Showing posts with label Captured Curls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Captured Curls. Show all posts

Captured Curls: Jess AKA Mahogany Curls

I have been a fan of Ms. MahoganyCurls for sometime now. So, when she asked to be featured of course I said yes! I follow Jess on InstaGram and Twitter, her spirit is very lovely and calm. I'm sure you all who watch her on YT can pick up that amazing vibe. Below you can read about Jess's journey and  you'll also find her links. If you are not following her via YT and other social networks you should be; she truly is a breath of fresh air. ENJOY!

xoxo,
Alex


Please, introduce yourself!
Hello Everyone! My name is Jessica and I am 25 years old, some of you may know me as MahoganyCurls from YouTube.



  How did you fall into making YT videos and becoming a “guru?”
I decided to go natural in late 2008 and did the big chop in 2009. Hair care has always been a passion of mine. Learning how to care for natural hair just came to me naturally :). I decided to make YouTube videos to document my natural hair journey. I wanted to share my trials and errors with the natural hair community.




What is your current hair care regimen?
My current hair care regimen is a wash n go or "wet n go" depending on the time of the month. I cowash once a month with DevaCurl No Poo, apply my leave in of choice either DevaCurl One Condition or Tresemme Naturals, detangle my hair, and allow it to air-dry. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I rewet my hair in the shower, allow the water to saturate my hair, massage my scalp a little and apply more conditioner, detangle, and go. That is why I call it wet and go! :) Every Thursday night I deep condition my hair and rinse it out the next morning. This makes detangling the next day a breeze!



   Let’s talk hair type! A lot of naturals are against the hair typing system. Do you think learning your hair type can be beneficial during someone’s natural hair journey?

I am one of those naturals that do not care for the hair typing system. In the beginning of my natural hair journey, I wanted to know my hair type too. I even posted a video asking others what it was and tried to figure it out on certain hair boards. It was very confusing and in my opinion, it is misleading. It almost became an obsession. You know? Always trying to figure out what type I had. That did not last long. I told myself that it did not matter what my hair type is, I just want it to be healthy. Therefore, to answer your question, I am not sure, but I can speak for myself and say that it really did not help me. I just knew my hair was dry, it needed moisture, and I wanted it to be healthy.



What reaction did you get from friends and family when you first decided to go natural?
The reaction was mixed. Some family members were supportive and others were not. My husband actually did my big chop for me. Shaved my hair and everything! The same goes with my friends; I had many people tell me I was "bold." I did not care, I loved my TWA. Since my big chop, many family members and friends decided to go natural too!




   Did you BC or transition and what made you finally take the plunge?
I did the big chop. I wanted to transition for 2 years but I became impatient and decided to do the BC two months after my last relaxer.



What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?
I love the fact that it is what God gave me. Our hair is our crown, and I feel that every woman has her own unique crown. Our hair beautiful and we should embrace it.




 Where can we find you on the web?

  Do you have any words of encouragement for young women looking to go natural?

Yes! Just do it. People may tell you that you will not look a certain way but ignore them. Do what is in your heart. Sometimes people will say discouraging things about going natural because they are afraid take that step. My little sister did the big chop and she is 16. I told her not worry about others and she is happy about her decision. We have to do things for ourselves and not others.

Anything extra you’d like us to know?

Thank you for allowing me to share my story with your followers!

Captured Curls: Nykeba



Please, introduce yourself!

Greetings Beautiful People! My name is Nykeba and I am 23 years old. I
recently graduated from Syracuse University with a B.A. in Anthropology and a minor in Global Enterprise Technologies. Sincere returning home to Maryland, I have been actively involved in community outreach promoting professional development within high schools.  I have also helped to start, as well as fund, a scholarship for high school students to attend college. I love traveling, shooting with a Canon Rebel, 
DJing, making headbands, event planning and volunteering.

What is your current hair care regimen?

Although I do not usually stick to a schedule, I typically co-wash and
detangle my hair every 7-10 days, occasionally using shampoo when
necessary. Using a hot cap, I deep condition twice a month. Like many
of us, my go-to style depends on the amount of time I have available.
Lately, I’ve been rockin chiney bumps (bantu knots), twist-outs or using
curlformers to stretch my curls.





What is your hair type and what works best for your texture?

