Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice: DimpledCurlyGirlie

{Fotki Name: DimpledCurlyGirlie} How long have you been natural? I am currently a new natural and just recently bc'd on Feb 4, 2011, so that makes me natural for about two weeks (short time, I know lol but I'm soo happy). I transitioned for a year and 4 months so I'm 16 months post relaxer :). What's your regimen for styling and maintenance? Well as for now I need to update my regimen; since I've been natural I haven't decided what I should change from my first regimen (transitioning).During my transition I washed my hair weekly followed by deep conditioning, detangling, moisturizing,and sealing with oil. I mostly wore braidouts; I believe it helped keep my hair moisturized and in good shape; also twistouts but I tried lots of styles. I'm considering washing my hair twice a week with sulfate-free shampoo, and once a month with sulfate, followed by deep conditioning, etc. I've been wearing wash-n-go styles so far but plan to do a braidout pretty soon as well as a bantu knot out; I think those will be my staple styles. But so far I love my wash-n-gos. What products do you use? Shampoos: Renpure Organics I Love My Hair, Cantu-SheaButter cream shampoo(sulfate) Conditioner: Herbal Essences Hello Hydration(I actually like this as a leave-in/detangler) and VO5 for co-wash Leave-in: Kinky Curly Knot Today as well as HEHH Deep Conditioner: 10 en 1, and Hair Mayo(protein) Oil: Olive Oil Stylers: Eco-styler gel, and KCCC What are your favorite styles and how do you achieve them? My favorite styles are the classic updo, braid/twist outs, and the signature wash-n-go. For the updo I start out with a braid out then section my hair off in three sections(one in the back,one towards middle/front, and one small section in the front).I then braid the back section going upwards into a french braid then brush up the middle section and connect it with the back section and put it into a bun or finish braid upwards, then lastly put the front section slanted to one side into a big curly poof and pin it (similar to J.Monae). For my braid/twist outs I simply moisturize and detangle my hair and put my hair into about six braids or twists and unravel the next day. I do my wash-n-gos by washing and conditioning then adding oil and eco stlyler and let it air dry. I plan on using my KCCC pretty soon! Is there anything else you want Naturally Leslie readers to know about your natural hair journey?

I truly enjoyed transitioning and simply love my fully natural hair! I have so much I can do with it that I don't know where to begin. It has been so much fun experiencing with and since I cut my hair it seems like it already grew even more (crazy lol, of course in a good way)! If you really want to experience going natural just go for it; there's nothing to lose. I've received lots of compliments on my hair since my bc and even during my transition; some people even asked if I had any chemicals in my hair to make it the way it is. Sometimes my little sisters joke about my hair, calling it a chia-pet lol remember those (looney tunes were my fav). But I must say I wouldn't change a thing.

Thanks so much Leslie, as well as NaturallyLeslie readers. I love your blog!

Thanks for sharing! To see more of DimpledCurlyGirlie, click here.

If you have an awesome fotki you want to share, click here to read submission guidelines!

Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice: Sarita-marie2!

When I saw this young woman's hair I had to have her on NL! Aside from being totally cute and a creative stylist, she also runs an online store on etsy.com where she features her very own knitted items. Way cool! Check out her hair, pics, and routine. Thanks Sarita-marie2!

NL: Your hair is fabulous! How long have you been natural and what led you to that decision?

Technically, I've always been natural, but my grandmother used to press my hair faithfully every 1-2 weeks. I stopped getting my hair straightened when I was a sophomore in college because I was away from home. In my freshman year, I started experimenting with a pressing comb myself on an electric stove...I knew I was doing a lot of damage to my hair by the way it felt afterward and the amount of hair that ended up on the floor! By my sophomore year I had it in my mind that the health of my hair was much more important than trying to fit in with straight hair. It took me about a week to find Nappturality.com--the first natural hair care website that took the time to answer all of my questions about how to take care of, and style my hair. The women in the photo gallery all looked beautiful with their hair natural. Once I got the hang of it, I was happy to embrace my thick and coarse texture.

NL: Do you have a particular styling/product regimen that you follow?

