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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6410591091227781512015-03-27T12:25:26.716-04:00Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Natural Hair CareCURLYNIKKIhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-74758015510784204642015-03-27T09:00:00.000-04:002015-03-27T12:19:02.600-04:00SHOW AND TELL- FIERCE FRIDAY!

Hola Chicas!

For those of you that are new to CN, Fierce Friday is a way to celebrate our natural hair, displaying our dopest styles and best hair days... for inspiration and motivation. Wanna be featured? All you have to do is upload your favorite pics to Instagram with the tags #FierceFriday and #CurlyNikki. Be sure to share a brief description of the style, where you were headed, why you felt amazing, and thangs of that nature!

Another Knotless Crochet #knotlesscrochet #knotlesscrochetbraids #curlbox #curlynikki @preshshow

Video on my now 'Purple' hair will posted soon! @gemtrendsetter

READ MORE>>

New Blog Post Up!!! Link in my bio!! #naturalhair #theintellectualfashionista @msvogue2009

#flexirods #naruralhair #naturalhaircommunity #curlynikki #fiercefriday @kangeecard

Day 2 twist and curl. Let's see how it holds up in this rainy weather... #hair #naturalhairproblems @mrsmilesofsmiles

This #twistout though!! emoji Thank you #SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Mask and #KinkyCurly Knot Today & Curling Custard! #naturalhair #curlynikki @briboo777

Up close and personal #NaturalHair #naturalhairobsession #naturalhaircommunity #naturalhairsociety @pardon_my_sexy

Dreams are real. All you have to do is just believe! #dreams #dreamer #model #modelkid #sdmm @amyaappleofficial

My braid-outs never let me down, the real MVP ooooh and I changed my username, thinking bout starting a YouTube channel @keebrifrye

What every girl does when they can't sleep---search the archives for selfies they never posted #insomnia #ImHungry #DontJudgeMe @_cebelamour_

My twist out after my henna gloss! (two days old) - Ciara

Nikki Johnsonhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-4255673278728531362015-03-27T08:00:00.000-04:002015-03-27T12:18:07.589-04:00Brittany- "When we start to love ourselves, our little girls will have no choice but to love themselves too"

via Global Couture, LLC

Tell us a little about yourself and your hair journey.
My name is Brittany (@mrspennycandy on IG). I am 27 years old, a mother of 2 beautiful kids, a stepmother to 1, and I have been married for 8 years. I have been natural since 2005 and I am so happy that I did. My mother gave me my first relaxer at age 7 because I was severely "tender headed". It didn't work because every time I had to get a touch up, there were tears and I would run to the sink to rinse that stuff out! I'm so glad those days are over!

How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?
I stopped relaxing in 2005, but I didn't start wearing my hair in its natural state until 2011. My mother would always encourage me to wear my hair curly, but I was so used to flat ironing. She showed me articles and a bunch of pictures of other beautiful naturals on curlynikki.com and I became obsessed. I never imagined that natural hair could be so beautiful. I used to think my natural hair was ugly because it wasn't the long silky type, but over time I realized that I just didn't understand how to care for it. All it needed was some TLC.

Read On!>>>

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I transitioned because I got fed up with the chemical burns. I colored my hair the summer before my senior year of high school and some of my hair fell out. I just decided enough was enough. There weren't any big YouTube naturalists back then (or not that I was aware of) and I didn't even realize it was called transitioning. I just wanted to grow the relaxer out and only get my hair flat ironed.

How would you describe your hair?
I would definitely describe my hair as kinky curly. More kinky than curly depending on the day. I am not a big manipulator, I just let it do its own thing. I rarely flat iron now, I have learned to love my curls and I believe that has helped me maintain length.

What do you love most about your hair?I love that I no longer have to worry about every little strand being perfect. I don't have to spend hours blow drying it or flat ironing it. I love that regardless of the day, my hair can look great. If it's frizzy, that's cool. If it's curly, great! And on days when I'm not feeling how it looks down, I can throw it in a big bun and it still looks nice.

What are (or were) some of your favorite hairstyles or current dos'?
I have named myself the Twistout Queen. I looooove a good twistout. I rock that style more than anything else. I really like big top knot buns and curl formers too. I have recently began experimenting with blowing out my hair using the tension method. It allows my hair to stay curly but it stretches out the hair more so I can enjoy the length. I like the look of wash'n'gos but my hair gets so tangled and knotty. And so I try not to do that too often.

What is your hair regimen?
Every 4 weeks I clarify with 50:50 Apple Cider Vinegar and water. After I clarify I continue with my normal cowash routine.I try to cowash my hair once a week. I use Giovanni's Deeper Moisture or Hydrating & Calming Conditioner. I use different stylers and leave ins but some of my favorites are BeeMine Luscious Balanced Moisturizer, SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leavein, and Camille Rose's Gel. Im also a fan of Qhemet's Biologics line. After the styler is in, I flat twist my hair in about 8-10 twists and then bobby pin them to stretch them. Once they're dry, take them down and Voila! Fab twist out! I usually rock a bun once the twist out starts getting old until the next wash day.

What are some of you favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber's, or blogs?
Obviously, CurlyNikki has tons of information. I am a big fan of Naptural85, Mahoganycurls, and HeyFranHey. I have learned a lot from all 3 about all things natural, from cooking, fitness, hair, skin, and even teeth. Some of my favorite IG pages are @naturalhairdaily, @happilynaturalLit26, and @eclark6 (her hair is BOMB!)… plus all of the other ladies mentioned previously.

What have your experiences been as a 'natural'? Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I got chosen to be a hair model for the Curlynikki/Chicago meet up in 2012 which was really cool. There were so many heads of beautiful hair in one place! Everyone was so positive and sweet. It was really dope. I haven't had too many bad experiences. I think I have been my worst critic. My husband has been extremely supportive. He loves natural hair and had it not been for his encouragement, I am sure I would have been flat ironing a lot more still. I've had people ask me if this is all my hair and if they can touch it, LOL, but nothing too crazy.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I get so sad when I hear women say that they cannot go natural because their hair is too nappy. I always ask "too nappy compared to what?" Nappy, kinky, curly, wavy, frizzy, and straight is all beautiful! Take the time to learn who you truly are from the inside out. And that goes beyond just hair. We have to take care of ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually as well. Embrace your curves, love your skin tone. When we start to love ourselves, our little girls will have no choice but to love themselves too. They watch everything we do. Be mindful of the footprint you are leaving in your daughter's mind.

Global Couture is trying to spread the word about embracing your natural hair. Love your HAIR, if it is wavy, curly, kinky or coily.

See more at http://globalcouture.blogspot.com/ and Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Are you naturally fierce? Email us to share your hair journey at firstname.lastname@example.com.

CURLYNIKKIhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-22785118445035884412015-03-27T07:30:00.000-04:002015-03-27T12:09:11.972-04:00Get Elasticity, Moisture and Strength with This Hair Oil...

 by Sabrina Perkins

Gossypium herbaceum or cottonseed oil is a fixed oil extracted from the seeds of the cotton and is among the most common vegetable oils used in the US. It is often referred to as "America's original vegetable oil and has been a part of the American diet since the 1800's. Cotton has been around since ancient times and has even been found that people from 3500 BC wove cotton into cloth.

Read On!>>>

Archaeologists have also found pieces of cloth made from cotton from the Indus Valley Civilization. Since then there have been a variety of uses discovered for cotton that include cottonseeds and the oil that is extracted from them. According to the National Cottonseed Products Association, cottonseed oil ranks third in volume behind soybean and corn oil and represents about 5-6% of the total domestic fat and oil supply.

Cottonseed oil has several benefits that are more than cosmetic and its primary use in the United States is as a salad or cooking oil. It has a mild, nut like taste and is generally a clear to a light golden color. It is mainly made up of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and linoleic acid makes up the majority of its PUFA content. Rich in tocopherols and natural antioxidants, cottonseed oil is among the most unsaturated oils along with corn, soybean, canola, safflower, and sunflower seed oils and has no cholesterol.

High Ceramides Concentration
Cottonseed oil is a big winner for its ceramide concentration of 54%. Ceramides are one of three lipids aka fatty material that are sandwiched between the cuticle and cortex called the cell membrane complex or CMC. Ceramides are not to be confused with sebum. They bind the cuticle layer in place or lying flat. Despite the fact it is naturally occurring, some women need them in hair products because through the mishandling of hair through chemical treatments, heat applications, and even washing over time, ceramides can become depleted and that can lead to raised or damaged cuticles. Our hair needs elasticity, moisture, and strength and ceramides fit nicely in the strength category even though they are not proteins.

With a rather high concentration of ceramides, women with chemically damaged hair seek after cottonseed oil. The ceramides help keep the cuticle flat, aid in strengthening the hair, and because they help keep the cuticle flat they enhance the hair to become shinier and smoother.
Composition of Cottonseed oil

via Chempro
Linoleic acid: 42%
Oleic acid: 35%
Palmitic acid: 20%
Myristic acid: 0.4%

It also has a high smoking point of around 450 so it is suitable for heat styling and made stable with a significant amount of vitamin E, which also aids in fighting off free radicals. According to Cosmetics Info, It is used in cosmetics as an emollient, an occlusive, a cleansing agent an emulsifying agent, and a viscosity-increasing agent.