My hair type has changed throughout my natural journey. Due to heat
damage, I was unable to recognize my hair type for some time. After two
dissatisfied  haircuts and one trim, I can proudly say I have 4A and 4B type
hair. Using moisturizer daily works best for my previously damaged hair. 
I love using a spray bottle (filled with H2O,
conditioner and oil) to freshen up my curls. I’ve also
noticed that by frequently sealing my ends, my hair styles last
longer than ever (gotta love trial and error)! Although my hair
stylist hates that I experimented with Henna, I love conditioning my hair
with it. Like Alex, my hair color remained the same, just stronger and
slightly tinted.



 What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

Most of my family and friends were initially shocked by my decision to
go natural. For months my mom and girlfriends figured I would relapse on
creamy crack O_o. Transitioning in the summer was a battle of its
own, as I tried to work with having straight ends and curls of new
growth. Throughout it all they were intrigued to see how I would pull it
off. Thankfully, my family and friends, as well as websites like the this one,
Kimmay Tube, naturalchica.com and curlynikki.com supported my natural
resolution. As time passed, reactions changed from “why??” to “wow!” - with
my mom and several of my girls deciding to become natural also.

 Did you BC or transition, if so when or for how long?

I began my natural journey on March 21, 2010. From that day forward, I stopped chemically straightening my hair.  During my transition, flexi-rods and my flat-iron (heat damage, yikes!) became my go-to styling tools. I decided to cut my permed ends after transitioning for a year.

 What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?

On March 21, 2011, I finally saw my natural hair for the first time
since elementary school and I’ve been in love ever since. I could not
believe how malleable my hair was, as my stylist cut my transitioning
hair, eventually converting it from a full curly fro to a voluminous blow
out. It’s amazing how resilient our hair is, in fact, earlier this month, I
pressed my hair for the first time and wore it straight for a few
days. Missing my curls, I decided to spice up what has now become
boring for me - straight hair. I achieved a wavy and curly look by
bantu knotting and pin curling it. Several days later, I looked
forward to washing my hair in hopes my kinks and coils would return.
Versatility at its finest!

 Where can we find you on the web?

iTweet – @nykebacorinaldi

 Anything EXTRA you want us to know?

Always remember that everyone’s mane is different, so what works for
you may not work for someone else. Embracing our unique roots is key. Be
patient with your hair and figure out what works best for you. I also
encourage visiting YouTube and healthy hair websites that continue to cultivate our growing community. Thank you very much for inspiring so many of us Alex!

Captured Curls: Aziza


I have had my eye on this natural beauty for a while now. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting her at an event and she is such a lovely woman with AMAZING hair. Everyone, meet Aziza! Her looks are captivating and her hair is simply beautiful. If you want to learn more about the owner of these great curls, click the jump. 

xoxo,
Alex


Please, introduce yourself!
Hello Beautiful! My name is Aziza Original. I’m an all-around artist and model from the DMV. You can always catch me directing photo shoots, videos, or being a part of one. As well a Tumblr blogger that inspires and delivers with a free spirit soul that’s that flows like a bottle in the sea.

What is your current hair care regimen?
Well I call it the get up and go, meaning I really don’t do much. I wash my hair every two weeks with Carols Daughter products and after that I let the steam from the shower do its job. The less I do, the better.



What is your hair type and what works best for your texture?
I have thick hair with fine texture so finding products for my hair is kind of hard. You win and lose in some situations. Sometimes I can find good products but it weighs my curls down or I can find the opposite, good product that don’t weigh my curls but it doesn’t really define nor moisturize my hair. Using Carols Daughter hair milk, gives me the results I adore, without using a lot of products.


What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
I have always been natural for the most part. However, there was that time my mother put a texturizer in my hair; and I complained for DAYS because I was upset that I wasn’t natural anymore. Other than that I grew up maintaining my natural curls, then destroying it with color, may my hair from my younger years rest in peace…

Did you BC or transition, if so when or for how long?
Having the hair texture I do now, I did do the BC. My hair was damaged from all the coloring I did in the past, so my curls were very stringy and not healthy. So I decided to cut it all off to a low cut 3 years ago. Before the BC my hair was going through major chops to get all the damaged ends off. Having hair in the middle of my back, to shoulder length then all gone was the process. After the BC I was able to achieve healthy full lushes curl with no heat applied to them nor color.



