CURLY SISTER: Linda F. Beed

Tell us a little about you and when and why you decided to start wearing your hair naturally?

Because my time is spent between a day job, ministry and writing I needed a style that’s easy to manage and reflected my personal style.

What was your biggest hair obstacle to overcome?

My major obstacle was that ‘in between’ stage. It was that place where I could no longer do small twists, but didn’t have the expertise for creating attractive looks for the medium length hair I had.

     

What are three products you can't live without for your hair?

For shampoo and twisting I love the Mango & Lime products. In between shampoos I use Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey for shine and to minimize fuzz. For those up-do’s, Sleek edge control by Design Essentials helps to keep things in place.

What are your favorite styles to wear?

Of late I’ve been experimenting with up-do’s that take less than five minutes to fashion. 

What natural site/blogs so you follow?

I tend to look for tips on YouTube.

Any advice for the newly natural sister?

  

a. Know that like all hair, it takes time.

   

b. Just because a product is popular and/or pricey it doesn’t mean that it will work for you.

  

c. Experiment with ideas of you own.

Do you have a site/blog/facebook to follow?

      You can find me online at:

      www.lindabeed.com

      www.letsbeargoodfruit.blogspot.com

      www.twitter.com/LindaBeed

      www.facebook.com/Linda.Beed

      https://www.facebook.com/groups/lindabeedreaders/

      www.thewriteplan.com

Would you like to be my next Curly Sister? I have slots available for JUL/AUG/SEP. Send an email to lchwriter@gmail.com

Curly Sister - Khara Campbell

Tell us a little about you and when and why you decided to start wearing your hair naturally?

I was born and raised in Nassau, The Bahamas however I currently reside in Maryland with my husband and three children. I am the author of debut novel Not My Will which was released March 11th. Aside from being an author, my husband and I run a small business and I am also a bookkeeper and office manager for two other small local businesses. I started transitioning in 2000 because I was tired of the damage to my hair from getting perms, I also wanted to embrace my natural hair texture. I did my big chop in 2001 and haven't looked back since. I also had locs in my hair for about two years, I combed them out because I wanted to be more versatile with my natural hair.

What was your biggest hair obstacle to overcome?

I've been natural since 2001 so the biggest obstacle was doing my big chop. I wasn't sure if I would like my hair that short or if others would as well.

What are three products you can't live without for your hair?

1. Tea Tree Deep conditioner
2. Miss Jessie curly pudding
3. Hair and scalp oil.

What are your favorite styles to wear?

1. Braids
2. Afro Puff
3. Twists

What natural site/blogs so you follow?

To name a few:

CurlyNikki.com
Keepitkinky.net
Natural Hair Daily

Any advice for the newly natural sister?

Find yourself a hair stylist that REALLY caters to natural hair. Not every beautician knows how to care for your natural hair. Also learn what works for your hair, a product that may work for someone else may not work for your hair. I've had many trials and errors over the years. I've also had some beauticians damage my hair because they weren't used to styling natural hair.

Do you have a site/blog/facebook to follow?

http://kharacampbell.blogspot.com/

 twitter: @KharaCampbell instagram: @KharaCampbell

Would you like to be my next Curly Sister? I have slots available for JUN/JUL/AUG. Send an email to lchwriter@gmail.com

CURLY SISTER: Toni B

Tell us a little about you and when and why you decided to start wearing your hair naturally?

Mother/grandmother who enjoys spending time with her family. I was tried of throwing my money away on weaves, sew ins, quick weaves , braids etc. Went through my check books and up what I had spent in the beauty shop for these services and said no more. When I told my beautician to wash, condition and cut, she asked at least six time if I was sure. Each time the answer was yes.

What was your biggest hair obstacle to overcome?

None, once I made up my mine to go natural it was a done deal.

What are three products you can't live without for your hair?

My large tooth comb, my silk cap, head band, fancy combs for decoration. Would love advice on a good product to keep my hair moisturized.

What are your favorite styles to Wear?

Combed with a part on the right side so my gray can be seen.

What natural site/blogs so you follow?

Have not followed any.

Any advice for the newly natural sister?

I just went natural on the 1st of February, 2013, so my only advice is to go for it and enjoy.

Do you have a site/blog/facebook to follow?

Toni Bonita Robinson on facebook.

Would you like to be my next Curly Sister? I have slots available for APR/MAY/JUN. Send an email to lchwriter@gmail.com

CURLY SISTER: Darnetta

Tell us a little about you and when and why did you decide to start wearing your hair natural?

My name is Darnetta. I have a 19 year old BabyGurl, two Boos (sons), 11 and 7, and an almost 2 year old GrandMan. This July I’ll celebrate my 13th year of marriage. I coexist as a published author and poet (Genesis) trying to get her jewelry business off the ground, but I’m so infatuated with the process of creating something that I don’t get to do much selling. I work in a middle school by day so I have a little crazy in me.

