2010?

My goal is to have full shoulder length hair! I'm going to achieve that by doing more protective styling and by really babying my ends.

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

The biggest challenge for me is breakage during detangling. I've found that using products that make my hair very soft and that have great slip will allow me to manipulate my hair without all the drama. I had to try a lot of products to find the two that are now my staples (Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner & Creme of Nature Rosemary Lemongrass Leave-in) but I'm glad I did.

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

I do mostly two-strand twist outs on my hair because they stretch my hair out a bit but not too much. I use a spray bottle mixed with a little bit of conditioner and leave-in on small or medium sized sections of my hair. I gently detangle after saturating that section with the water mix. I apply a small amount of my whipped shea to my ends and twist. In the morning, I untwist carefully to minimize frizz, fluff and go! My twist outs can last for about 2-3 days but I tend to do them every other night because my hair needs the moisture.

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List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!

Co-wash 1-2x per week with Pantene Pro V Smooth
Shampoo 1-2x per month with Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo
mixed with a cheap condish like V05 or Suave
Deep Condition 1x per week with Lustrasilk Aloe Vera Cholesterol &
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Condish (mixed with Aphogee 2 Min
Re-constructor or an egg as needed)
Deep Condition 1x per week with Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In mixed with
Giovanni Smooth as Silk Condish

I always wash/condition my hair while in large two-strand twists. I unravel each twist and spray it with water mixed with Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose & Creme of Nature Rosemary & Lemongrass Leave-In. I apply my whipped Shea mix (that usually contains Shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, Castor oil & jojoba oil) to my ends and twist in small or medium sized sections.

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

Honestly, I've never tried to define my hair without the use of twist-outs. That's also one of my goals for this year.... to finally try to do this!

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How do you detangle your hair?

I part my hair from ear to ear and make 3 sections in the front and back of my hair. I work each section with my mix of water, condish & leave in to remove tangles. I don't comb my hair very often but when I do I use a wide tooth comb after I finger comb. I twist each section after I detangle it.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

If you have type 4b/c hair, I strongly suggest washing your hair while it's in twists or braids. Our hair shrinks up A LOT when wet. Trying to detangle 7 inches or more of hair that's shrunk down to an inch is a nightmare. Find products that work for you. What works for everyone else may not be best for you.

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Do you have any advice for other naturals?

Moisturize and Seal!! Take lots of pics. Be confident. :) Find me on Hairlista! haha!

Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

I'm on Hairlista.com under the name SewDope. I'm also on Fotki under
the same name.


Thank you Aliya for sharing all that information with us!

Naturalista Series™ Presents: Amil

What's your name and where are you from?

Hi, I'm Amil from Philly!

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Have you always been natural? If not, what inspired you to go natural? Did you transition? If so, for how long?

No, I was relaxed probably when I was in kindergarten by my mom. I loved my relaxed hair, it was healthy, long, thick but I became obsessed with big natural hair in 2007. I was texlaxed without knowing that I was. I decided that I was going to go natural when I was in the 9th grade (2003) but I didn't want to make a drastic change in my appearance during high school. I had prom and graduation, and I wanted my hair to be long and straight for the pictures. So I decided that I would chop my hair when I went off to college. New face, new town, no one would ever know that I cut my hair off. Well, I met my boy friend in 2007, right before I went off to college and he didn't want me to cut my hair off. So I waited for 1 year and then I started growing my relaxer out in May 2008. I grew my hair out for 8 months and then chopped it off on January 20, 2009. I haven't looked back ever since!

Yes, there were and are days when I wish my hair was straight and long down my back. But that day will come. Right now I want to enjoy my hair in it's natural state. The way it grows out of my head. Me.

Transitioning wasn't easy. My hair got tangled whenever I wore it out in a wash n go which resulted in 2 hour detangling sessions and a lot of hair conditioner washed down the drain. I mainly wore wet buns, with the front of my hair wrapped. I would recommend a Denman brush to anyone that's transitioning. I brought a knock off one Conair from Rite-Aid. It really helps prevent tangling. No, I didn't know how my hair was going to look when I cut it. I had a clue because the new growth was spiraling while most other people's new growth grew in waves.

(Transitioning, BC, and NOW!)

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What is your hair type?

Not sure. 4 something with C spirals...? The back of my hair is more defined than the front. The bottom of my hair (closest to the nape) spirals and is very defined. The middle back has larger spiral curls. The front sides are very tight spiral curls that frizz very easily and can easily appear undefined. The top is more wavy than any other part of my hair but it still spirals, it's a gentler spiral than the rest of my hair, more of a loose curl.

What do you love most about being natural?

That NO ONE (ok maybe someone) has hair like mine! When I walk outside, I see plenty of women with straight hair and only a handful of women with natural hair and no one with hair that spirals like mine! I love natural hair at all it's lengths and styles. TWA, short fade, fro's, flat ironed. Natural hair is versatile. When I was relaxed, I relaxed once every 4 months so my hair still had a good amount of texture to it and I would try to rock wash n go's as if I was a natural. But it's just not the same!

I love that my hair keeps people guessing! Everyone always asks me if I'm loc'ing my hair or if I went to the salon and got my hair set on rods/straws. They're surprised when I tell them no, they ask "Well what did you do?" And I tell them "Nothing. I just washed it." Natural hair is beautiful because it's simply you!

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What are your hair goals for 2010?

More protective styling! I rarely ever do protective styling other than wrapping my hair in a pretty scarf because I don't like to manipulate my hair too much. I would love to do two strand twists or cornrows but that would require combing and possibly blow drying my hair (for the cornrows).

I don't have a length goal for 2010. I'm hoping that my hair will touch my shoulders in it's natural state within the next 2 years (I will be 3 years natural by that time).