What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?
The fact that I can say I’m fully natural makes me love my curls. Waking up in the morning not having to worry about styling is a plus! I just hop in the shower and start my day. The fullness and how defined my curls are make my hair special to me, not to mention bringing back the afro that many enjoy.

Where can we find you on the web?
www.AzizaOriginal.tumblr.com

Anything EXTRA you want us to know?
Once you go natural, the process is so beautiful. You learn so much about yourself.  Overtime you come to realize that you’re not looking at it as “oh it’s just hair” but you start to pay attention to what you put in it, who touches it, and how you treat it. It’s your love that you grow with and put so much dedication into. That’s why being natural is so beautiful because of the person you do become during your journey.

Captured Curls: Aquia



I came across this beauty and her amazing head of hair, randomly on InstaGram! Immediately I wanted to feature her so she could share her story and some hairspiration with us all. Want to learn more about Aquia and her beautiful mane? Keep reading... 

xoxo,
Alex




 Please, introduce yourself!


My name is Aquia Francisco, I'm from San Antonio by way of Dallas, TX. I'm a PR girl by day and a socialite by night, a foodie and a recovering retail addict. I've been completely natural for a little over two years and doing so was probably one of the best decisions I've made to date. 

 What is your current hair care regimen?

I'm honestly a horrible natural (please don't stone me). I don't really have a "regimen." I used to do PR for a major haircare brand and I faithfully read blogs so I know that one should have a regimen but doing my hair is usually an all day affair that I have to mentally prepare myself for. Every two weeks or so I wash with my handsdown favorite sulfate-free shampoo (Creme of Nature with Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo) and follow with a deep conditioning treatment (when I have time). I usually do three-strand twist-outs and sometimes wear them for a week or so under a turban or baret before taking them down. I trim my own ends (usually while twisted) every two-three months and in the last year, I straightened my hair maybe twice. My hair also loves coconut oil, so I use it as a prepoo and concentrate on my ends. 



What is your hair type and what works best for your texture?

I've never gotten into the "hair typing" fiasco. I never really cared. I don't believe my hair can be stuck into one category nor do I think it's like anyone else's... Similar, maybe, but not enough to call myself a "type a" or whatever. What does that even mean? Lol however, for my hair texture, I use a lot of cream-based products. They hold my hair best -- particularly with twist outs. My two staples are Creme of Nature Lemongrass Leave-in and Cantu Shea butter Moisturizing & Repairing Cream. I don't really do wash-and-go's because my texture varies so much across my head that they never really turn out cute...for lack of better words. 


What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

Luckily, the people closest to me were very supportive and that's all that really mattered. One of my best friends and I did it around the same time so we leaned on each other for support. Of course you run into ignorant people who make ignorant comments, but at the end of the day, I'm no better than them if I believe their comments to be true. I think going natural allows you to find a comfort and a confidence within yourself that you may not have ever known you had until you make that decision. The same people who threw slugs when my hair was two inches long are probably the same folks trying to put their hands all in it now that it's longer than their mom's. 

 Did you BC or transition, if so when or for how long?

I transitioned for about nine months and then randomly decided to get my hair cut in a bob in September of 2009. When I washed it however, the back was so short that all of my permed ends were gone and I couldn't straighten it. Go figure. That same weekend I went and had the rest cut off. There were tears, but as cliche as it sounds, it was a very liberating experience.  

 What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?

I love the versatility. I love standing out in a crowd. I love the handful of compliments I receive daily. I love motivating other women to find the confidence to make the decision to be relaxer-free. I love that even on a bad hairday, I never regret making the decision to go on this journey. I've NEVER regretted it. Ever.  

 Where can we find you on the web?

I've been telling myself I would update my blog but that's still in the works. So in the meantime, you can follow me on twitter @missaquia. 

Captured Curls: Kris



Please, introduce yourself!
Hello!  My name is Kristin Brooks, a 23 year-old musician and blogger from Pennsylvania.  I have a lifestyle blog known as “The Kris Bliss” where I blog about adventures in my life, my natural hair, and of course showcasing my sense of fashion!
What is your current hair care regimen?
I currently shampoo and condition my hair every 10-18 days.  I know that’s a broad range, but it truly depends on what style I’m wearing and how much product I’m using to maintain that hairstyle.  The more product build-up, the more often I’m going to wash & condition my hair, and vice versa.  In between washes, I keep my strands moisturized with a leave-in conditioner, and use oil on my scalp on a weekly basis as well.