Hair products with Cottonseed Oil
L'Oreal Professional Mythic Oil Shampoo
L'Oreal Professional Mythic Oil Nourishing Conditioner
L'Oreal Professional Mythic Oil Nourishing Masque
The Body Shop Cottonseed Curl Boost
Mill Creek Keratin Conditioner

Have you tried cottonseed oil?

CURLYNIKKIhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-51390381759805893942015-03-25T09:37:00.001-04:002015-03-26T09:28:16.531-04:00What You Need to Know About Removing Your Crochet Braids

by Amanda

Crochet braids, or latch hook braids, are the hottest trend on Instagram feeds right now; easy installation, affordable hair, low maintenance, and big results, you can't beat that! But what happens when it is time to remove them? How do you remove them and what needs to be done to your actual hair? Well, Roshini has an extremely helpful removal tutorial that you can watch below followed by important after-care tips to ensure that your protective style does not become counterproductive.

Read On!>>>

What You'll Need

Scissors

Oil

Mirror

Post Extension Removal Treatment

1. Clarify
Clarify do not co-wash. When your hair has been in a protective style for 6-8 weeks or 1-3 months it is important that your scalp is thoroughly cleansed, especially if you braided the hair down with a thick styler and regularly applied oils to the scalp while the extensions were installed.

2. Deep Condition
After cleansing you will want to do a deep conditioning treatment for 15-20 min. with a plastic processing cap. This will help restore moisture that your hair did not receive with weekly washes, daily refreshers, and moisture from the air. A major issue that many women who wear protective styles experience is breakage, which is counterproductive to the purpose of protective styling.

3. Strengthen
If you regularly wear crochet braids or other extensions, your hair begins to experience points of weakness along the length of the strands due to repetitive manipulation. Too much of anything can be bad for the hair (e.g. puffs, over conditioning, product buildup) so it is important to change your styling habits and incorporate protein treatments. If you are protein sensitive to even the lightest treatment, then consider hot oil treatments with oils full of ceramides like cottonseed oil. If the breakage persists, then it might be time for a trim.

4. Trim and Relax
Although your ends will not be as weathered because they were protected, it is important to remember that protective styling merely reduces split ends, it does not eliminate them so a trim might be due. Lastly, give your hair a break! And I don't mean the ten hours of sleep before your installation appointment first thing in the morning. Like stated before, repetitive manipulation can do more harm than good to your hair.

To make the most of your protective style, it is important to care for your hair before the installation and after the removal. Most people (especially stylist) prefer to braid the hair down after it has been blown out to expedite the process, so if you choose those means then these steps are extremely important.

Follow Glamazini here:
YouTube and Instagram
CURLYNIKKIhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-38783996604461643932015-03-26T09:22:00.000-04:002015-03-26T09:22:47.558-04:00When We Judge Ourselves Most Harshly

source

by GG of All The Many Layers

 "A writer – and, I believe, all persons – must think that whatever happens to him or her is a resource. All things have been given to us for a purpose, and an artist must feel this more intensely. All that happens to us, including our misfortunes, all is given to us as raw material, as clay, so that we may shape our art." ~Jorge Luis Borges

I was young and I was a new single mom and I was late on my rent every single month.

First apartment. First real responsibilities. Living with a roommate. Trying to figure out this grownup life. In my mind, failing terribly.

 Read On!>>>
Every month we waited for the eviction notice. Both of us working, but somehow unable to manage our money and pay our bills on time. Every month we paid the rent by the skin of our teeth at the very last minute.

One time, we pushed it to the morning that the sheriff was due to come put us out. I remember sitting there in the living room looking around and imagining all of our things sitting out on the curb. The crib. The baby swing. The picture frames. Everything. I was panicked, but strangely calm. I knew there was nothing I could do at that point. So I made up my mind to take a step back from it all and surrender to what was happening. All I could do was breathe and sit with all my emotions swirling around.

My roommate showed up with the money before the sheriff came and we were not evicted that day.

This was just one of many storms going on in my life at the time. Every day I was being faced with the consequences of my bad decisions and self-destructive behavior. But I wasn't ready to get to the root of it and I didn't until much later in life. I kept judging and condemning myself, repeating the same patterns, struggling for years.

It's in these darker moments, when we feel overwhelmed and ashamed, that we judge ourselves most harshly.

We look around at our circumstances and the most negative beliefs we have about ourselves seem to be proven true.

This is when we most need our own compassion and we need to believe that everything we go through is survivable by choosing moment to moment to moment to keep breathing and keep going. We can't go around it, we have to go through it.

Feelings demand to be felt. Explore them and find the words to describe them. At first for yourself, and then for others. There is purpose in making art with your troubles and sharing the wisdom you gain.

Always stay true to loving yourself and being brave with your story no matter what is going on.

Remember that problems are not problems, they are experiences. By facing our uncomfortable moments mindfully and not acting out or pointing fingers or beating ourselves down, we can stop old cycles and start making use of everything that happens.
CURLYNIKKIhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-18046933996510266002015-03-26T09:13:00.001-04:002015-03-26T09:22:31.902-04:00Shawn is Naturally Glam!

Tell me about yourself!
I've been a stay at home mom the last two years and have been selling health and wellness products all the while. I just added fitness and beauty products to the mix. I used to be a total chemical junkie. I love having found a bunch of ways to kick the chemical habit to make my home safer and family
healthier. Little by little!

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I did the Big Chop - TWICE! The first time I only managed to stay natural for a couple of years. I just think I thought it was easier to relax my curls, even if I rarely ever blew it out straight. The second time I read more about the how and the why of embracing my natural curls and realized nothing could be easier than accepting my unprocessed hair and joining a community of empowered natural beauties! I've stuck with it ever since.

READ MORE>>

Had you always embraced your texture?
Definitely not. I think I started straightening it before I was even double digits. Then I didn't try wearing it curly really until I was an adult. I tried everything. Straightening, micro braids, mild relaxers to loosen the curl. Even once I went natural I tried twistouts and braidouts and whatever I could find to try that would change my curl pattern. I wanted these perfect spirals that were never meant for me. Luckily, I got over it when my doctor of all people asked me why I was bothering with twistouts with curls like mine! That was my "Ah Ha" moment for sure.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
Some of them really encouraged it. Some even said they wanted to try it themselves. Still, people seem surprised when I say I'll never go back to a relaxer again. They seem shocked when I describe it as a way of life. I never want to expose myself to those kinds of chemicals again!

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My hair is pretty thick. It's full of zigzag and fractal curls - and one side of curls is thicker than the other! Thank goodness I learned about cutting it while dry, or it'd never look remotely even!

What's the craziest thing you've ever done to your hair?
When I was younger, I used to always DIY. I colored it constantly and cut it all by myself. I think about that now and can't believe it. I actually trim curls on my own (but only after reading a lot about how to do it!), and I never chemically process my hair anymore, not even to color it.

What's your biggest hair related regret?
That I got a relaxer two weeks before my wedding, which was about one or two years after my first Big Chop. I just didn't see myself as rocking a big fro on my big day and instead went straight and sleek. It looked nice enough, but I didn't get back to natural for years after that. I can only imagine how long and healthy my hair might be now if I'd stayed natural this whole time!

What's your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
I wash one to two times a week. If I have time, I throw some of the Sally's Cure Care Conditioner on my hair before I get into the shower. I cowash using the same. It's so inexpensive, and has so many rave reviews, so I put time into playing around with it. (Before that I used Deva Curl Conditioner, which I do love but the bargain hunter in me does not.) If I'm in need of a wash-wash, I just grab some baby shampoo! I'm really sensitive to scents and have a bunch of allergies, so this stuff is great because it's so gentle and without unnecessary additives. After I cowash, I condition again, combing through with my fingers (I never, ever use combs or brushes on my curls!) Lately I've been rinsing all the conditioner out and wrapping it in a microfiber hair turban while I finish my shower. So, when I'm dressed and take the towel off, it's barely damp. I use more Cure Care, running it through my hair with my fingers. Lately I've also been using a little detangling spray, too (thanks again to my little one's supply of gentle products) I try to get it worked in without totally soaking my hair again. Then I diffuse it as best I can after letting it air dry a bit. If I want super big hair, I wait a while and diffuse it a second time, trying to blast the roots as much as I can. While it's a frizzy look, for me, I found accepting my halo, trying to love it, makes me sane. I hate taking the time for my hair to air dry. I'd rather just learn to love looking wild!

What's your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
Bobby pins are a curly girl's best friend. They make any kind of up do super easy. So since I can't stand my hair in my face, I usually use a bobby pin, sometimes with a flower or other accessory, to keep my hair from falling into my eyes! I'm really into seeing just how big I can make my hair, though, too. I've been watching Tracee Ellis Ross on Black-ish and try to channel her! My little one has a head full of curls, too, and I want him to be comfortable with whatever he decides to do with it some day. I loved teaching him that my hair was curly and his was, too. His crazy, wild curly hair that everyone always tells us they love - that inspires me to rock my natural curls, too!

Who is your curl crush?
I adore - ADORE - Sherri Saum. Her hair is AMAZING. Every time I feel like cutting mine (I was always one of those people who gets the urge for a change and chops off a bunch of my hair only to regret it) I just think of her. I will be one lucky lady if my hair grows to be even half that long and healthy. It's beautiful!