Somewhat. I usually shampoo my hair once every 2-3 weeks. I've tried the "no-poo" method and sometimes I get a lot of build up unless I "no-poo" more often. But when I do shampoo, I use Suave coconut shampoo and I ALWAYS wash my hair in at least 4-5 sections. I follow it with a thick, moisturizing conditioner for about 20 minutes. I then comb out my hair, still in sections, and rinse out. After I towel dry, I take each section and split it into about 3 smaller sections while I oil my scalp with Carol's Daughter Mimosa Honey (this smells so good!), or with a concoction of essential oils and shea butter. I always like to stretch my hair out a bit to keep my ends from getting tangled. To do this, I braid each section, unbraid and then rebraid it as it dries. My routine seems like a lot sometimes, but I enjoy caring for my hair.

NL: Tell us about your etsy store.

My etsy store is called, FeelingMoody. I knit funky collars, and accessorize them with eclectic or vintage buttons. I really like them because they're so easy to wear and the colors are easy to match with almost anything in a wardrobe, from a t-shirt to a coat.

NL: What is the best thing about being natural in your opinion?

The best thing is definitely the versatility. I can get 3 different styles just from wearing my hair in twists. Like a twisted updo, a "twist-out", and a "twist-out" updo. Even on a bad hair day, my hair looks great because it has a mind of it's own.

NL: Is there anything else you want NL readers to know about you?

I can say that I kinda found myself through my hair. In a way, I am my hair because it is a reflection of my spirit, and I love it!

Need more?? Check her out on fotki and be sure to see her cool creations at feelingmoody.etsy.com.

Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice: BrwnSKinBeauty

When I saw this beautiful young woman's fotki my mouth dropped! She is absolutely gorgeous and her mane fabulous. One of the things that stood out to me was that she transitioned for a very long time, 2 years! So for those of you out there that want to hang onto your hair before the Big Chop, here is a great example of how to do that.

Not only is she stunning, she is creative too! Check out her site (http://www.cafepress.com/naturalgirl) where she sells the cutest apparel featuring natural hair!

Here is what she had to say...

NL: How long have you been natural?

6 months. I transitioned for 2 years.

NL: What is your regimen for styling and maintenance?

I wash my hair every week or every week and a half. I wash my hair with conditioner only (Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose). I use shampoo on my scalp every 4 months to get a thorough wash. I usually twist my hair after I've washed it. I use tons of Giovanni's Direct Leave-In conditioner and coconut oil when I'm detangling it. I only comb my hair when it's wet and full of conditioner. I usually alternate between just wearing twists to allow my hair to rest and twist outs.

NL: What are your favorite styles and how do you achieve them?

I can't pick one! I love them all! I do like the volume I get from wash n gos!

NL: You transitioned for a long time. Why did you choose that route and what was that process like for you?

I am used to having a lot of hair and I have a big head lol. I didn't want it to be a traumatic experience when I bc'd so I waited until I was comfortable. I had two friends to bc before me and they were in shock and had a tough time in the beginning so I decided to wait it out. Transitioning for so long was tough at first but when I found my staple style (braidouts) and the right leave-in (I started with Cantu and then I started using Giovanni) it became easy.

NL: What is your favorite thing about being totally natural?

Having healthy hair! And I could never say that I loved my hair before, but I absolutely love my hair now! I love the versatility of natural hair and how unique our hair is. I love being different from mainstream America.

NL:. Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with Naturally Leslie readers?

Accept your hair for what it is and what it's not. Don't compare your hair to anyone else's. Love what God gave you! :)

Thanks so much to BrwnSKinBeauty for sharing her amazing journey and pics!

Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice: Mrssmif

I have been stalkin Mrssmif's fabulous fotki on the regular and was so glad she agreed to be a part of this series. I love her styles and I'm sure you will too.

NL: What motivated you to go natural?