I began my natural hair journey in the late 90’s. My best sister-friend suggested I do a big chop and I protested the idea from the start. I was a practicing cosmetologist at the time and was so consumed with doing other people’s hair that I began developing less interest in my own. Between my friend’s suggestion and being uninterested in my own hair, the natural thing became more enticing to me. I did it and I can’t imagine wearing my hair any other way.

What was your biggest hair obstacle to overcome?

SHRINKAGE! It is the most common obstacle women with natural hair have, but it’s also an unnecessary battle we choose to engage in. The truth is there’s nothing we can do to stop it. We must work with it and move on. Once I really believed I couldn’t conquer shrinkage, most of my hair woes disappeared. Instead of focusing on what my hair couldn’t do, I started paying attention to what it would do. It hasn’t been total bliss, but I’m much more comfortable with shrinkage now.

What are three products you can't live without for your hair?

I can’t live without water, shampoo, and moisturizer. I’m pretty low maintenance. I put a little olive oil and water in a spray bottle and spray my hair a couple times a day. I’m not dedicated to any particular shampoo or moisturizer, but I’m very loyal to ingredients. The most valuable advice I’ve gotten throughout this journey is to pay attention to how certain ingredients interact with my hair. I had to start reading labels, researching, testing, and drawing conclusions. Yes, you will become a hair scientist during this process, but the understanding and knowledge you gain is priceless.

What are your favorite styles to wear?

I typically wear an afro puff. When I’m going out, I do a full blow out (afro) or a quick twist out.

Which natural sites/blogs do you follow?

Curly Nikki www.curlynikki.com

Afrobella www.afrobella.com

Easy Natural Hair www.easynaturalhair.com

I also follow a lot of natural hair pages on Facebook

Any advice for the newly natural sisters?

Being natural is as high or low maintenance as you make it. As with any other type of hair care, being natural involves a certain level of commitment or you’re not going to be happy along your journey. It’s okay to just want healthy hair. If getting jazzy with it isn’t your thing, there is nothing wrong with that.

Learning what ingredients/products work with your hair is crucial.

I would also ask newbies to keep in mind that having natural hair is a choice; just as chemically processing hair is a choice. Neither one is better than the other so don’t believe the hype and don’t indulge in the madness. Celebrate your sister regardless of her hair choice.

Do you have a site/blog/facebook to follow?

One Word at a Time www.poeticgenesis.blogspot.com

Lady Di Accessories on Facebook www.facebook.com/ladydiaccessories

Lady Di Accessories on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/LadyDiAccessories

Thanks so much for allowing me to participate.



Would you like to be my next Curly Sister? I have slots available for OCT/NOV/DEC. Send an email to lchwriter@gmail.com

CURLY SISTER: Deatri King-Bey

Tell us a little about you and when and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?

I’m a systems analyst, author, mother, wife and grandmother. I’ve worn my hair natural the majority of my life. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve tried the relaxed look, but I don’t look right and also didn’t like what it did to the quality of my hair. My hair is now locked, but before that I’d twists my hair and wear twists outs.

What was your biggest hair obstacle to overcome?

When I began the locs, I didn’t realize how long it would take for my hair to start locking. It literally took two years. I understand we all have different textures of hair which determines how long before your hair will loc, but two years? Wow.

My daughter decided to loc her hair and it started locking in two months. I was so jealous. LOL. I didn’t give up and now I’m good to go.

What are three products you can't live without for your hair?

Castile soap, olive oil and water.

What are your favorite styles to wear?

I just wear my locs down. I pull them back when I’m eating.

Which natural sites/blogs do you follow?

I don’t follow any.

Any advice for the newly natural sisters?

The healthier you are, the healthier your hair will be. Eat right, exercise, drink plenty of water and learn to work with your natural texture instead of against it. Everyone’s is different. Do what works for you.

Do you have a site/blog/facebook to follow?

I don’t have one dedicated to hair anymore. On my Facebook page, I talk about everything, including hair. http://www.Facebook.com/Deatri

Would you like to be my next Curly Sister? Send an email to sormag@yahoo.com

Curly Sister: Lutishia Lovely

Lutishia Lovely was SORMAG's JAN/FEB Cover Author - Read her INTERVIEW

Tell us a little about you and when and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?

First of all, LaShaunda, thank you so much for inviting me to this forum! Such a great idea! Now, to your question. Before becoming a full-time author, I was – and still am – an actor. In the early 90s, while living in Kansas City, I would perform one-woman monologues of famous African-Americans (such as Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth) during Black History Month. These were mostly performed in schools across the city and at Black History events. Of course, these events served to instill pride in young people of color for their race, and love for the color of their skin - a message that wasn’t always conveyed via media or in school. Also around this time, I became the art director for an after-school program, called Images, for at-risk children. The combination of events really caused me to focus on my “image” and the message of beauty I was conveying to the young people. That’s when I decided to go natural, in 1992.