How do you maintain your hair at night?
I am always so uncomfortable in any kind of scarf, so I got a silk pillowcase. Now that my hair is finally growing out, I also put it up in a silky scrunchy. It's not quite a pineapple, because I don't bring it all the way up front, but it gets the job done. It keeps it kind of protected while keeping me comfortable, too.

How do you maintain healthy length?
I feel like my hair has grown a lot lately, and I think it's because I've been making sure to get more nutrients in my diet. Lots of fruits and veggies, in whatever form I can. My nails have started growing so fast, so I know my hair is, too. I'm also looking forward to getting better quality vitamins, too. I know that makes a big difference. It makes sense that not everything can be about what we put on the outside and that trying to make it healthy from the inside out should have an effect, too.

What's the best thing about being natural?
Spending less. Feeling healthy. Feeling unique. Learning to love myself more. There's something so special about deciding it's not just OK, it's absolutely freaking cool to look the way I look, without using a ton of scary chemicals to fundamentally change who I am and how I'm made. It makes me feel simpler, less high-maintenance (whether I really am or not!)

Where can folks find you on the web?
You can find Shawn Sayner on facebook or lookfeelbefit on Instagram and twitter. :)
Nikki Johnsonhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-25190187091718167132015-03-26T05:30:00.000-04:002015-03-26T09:22:20.332-04:00Dear Natural Hair Care Brands...

by Sabrina Perkins

If this world were mine…yeah right, but it is not so I begrudgingly share it with the billions of others on the planet. I am not a control freak (I promise) but I would like a few things to be catered to only me. Who wouldn't? For instance, how amazing it would be if I could have natural hair brands that were only interested in marketing to me! I am used to searching high and low for products, that the thought of someone wanting to cater to me is flattering. Here are my six ways brands could make products more appealing.

Read On!>>>
 Top 5 ingredients on the front label
How I tire of seeing oils, butters, and plants extracts all over the front of the packaging only to find it is barely within the top half of the ingredients list. I'm a label reader so I do not like being duped. I understand that the highlighting certain ingredients is a marketing ploy and it probably fools a good 60%-75% of consumers but the rest of us are neither amused nor eager to turn the packaging around and squint at the ingredients. I might be rocking (stylish) glasses but having to read the fine print kills me! Help a sista out and don't use ingredients as buzzwords if they are not within the first five ingredients.

Visible shelf life label
I would love to have a more visible shelf life on my products, as I am simply guessing most of the time or the ink rubs off. There is no need to print it on conditioners for obvious reasons, but labeling highly visible stamp reads, "keep until date" or "discard this many days after opening" on oils and butters would be helpful.
Clear instructions

Yes, I know I am not the only who wants this. Many products do not have instructions. I know there is limited space on your packaging but please assume I have no clue and tell me how to use it or at the very least have a QR code that I can scan with my phone to get additional information on how to use it. Oh, while I got the wheels turning why not also have the shelf life and the top five ingredients in big print on the site as well? Just another suggestion.

No artificial fragrances
I cannot stand artificial fragrances now that I have gone natural and steer clear of products that do not contain all natural ingredients. I can smell them a mile away and just do not appreciate the lack of creativity in making scents that smell natural, tropical, or earthy. I would much rather smell like coconut over some cheap scent that smells like fabric softener. The bottom line is I like natural ingredients.

Add pumps
I am heavy-handed and if you give me a jar I have to intentionally make myself use as little as possible. It is a challenge and a nuisance. All shampoos and conditioners need to be in bottles with a pump so I can measure how much I am using and each hair section can get the same amount of conditioned love. They are easier to use in the shower and the only issue I have with them is that when they get low I have to open them up and bang them into my hand to get the product at the bottom. Maybe you can fix that too? A jar with a pump possibly? Come on now.

Larger sizes
One of the reasons I loved the Aveda Be Curly line a few years ago was the size in addition to a pump. I could get the conditioner in a liter and I was ecstatic. I use a ton of conditioner. A bottle bigger over 16 oz. is not just convenient, it is equally a preference and a necessity! You do not have to offer it in the store as I am more than willing to either order it from your website, Amazon.com, or CurlMart. I promise if you offer family size the curlies will come with debit cards in hand!

So, don't be shy curlies…what are your wishes?

CURLYNIKKIhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-19959129794454877762015-03-25T10:08:00.001-04:002015-03-25T10:10:31.812-04:00Lena Jones is Naturally Glam!

via Global Couture, LLC

Tell us a little about yourself and your hair journey.
My name is Lena Jones. I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I recently graduated from Middle Tennessee State University. I got my first and last real perm in the 8th grade for my sisters wedding in Hawaii. I wish I had never gotten it, but I wanted my hair LAID for the wedding and to not frizz up. After growing my perm out, in high school I got highlights and had to bleach my hair for the color to take. BIG mistake! My hair broke off. I let that grow out. I still wanted color so the next couple of years, I would box color my hair. Another BIG mistake! I'm just hard headed! My hair was dry and lifeless. In may 2013, I decided to start a healthy hair journey.

How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?
I couldn't tell you the number of years I've been natural because I have been off and on since the 8th grade, but I am happy to be natural now!

Read On!>>>
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
When my hair broke off, I knew perms weren't for me and that motivated me to get my hair back natural. When I was natural prior to my first perm, I NEVER wore it curly. I had no clue what my curl pattern would look like. My mom always had my hair pressed or blown out with bow-bows. It wasn't until 2012 that I decided to start to embracing my natural curls. In high school, I transitioned. I had no clue that big chops even existed. Even if I did, I still probably wouldn't have.

How would you describe your hair?
My hair is fluffy goodness! I would think I'm 4a but I am not sure. It's definitely kinky curly. My roots don't curl but my ends do, so wash and goes are always wash and fros!

What do you love most about your hair?
What I love the most about my hair is the versatility. It holds well to any style!

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part is encouraging women with perms to embrace their curls. Women who told me they would NEVER go natural and are now natural!

What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos'?
Bantu knots were definitely my favorite when I was transitioning from heat damage. When I was transitioning from perms, I kept my flat iron near and dear to my heart lol!

What have your experiences been as a 'natural'? Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Many people admire my hair and come to me for tips and tricks for their natural hair.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
Every week I cowash with anything. I deep condtion my hair usually with aussie's 3 minute deep conditioner (moist) then style my hair. I try to let this style last as long as possible til I wash my hair again. I typically shampoo once a month. I have a shampoo bottle I've had for over 2 years so that shows how much I use it lol. My favorite oil is coconut oil " I'm in love with the coco" but really, it's my favorite. The best cowash I've used is wen by Chaz Dean, however it's kinda expensive. My favorite cream for styling is shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie and favorite gel is ecostyler argan oil gel.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber's, or blogs?
My favorite Youtubers are mahoganycurls, iknowlee, and naptural85. Who doesn't love naptural85 lol!

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
When going through your natural hair journey it's important to know what works for your hair! Look to YouTube and find a natural with your similar texture. Embrace your curl pattern! Love yourself, love your hair!

Where can people find you for more information?
Instagram @lenalovecurls

Global Couture is trying to spread the word about embracing your natural hair. Love your HAIR, if it is wavy, curly, kinky or coily. Shop http://www.globalcouture.net/ and Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Are you naturally fierce? Email us to share your hair journey at email@example.com

CURLYNIKKIhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-50615465555669516482015-03-25T09:58:00.000-04:002015-03-25T10:10:10.119-04:00How I Changed My Subconscious Beliefs About My 4c Natural Hair

by Nicole of www.nicoleelissa.com

I am thrilled to share in this article how my desire to feel authentic and true to myself around my hair, helped me to uncover the subconscious beliefs that were dominating my reality around my beauty. I'm proud to say that I was able to transform them completely, to the point that I am now a transformational life coach, helping women feel confident in their own skin to create the lifestyle they desire!

I will be completely raw and vulnerable about my beliefs while growing up and what I've done to change them... truly expecting that someone benefits from it!

 Read On!>>>
It's amazing to witness how time changes you. I remember years ago, how I learned about CurlyNikki. I was a teenager and heavily disliked my relaxed hair. I would spend nights crying about it, the process was torturous and I wanted to discover what my natural hair texture was like. I had it relaxed at nine years old, because my teacher at my new school at the time said I had to do it in order to be accepted. Imagine that. Turns out that years later I spoke with the principal and he had no idea that she had mentioned that! It wasn't true. But it had a great impact on me growing up, though. I remember thinking there was something wrong with me because even when my parents got my hair relaxed, classmates would touch my hair and say mean things about it. It created a really strong message in my mind that I wasn't good enough, period. As I grew up, I would go up to four months without relaxing it, despite my parent's best efforts to convince me, but at the same time, I wasn't taking care of it either. I was in a depressed state.

In the essence of full disclosure, when I realized my hair was 4C, I internally panicked. I was secretly hoping it would be a looser textured curl, which would imply I would be more accepted if I decided to do a big chop. In that moment, I said to myself that I would never big chop, but here I am today, writing an article for CurlyNikki.

I big chopped a year ago and I've never felt happier and more beautiful in my life. I adore my 4C hair! This journey of self discovery, acceptance, releasing old limiting beliefs and building confidence around my beauty, got me to where I am today and I wouldn't have it any other way.

