Natural Hair Couple Doll for Dinah!!

One of my favorite projects that I have done since starting the Natural Girls United!  Natural Hair Doll's project - is creating a couple doll set, for Dinah and her Fiance. Dinah wanted to find a ethnic doll that matched her hair, skin tone and features. She also wanted to find a African American Ken doll that closely resembled her Husband-to-be. Working together, we choose a beautiful ethnic barbie doll with a curly Afro puff ponytail from my collection and a handsome Ken doll.  Both dolls will make a great addition to her wedding decor. I am so excited for the couple and very honored to be able to help with making her big day even more special!

"I have just brought one for these beautiful dolls for myself as representative of me on my wedding day- multicolored Afro. Keep up the good work!" -  Dinah 

Link of the Day!

Source: Swaggbook

Panel Of Beauty Experts - First Date Tips!

I was asked to be a part of a Panel Of Beauty Experts to give tips on First Dates.  To See more go to Expert Panel: Beauty Tips for a First Date on Online Dating Sites.

Link Of The Day!

Source: Enza

Happy Holidays!

Link of the Day!

Gorgeous Picture!! Source: 18°15'N, 77°30'W

Fold & Tuck Hair Style Tutorial

Tutorial for Fold & Tuck Natural Hair Style.

 

Can I Touch Your Hair? by Drea Camille

"So I decided to write an impromptu blog article about my encounters of being a natural beauty in a Euro-centric society. I have not always been a natural beauty, but being an African-American woman” other non-ethnic cultures are “intrigued by the texture and hairstyles of African-Americans. At first, I use to be offended because some people wanted to ask a million questions about my hair and even go to the extent of wanting to touch my hair.

I remember asking one of my cohort members in graduate school about their fascination about the kinky/tightly coiled texture of people of color hair. She gave me the most realest and sincere answers ever; she wasn’t taught about the various texture of hair and thought it was best to ask. “Close mouths don’t get fed!” Amen to that quote. So back to the topic - I educated my cohort member, but ended up getting some valuable knowledge from her as well. I remember her telling me that she has “bad hair” because it was coarse, curly and tangled. I’m thinking to myself, wow here I am complaining about my hair and she was having similar issues like me. When she told me that it took her 4-6 hours to straighten her hair, I gained a deeper appreciation for my hair at the moment. During this time, I was in a relaxed state of mind and complaining about bringing my breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hair salon and hearing the “hoodrat chronicles”. LOL! So, ladies and gentlemen, not all non-ethnic people’s hair is straight and easily manageable. They too have various hair issues as well. I don’t think I could handle washing my hair daily, de-tangling it for hours and possible straightening my hair for another 4 hours. That’s not what’s up!

Since moving back to the New England, many people admire my natural state, especially non-ethnic people. I receive many compliments from them about my natural hair. I don’t take offense to this because honestly, I am a beautiful woman who embraces my natural state to the fullest and appreciate those who recognize true and natural beauty. I don’t feel compelled to straighten my hair just to please society and to assimilate. If you can’t accept me for who I am, than you are missing out on an amazing, loving, and gifted person.  This blog article goes out to all my natural Beauties, Princesses, and Queens out there. Another shout out to those who want to become more educated to our natural state and are open to asking genuine questions." - written by Guest Writer, Drea Camille

To see more of Drea, go to  - Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr

I ❤ This shoe!

Source: stilettosnob

New Dolls For Sale!

New Ethnic Natural Hair Barbie Dolls for Sale at Natural Girl's United! (formally Stylishbella.com). Curls, Afro Puffs, Wavy Hair, Bun Mohawk, Dreadlocks, TWA, Braids, Cornrows and More!!

Natural Beauty of the Week! Jaye Kennedy

Natural Beauty of the Week - Jaye Kennedy, tells us about her natural hair experience: 

Journey: I had relaxed hair just about all of my life up until my second year of college. I rocked the wrap, weaves, roller sets, twistees - you name it and I probably had it done. I grew up in a salon that my Uncle owned and became very close with the stylists there, so I changed hair styles the way I changed clothes.  My hair was past my shoulders and layed on my back. But when I went away to school I noticed it was thinning. The hard water there was so harsh on my hair! I'm kind of a renegade, so one day I just started chopping off pieces of my hair until it was shaved in the back and had no longer than an inch all around.  This took place November 2006 and I haven't looked back since.

