Black Hair Magazine for Natural and Relaxed African American Hair - blog. » Amina

I Decided to Go Natural Because…

Amina — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:21:46 +0000

This will be a recurring post that you will see from time to time that shares reasons why women much like you and me decided to go Natural. Quotes will come from real women, sharing real thoughts about their decisions to transition.

Motivation and inspiration may come of these posts. Maybe you will find a reason to make the switch. Perhaps you’ll see a reason to stay on track with your transition. Whatever the case may be, I’d like you to see that transitioning may be one of the best decisions that you make relative to your hair.

Let’s Get Into It: I Decided to Go Natural Because…

“Tired of spending all of that time that it takes to get my hair done.” -Ices.princess

“Because I needed to be myself. I have to say its a really big mental change. To go against the grain and be you is hella brave!”- SashaBreal

“After reading how relaxers really can do some damage to the hair I decided to love the hair God gave me. I asked myself how can I keep putting myself through this torture (relaxers really burn my scalp). Once I really figured out why I was relaxing my hair (conforming to European ideals of beauty) I said no more.” -NicDel85

“Going natural is my ultimate goal. I have seen women that have natural hair that looks just as good and sometimes even better than any relaxer. That’s what I’m aiming for.” -Evanny

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Is Transitioning to Natural Hair Worth It?

Amina — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:52:48 +0000

Is transitioning to natural hair really worth it? I say – YES! Reflecting back on my journey of transitioning to natural hair was the best decision I could have made. Although there may be times of discontent and discouragement, in the end, natural hair is beautiful. Most of all it is beautifully yours!

Natural Hair is Versatility.

Natural Hair is Beauty.

Natural Hair is YOU AND I; it is US.

Here are excerpts from Women of the BHP Forum as to why they decided to go Natural…

“I decided to go natural when my hairline fell out about 1 and a half years ago.” -Mahogany

“I went natural because straight hair cramped my style. I have a bold personality that some say commands attention, but my hair was just so flyaway and thin.” -Vermelha

“I went natural only because a texturizer was not working for me”-Mikajin

“I decided to go natural because I wanted to be free. Being natural is so relaxing and free” – Swestbrook

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Back to the BASICS – Natural Hair Regimen

Amina — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:35:53 +0000

So I have been natural since the summer/fall of 2009 and over the time that has elapsed, I have tried many different methods, products, regimens, etc. A couple of times throughout my journey, I got off track. My hair was not as much of a priority as life’s daily activities were. I was neglecting my hair a bit, but upon reflection I have come to realize that my most basic and repetitive routines/regimens are the most beneficial to my hair. Hence, it is time to get Back to the Basics! Through it all I have found that having a basic routine overall is better for my hair than anything else.

I look at what I did when my hair was/is flourishing the most: gentle handling, weekly co-washes, weekly deep conditions, 4x weekly – daily oiling (EVCO, EVOO, or Castor oil), and stretching my hair prior to styling in order to minimize knots and tangles.

The type of regimen that I described above is the type of Basic Routine that I have often moved away from, but have always found success when I went back to it. Can you recall the routine that you had with your hair that was most beneficial? Have you decided to go back to it? If not, maybe you should!

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The Spectrum of Natural Beauty

Amina — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:00:27 +0000

Natural beauty and natural hair in particular comes in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and forms. Some of us may get caught up in the curl patterns, the waves, the length, etc. of our hair. We may get so caught up in fact, that we lose sight of the true beauty that each of us possesses. The full potential of our beauty may be overlooked and undervalued until we actually learn to appreciate it for what it is.