When I first started to learn about true transformational work, I found out that we get what we focus on. The thoughts and emotions we have stored in our mind, show up in our reality to confirm what we actually think is true.

I remember hearing comments around me from my family and online about how:

• I had bad hair. No man would want me with hard hair.

• I was pretty for a black girl.

• These were my golden years and that I was crazy for wanting to stop relaxing.

• I would never be accepted in a big company with an afro.

• Men would only find me beautiful if I had long hair.

• If I wanted to be natural, it would mean that I wanted to be cheap with my hair.

This stuff was toxic to my emotional and physical health . They turned me in to a cynical person, I always expected the worst about everything . I decided that I didn't want to be that way anymore, nothing good would come out of it and I deserved to be happy on my own terms.

I started to pay close attention to my thoughts and my expectations of public scrutiny around my hair and the more I embraced a positive expectation, the more I received it.

I worked on my beliefs of feeling not good enough and in the span of months, I was able to see a change of what was showing up in front of me, because I changed my beliefs.

The more critical I was of myself and my hair, the more I'd have people being critical about my hair even when I didn't ask for an opinion.

The more accepting I was of myself and my hair, the more support and love I'd get on a daily basis.

I decided to focus on the latter and to cultivate positive expectation, and this is what I recommend if you feel identified with what I stated above:

1. Surround yourself with a support group, like this one. Don't surround yourself with people who bring you down or make you feel in any shape or form inadequate. This goes beyond your hair. Don't be available to that judging energy.

2. Cultivate positive expectation around rocking out your fro at work. When I was critical around my myself and hair, I saw it reflected in a work environment where I felt judged.

When I was accepting of myself, I was accepted in a global company as a Project Manager. I was not only encouraged to cut my hair there, by the time I left to build my business, they were hiring more women with afros and others were cutting their hair, as well.

Positive expectation is key, we truly get what we focus on. We must focus on the solution, not on the problem to start feeling good about ourselves and create the lifestyle we desire.
3. Cultivate positive expectation around romantic relationships. I remember reading so many posts online about how when you switch to natural hair, men start disappearing. In my case it was the contrary, men wouldn't approach me when I was relaxed and now that I am natural, I am approached by quality men. It's because I feel beautiful on the inside and the outside now, and I expect men to see me this way too.

I recommend writing a list of 50 things your ideal man is like, focus on how he makes you feel. Get clear on this and your subconscious mind will aid you in having men who fit this criteria show up immediately. Expect quality men to show up. I've had clients manifest their exact desired man, based on the list, show up in the span of a weekend after taking the time to fill out the list.

4. Focus on thoughts of union and not separation. The more I saw myself as different than other women, the more I would separate, focus on thoughts of disadvantage, resentment and bitterness. Making it really difficult for me to change and those around me as well.

I started to celebrate women in every area. I am not playing a blind eye here, I know some people need to be educated and that is why I write articles like this. Most of the people that I've had the pleasure to share my experience with, had no idea of the emotional turmoil I went through.

I avoid making defensiveness my primary state of being anymore. I recognize the effect it has on my body, mind and spirit.

This world is changing. It will continue to change with everyone of us claiming what is our birthright, to receive and give love. Ideas of separation are transformed when we model what is possible. That is why it is so important to cultivate thoughts of positive expectation on a daily basis, let that become our new normal. We owe this to ourselves.

CN Says:

THIS!-- "We must focus on the solution, not on the problem to start feeling good about ourselves and create the lifestyle we desire." Be the change you wanna see... Ghandi's words are even deeper than they appear at face value. LITERALLY change yourself (your vibe, your thoughts, your actions) and watch the world change around you!

CURLYNIKKIhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-3955928535930830052015-03-24T09:30:00.001-04:002015-03-25T09:24:59.178-04:00Caring for Your Natural Hair After Long Term Protective Styling

Been in that protective style for hella? Watch as DiscoveringNatural walks us through her step by step regimen for caring for her natural hair post twists. Major points- cleanse the buildup, strengthen your strands and moisturize your situation!

Watch Now!>>>

Here are the steps I took in cleansing my hair:

•Pre-poo with Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and V05 Strengthening Conditioner for a couple of hours
•Clarify hair with Giovanni 50:50 Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo

Although I did not have a lot of buildup, I still felt the need to totally clarify my hair since it has been a while since I cleansed it.

•Used rinse out conditioner, Trader Joe's Tree Tea Tingle Conditioner to invigorate my scalp and soften my hair. The clarifying shampoo does not contain sulfates, however, it can feel a bit hard to the hair. This conditioner helps to soften the hair again.

After protective styling, you should always incorporate a protein treatment into your wash day. This is because it will strengthen your hair and help repair any damage done to your hair strands. I decided to try out a new product, Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor.

What do you do post protective style?

CURLYNIKKIhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-15710786574642071592015-03-24T09:36:00.000-04:002015-03-24T09:36:43.752-04:00Conditioning Basket Giveaway- Just Comment on Articles Across CN.com!

Hola Chicas,

I'm giving away 6 Conditioning Baskets (worth ~$90 each) this month (March 2015) to question askers and answerers!

If you see a curly-in-need who has asked a question under a post, answer it! If you are a curly who has a question that needs an answer, ask it! Not under this post, on all the posts!

The first three baskets will go to the three curlies with the highest number of posts this month (3/1-3/31, comments from previous months don't count) and the next three will go to three randomly selected commenters. Past winners are eligible!

Which posts/articles count for the contest? All of them! Good luck!

*contest ends March 31, 2015 at 5pm EST*

*Please only post comments that spark conversation and further discussion. Free products are EVERYTHING but this is really about strengthening our community and helping other naturals!*

 Later Gators,
Nik
CURLYNIKKIhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-67590538466038547702015-03-24T09:22:00.000-04:002015-03-24T09:32:06.418-04:00Transitioning Hair: Knowing When and How Much to Trim!

by Kanisha Parks of BlackNaps.org

Trimming looks different for every transitioner. When and how much you should trim will depend on how long you plan to be on your transition. Most transitions last somewhere from six months to two years, or sometimes even longer. Here are a few steps to help you decide how often and how much you should trim:

Read On!>>>
First, decide how long you want to transition. This will be a determining factor because it will help you plan out your trims by the month. Plus, having a goal big chop date will help you stick to your transition instead of becoming curious and/or frustrated and trimming all of your hair off on a limb. The average amount of hair growth is six inches a year. You can transition according to how long you want your hair to be once your transition is over or simply choose a date that is plausible for you and your hair.

Next, ask yourself: how much am I comfortable with trimming? It is recommended to trim anywhere from a 1/2 inch to an inch at a time. This can be once a month or every 2-3 months. Trimming gets you closer to your goal of fully natural hair. If you plan on transitioning for a year and trimming half an inch a month, you will end up trimming six inches of hair. For some, the big chop can seem daunting. Trimming a little hair at a time can make it seem like you haven't lost any hair at all. Of course, the more hair or the more often you trim, the sooner you will be fully natural.

Lastly, create a schedule. And stick to it! You'll probably still end up doing unexpected cuts, which is perfectly fine. If you decide to trim an inch every three months, choose a date (like the 10th) and abide by it. Keeping your schedule in mind will help you remain on your transitioning journey.

Share your experiences below!

CURLYNIKKIhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-74843296890740515782015-03-24T09:18:00.000-04:002015-03-24T09:31:51.138-04:00Tanieka Is Naturally Glam!

Were you a long term or short term transitioner, and why?
I was a long term transitioner until 2011, when I lost all of my hair while undergoing chemotherapy.

When did you BC? What was your initial reaction to your natural hair?
In July 2011, after months of my hair shedding all over the place, I finally took the scissors and cut what was left of my hair. I'll never forget that moment. It was the hardest thing ever. I cried the whole time. I felt like I had become the stereotypical "bald head black girl." To make myself feel better, I joked about how I always thought I had a big head when actually, I just had big hair. My bald head was actually perfect!

Read On!>>>
How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
Everybody was supportive and complimented me. They said I was beautiful and could pull off anything. In spite of my insecurity I agreed, even though on the inside I was unsure of myself. I realized hair is truly so much of our identity and I wanted mine back.

What was your transition routine (products included)?
I had already been experimenting with oils and butters like olive, shea, jojoba to use on my hair. Having cancer made me really pay attention to what I was putting in and on my body. I researched and developed more mixes to use including a hair and scalp oil I used almost daily. I found the right mix that grew my hair faster longer and stronger. Now I want to help other women as well. So, I've developed a line of products for healthy hair. I think bald is beautiful, but it should be an option.

What was your staple hair style during the transition?
While my hair was growing I loved accessories, head scarves and hair bows were my thing. Oh and always a big pair of earrings.

Why did you choose to go natural?
I didn't get a perm until I was 12, and that was because I saw all my friends with straight hair. I didn't realize how beautiful my big fluffy hair was. So I decided I wanted that hair back instead of the thinned out limp permed version of it. This time I was going to make certain it was as healthy as possible by creating natural products that could make a difference.