What was your biggest hair obstacle to overcome?

Gurlllll, my biggest obstacle at first was not looking like Buckwheat in Our Gang! Ha! Those months where I was “in between” – with some of my hair natural and some still texturized, was something else! I didn’t want to cut my hair all the way down, though, so I became inventive with scarves and hats and puffy pony tails until it grew out. Then I began to twist my hair to get that crinkled look, and wore it that way for years. Finally, after thinking about doing it for at least ten years, I locked my hair. Best decision I ever made!

What are three products you can't live without for your hair?

I’m continuously trying new products and don’t have a die-hard regimen. That said, for me, raw shea butter is a must, and I also really love Organics tea tree shampoo and conditioner and Carol’s Daughters Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner.

What are your favorite styles to wear?

My favorite is to braid my locs while they’re wet, let them dry, and then unbraid them for the curly look. LOVE this style! For formal events, I like to wrap them on top of my head, maybe letting one or two dangle down.

Which natural sites/blogs do you follow?

None, although I’m very excited about a tour being organized by newly natural author Pamela Samuels-Young called Natural Born Writers. Several “natural” authors will be visiting major cities throughout the U.S., to promote a new book she’s written called Kinky Coily and to promote our natural hair!

Any advice for the newly natural sisters?

I’d simply say “embrace your beauty” and don’t be afraid to try new things. Personally, I love locs and highly recommend them, but I twisted for more than ten years and enjoyed that look, too. 

Do you have a site/blog/facebook to follow?

Everyone interested can keep up with my life, my novels, and my hair ::smile:: @ LutishiaLovely.com, and/or follow me on Twitter and Facebook @ lutishialovely. LaShaunda, thanks again and remember everybody: you are beautiful…naturally!

Would you like to be my next Curly Sister? Send an email to sormag@yahoo.com

CURLY SISTER: Paulette Harper Johnson

The first time I went natural, I did it by myself.  It was a lonely journey and I gave in too soon.  The next time I tried, it I went online and talked to my curly sisters and I joined a few groups.  This time I wasn’t alone in my journey.  I had others to talk to and I learned a lot.

I wanted to introduce you to a few curly sisters who are also on this natural hair journey and my hope is that by sharing their experiences, it will help someone else on their natural hair path.

Our first curly sister is Paulette Harper Johnson

Tell us a little about you and when and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?

Thanks LaShaunda for allowing me to be featured. 

Hello Natural Beauties. I’m Paulette Harper Johnson. I’m originally from Northern Ca. by way of the San Francisco Bay Area. I currently reside in sunny Florida with my husband of 2 years. I have two adult daughters who have blessed me with two adorable granddaughters.

My natural hair journey began in Dec 2010. I decided to go natural because my hair began to thin at the top really bad (due to alopecia) I had for years kept experiencing hair loss in certain parts of my scape. Not a pretty site when I use to wear my hair spiked! Prior to that, I had been contemplating going natural because I was seeing my other natural sista’s wear their hair and I loved it. The last perm I received my beautician told me that I needed to get a different hair style because my crown was getting too thin. That was all it took. That was my deciding factor. That was the last time I had a perm.

What was your biggest hair obstacle to overcome?

I believe the first 3-6 months was very frustrating for me.  At the time I didn’t really know my hair and what it loved.  There were many days that my hair did not want to cooperate. But I was determined not to go back to a perm.   I learned over time what products worked best for my 4 B hair. 

What are three products you can't live without for your hair?

LaShaunda I have to admit I was a product junkie. I tried a lot of products. Some worked, while others didn’t. The three products that I can’t live without: As a styler I use, As I Am Twist defining cream, my leave in conditioner I use, Giovanni direct leave in, and the Moisturizers: shea butter, aloe vera gel, essential oils.

What are your favorite styles to wear? My favorite style to wear is a two-strain twist.

Which natural sites/blogs do you follow?

When I started doing my research you tube became my best friend.  I found Mae, Kerry and Lady T who had a major impact on my learning how to care for and maintain my hair.

Mae of NaturalChica.com 

Simply Younique  http://www.youtube.com/user/SimplYounique?feature=watch

Lady T http://www.youtube.com/user/101LadyT?feature=watch

Any advice for the newly natural sisters?

I would tell those who are transiting not to give up. Keep learning which products will work best for your style of hair.  It takes patience to learn how to take care of your hair.  At times, you might get tempted to go back to a perm because of frustration, but with time, patience and determination your hair will eventually tell you when it’s “happy.”

Do you have a site/blog/facebook to follow?

https://www.facebook.com/paulette.harper2