What is your hair type and what works best for your texture?
I’m not heavy into typing my hair honestly, but if I had to… I’d say I have type four hair.  It’s really thick, and tightly coiled, but it is very soft.  I get the thickness from my mom’s side, and the softness from my Dad’s side of the family.
What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
My best friends were totally down for it, my dad didn’t really know what that meant at the time, and my Mom, woo chile, she was NOT a fan.  Neither was her mother, my grandma.  I told my mom I was going natural and she fussed, “Well, it’s not like you’re going to be able to just wear it out.  You’re going to have to constantly be styling it… It’s not going to be curly or manageable…” etc. etc….  I OBVIOUSLY paid her no mind, and went for it anyway.  I only grew my hair for a couple of months before chopping it all off, and it was GORGEOUS.  Curls poppin’ all over the place, and was even softer than when it was relaxed (which I didn’t think could even be possible)!  Three months later my Mom decided she wanted to go natural LOL (and her hair length is currently inches past her bra strap when stretched)!
My grandmother never became a fan, but she loved me either way, God rest her soul, but she loved it when it was straight!  I made sure the to wear it nice and straight at her funeral J
Since going natural, I’ve gotten one of my best friends to go natural, and whilst in college, encouraged many, many sistahs to go natural, as well as a few women in my family.

Did you BC or transition, if so when or for how long?
I did the big chop.  I went natural before it was popular, or before the “movement” started, and I didn’t have any of the information that is readily available today.  I was in 10th grade, back in ’03-’04, and one day decided that I didn’t want relaxers anymore.  I grew my hair out for a couple months, until it was about 2 inches or so, and chopped it all off!

What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?
I love everything about my hair.  I love the thickness, my tight curl definition… I love how soft it is, and that it’s so versatile!  I switch up my hairstyles very often too.  In one week I will have worn a good 3-4 different doo’s.  That’s what so fun about having natural hair.  There are so many options!  I love trying new smelly good products, and learning about what ingredients aid to my hair, to keep it healthy and growing to the sun!  I love just lying down and using my big puffy hair as a pillow.  I love rocking my big fro with confidence, and I even love (although I complain greatly) about how hard it can be to detangle sometimes (product is key!!)… At the end of the day, it’s just about being comfortable in your own skin, loving yourself, and accepting all that you are, which includes your crown!
Where can we find you on the web?
You can visit my blog at http://thekrisbliss.blogspot.com

Anything EXTRA you want us to know?
 Ladies who are debating going natural, or ladies who don’t think they can maintain their natural hair:  Don’t give up!  Just like any change, or new chapter in your life, it takes time to adjust.  Know that you’re not the only one!  There are so many forums, online support and consultations, how to & style videos, and blogs, (including this beautiful blog where I’m being featured)!  Don’t be afraid to reach out!

Captured Curls: Alice of Alice in Nappyland

Happy New Year beautiful people! I am pleased to introduce this year's FIRST Captured Curls feature. Meet Alice, a fellow natural hair blogger with a great head of hair, enjoy her curly girl story below.


Please, introduce yourself!
Hi! I’m Alice and I run the natural hair care/beauty blog Alice in Nappyland. I’m also a student getting a degree in computer science and studio art.
What is your current hair care regimen?

I co-wash with Aussie Moist or lightly shampoo my hair with Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo, which is probably one of the gentlest shampoos I’ve ever used, once a week.  Every other week I use a “real” shampoo to get ALL the build up, I’m currently testing one by Herbal Essence but I’m not ready to say if I like it or not. On the weeks I use “real” shampoo I deep condition with Shea Moisture’s Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Hair Masque. After all of that, I set my hair with flat twist or twists Shea Butter, Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Cream and IC Fantasia’s clear gel. After about 2-3 days, the flat twists/twists come out and I rock a loose style for the rest of the week.

 



What is your hair type and what works best for your texture?
I’d say a combination of 3c, 4a and 4b. My hair is fine but I have a lot of it. So I like to wear loose styles because most protective styles look a little sparse. I love to dye my hair (henna red, black, brown, pink, red…) so even though I’m color free now, protein treatments are my best friend in terms of keeping my strands happy.
What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
I got a lot of positive reactions! I went natural my first year of college when I was away from a lot potential negativity (family, close friends, etc.). But when I sent them pictures they all LOVED my TWA with the exception of one aunt. But since I don’t see her too often it wasn’t a huge issue.