Where can folks find you on the web?
Sweet Soaps and Suds LLC
www.sweetsoapsandsuds.com
Nikki Johnsonhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-35990235329128711382015-03-23T11:13:00.002-04:002015-03-23T11:13:50.574-04:004 Things A Flat Iron Should Have for Healthy Natural Hair

by Bri of Naturally Fierce

When I began the search to find the best flat irons for natural hair I thought it would end with one quick trip to the search engine box...Oh was I wrong. I dived the irons into a massive list - -ceramic, ionic, tourmaline, titanium, nano, and silver, only to come out with one conclusion. Flat irons all do the same thing, but the results will vary depending on the brand and how you use them. Before we get to the 'how' part, make sure your flat iron has the following:

Read On!>>>
1.) 100% Ceramic - Not Nano!
Now be careful here! Even the high-end professional grade flat irons will advertise ceramic plates but unless they say "100% ceramic" the plates are coated with a ceramic layer. Most high-end flat irons (e.g. Chi, FHI, Babyliss, Sedu etc.) have a thicker coat unlike cheaper grocery store brands. In addition, most quality flat irons last longer. If you've ever purchased a poor quality flat iron, (like myself) you will notice the ceramic or fake coating on the plates wearing off leaving the metal exposed. Using a flat iron with exposed metal will fry your hair beyond belief. Ceramic and now tourmaline-ceramic plates are great conductors of heat so your hair will turn out silky and smooth.

**Hint: Look at the instruction manual that comes with your flat iron. By law, companies must disclose whether or not the flat iron is full ceramic or ceramic coated. 100% ceramic plates are not cheap...The cheapest I found was $239.00! Most people shy away from them because of the initial and long-term cost. Think about how many times you've dropped a flat iron or other heat styling tool??? Me, several times. If you drop a 100% ceramic flat iron it will break.

Beware of the word 'nano'...it sounds cool, but it's not!!! Nano means small, so if your flat iron says "Nano-Ceramic" you are getting a small amount of ceramic. Marketers are so tricky! Remember, price does not always determine quality.

2.) Added Tourmaline or Titanium
When added to a ceramic flat iron or alone, tourmaline or titanium produces more negative ions so your hair turns out shinier, silkier, and smoother.

3.) Small Plates - No More than 1 1/2 inches Wide
Natural hair is thick and requires you to flat iron your hair in small sections for the best results. Plates to large will not smooth out your curly roots.

4.) Ability to Change Temperature Setting
You may ask yourself, "Don't all flat irons come with a varied temperature setting?" The answer is surprisingly no. I found several high-end flat irons (e.g. Chi original) with only one temperature setting, on average 400 degrees. You can kiss your healthy curls good-bye if you always flat iron at that temperature! Having a varied temperature setting will allow you to see what temperature works best for you. For straight looks, you should almost never need any temperature higher than 350 degrees.

**Bonus Tip: Let your flat iron heat up. Most women will immediately test their flat iron after turning it on and if it's not hot they crank up the heat. Wait a few seconds to a minute for your flat iron to reach the proper temperature setting. Think of it as preheating an oven.

Tips for Flat Ironing Natural Hair

1.) Wait until your hair is completely dry...NEVER use a flat iron on wet hair.

2.) Depending on your hair texture, you may want to blow-dry on the low to cool setting to loosen up your curl pattern. This will help you achieve a straighter look.

3.) If possible, use the lowest heat setting on your flat iron to create your desired style.

4.) ALWAYS use a good heat protector to reduce the risk of heat damage.

5.) Flat iron sections of your hair no bigger than 1 inch. Start from the roots and work your way down to the ends. Never go over the same section more than twice.

Believe it or not that's it...Using a flat iron is not rocket science, but most forget that regardless of the brand and type of hair you have they ALL cause damage. The severity of the damage depends on the quality of the flat iron, technique, and more importantly how often you flat iron your hair.

How often do you flat iron your hair?

Are YOU using a quality flat iron? If so, which brand?

This article was originally published on October 2010 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.

CURLYNIKKIhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-14398002723904804922015-03-23T11:13:00.000-04:002015-03-23T11:13:20.221-04:00How I Improved My Mortifying Scalp Condition...

 by Naila Carter, TheWeaveWhisperer

Itchy, flakey, noticeable and embarrassing are some adjectives you could use to describe my scalp.

Shampoo's didn't work. Coconut oil didn't work. Right after a shampoo, you could part my hair and find a scalp fully covered in an itchy, white substance. I began fearing my hair would begin thinning and fall out. It was time to pay the dermatologist a visit.

Read On!>>>

 I was diagnosed with Seborrheic dermatitis. A fancy way of saying eczema of the scalp. A flare up, you couldn't scratch away! Thankfully, the medication I was prescribed cleared my scalp in a few weeks. I never want that condition again.

So here's what I needed to do to improve my hair health:

MEDICATION:

Loprox/Ciclopirox – I applied the shampoo to my scalp and left in on for 5 minutes. I repeated this 2-3 times a week.

Dermasmooth/ Flocinolone Acetonide- Used daily, in between washes.

STRESS MANAGEMENT: Seborrheic dermatitis is brought up by extreme stress. Similar in the way eczema flares up on parts of your body, Seborrheic dermatitis rears it's ugly head on….your head.

Suggestions: Meditation, stress management by therapy or counseling or a strong support system such as family, friends and church.

Outcome: I used therapy and church as a way to manage the stress around me.

TREATMENT:

I greatly improved the health of my scalp by taking out my weave for a few months! I needed to be able to easily wash and oil my scalp! If you feel you may have this, don't scratch your scalp and RUN to your nearest dermatologist!

If you have battled similar scalp conditions, please comment below and share your experience and treatment! xoxo

CURLYNIKKIhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-706066300777564232015-03-23T11:02:00.000-04:002015-03-23T11:03:15.095-04:00TWA Greatness- Finger Coil Twist-Out on Natural Hair

Shekia Renea writes:

This is a very simple technique done on stretched natural hair. I washed my hair the day before and cornrowed it back. However, the weather was so beautiful today that I wanted to rock my curls! Here is how I transformed the braid out into a Finger Coil Twist Out Style. I used my fingers to define the curls and oils to provide a nice sheen. I highly recommend doing this style and allowing the hair to air dry overnight. I hope you ladies enjoy the tutorial.

Materials
Argan Oil
EVOO (Olive Oil)
Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Water & Conditioner Mixture
Coconut Oil (apply to fingers when separating coils)
Dryer
Clips

Watch Now!>>>

CURLYNIKKIhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-47254509131578016522015-03-20T05:00:00.000-04:002015-03-20T11:20:23.023-04:0010 Reasons You're Losing Length- Natural Hair Breakage

 @kayshari88

by Devri Velazquez

Breakage occurs by a number of bad habits within your personal hair care routine. Chances are, you may not even realize they are bad habits. Give your hair a rest from the damaging practices and watch the luster restore right before your eyes--in time and with patience, of course.

Read On!>>>
1. You skipped your detangling session.
Detangling can be a daunting task, especially for curly and natural hair. It is so necessary, though. If you normally have coils and curls and start noticing actual locs forming, that is no good. When you finally decide to get down to the nitty gritty of detangling, you might pull and tug hair and break it. Hearing hair rip while detangling is a bad sign. Get into a nightly habit of creating sections and either doing bantu knots, twists, or braids before going to sleep. That way, you can prolong your next detangling session and not have to worry about more breakage or shed hair.

2. You use a sulfate packed shampoo.
Sulfates dry the hair and strip the scalp of its natural oils--causing the hair to be weak, brittle, and dull. This makes styling an extreme risk to the health of your hair, especially if you use a comb or brush, flat iron, or hair ties. Weaker hair means breakage prone. Next time, check the bottle of your cleanser to make sure it is sulfate-free. As I Am Cleansing Pudding is sulfate-free but still creamy, and includes moisturizing tangerine extract and aloe leaf juice for great slip.

3. You brush your hair dry.
If hair is breaking excessively, it is likely in need of extra moisture and nourishment. Using a brush on dry hair is a big no-no because curly hair tends to be weaker when it is dry. If you must brush, do so gently only after hair has been sprayed with a water bottle and a water-based refresher like Obia Natural Curl Hydration Spray has been applied thoroughly.

4. You dry your hair with a terry cloth towel.
Haven't you heard? Microfiber towels are all the rage--just ask your curls. Not only do they lessen the chance for unhealthy hair breakage, but they also reduce that pesky frizz halo you might get after co-washing. Use a DevaCurl DevaTowel for quick absorption on those rushed mornings.

5. You are still sleeping on a cotton pillowcase.
Cotton creates additional friction that hair can totally live without. Sleeping on it for hours on end isn't healthy, so double up on your satin or silk intake--pillowcase and bonnet. Miss Jessie's Night Cap was made for this.

6. You neglect your real hair under protective styles.
Are you a new natural who isn't quite ready to debut your natural texture? Just remember to still care for the hair covered by a wig, weave, or extensions. And be mindful of using a lot of bobby pins constantly--they are metal and with constant updos, can lead your hair into more breakage toward the ends of your hair. Once you take out the weave or marley twists, use a strengthening deep conditioning treatment like Eden BodyWorks All Natural Hair Masque to revitalize your neglected hair length, seal in moisture with something like Alikay Naturals Moisture Rich Hair Parfait for softer, hydrated curls.

7. You use a fine tooth comb to style or detangle.
The days of your mom tugging at a knot with your comb and you feeling absolutely helpless (while in excruciating pain) are over. See a matted up knot during your detangling session? No worries, grab your coconut oil, and marshmallow root leave-in. Drop the comb altogether--your fingers are less painful and attribute to less breakage or hair loss. Try Kinky Curly Knot Today--the marshmallow root extract in it provides a ton of slip, making detangling easier. If you must use a comb, opt for a wide-toothed one that can be taken into the shower and used on wet, conditioned hair.

