You Tubetorial:Twisted Updo

Today's You Tubetorial is a beautiful updo design by BeautifulBrwnBabyDol. Love her! Just goes to show the amazing styles that can be created with natural hair. I can see this with a sparkly comb or a pretty flower to dress it up for an even more formal look. Or, rock it as is for work or as an effortlessly cool weekend look. Either way, it's a great protective style that looks awesome. I would love to give this a try but so far I've only done flat twists in the front so we'll have to see. If I get up the guts to attempt this style I will post pics :-) If anybody else tries it, I would love to see your results.

Check it out!

Style Inspiration-Chrisette's Natural Weave

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I will be honest and share that I have never seen a natural weave like this in person. At least I wasn't aware of it if I did! So when I saw this pic of Chrisette Michelle at an Essence event over the weekend, while I am not a fan of the color at all, I decided I really like the shape and look. It reminds me of a few day old twist out or something. What do you all think? Would you get a "natural" weave?

You Tubetorial: Vintage Hair

Check out Curlychronicles' vintage do for natural hair:

You Tubetorial: Quick Natural Hair Style

A hair 'refresher' for old twist-outs or braid-outs by blakealexis...

Natural Hair Highlights at the Bronner Bros. Show

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CNN features a story about natural hair at the Bronner Bro.s show in ATL...

Atlanta, Georgia -- There were plenty of Crayola-colored wigs and long, silky extensions displayed at the 64th annual Bronner Bros. International Hair Show, which drew more than 60,000 stylists, hair enthusiasts and exhibitors who work with black hair this past weekend.

Yet against the backdrop of energetic hip-hop music and among the booths stocked with glossy tubs of chemical relaxers, some black women went back to basics: They wore their own natural hair. ( excerpt from www.cnn.com)

To continue reading this story, click here.

You Tubetorial:How To Bantu Knot Out Natural Hair Style

Check out Naptural85's vid on how she bantu knots her beautiful natural hair.

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!

Essence Features Natural Hair at NY's Fashion Week 2011

Check out just some of the lovely natural heads spotted at this years New York Fashion Week. Simply haute! Click here to see more styles from Essence.

All images are from Essence.com

You Tubetorial: Two Strand Twist Style

A lovely flat twist-two strand twist updo from You Tube's PrettyDimples01.

The 2011 Grammy Awards

Big Winner: Esperanza Spalding shows off herGrammy for Best New Artistin the press room at the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 13 in Los Angeles.- Latina.com

Esperanza upsets Bieber!!!!

Rising jazz star Esperanza Spalding was named best new artist at the 53rd Grammy Awards, besting a group of more mainstream and well-known artists. Spalding, who in 2010 released her third album, “Chamber Music Society,” has rapidly become something of a crossover star in the jazz community, having performed at the White House as well as at major pop festivals such as Austin City Limits. Source

My favorite look so far...... The SMITH Family!

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Check Jada's mane! Get it girrrrrrl. ;-)

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Lovely Natural Bride: Besangie

NL: Tell us about your wedding day look (attire, decor, hair)

B: The idea for our wedding was fun. We wanted bright vibrant colors that radiated how excited we were to get married. The base color was orange, however everything else was random and beautiful. The mothers chose their own dresses. My mother wore a beautiful pink dress with high collar and belt, and my mother-in-law wore a couture green one-shoulder dress with flowers and side split.

Bride Besangie with her mother

The guys wore gray tuxes with orange ties. The florist knocked it out the park with multi-color gladiolas and roses, and orange and yellow calla lilies at the ceremony and reception. I even had my shoes airbrushed the color of the bridesmaids dresses (with our names and the wedding date on the back!).

I had my dress made in Pittsburgh. I wanted dupioni silk, pockets, and a simple but classic design (that didn't make me look like a sex kitten or cinderella). While in the stores, dupioni silk was extra expensive, I found a seamstress that could buy the fabric and make the dress for a reasonable fee. The woman did an outstanding job for $600, and the shoulder had potato pearls and swarovski crystals. It took about 6 months to make, but worth it.