I had NO FEARS about going back to my natural texture. I always figured that if I didn't like it, I could always get a relaxer again. My train of thought was always "It's just hair! It'll grow back!" I can't say the same about my sorority sisters that watched me chop off chunks of hair everyday though. They weren't as convinced as I was to say the least.

Products: Three products I absolutely can't live without are: Triple Silk Therapeutic Conditioner -it detangles, opens up my pores and keeps my curls looking great. Murray’s Bees Wax-sometimes my edges need a little help with staying under control. A Banana Clip-they are the perfect tool to use when trying to get a mohawk effect. They are pretty hard to come by these days though.

Advice for others: My advice to someone who is scared to embrace their natural hair is simply this: If you don't like it, you can always go back to what you had before. You only live life once. Why not try something new, you might love it! Some people may not be as bold as I was and start from scratch by cutting all of their hair off but you can always wear braids or rock sew-ins until you achieve your desired length. After all, it is just hair. It'll grow back!

Interview with Natural Jael

Name: Natural Jael

Q: What is your hair story? 

A: Did you use water and grease in your hair when you were a child? Well, my mom was sealing in the moisture before sealing was called sealing. LOL. I appreciate my mom for not putting chemicals in my hair at an early age. My hair has been an inch long and that was the true meaning of wash and go. I actually used to call it “dry washing”. LOL! After about seven months, I relaxed my hair again out of ignorance. I honestly didn’t know what to do with my hair. My earliest memories were just water and grease and I wasn’t feeling that any more. I wasn’t big on styles and hair salons. I think I have always known that I would eventually wear my natural hair, I just thought I would be in my 40’s. Now here I am back to water and well oil, instead of grease.

Q: What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?

A: I was the typical black girl with relaxed hair – long and straight. Although, I wore rod sets, braids, updos and the occasional quick weave, so there wasn’t anything unique about it. Although in 8^th grade, I had my natural hair rocking a shaved asymmetric hairdo. Picture day was flaming mess. LOL!

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
 A: This quote by Arnold Glasow sums up my journey in 12 little words: “Parents can tell but never teach, unless they practice what they preach.” It was because of my daughter, I began my transition. I watched her hair morph into lifeless strands from relaxers, no balding spots or sores – just limp, lifeless hair. I made the decision not to relax her hair and to keep it braided. I

now know, this was the start of her transition. After a year with braids, she started to wear her natural texture and that is when the teasing began. Kids can be so cruel and the constant teasing from the other kids devastated my daughter. As a parent, one of the hardest responsibilities that come with the job is to see your child hurting. Now comes the time to pick up the pieces. All of the teasing and name-calling was because her hair did not look like their hair – anymore. I constantly told her that she was smart and beautiful, not just beautiful on the outside, but a beautiful person. I explained, as best I could, that God made us perfect. Our hair is exactly how it is suppose to be. If he wanted us to have straight hair, He would have given it to us. But He didn’t. So be happy with what you have. There I was with long flowing relaxed hair, giving encouragement to my daughter – who was natural with short tightly coiled hair. That did not make me feel good. As a parent, there are two things that I have to remind myself of: children will usually do as you do and hardly ever do what you say. I feel like I should be the best example for my children – if not me, then who? Now, feeling extremely hypocritical, I came to a pivotal point and a decision needed to be made. Either I stay relaxed and relax her hair again or she stays natural and I transition. Now, four years into my natural hair journey, we have no regrets.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Yes. My biggest fear was trying to figure out if my husband was going to like it. He married the girl that went to the salon often, that had long relaxed hair and I didn’t know how he would feel about natural textured hair.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
 A: Currently, Hydrothermal Naturals has my complete attention and throw in a little olive oil and I am good to go. However, I can not forget my heat cap. I love the results of my weekly deep conditioning.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
 A: [Insert her name], you know, in life there comes a time when we all will come to the cross hairs of making decisions. (Hand gesturing – do I or don’t I) During this time, you must take these seven steps:

1.        Know exactly why you are going natural and wanting to wear your natural hair.

2.        Have a plan that will guide you through your transition.

3.        Set goals to help you stay focused and take action to keep your plan real.

4.        Become a life learner of natural hair.

5.        Make a commitment to keep an open mind about your natural hair.

6.        Create a regimen and make it a priority, make it important.

7.        Be patient. I know this is easier said than done but it will help keep anxiety down.

8.        Don’t fret, your hair is growing J.

These steps are important because they are the building blocks of your mental transition – which is an integral element for a successful transitional journey. Think about these steps and I would love to speak with you more once you have thought about the answers and have taken action.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website? (Optional)
 A: You can join me at: www.naturalhaircommunity.com

A: I tweet several times a day – so follow me: www.twitter.com/naturaljael

A: I post regularly: www.facebook.com/naturaljael

A: Watch our videos: www.youtube.com/naturalhaircommunity

Brooklyn Jackson's Natural Hair Journey

My Natural Hair Journey

By Brooklyn Jackson

“I am not my hair, I am not the skin, I am not your expectations, no, I am not my hair, I am not the skin, I am the soul that lives within” lyrics by India Arie. As for myself I am my hair, and it has created memorable chapters in my life. My hair is truly my crown, my life, my glory, and I wouldn’t change any of the trial and tribulations we shared together. The memories I had with my tresses taught me a lot about myself. My natural hair journey started out liberating, after that it became stressful, then I started to appreciate it, and finally it helped me develop confidence. 

It all started my seventh grade year when I decided to transition my relaxer to my natural hair texture. I wore cornrows for the rest of the school year to help the transitioning process move quicker. Around the middle of summertime I made the choice to finally eliminate my relaxed ends. This was a huge change in my life and it took time to get use to. After the big chop, it made me feel like a brand new person and as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders. This was one decision I knew I would never regret.

The first day of my eighth grade year, I felt as if I gained a fresh start and that made me feel very positive. Many students recognized my change in attitude. They constantly asked me questions on why I made that drastic move.

The students didn’t quite understand why I would go natural when I could chemically process my hair to be straight. I didn’t care of what they thought or thought I should do. I felt proud to represent as the only African American girl in my grade to rock an afro. Toward the middle of my eighth grade year, I received bad news from my dermatologist that I had a scalp infection. The medicines required to heal my scalp suggested I wear a scarf to school everyday. It was an embarrassing process and I was annoyed by dumb questions. But once my scalp was better I decided to go through the rest of the year wearing protective styles.

I was finally done with middle school, and was excited to start my freshman year of high school. I started my year out with individual braids, so I could add growth to my hair. My hair was kind of uneven and I was starting to feel impatient. By the second semester I decided to straighten it for the first time since seventh grade. I received compliments and soon became obsessed with my new look. Having my hair straight made me realize how much I missed my relaxer. After that point I constantly would keep my hair straight. The more and more I continued to put heat on my hair, the more my curls became damaged. I was starting to feel as if I was loosing grip of the person I was born to be. I had to talk to my mother to know if putting chemicals back into my hair would be a good or bad decision. She would stress that it was extremely unhealthy. At that point I was stuck between whom to believe, either my friends or my family.

For my sophomore year of high school, I wanted a new style that didn’t involve a lot of work. I had developed stress because my hair was hard to manage and that made me build frustration as well. I was at the point to where I needed a break, so I decided to try dreads. I wanted my hair to look similar to neo-soul artist, Goapele. I was determined to reach this goal, while knowing the consequences. I knew once my hair was in dreaded form, I couldn’t go back. I was willing to take the risk though. The beginning stage was rocky and I wasn’t in love with it. It was starting to look a wild tangled mess and it was hard transforming my hair to appear decent. I tried to remember my goal, but the process was difficult. I was starting to miss all the versatility options I use to have. The option to wear it in curls, braids, twists, or have it straightened. I wasn’t enjoying the obligation to one style. I was missing my form of expression. So I finally decided to take my dreads out before they became dreaded. I felt relieved and proud of my decision. I realized it was too early in life to make a permanent choice, like dreads. I was still in the trial and error journey in my life but this little experience made me appreciate my natural hair.