8. You don't wait long enough for root color touch-ups.
Most hair dyes contain bleach, ammonia, and other harmful chemicals that dry out the hair over time. If you do root touch-ups too closely together (less than every 6 weeks), you are putting yourself at greater risk for hair breakage. Everyday get into the habit of either the LCO or LOC Method, and seal with a hydrating, protective oil blend after applying your water and leave-in. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Reconstructive Elixir is color safe and contains shea butter, argan, carrot seed, and macadamia nut oils for extra shine and intense moisture.

9. You don't use protection when using a flat iron.
The beauty of natural hair is that its style possibilities are endless; sometimes this means straightening it with a flat iron. Always apply a heat protectant like Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Serum beforehand to shield your hair from any additional damage. Also, do not let the flat iron sit on one part of your hair for too long.

10. You don't protect your hair in the elements.
For some, extremely dry climate conditions can contribute to breakage or excessive shedding. During warmer months with the sun constantly out, it is important to treat your hair as delicately as you do your skin. Use a conditioner like Bee Mine Bee Lovely Daily Conditioner, which contains UV protection for hair. If you are going to be out in the sun for a long period of time, like the beach, wear a hat that will prevent your hair from crisping up and breaking when you get home to wash it.

Did we miss any? Share top habits that cause breakage below!

CURLYNIKKIhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-13190481097884590282015-03-20T07:30:00.000-04:002015-03-20T11:19:55.580-04:00Elegant Twisted Bun Updo for a Formal Occasion

Tina Munzu writes:

"This time last year I was scouting the ultimate wedding hairstyle. I can't believe wedding season is almost upon us again so I'm sharing an easy elegant style that will be perfect whether one is a bride, bridesmaid or even a guest. Yup it's that versatile ... And did I mention, easy?"

Watch Now!>>>

CURLYNIKKIhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-65072081067625273092015-03-20T11:00:00.001-04:002015-03-20T11:19:30.889-04:00SHOW AND TELL- FIERCE FRIDAY!

Hola Chicas!

For those of you that are new to CN, Fierce Friday is a way to celebrate our natural hair, displaying our dopest styles and best hair days... for inspiration and motivation. Wanna be featured? All you have to do is upload your favorite pics to Instagram with the tags #FierceFriday and #CurlyNikki. Be sure to share a brief description of the style, where you were headed, why you felt amazing, and thangs of that nature!

#clientselfies #crochetbraids #knotlesscrochetbraids @preshshow

When you see #bae outside #mymoneetv #naturalhairdoescare @mymoneetv

READ MORE>>

When my crochet pattern is jumping All of us Crochet girls have our own specialty pattern, for now, this is mine! email in my bio to book your appt in Los Angeles #crochetbraids #curlynikki #fiercefriday @kywill

Hi curls #myhaircrush #naturalhairdaily #naturalrootsista@mrsdcstylist

Ready and on my way to the @BronnerBrothers show to host the @4naturals booth!! If y'all see me don't be shy @strawberricurls

Noah's curls @marisolcorrea

Final look courtesy of @camillerosenaturals Coconut Water Style Setter. I'm in love with this curl defining cream! I paired it with Curl Maker which gave me even more moisture & definition without the crunch. @_cebelamour_

Headed to the mall rocking my updo...#FierceFriday #CurlyNikki #tb @bahchic

@luvrains7

Nikki Johnsonhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-65484709893617430772015-03-19T05:00:00.000-04:002015-03-19T09:37:54.315-04:00The Faux Big Chop- A Crochet TWA Tutorial!

by Amanda

"My face is too fat" and "My head is too big" are all things we hear from women who are hesitant to big chop or get a haircut. CurlyNikki is all about equipping women with educational tools that allow them to make educated choices and exercise their options, so when I saw Pure Estrogen's DIY big chop crochet tutorial I was more than excited to share. Women have been faking length, texture, and locs for years so why not fake a big chop? Most of the DIY short-haired wigs on YouTube are with curly and wavy textures and now here's one with afro-textured hair. Not quite sure or ready to big chop? Make your own wig!

Read On!>>>
This wig is perfect for transitioners! Depending on the length of your relaxed hair and the curl pattern of your natural texture, transitioning can become increasingly challenging to maintain as your hair grows. Pure Estrogen's DIY big chop crochet braids tutorial is a great option for transitioners for multiple reasons:

Low price

Low manipulation

Try different cuts (e.g. tapered)

Experiment with color using hair chalk

Gives you more time to brush up on your hair care literature and YouTube videos

Rock a texture more similar to your curl pattern. Of course you will never be sure of your curl pattern until you sever the relaxed or heat damaged ends, but a 4a is far more similar to a 4c than a 3a.

Gives you an idea of how your hair will look if it is prone to major shrinkage. This is important because oftentimes the main reason people transition is to avoid the drastic shock of a shorter length. Everyone's hair grows differently; it either grows out or down and you never know until you make that cut.

What you'll need

Afri-Naptural Definition Braid Kanekalon Hair

Wooden round dowels

Latch hook

Rubber bands

Wig stand

Styrofoam head

Mesh weaving net

Scissors

Pre-wig hair care tips

Thoroughly cleanse your scalp with a gentle, clarifying shampoo, and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment, especially if you do not wash your hair weekly.

Make sure your hair has completely dried before putting on the wig. You do not want to create an environment for fungus and other bacteria.

Cornrow your hair with a rich moisturizer and/or butter to prevent brittleness that usually results in breakage.

Remove the wig nightly or when at home to ensure that your scalp is able to breathe.

Follow Pure Estrogen
YouTube, Instagram, and Blog.
CURLYNIKKIhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-37802710899258503262015-03-19T09:25:00.000-04:002015-03-19T09:37:28.599-04:00Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel for Hair...According to Science

Written by Tonya Mckay
Aloe Vera in Hair Products

The frequently touted aloe vera gel benefits to hair include improved detangling, moisturization, scalp healing, remediation of dandruff, restoration of pH levels, decreased frizz, enhanced cellular regeneration, anti-inflammatory action for the scalp and generation of hair growth.

Read On!>>>
Many people report excellent results when aloe vera gel is applied on the hair after washing and conditioning, and before a styling gel is applied. Some curlies enjoy using aloe vera gel as a stand-alone styling agent, while for others, this does not supply sufficient hold or curl retention.

There have also been testimonies of aloe vera gel being drying to hair, that it contains protein which makes low-porosity hair stiff and dry, and many questions of whether or not it behaves as a humectant. Finally, inconsistent results have been obtained when using aloe vera gel from different sources. A quick peek at the complex chemistry of this wonderful plant should provide some insight into these observations and questions.

Composition
The aloe vera plant stores water in its leaves, which allows it to thrive during arid periods in climates where rainfall is sporadic. "Gel" is the terminology used to describe the mucilaginous material obtained from the parenchyma tissue of the plant. This slimy substance is approximately 99.0 – 99.5% water. The remaining 0.5-1.0% is comprised of a highly complex mixture of many components consistently mainly of a number of polymeric carbohydrate molecules called polysaccharides which contain building blocks of different small molecule sugars (monosaccharides).
Polysaccharides have many hydroxyl groups pendant to the chain, available for hydrogen bonding, and for this reason are very hydrophilic and water soluble. This hydrophilicity also means that polysaccharides attract water from the atmosphere and bind it to the polymer surface, which is classic humectant behavior. This can have important ramifications for curly hair especially.

Aloe vera gel also contains small amounts of the protein lectin, as well as various amino acids. These can be absorbed into the cortex of hair, to greater extents by hair with greater porosity, where they can add structural integrity to the hair. However, some hair types become overly stiff and brittle or dry when protein accumulates on or in it, so it is wise to be aware of the presence of these materials in anything applied to the hair. The balance of the components in aloe vera gel include several vitamins, organic fatty acids and triglycerides, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, proteins, simple sugars and other compounds.

Key Ingredients in Aloe Vera

Polysaccharides (carbohydrates): mannan, acetylated mannan (also: acemannan), pectic substance, cellulose, galactan, galactogalacturan, arabinogalactan, xylan.

Fatty acids: γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, salicylic acid, uric acid.

Vitamins: α-tocopherol (vitamin A), B vitamins including folic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), β-carotene, choline.

Protein: lectin, lectin-like substance.

Inorganic elements and minerals: chromium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, copper, iron, phosphorous, potassium, zinc.

Various organic molecules: monosaccharides (sugars), enzymes, amino acids, anthroquinones, chromones, miscellaneous.

Benefits for Hair
Aloe vera gel has both emollient and moisturizing properties, meaning that it smoothes the cuticle surface and also attracts and seals in moisture. It imparts detangling and conditioning by forming a polymer film on the surface of the hair, thereby smoothing the cuticle. This film can also provide mild hold, but significant curl retention based on application of aloe alone is unlikely. The pectin and sugar molecules can deliver moisture to the hair, and the amino acids and trace amounts of protein present can strengthen the cortex of damaged hair. It can act as a humectant as well, which can be beneficial in certain climates for specific hair types, but can also be a detriment in others.