In 2004, I felt led to start eating better and taking better care of my temple. As I began eating better, and working out more often, I ran into a problem. Working out made me sweat. Sweat made my hair frizz. I didn't want my hair to frizz, so I wouldn't work out. The cycle would continue. Then one day, when praying for good health, and weight loss, God revealed to me that my hair was making me fat! LOL What kinda sense did that make, not working out just to have straight hair?! Besides, I was so worried about being organic, and not putting toxic things IN my body, yet, I was constantly putting them ON my body. I was always known for my long straight, sleek, styles. But I knew what it took to maintain those styles, and it just wasn't worth the health sacrifice anymore. But I was very concerned about what others thought, and my hair was very much a part of my identity (where was India Arie when you needed her,lol), so it was quite a struggle for me. So, against all odds, I let go (of the perm and the pounds about 40 =) thank God)...

NL: Your twists and braids look amazing! How do you create your styles?

It's so weird to hear people say,lol, because I never touched my hair until going natural! I'm not a creative/hands on person, so if I can do a style ANYONE can learn to do it!

I always start w/deep conditioned hair. and then braid/twist semi-damp/almost dry, stretched hair, using either homemade shealoe, or coconut oil, and seal w/castor oil. I use the grab and twist/braid method with all styles except the micro braids (with my own hair) that I'm wearing now. My two reasons for doing this is 1) I really stink at parting, lol and 2) I don't want spaces in my hair for twistout/braidouts. After twisting/braiding, I usually air dry, wearing a hat or scarf if I need to go out, and then untwist/braid for a nice wavy braidout. Or wear them as is, if small and done neatly as a protective style.

NL: What is your typical hair (wash and style)/product regimen?

To shampoo, I use liquid castile soap (Trader Joes carries it pretty cheap like $2), and once in a while if I feel any buildup, I'll add a small bit (like 1tsp-1tblspn) of baking soda to the castile to help remove it. To condition, I use mayo (either store bought, or homemade), or other egg & oil based mixture (homemade) and allow to sit with a shower cap for anywhere from 15 min -2 hours, depending on how much time I have/how lazy I'm being, lol. I then rinse, using lukewarm water (very important when using products w/egg, hot water scrambles the egg in your hair,lol). I then do a acv rinse using 1/4cup acv to 3 3/4cup softened/distilled water. I do this once or twice/week in the winter, 2-3x's /month in summer. In summer I mostly co-wash using only a conditioner that meets my above requirements, and just detangle in the shower (with/conditioner in hair), rinse and go. When/if I feel buildup, I refer back to the shampoo routine above.

For moisturizing in between /immediately after washes, I use homemade leave-in and homemade shealoe for twisting/braiding, in the winter (heavier moisture). In the summer I use a homemade curly pudding for wash and go hair (lighter moisture).

NL: What is one thing you know now about being natural that you wish you knew beforehand?

That my hair would flourish w/o chemicals! I often look back now and wish I'd done it sooner. I worried so much about how short my hair would look, and if "natural hair would look right on me", as so many other people do. Now I just realize that this is what my hair wanted all along, I was just putting up a fight.


NL: Is there anything else that you want NL readers to know?

That it was 95% mental (at least for me!). Once I just got enough guts and did it, it was so liberating! Don't be concerned about what others will think, or worried that it doesn't look like you want it to right away. Have patience with your hair, and the rewards will pay off in the end. Like I said, I didn't know the first thing about hair, having paid others for years to style it for me (I never even washed my own hair!), but now I enjoy trying new things (some work, many don't) and taking good care of my temple in every way. Experiment with new styles ONLY when you have time, and don't have anywhere important to be, this will take much of the frustration out of time spent doing your hair. And give you time to perfect the style before presenting yourself to the world. I learned this the hard way, lol.. Try not to worry about what others think. You never know who may be watching your confidence and follow suit. I was so concerned about what my friends and family would say, yet they are my biggest supporters now (my mom and 2 out of 3 of my sisters have gone natural!). My youngest sis makes even the most relaxed sistahs wanna go natural, simply because of the confidence level that she exudes (that I wish I had), and she has the thickest texture of us all! And last but not least, don't tell yourself that natural hair "does not look right" on you. God makes no mistakes, He gave you the perfect hair...for you.

Braid-out

Two-strand twist bantu knot-out

Individual Mini Braids (this is what really got me!)

Thanks to Mrssmif for sharing with all of us!

Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice: Stephelise

Our FSFJ series is back with the lovely Stephelise! I chose her album because she is transitioning to natural and has great pics and tips to share. So enjoy her story and when you're done, check her out on fotki.

NL: How long have you been transitioning and what led to your decision to go natural?

I have been transitioning for 5 months now. My last relaxer was March 5, 2009. I decided that I was tired of my limp flat thin hair. I had color put in that really broke my hair in the crown and my last relaxer left me with a small chemical burn on the nape. I finally took a look in the mirror and knew it was time for me to make a change but not sure what exactly. While watching a youtube video, I came across a young lady who spoke about her natural hair. It was then that things clicked and I knew this is what I NEEDED to do for myself.

NL: How have family, friends, coworkers reacted to your decision to the transition?

My family is very supportive, especially my husband. My mom supports me, but is also in a “wait and see mode”. She wants to observe my transition to see if it is something that she would want to do as well. Some of my friends were very surprised of my decision, but they supported me none the less. Others thought that I wouldn’t be able to go through with it. My coworkers consist primarily of men, and they know what I’m doing after I broke it down for them. They don’t really care one way or the other though.

My husband actually was the first to suggest I go natural at a time when I was not even trying to hear it. A few of my friends think I’m brave and one thinks that it’s going to get on my nerves. Of course I hear a few of them say they can’t have short hair or that their hair is too thick or too course to go natural. To that I say it’s all in how you take care of it.

NL: What products do you use to meet the needs of your relaxed and natural hair textures?

While transitioning I use Aphogee Moisture Shampoo,2 minute reconstructor,
Apohgee Leave in Conditioner, Infusium 23,Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Reconstructurizer, Roots of Nature Shea Butter green tea Strengthening Oil Moisturizer, a Shea butter mixture with natural and essential oils. I also use Cantu Shea butter. When needed I use an Aphogee 2 step protein treatment, I deep condition at least twice a month and shampoo about once a week depending on product buildup, otherwise I just cowash instead.

NL: Describe how you achieve some of your favorite transition styles.

As my hair grows out, my favorite style is not looking quite the same as it used to. But I still love bantu knot outs. After performing my hair regimen, I lightly diffuse my hair on low setting to get it mostly dry. Then I bantu knot my hair in no more than 5 bantu knots for fullness. I also apply a little Cantu Shea butter on my hair before knotting. I sleep on it, take it down the next day, and separate the curls. Comes out full and curly.

NL: What are you most looking forward to about being completely natural?

Being able to learn about my true texture without chemicals added. And of course, not having to run from the rain anymore or steer clear of water rides because I don’t want to mess my hair up.:)

NL: Is there anything you wish you had known before beginning the transition to natural?

I wish I had known not to get over zealous in purchasing products. It would have been nice to have known exactly what I needed to buy and what I could have waited on buying. I’m trying really hard not to turn into a PJ (product junkie). I have resisted in purchasing a lot of hair products for now.

NL: Is there anything else you would like Naturally Leslie readers to know?

Before anyone decides to transition to natural, make sure you do your homework first. When you transition, you’re not only transforming your hair, but you’re transforming your mind. Your whole image of beauty is evolved from thinking straight hair is better more manageable hair. Also, don’t go natural thinking that your hair is going to be a certain texture. Just make sure that you’re in a mindset to accept what you are born with and love it to the fullest. Love yourself Naturally the way God intended it to be!

Thanks again to Stephelise for sharing her transition experiences with us!

Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice: AfrikanHairGod

I'm really excited about this entry in the Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice series! The name AfrikanHairGod really says it all. When I came across his fotki page, I knew he had to be a part of this series and I am so glad he obliged. This young man's mane is glorious and his attitude perfectly compliments his regal style. Here is his interview and don't forget to go over and check out his albums!

NL: Your hair is so cool. Tell us about your natural hair journey.