When I entered my junior year of high school, I promised myself I would embrace my naturalness. I became more and more interested in learning how to obtain healthy hair. I was also interested in learning how to do my own hair. I would research products that were healthy and good for my hair type. I soon realized I wasn’t the only person who transitioned from a relaxer. There was a whole community out there devoted to people who wanted to learn how to care for their natural hair. This included many websites, and the annual natural hair show hosted in Atlanta, Georgia. It was as if I had been exposed to a brand new culture or something. I had come to a point where I was practically obsessed and was my number one topic. I took the responsibility to care for my own hair involving shampooing, conditioning, blow drying, and styling. I was even confident to rock my afro again. Students and teachers loved my hair; the compliments boosted my confidence even more. It made me feel achieved and proud of how far I came in my journey.

Once I finished junior year and summer came, I decided I was going to rock my curls for most of the time. Overlooking my journey I began to gain interest in cosmetology. My love for hair could be shared with others. I want to make other people fall in love with their hair like I did. I also want to give people satisfaction and healthy hair. I developed inspiration and now my goal is to become a hair guru like Derek J, and Ursula Stephens.

It’s finally my senior year of high school and my relationship with my hair is rocky. Since I had a slight obsession with straightening my hair in the past, I’m suffering from heat damage. So my plan is to transition, so I can have more new growth then go through a second BC. Everyone makes mistakes and I just want to give myself another shot at obtaining healthy hair. Overall my journey was relieving, frustrating, then I was thankful, and lastly I could hold my head high. All these stages helped me build as a person. This could also be looked at as a journey to a new me. To this day I still have days where I love my hair, and days where I hate my hair. But all in all, I never gave up and I've been five years strong. I am excited to experience many more years to add to my memories, including the result of my BC. 

Golden Soap's & Akwa Tee's!

Golden Soap's & Akwa Tee's  are family owned business. They make and sell handcrafted goods. "Our fresh and luxurious natural liquid soaps contain simple, plant-based ingredients used in West Africa for centuries and come from the same sustainable resources that have existed for ages."

One of favorite products of theirs is the Reflection Natural Deodorant.  It is a solid cream deodorant that is easy to apply. It last all day, does not smear on  your clothes, and  has a very light scent.  I love it. It is one of the best deodorants that I have tried.  To see more about this families products and their company - go to Golden Soaps.com, Akwa Tee's, Facebook.

Giveaway Winner!! Lilla Rose Hair Clip

The winner of the Lilla Rose Hair Clip is Michelle!!  Congratulations.  Michelle won by a direct email contest entry to the giveaway host -  Cathy Thomas. Michelle - I hope you love your new hair clip. And thank you to everyone that participated.

Inspirational Photo of the Day

Source: 18-15n-77-30w

Beyond Cute Shoes!

These make me soo happy... lol.  I want one of each please!
Source: The Artista & Stilettosnob

Interview with Lia Miller

Tell me about yourself:

"I am a single mother of three daughters. One of whom is a teenager. I promote natural living, active parenting and a spiritually driven lifestyle. I am a commercial print and promotional model and, have worked in nursing, the past 12 years. I also have background in high end fashion resale/retail and boutique ownership. I have lived in a total of two countries, seven states, approximately 25 cities and every coast in the US. I can relate to most anyone. My talents are - cooking and concept creating. I stand on an active children right’s platform, with a strong focus on the abolishment of child sex trafficking. I enjoy - playing with my children, reading, cooking, quote and poetry writing, reflexology, attending concerts, swimming, fine dining, natural alternative research and watching new films. I love my life and would not change a thing."

Tell me about your natural hair:

"I have been natural most of my life because of my tri-racial makeup. I made attempts to use relaxers in the past, but chemicals never took to my hair. With one shampoo or drop of rain, my kinks and waves returned. I feel and look far better with my natural hair. Now that I am completely natural, to the point of just “wash and go,” it has affected me in a very positive way. I don’t have to spend any of my time styling my hair, nor buying an excessive amount of products.  Being natural tends to bother some people."  Not everyone is "kink/curl fans. I own my beauty and can only encourage opposing views to remaining true to character and self confidence. I have always described my hair as a war against many nations, that are all leading in equal victory. My hair is kinky, curly, wavy and silky. With a good conditioner and brushing, it becomes straight to wavy.  My hair regiment is very simple. I shampoo daily, with Miss Jessie’s Shampoo and Aubrey's all natural lavender conditioners. Then just comb through wet hair with a large comb, shake and air dry. Occasionally, I mix and apply organic coconut oil and lavender oil to my scalp and hair. The Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Detangling Shampoo is a must have in my home, as my three daughters are also natural. It is a time, and life saver. The mistakes I’ve made with my hair that I have learned from are, applying damaging heat, going against my curl pattern and combing my hair while it is dry. I enjoy a wet comb through and a ionic blow out, with a diffuser, when I want to switch up my style now and then."