Finally, aloe vera gel contains minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other micronutrients which may be beneficial to the hair and scalp. For many users, aloe vera makes an excellent leave-in conditioner to be used underneath applied styling products to provide extra protection for delicate tresses. It is completely water soluble, so can be used regardless of the preferred cleansing regimen.

Aloe Vera Gel Variations
Investigators have observed that there is significant variation in the polysaccharide content and composition of aloe vera gel. This has been found to be dependent upon many factors. Extraction and processing methods have a huge impact on the polysaccharide content of the gel. Polysaccharides are highly susceptible to degradation from temperature and shear forces. Season of growth and location create variations also. There have even been differences observed from leaf to leaf of the same plant. This is a potential explanation for variability in performance noted by different users. As with many things in nature, some degree of flexibility may have to be acceptable.

As documented below, most "100% pure Aloe vera gel" available for purchase is a mixture containing some aloe, polymers for viscosity modification, preservatives and other additives. These additions will necessarily change the impact of the aloe vera on your hair as well.

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Gel, Triethanolamine, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Carbomer 940, Tetrasodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea

Buying Aloe Vera Gel
Many health food stores should carry a product that is more pure than this. However, the fact that aloe contains high amounts of water means that it is highly susceptible to microbial growth and thus, must be preserved if packaged for commercial sale. In order to achieve proper suspension of the preservative, it is probably necessary to add the viscosity-modifying polymer. For these reasons, the optimal way to obtain truly pure Aloe vera gel would be to grow it at home and extract what you need from your own plants. Gardening can be fun and rewarding in its own right anyway. There is something very satisfying about growing, nurturing and harvesting your own supplies.

Do you use aloe vera gel in your hair?

This article was originally published on January 2013 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.

CURLYNIKKIhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-33475450933401689102015-03-19T09:26:00.002-04:002015-03-19T09:37:13.894-04:00Constance Is Naturally Glam!

Tell me about yourself!
I'm Connie Bell. A twenty year hair stylist who is committed and passionate about proper treatment of one's hair. I pursed my career as a stylist at the Baltimore Studio of Hair Design. I realized that training was the key to success in the hair care industry. My goal is to build relationships with my customers and education them on how to maintain their hair at home, and those clients who are transitioning from chemical treated hair to natural hair.

READ MORE>>

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I was a transitioned. My journey took a lot of patience, because my hair was long and I didn't want to do the big chop. Even though at time I did cut of more than I wanted to speed up the process.

Had you always embraced your texture?
Yes!

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
My mother always told me I didn't need chemicals because the texture of my hair was wavy. My friends/ clients where a little surprise; some even followed my journey with my help.

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My hair is thick and wavy.

What's the craziest thing you've ever done to your hair?
I colored it blond some years ago.

What's your biggest hair related regret?
I really don't have any regrets.

What's your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
I shampoo my hair once a week, followed by a moisturizer, followed by a hot oil treatment once a month.

What's your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
I like to wear my hair in bantu knots, flat twists, flexi-rods, roller sets etc. I get my inspiration from Pintrest, CurlyNikki, and Naptural85

Who is your curl crush?
Nikki Curly

How do you maintain your hair at night?
I wrap my hair in a silk bonnet

How do you maintain healthy length?
I trim my hair every 3 weeks. I keep heat away from my hair. I do a lot of set styles.

What's the best thing about being natural?
Omg! I don't have to worry about relaxers every 6 weeks. I can wet my hair and go. I can workout.

Where can folks find you on the web?
Instagram: contayhairbodyoil

Nikki Johnsonhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-23931975531263977782015-03-18T10:39:00.004-04:002015-03-18T11:16:20.373-04:00Sweet Almond Oil to Reduce Hair Breakage & Increase Shine!

by Yolanda Renee @etcblogmag

Are you looking for a staple oil with a plethora of benefits? Then look no further, sweet almond oil is here to save the day. It's a carrier oil which is very similar to coconut oil; both are great sealants for deep moisture.

Read On!>>>
There are also tons of fatty acids in this oil which gives it the power to penetrate your strands and adds moisture beyond the surface. Spraying a spritz that contains the sweet almond oil is recommended. If you do want to use it directly on your scalp, do so the day before washing... almost like a pre-poo. Another option is to use it as a deep conditioner that you will rinse out after 15-30 minutes. That way you can get all the benefits, but during the wash and you'll rinse some of it away to eliminate over saturation. Rule of thumb, too much of a good thing can be very bad. Here's a quick recipe for your strands which includes sweet almond oil:

After using sweet almond oil for awhile you will notice your hair is more shiny and frizz free. Being frizz free will eliminate breakage, which in turn allows you to retain length. Speaking of length, if you love using castor oil but hate the smell you can also use sweet almond oil to tone down the burnt scent. This combo will increase hair growth and eliminate hair loss at the same time. Even the use of almond oil alone is known to promote growth because of the protein content. Add a scalp massage to the mix and your scalp and strands will love you forever!

Have split ends? You can add equal portions of sweet almond and olive oils to heal split ends. Who knew? Right. Try it out and you may be able to skip that trim next month! There are so many ways you can use sweet almond oil. The possibilities are endless; some people are against using oils as a heat protectant however, its known that if you use the oil on your hair while its wet or damp it can protect your hair from heat styling too.

Finally, there are lots of vitamins and nutrients packed in sweet almond oil- vitamins A, B1, B6, E, magnesium and protein. So if you are ready to have healthy, shiny hair with no split ends...this is the oil for you!

SWEET ALMOND OIL TALK

How do you use sweet almond oil in your routine?

CURLYNIKKIhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-22834354651990161882015-03-18T07:00:00.000-04:002015-03-18T11:08:26.651-04:00Tameika Gregory is Naturally Glam!

via Global Couture, LLC

Tell us a little about yourself and your hair journey.
My name is Tameika Gregory from Greenville, NC. I am the owner of ReZilient Creations. I've also been employed with Vidant Medical Center for 10 years. I am an East Carolina University Alumni with dual degrees in Health Information Management and Health Service Management. I am also a University of Phoenix Alumni with a Master's in Health Administration. I have three children; 2 girls and one boy. They are 11,10, and 8 months. I also have a wonderful husband.

How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for 2.5 years and I'm never looking back to the creamy crack.

Read On!>>>

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
I was looking at how unhealthy my hair was with the relaxer. Seeing the thinning in my hair was the last straw. I wanted to be happy to look in the mirror and see my hair the way it was before my perm days. I was a big chopper. At first, I was afraid to cut my hair for what others may think of it, but was tired of the sew-ins and the headaches that came with it, and so I handed one of my sorors the scissors and told her to cut away.

How would you describe your hair?
I would say that my hair is maybe between 4b and 4c. It is very full and thick. It drinks up oils, water, and moisturizers, but I love that my hair has a mind of its own.

What do you love most about your hair?
I love how well my hair does with twistouts and braidouts. I also love how it is able to bounce back and how it's healthier than it's ever been.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part of my journey would be from how far I have come. I started from short, spiky hair to having my hair go past my shoulders in a two year period. Looking back in previous pictures, I can really see the progress. It has been both a difficult and easy journey. Difficult because to this day, I still have difficulties trying to do flat twists or particular hair styles on my hair with no success, but easy because I can easily do a twistout and make it look like a 5 second job.

What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos' ?
My favorite styles would be the pompadour styles, flat twist updo's, my twistouts and bantu knotouts. These are the styles you would most likely see me rock on a daily basis.

What have your experiences been as a 'natural'? Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Some of my family members and friends were doubtful of me in the beginning and didn't think I would be able to pull it off. They wanted me to slap the perm in my hair asap, but now they have seen the progress, how great it looks, and how healthy it is. They have complimented me so many times, some have even transitioned and/or become natural just from seeing my outcome. I haven't received any negative comments since my beginning stage.

 What is your hair regimen ?
My hair regimen is primarily water, oils, and moisturizer daily. Favorite products– ecostyler gel, Miss Jessie's Leave-in conditioner, Cantu Moisturizer, castor oil, etc.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber's, or blogs?
Adeea Rogers, Natural Hair Daily, My Natural Sistas and Nikkimae2003 to name a few.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
With not only being natural but with other things or situations you may be trying to overcome or see progress, understand it takes time and patience. Never rush what will become beautiful with the time needed to accomplish the finish product.

Where can people find you for more information?
Instagram: Iam_R3Zilient
Twitter: Iam_R3Zilient
Facebook: Tameika ReZilient Gregory
Youtube: IamReZilient

Global Couture is trying to spread the word about embracing your natural hair. Love your HAIR, if it is wavy, curly, kinky or coily. Shop http://www.globalcouture.net/ and Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Are you naturally fierce? Email us to share your hair journey at email@example.com

CURLYNIKKIhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-641059109122778151.post-13415663854088463702015-03-18T10:30:00.002-04:002015-03-18T10:30:47.061-04:00Growing Fine Natural Hair, Long and Strong

by Michelle of FineNaturalHairAndFaith

One of the biggest challenges of having fine natural hair (or just fine hair in general) is styling it in a way that looks full and voluminous. Then, there may be concerns over maintaining one's length.

Read On!>>>

When looking to achieve length and/or density, you have to look at each goal separately but also jointly. Fine hair needs to be cared for a little bit more meticulously than someone with thicker and/or more dense hair.