AHG: Personally, I really don’t think I had much of a journey. I have read and heard about many women who went through years of damaging and burning their hair with relaxers only to realize that they were running away from the natural curls that we were born with. I was lucky enough to start off from a clean slate, without having to BC or transition. Like many people I started out growing my hair without any knowledge to properly caring for it. In my early stages of growth, I was ripping and burning my hair out my hair with thin-toothed combs and scorching flat irons. I am proud to say that I am not nearly as ignorant as I was a year ago. I have learned so much about hair and even now I continue to learn everyday about my own hair. I had my last haircut in April of 2008. When my hair finally grew to 3-4 inches, I found someone to cornrow it for me, since I had no idea what to do with it. But after a while I got tired of having to have someone do my hair for me so I decided to learn how to do it myself. I knew learning how to cornrow would be way too difficult for me to learn on my own so I learned how to flat twist. It’s a learning process and I am still learning about and experimenting with my hair. For it to only be one year and a couple of months I think that I have come a very long way.

NL: What inspires you to create your styles?

AHG: Personally, I use my hair as a way to express myself. I am not one to follow trends or go along with mainstream society. I have a mind and I think for myself and allow no one to think for me. I have learned to embrace the fact that I am different and have used that as my prime source of inspiration. I am a unique person and I want people to see that when they meet me. I love walking into a room and knowing that there is no one with the exact hairstyle as me. It makes me feel even better when people complement my hair and find out that I did it myself. A painter uses paint to express his inner feelings and emotions, a poet uses words, but I use my hair.

NL: Do you have a specific hair/product regimen you follow?

AHG: I don’t have a very strict regimen when it comes to my hair. The important thing that I try to keep in mind is that in order for hair to grow healthy, you have to make sure it stays moisturized. On a daily basis, I moisturize my hair with water, followed by applying my leave-in conditioner (along with other conditioning products), and finish by sealing in all the moisture with my oil moisturizer. I do this twice a day, once when I wake up in the morning and again before I go to bed. I shampoo my hair no more than once a week always following with a rinse-out conditioner. Throughout the week, I co-wash as often as needed, sometimes for styling purposes or to cleanse my hair and scalp. Every month, I do a deep-condition at least once, but never more than twice a month. I have also started to trim my ends every 3-4 months to prevent damage from split ends.

NL: You mentioned in your fotki that you always used to wear your hair cut close. What has it been like to experiment with longer hair and what have been the reactions from other people (friends/family)?

AHG: When I first started growing out my hair, I had no idea how to care for it or even how to style it. I struggled in the beginning stages because I had no idea what to do with it. I would spend 30 minutes to an hour trying to make it look decent enough for me to walk out in public with it. I didn’t know how to use a hair pick properly so I could figure out how to do the afro or the puff. However, after I began to research how to care for and style natural hair (Thank you for everyone with the youtube tutorials, who knows where I would be right now without them) I began learning and practicing every chance I got and now I am the flat twisting maniac you see today. In my beginning flat twist stages, I got mixed reactions from my friends and family. They were impressed that I had done it myself but my friends would often tell me that I looked like someone off of a science fiction movie. As I began to get better, my friends and family began to take more notice in my hair. Many of them have suggested that I go to cosmetology school so that I could make a living from doing hair. I have even inspired one of my cousins to go natural and throw away the relaxer. Though my mother sees that I have a talent doing hair, she would much rather I cut it all off and be conservative so as to be discreet and not draw attention to myself, i.e. my sexuality.

NL: As a male, have you ever experienced any negativity through work or school with having longer/natural hair?

AHG: I have never received any negative criticism about my hair at school. I am always receiving complements about my hair from both men and women. Last year I worked as a teacher assistant at an elementary school. Whenever I walked in that school with a different hairstyle, I would get bombarded by the faculty and staff admiring my hair. They just couldn’t believe that I, being a young male, could do my own hair and execute it so perfectly. The only negative criticism that I have received is that my hair looks to feminine or “gay”. Though I will admit that I tend to lean more on the feminine side, that has nothing to do with my sexuality. Typically black males with long hair style their hair in cornrows, but I prefer my flat twists.

NL: Is there anything else you want Naturally Leslie readers to know about your natural hair journey?