For instance, I used to have a slight obsession with curl definition when styling my hair. Never did I step out without a freshly twisted, knotted, or braided pattern in my hair. Then over time, I realized that my hair had grown and needed more attention…with more attention came more time. The conclusion came that I would be better off letting my hair do its own thing. I embrace my coils and wear more puffy ponies in confidence, rather than fretting over the frizz and fuzz. I have beautiful friends that have done the same. Below is a pic of myself and my good friend Shannon who shed her 16 inches of hair to don her natural cropped cut that I think totally compliments her features. More coming on her story soon, hopefully

Moral of the story – please embrace your natural hair, your natural beauty, and love it for what it is…not what you can transform it into!

natural beauty

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Fantastic Finds – Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Conditioner

Amina — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 02:04:57 +0000

The “Fantastic Finds” will be a post that relates to products and accessories that are located for great prices which means great deals will be shared! Every girl loves a good bargain right?

Today I found a product that I just HAD to have. My beloved Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Conditioner was at TJ Maxx in a 33.5oz pump bottle! The price of the large size was only a bit more than the standard size – $12.99! I started to buy all 4 of the bottles and clear off the shelf, but I’m sure this bottle will get me through the summer and then some!

I would definitely recommend TJ Maxx, Ross, or Marshall’s for your beauty brands; my hair and my wallet are both sure to be rewarded for this Fantastic Find!

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Hairstyle of the Week

Amina — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:14:59 +0000

This is the latest form of my hair, a stretched bantu knot out. I achieved this look to my dismay through a blow dry (I had to otherwise it would not have been dry overnight for work). I think it’s the closest I will get to a “wrap” in a while, as I do not plan on straightening it for a minute. My afro texture was not as prominent thoiugh due to the dryer, it felt awkward actually

Feel free to comment!

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SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Conditioning Curl & Style Milk

Amina — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:30:19 +0000

SheaMoisture Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk - pic courtesy of Sheamoisture blog

My hair has found the new love of its life – Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Conditioning Curl & Style Milk! This product is a mixture of plenty of things that my hair likes. The best thing about it is that it does all of the work alone and doesn’t need other products to maximize its results! If you like what you read below, dare to try it! Its only $9.99 at your local Target. It’s definitely worth its price!

Here’s the Scoop:

Adds shine

Strengthens (with the infusion of silk protein)

Leave-in, styling product, locks in moisture all by its lonesome

Quick Note (may be a con to some):

Best when used on wet/damp hair. My hair prefers this product after it is freshly washed, or spritzed with distilled water or aloe vera gel. My hair did not do well with this product as a refresher on dry hair.

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Hairstyle of the Week

Amina — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 12:10:58 +0000

This week’s hairstyle is a braid/twist out pin-up style. Appropriate for work and suitable for after-work affairs. Enjoy!

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Natural Hairstyles 2011

Amina — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:31:21 +0000

Natural hairstyles in 2011 will continue to be innovative and interesting. I forecast captivating natural hairstyles that shall draw the attention of naturals and relaxed heads alike.

The TWA:

More and more are still going natural, but not all ladies rocking the TWA are newly natural. I’m beginning to notice the TWA on ladies everywhere. Many will boast about the low-maintenance. Career women to artsy, stylish students find comfort and flare in the tailored TWA! Go ahead Girls!

Cute, Curly Styles

Cute, simple, curly styles are beautiful. They are effortless, yet the style can make anyone look like a million bucks! Try out a cute twist out, coil out, bantu knot out, or roller set to achieve a lovely curly coily style this season!

Mohawks

Whether the mohawks are braided, shaved on the sides, sculpted, or pinned up, the rocker chic look that ladies have bee sporting from the runways to the streets will definitely be a big hit yet again in 2011!

Dreads/SisterLocs

Some of the most elegant and unique hairstyles in 2011 will be made out of dreads and locs. The locs can be as versatile as natural hair itself.

Big Hair

Big, voluminous hair never goes out of style! Plenty of these styles will be spotted out and about.

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Hairstyle of the Week

Amina — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:03:17 +0000

This week’s featured hairstyle is shown on none other than our own Dena. She is rocking a beautiful rollerset during her stretch between relaxers. This is yet another way to maintain relaxed hair in between touch-ups. Her voluminous spiral curls are an example of a go-to style for her in 2011! Love it? Don’t hesitate to ask her how it was done! Thanks Dena for being this week’s feature.

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