Name a few challenges you are currently facing with your hair. Have you been doing anything different to overcome these challenges?

I have a lot of hairs that wrap around themselves. Lately, I've been trying to cover my head with a scarf when I go to bed and keeping my hair wet during the day. The one technique that has drastically cut back the tangling in my hair is leaving my conditioner in my hair after I cowash.

It's also really difficult for me to dust my ends because my hair is so curly, it's hard to get to every section of my hair to see where there are split ends. (Dusting is when you trim individual strands of hair that have visible split ends). When my hair was relaxed, it was really easy to see the weak spots and split ends but since my hair curls in spirals, the split end bends in the same direction as the curl so my hair may look healthy, but there are hidden split ends in there! I found that most of them are at my nape where my hair rubs against my clothes. The only way that I can really get rid of them is to cut my hair short (which is not happening). So I trim my hair often, maybe once every couple of months. I take about 1/4 to half an inch off.

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? How do you go about achieving this style?

I love wearing my hair out in a wash n go! It's cute and I always get compliments when I wear my hair out with some hanging down over my forehead. I've tried other styles such as braids and twists but I always go back to my wash n go because you really can't go wrong with it. It's simple, quick and cute!

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List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? share what works for you!

I have a few hair products in rotation right now but I don't use all of them every day. The only product that I use every day is my conditioner (because I cowash just about every day). I use Pantene for curly hair. I don't waste my money on leave in conditioners because my regular conditioner has the same ingredients and does a much better job.

I also have Kinky Kurly Custard. I rarely use it because it makes my hair hard and it's no better than aloe vera gel (maybe because aloe gel is it's main ingredient!). The custard is used mainly when I braid or twist my hair.

Unrefined coconut oil. I use this on my damp hair on days that I care more about moisturizing my hair than curl definition.

What products do you use to achieve soft beautiful curl definition?

My conditioner! It's true, my conditioner is the main and usually only product that I have in my hair!

I use any conditioner that's on sale (honestly, I really do, they all do the same job). But, I always try to buy conditioners that are for curly or dry hair. Right now I have Pantene for curly hair. My favorite natural conditioner is Aubrey Organics-Honey Suckle Rose because it makes my hair feel sooo soft and smell good. I've found that my hair likes the un-natural conditioner better only because, the cones help define the curls when I leave the conditioner in my hair.

For the BEST defined curls EVER...do all of your detangling and smoothing...then...shake your head (like a rock star or a wet dog) free from excess water...then leave your hair alone. It's that simple. If you touch your curls as they're drying, they will get frizzy and you will be upset. Touching=combing, brushing, towel drying etc. If you leave your hair alone, it will be defined as defined could ever get. That's my secret to defined curls.

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How do you detangle your hair?

I finger detangle when I cowash. My hair needs frequent detangling because I don't do protective styling. When I wear wash n go's my hair is prone to more tangling so I have to make sure I detangle it every day when I cowash. I usually cowash in the shower. I run my hair under water and then I hold my head upside down and run that under water. As my hair is running under the water, I use my hands to smooth my hair and gently detangle. Then, when my hair is really saturated, I put a lot of conditioner in and I just use my fingers to separate the curls and knots. I do this holding my head upside down and right side up. I DON'T RINSE IT OUT! Then, when I get out of the shower, I stand in front of the sink and smooth my hair in sections. As I'm smoothing my hair, I rinse my hands so the excess conditioner doesn't get redeposited into my hair. The water from my rinsed hands helps get the excess conditioner out too, but I still don't rinse it out! You shouldn't see globs of conditioner in your hair. If you do, just use your hands to smooth the conditioner out, wet your hands if necessary to smooth it out.

What product or technique would you say really helped your hair flourish?

The curly girl method! I always thought that conditioner wasn't supposed to be left in our hair but that's a myth! When I was relaxed, I remember when I would deep condition my hair by letting the conditioner stay in for hours, my hair would get really really hard. So when I went natural, I heard of people leaving conditioner in their hair but I thought that my hair would just get really hard. So I brought the leave in conditioners and they made my hair frizzy so I just stopped using them. But then one day, I decided to test out leaving conditioner in my hair and my curls were the most defined that I had ever seen! I've been in love ever since :)

Also, rinsing my scalp under a strong water pressure every day. I used to rinse my hair in my laundry room sink.

Do you have any advice for other naturals?

I really believe that keeping the scalp free from products allows the hair to thrive the best. Rinse your scalp as often as YOU can manage. I don't cowash every day in the winter because it's too cold. If you can't or don't want to cowash your hair every day don't. Just try not to put products directly onto your scalp without washing them off within a day or two. This is what has worked for me and I've learned that everything really doesn't work for every body :)

Also, try to detangle and smooth your hair using your fingers. Smoothing really helps define your curls. Avoid brushes.

Stick to natural products. Aloe vera gel and unrefined coconut oil are my staples! If I can't eat it or use it on my skin then I'd rather not use it on my hair...(this rule does not apply to my cowashing conditioner of course hahahaha).

Don't use heat! Or use as little indirect heat as possible. Air dry as much as possible. When you transition, try to use as little heat as possible because it can damage your curl pattern when you chop your hair.

When you're growing your hair out, know that the way your hair looks will change. It might not curl as much as you want it to when you first chop. Give it time and moisture and it will curl. Maybe it won't curl. Embrace whatever your hair decides to do :)

Be your own hairspiration! Find a picture of a length you had when you were relaxed and work towards reaching that length as a natural. I do this instead of comparing my hair to other people's because, it's just more inspirational when it's your own hair.

Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?

Hairlista of course! http://www.hairlista.com/profile/Amil

I have a Youtube channel where I will be posting more videos as soon as this semester is over I promise! http://www.youtube.com/user/amilion192?feature=mhw5


Thank you Amil for sharing all that information with us!