AHG: My natural hair journey has completely changed me as a person. All of my life I have been ridiculed and teased by many people. As a result, it had caused me to have extremely low self-esteem and self-confidence. I have lived my entire life trying to fit into the society that I was born into. But my hair journey has taught me to accept and embrace my hair the way God intended, all while teaching me the same valuable lesson about myself. That I should love and embrace myself as a whole in every aspect and not look for other peoples validation or reassurance of me as a person.

Wow! Thanks AfrikanHairGod for your candid and honest responses. As you all can see, embracing natural styles can be just as complex for men as for women, especially if your look goes against the grain of what a black male is "supposed to look like" in our hetero-dominant society. This story was a great inspiration to me and I hope it is to you as well. Here's a peek at what you'll find in his albums. I had such a hard time choosing which ones to post because they're all so cool! And he does his styles himself!

Great twist out!

Ya'll know how I love cornrows!


My flat twists never come out this neat. I'm ~jealous~.


Nice moist-looking puff, shiny twists, and a fly edge-up. What could be better?


Flat twist/two-strand combo...a good protective style for summer.

Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice: EbonyPrincessH

This is our first Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice post and I am so delighted. When you read about this lovely lady and you see her amazing hair your jaw will drop! I had to find out how she does all her great styles and I wanted to share them with you.

Her fotki moniker is EbonyPrincessH and her albums are the bomb! Read her interview and then go on over to be blown away even further :-D

1. How long have you been natural and what led to that decision?

My BC was November 6, 2006, which makes me about 2 years and 8 months natural. I decided to go natural because I had dandruff issues that did not clear no matter what I used. A very good friend of mine, who was locing, suggested that I go natural. I thought about it for some time and then the thought slipped my mind. After one last session of relaxing, which left my scalp extremely sore, I said enough was enough. I called my friend to tell her of my decision and she pointed me in the direction of Motown Girl and Nappturality. I read as much information as I could on transitioning and natural hair. I transitioned for three months and chopped down to about three inches of hair and I haven't looked back.

2. You do amazing styles! What inspires you to be so creative?

My inspiration comes from other naturals whether it be Fotki browsing or ladies I see in passing. I absolutely love the Nappturality.com thread, "How are you wearing your hair today?". So many creative ladies there and I'm constantly floored by their amazing poise and fierceness. My personal favorite style are updos. LOVE LOVE LOVVEEE THEM! For me, up dos add extra spice and deliciousness to my braids/twists.

3. Do you have a specific routine or product regimen you follow?

Hmmmm specific routine.. I do everything on an as needed basis. I find that it's important to listen to your hair. I find myself moisturizing every 2-3 days and washing my hair three times a week. For the past month I've been using Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner or Tresemme's Moisture Rich Contionder for detangling. Diluted Dr. Bronner's Peppermint and Lavender Castile soap for cleansing. Extra Virgin Coconut oil and Castor oil for moisturizing and sealing. I wear braids for 3-4 weeks and twists generally last 1-2 weeks. I detangle each time I take down braids or twists or when I go from an out style to braids or twists.

4. Do you have any specific hair goals or do you just let it flow?

My goal is to have 12 inches of hair all around. The front, which is the longest, is about 10 inches. The back and sides are between 7 and 9 inches. I don't have a specific date where I want to reach my goal, so in that sense I'm going with the flow.

5. Anything else you'd like to share with Naturally Leslie readers?

Be patient and fully enjoy your current length. I don't be in such a rush to grow astronomical lengths. Your hair WILL GROW, just give it some breathing room and listen then the length will come in due time. My final tidbit would be to do what works best for you, your hair and you budget.

Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice

Ahhh..nothing's better than a little fotkinspiration to whet the appetite! I know ya'll troll around on Fotki, drooling over natural hair and styles that really wow you (or maybe it's just me...but I think not). Well, I have found some that I really really love. These ladies have great heads of healthy natural hair and their styles are to die for.

When looking at the pics, however, I noticed I had questions about products they used or how they achieved a certain style. So I decided to create a new series called Fresh-Squeezed Fotki Juice (lol) where I will feature a short interview and pics from one of my fave Fotki gals. I will post them as I find ones that interest me so I will not say I am going to feature them on specific days. Just be on the lookout as they come and be prepared to be refreshed!