Density
Your density is what determines the fullness of your hair. It has less to do with the fineness of the individual strands. When it's not understood that you can have a head full of individual fine hairs, you can be scoffed at for saying you have "thin hair." Yet you can absolutely have thick (high density), fine hair.

'Hair density is the amount of hair strands on the head. Generally, it is measured by counting the number of hair strands found in one square inch (2.5cm) of scalp. When a stylist tells you that you have thick hair, it is high density he/she is describing.

 Generally, the classifications of hair density are thin, medium, and thick, and are unrelated to the texture of the hair. The average head has approximately 2,200 strands of hair per square inch, and a total of approximately 100,000 hairs.'-hairfinder
Shedding
It would be just wrong to talk about the number of hairs on your head without saying a little something about shedding. Shedding is a normal process of releasing a hair follicle from the scalp once it's reached the end of its life cycle. An average person sheds anywhere from 50-100 hairs per day.

If you find that you are shedding above the norm and you have no diagnosed health issues, here's a few things to take a look it:

The ingredients in your hair products (natural and chemical – you can be allergic to either)

Are you stressing your hair with tight hair styles?

Nutritional intake

Vitamin/Mineral Deficiencies or Over consumption

Stress levels
Assuming your shedding rate is normal, how do you then increase the density of your fine hair? That's the bad news. You can't. It's genetic.

The good news is that while you can not increase your hair's density, you can increase the thickness of the individual strands (somewhat). Substances like protein and henna are key to bulking up fine strands. As a fellow fine haired natural, I apply protein treatments to my hair biweekly, full strength henna applications bimonthly and henna tea sprays multiple times per week (thanks to Curly Proverbz on Youtube).

For someone without fine hair, that may seem like a bit much. Yet, if your hair IS fine, you will recognize that your strands will love the extra support :-)

That brings me to the next area of maintenance. Length.

Length
Fine natural hair has challenges with maintaining length due to its fragility. I've written a number of posts on length retention which I will link below. There are multiple hair practices that can be adopted but when it comes to maintaining your length, what you do to maintain your fine hair's "weight," will help you to also maintain its length.

How you handle your hair day to day will also determine how much length you retain. Here are the articles I referenced above:

27 Things You Can Do to Improve, Protect and Keep Your Hair On Your Head

10 Non-Negotiable Practices of Naturals Who Retain Length

Tips for Maintaining Length on Fine Natural Hair – Part 1

Tips for Maintaining Length on Fine Natural Hair – Part 2

If length retention isn't a big concern for you, and all you care about is density, follow the tips recommended to support your hair's strength but then consider getting a haircut that will give you the appearance of even more volume. Naturally curly hair can look quite voluminous when shaped in a manner that includes layers. It just depends on what you are looking to achieve.

Regardless of your length and density, giving your hair the love and support it needs consistently will eventually reflect the most beautiful head of hair you were destined to have. Long gone are the days of wanting somebody else's head of hair. Let's love what we were born with. Love + Nurturing = A Great Head of Hair ;-)

How do you maintain your fine, natural hair?

******************************

CN Says:

Y'all know I'm in the struggle. Check out these links for more info--

How I Make My Fine Hair Look Thicker

How I Make My Fine Hair Look Thicker Part 2

Achieving a Big Bun With Fine Hair

CURLYNIKKIhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


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Decision-Making: The Lifeblood Of Business
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Executive Summary
All business owners and leaders know that decision-making is what makes and breaks a business. One is often faced with what not-to-do, and that kind of effort takes up more brain power than worrying about what TO do. Think about it. Things are running well and you come up with a hundred new ideas to expand. Things go poorly, and you find yourself grinding through dozens of ideas of what will fix it. But the success you'll eventually experience will come from understanding those decisions deeply.
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North Korea nuclear missiles: How startling is Pentagon assessment? (+video)
"In today's House Armed Services Committee on the Department of Defense budget, a member of the committee read an unclassified passage in a classified report on North Korea's nuclear capabilities. While I cannot speak to all the details of a report that is classified in its entirety, it would be inaccurate to suggest that the North Korean regime has fully tested, developed, or demonstrated the kinds of nuclear capabilities referenced in this passage," said Pentagon spokesman George Little in a statement issued Thursday night.
Second, it's also crucial for context to know that many nonproliferation experts outside the government already believe North Korea has the ability to make a nuclear warhead small enough to fit a short- or medium-range ballistic missile. In that sense the DIA is only saying what they believe.
For instance, in a Feb. 13 report on North Korea's nuclear miniaturization, David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security in Washington, concluded that Pyongyang probably can make a nuclear device just small enough in diameter to fit on a Nodong, a short-range missile that could reach South Korea.
"Pyongyang still lacks the ability to deploy a warhead on an ICBM, although it shows progress at this effort," Mr. Albright wrote.


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ATM For Anonymous Online Payments 254
from the hopefully-no-camera-mounted-in-atm dept.
We've improved Slashdot's video section; now you can view our video interviews, product close-ups and site visits with all the usual Slashdot options to comment, share, etc. No more walled garden! It's a work in progress -- we hope you'll check it out (Learn more about the recent updates).
I think you need to be able to trace the money trail.
there are too many bad uses to justify the few good ones.
The potential profits are too low for the risks involved. Also, there are already ATMs that have been retrofitted to accept cash for the purpose of paying bills for defined (telco, utility) customers. Ever see one?
There are cheaper and more cost-effective ways to do this than via ATM, I filed a provisional patent app for one years ago.
Everything is not about terrorism, but it's blazingly obvious to me that a machine that could transfer cash internationally, anonymously, and instantaneously would be a huge help to terrorists.
This is an extremely poor argument. Your argument would apply the same if we did not have privacy laws, and all of a sudden people proposed having privacy. Using the same logic, because privacy laws helps the boogey-man terrorist immensely, we shouldn't implement them.
After any salary raise, you will have less money at the end of the month than you did before.


text:
Your cart is empty!
Aloe Barbadensis Juice, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) and Borago Officinalis (Borage) Oils, Cetearyl Alcohol, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Powder, Linum Usitatissimum (Flax) Oil, Fruit Stem Cell and BioActive 8 Berry Complex,Cyamopsis Tetragonolobus (Guar) Gum, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Powder, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Agathosma Capensis (Buchu) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil.Organic.Fair Trade: Made naturally without GMOs, gluten, paraben preservatives, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic colors, dyes and fragrances. Verified Gluten-Free 100% Eco-friendly, Vegetarian and Cruelty-Free.
I have never used a product that felt so light on my face and after two weeks I have noticed dramatic changes in my overall appearance. Fine line went away and help dramatically reversed deep ones. My face felt like 10 years has been took off. This stuff is magic in a jar!!
my pores came out enlarged with every other product similar to this - this was a real life saver - especially for seniors - not too heavy and not too thin!
It works for my skin. This unique luxurious formula leaves a light, velvety smooth finish.
It works for my skin. Nice Product.


text:
Unprofessional Fridays: 03/27/2015
Become Premium to Watch
Hotline Miami's thrillingly brutal gameplay is stretched to the point of breaking in this aesthetically pleasing, but otherwise disappointing sequel.
Battlefield Hardline did not crash during our tests and appears to function precisely as expected at this time.
There's a word for games like The Order: 1886. Rental.
Location »
Frozen water. Ice can be slippery and it can be fun for ice skating.
This exploitation of the original Starsiege: Tribes' physics model speeds up player movement down declining surfaces.
Crunchy frozen water fallen from the sky. Many games feature a snow world, a snow level, or otherwise-connected regions of wintery landscapes.
The use of a board to ride down a snow-covered slope.
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Flossie's Bed and Breakfast
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London - hop on hop off bus tour
... the Science Museum. Our night was going to be capped off with another musical Made in Dagenham. We decided to skip the library,as the weather was awful and we didn't fancy the walk in the drizzle and cold. It was probably only a short 15/20 minute walk from train stop (after a short bus ride) but the bus ride was taking longer than expected, so we skipped the first of our plans. After 2 hours we ...
Spending time
... but there goes close to $80.00 Australian, however we can now say we ate at Gordon Ramsay. Finally it was time to board and we are finally on our last leg of flying. It was a little disappointing as low cloud base meant we didn't get to see much from the air between Heathrow and Edinburgh. I managed to get a few photos from the window as we left and some coming in to ...
Day of Departure
... until 7pm. Then some more faffing ensued because we couldn't work out where to park in the apartment complex. But, it was sorted out eventually with a couple of false starts due to tiredness and we eventually ate, showered and were asleep by 8:30pm!
The apartment is nice. 2 bedroom, with amazing walk in wardrobes!! The blinds could be darker, and there a couple of little things wrong with it, but its clean and will do as a base of operations for our explorations for sure!
Dear Diary; Jackpot
Day 1; E-day has arrived, as Porthos, Athos and Aramis depart London Heathrow for the far side of the world. The journey that is to come rivals those of the great adventurers; Scott, Shackleton, Colombus, Gump, Norgay and Baggins. So what better way to start it ...
My Pilgrimage To The Jane's House
If you didn't know it already, I have a Jane addiction, (Not to be confused with Jane's Addiction)
Thus, I took a pilgrimage to her home in Alton, UK.
Being in Jane's house, the place where she revised Pride and Prejudice, was a dream. I took a lot of photos and after a ...