What advice would you give others:

"One piece of advise I would give anyone that is newly natural or considering the transition, is to allow the walls of dissimulation to fall. Remaining true to who we really are is far more admirable and self fulfilling. The very best thing about being natural is, freedom of embracing my origin."

Lia is located in Atlanta, Georgia. To see more and learn more about Lia, go to -  Online Portfolio and her Blog.  To contact Lia, email her at www.vixenliamiller@live.com.

Waxelene! A Healthier Alternative

I wanted to let you all know about a great product called Waxelene. It is an organic alternative of  vaseline/petroleum jelly.  I have been looking for alternatives to using vaseline, after I watched an episode of Dr. OZ and found out that it can cause health problems over time -

"Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of oil drilling, and when you spread it on your lips, you end up eating it, which is essentially the same as drinking gasoline. Add up the amount of lip-gloss the average woman uses (and consumes) over a decade, and it equals 7 pounds. The European Union has banned many petroleum jelly products, and experts are concerned they could be linked to cancer. Women with breast cancer have twice the levels of hydrocarbons (substances found in petroleum jelly) in their breasts than women who haven’t had breast cancer." - Source:     Dr. Oz The Top Three Dangers In Your Beauty Products

Great USE's WAXELENE FOR:

• Anything you would use petroleum jelly for and more!
• Skin moisturizing, protection, and lubrication - lips, feet – anywhere!
• Protection from chafing, friction, and wind burn - jogging, biking, volleyball, etc.
• Make-up & removal - add extra gloss to lips/face or remove make-up the healthy way.
• Soothing chapped, dry skin (Eczema & Psoriasis)
• Reducing diaper irritation - babies love Waxelene!
• Aftershave for face/legs etc.
• Wetsuit rash prevention - won't deteriorate wetsuit and no petroleum in the water!
• Hair - thick texture aids in styling while moisturizing and nourishing
• After Sun
• Hands - relieving drying effects from repeated hand washings or doing dishes
• Tons of other creative household and cosmetic uses

BENEFITS:

• Non-petroleum based - Healthier for your family and the planet!
• Eco-friendly, biodegradable, no GMOs
• No parabens or artificial ingredients
• Smooth and silky consistency
• All natural
• Contains organic ingredients
• Water/sweat resistant - Lasting protection.
• Not Greasy
• Goes on clear
• No animal testing

For more information, go to Waxelene.com.

Natural Beauty of the Week! Tomayaful

Name: Tamaratare Omaya

Style Inspiration:  I love the singer Monica’s fashion sense...... and Brandy Norwood. Classy meets sexy is my style inspiration. I like collared work button up shirts with shorts, and a pair of heels, or short sexy suits....Big dazzling earrings, bangles, and makeup. I love the bold red lip, the Smokey eye... pretty foundation... burgundy, and brown shades, and well as the nude pink or beige look on lips. I also love false eyelashes to make my face pop. I love Glamorous eyes to go with the Glamorous afro! Whooooo!

Favorite looks on how I rock my natural hair: Chunky twist outs are my favorite it makes such a statement with me, and brings me out. I love it. I also like my hair in mini twists as a protective style, and I play up my look with big earrings, and pretty lips!  I love silk scarves with vibrant colors, and clips to accessorize the blown out fro, or chunky twist out fro.

Advice I would like to give other naturals: Look into the mirror, and call yourself beautiful every morning. Please look at people on youtube, there very informative, and theirs a whole natural hair community waiting for you with open arms. Research, and ask other naturals questions. Take a professional photo shoot for more confidence. Try a different style every week. Make Natural hair goals, and length goals. Thank your creator with what he has blessed you with, and DONT COMPARE your hair with someone else's.

To see and learn more about Tamaratare, go to Youtube & Facebook.