Did you BC or transition, if so when or for how long?
I Big Chopped after about 3 months of transitioning. I couldn’t deal with the different textures!
What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?
I’m a style chameleon and I love changing my hair to reflect how I’m feeling on a particular day. I’ve never had this kind of versatility with texturized or straight hair!

Where can we find you on the web?
I blog at aliceinnappyland.blogspot.com, tweet at Alice_Nappland and tumble at aliceinnappyland.tumblr.com. I hope to see you at one of them ^_^
Anything EXTRA you want us to know?
Thank you so much for having me Alex!

Captured Curls: Danyelle

I have been trying to get the gorgeous woman and her BEAUTIFUL curls on my blog for weeks now; I FINALLY caught up with her and I am super excited to share this feature with you all! Everyone, meet Danyelle, a super stylish natural with the BEST brows on the planet hands down. I really enjoyed reading about Ms. Danyelle's natural hair journey and I think you will too. Click the jump for more!




Please, introduce yourself!
Hi I’m Danyelle, a 25 year old Floridian. I’ve been natural all of my life and I’m loving it!
What is your current hair care regimen?
I don't always stick to a set schedule but usually I shampoo every 7-10 days with Shea Moisture Black Soap shampoo or Herbal Essence Hydraliscious Shampoo, then condition with Peter Coppola Almond Latte Protein conditioner (for my color & fine hair), and deep condition with whatever DC I have on hand (currently it’s Shea Moisture Anti Breakage Masque). Sometimes I’ll pre-poo with Castor/Grapeseed oil and Shea Moisture Purification Masque. Also, I conditioner wash every 2-3 days with either Andalou Naturals Moisture Rich Conditioner or Mill Creek Jojoba Conditioner.
No matter the style, I use Curl Junkie Beauticurl/Kinky Curly Knot today (+jojoba & castor oils) as a leave-in. My go to style are flat twists, either on wet/dry hair and the styler product may vary, but lately it's been Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk or As I Am Double Butter cream. In addition to flat twists, I also do wet set buns with my leave-in and Eco Styler gel. Finally I seal my ends with a little shea butter.
Since I get my hair pressed almost every 2 months in the cooler season, I don’t do my curly hair routine. I just use a small amount of Aveda light elements smoothing fluid every 3-4 days if necessary, but for the most part I just leave it alone and my scalp will produce it’s own oils to add shine to my hair.


What is your hair type and what works best for your texture?
I have about three different textures, so I’m a mixture of 3c on the sides, 3b on the top, and 4a in the back of my head. Styles like flat twist outs and wet set pony’s work best for my hair type. Wash & go’s, twist-outs, and especially Bantu-knot outs are not my friend!
What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
Actually, I’ve never had a relaxer so my family has always known me to have this hair. As a kid I wore cornrows the majority of the time and got my hair pressed on special occasions/holidays, then in undergrad I wore my hair straight most of the time. I didn’t start wearing natural styles like braid-outs and twist-outs until about 3 years ago. So my family and close friends enjoy seeing my hair in whatever style I choose to wear it in, curly or straight.

Did you BC or transition, if so when or for how long?
Even though I didn’t have a relaxer, I did transition out of my heat-damaged hair from my undergrad years. I had straight ends from the hard presses I would get and breakage, so about 3 years ago, I switched to a new hair dresser who encouraged me to let go of the pressing grease & hot comb, wear my natural texture by doing twist/braid outs, and opt for occasional blow-outs with light oils/serums. It took me about 1.5 years to get rid of the straight ends by doing gradual trims every 2 months.

What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?
The texture, sweet clean smell from quality natural products, versatility, and my color are all reasons why I love my kinks, curls and coils.
Where can we find you on the web?
Twitter: @MsDanti
Tumblr: MsDanti.tumblr.com
YouTube: MsDanti1
Anything EXTRA you want us to know?
Having natural hair can be frustrating and time consuming, but the fulfillment of it comes when you finally get that bomb style after numerous product and technique fails. Then you realize that you have, good hair…. I love The Good Hair blog!
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