My hair was a whole 'nother story! I am natural, so I had a ton of options but each had a "worst case scenario". A press was ruled out because I like to dance and when I dance I sweat. A lot. So that just would have been a waste of money. I could have done two strand twists, but I wear those on a regular basis, and wanted something different. Cornrows were out of the question as I didn't think they were formal enough. A nicely sculpted twist-out could have been done, but I wasn't sure I wanted to wear that either as I often rock the twist out. Also, with the sweat, I wasn't sure what my twist-out hair would do and I didn't want any surprises. I have never worn weave, and I didn't want to start then, so that was out too. I finally decided on the flat twists (the single roll, not two strand). I wanted my hair up, so I told my stylist. For my consultation, I brought the hair accessory I found at Clair's for about $5 and the veil I made out of mesh fabric, 2 hair combs and hot glue. It all worked out! The day was beautiful, and we had tons of fun! My dress stayed on, my hair was in place, and I danced til I was sweaty and my feet hurt!

NL: Have you always been natural? Tell me about your hair history.

B: The best way to tell this story is by age...
0-16: Natural
-My mom was natural, and my friends either were natural or had presses so in my mind it wasn't a huge deal to be natural. My mom and I went to the salon together (if she didn't do mine at home), and we had a good time watching movies together and learning about hair.

16-22: Cut it short, permed
-I was ready to do something different and wear it straight and short. So I went to the salon after talking with my mom (who lovingly told me, "its just hair babe, do what you want.") and cut it off. The style was flattering and I sometimes let it grow out to a bob. The maintenance was tough, my scalp got burnt, but I thought it was worth it for the look. Also, during college I didn't really want to transition to natural, as it seemed like a lot of work. I learned that my hair wasn't really strong enough for relaxers so I often had breakage, even though it looked healthy.

22-26: did a big chop, back to natural
-I cut off my relaxed hair my first year of graduate school. I figured I would be there for 5 years, so this was the time to do it. I grew it out for about 3 months, and then went to a salon and had him cut it off. It was a little shocking to see just my head with no hair, so he gave me tiny comb twists for free to make me leave (as I was glued to the chair from shock about what to do next). It grew out and I loved it. I wore two strand twists, cornrows, flat twists, the twist out, presses, and afro-puffs. Then one day I went for a trim, and she cut it too low...

26-28: cut it short, permed
-After the bad trim, I said to myself, "since it is as short as when I first cut it off 4 years ago, I might as well get a relaxer and wear my short style again". I wore the style and loved it again for another 2 years. During that time, I became more aware of the chemical issues of relaxers and how they really were unhealthy. I started reading the labels of products and paying attention to when my hair would break off. I tried to maintain it for as long as I could until it just got to be too much work. I wanted my natural hair back.

28-30: did a big chop, back to natural
-I had recently moved to Pittsburgh and decided it would be a good time to cut my hair off again after being there only 4 months. The stress of moving had caused major breakage to my lovely relaxed quaff, and I was trying to refine my budget. I decided I didn't want to go to the salon every 6 weeks. Not that natural hair doesn't need salon care, but I didn't want to have to be dependent on salon care. I went to my stylist who was caring for my relaxed hair and had her cut it all off. Again. She gave me a cool afro that she left long at the top and shorter on the sides. I have been growing it out natural ever since!

NL: What styles do you typically wear now? What is your routine?

B: I usually wear two-strand twists or twist-outs. I love the soft look that they give and the versatility with the styles. On occasion, I will go and have it two-strand flat twisted as well. My routine is pretty simple: I wash it every 1-2 weeks (usually closer to 2) with Aubrey's Organics shampoo and conditioner (I really like the White Cameillia). While it's still wet, I spray on Talia Waajid Mist Bodifier along with raw unrefined coconut oil, unrefined sweet almond oil, and raw shea butter. Depending on how I feel, I will either twist it, dry it into an afro, or put it in balls so that it can dry and I can style it later. I also use curlformers from time to time, but the look never lasts. Every 3-4 months, I trim my hair by two strand twisting it very small and dusting off the ends. I used to get it pressed to get a trim, but the press would frizz after going to the gym, and even worse, some parts would stay straight even after I washed my hair a few times, making it hard to twist.

NL: What does you hubby think of your hair? How did he feel about the style you chose for your wedding day?

B: When I did the first big chop to being natural, he was a little worried and was rooting for it to grow out. After about 3 months, he could feel how soft it was and see how fast it was growing and he became natural hair's biggest fan. When I returned to permed hair, he liked it because it was very flattering and more of what he saw on other women/the norm, but he agreed it wasn't as soft and healthy. When I did my second big chop, he was all for it! Now he loves my hair, and often says he is going to learn to twist so he can play in it. He is learning more about healthy living and realizing that relaxers are full of harmful chemicals, so he is all the way in with the natural hair.
As for my wedding style, he loved it. It was different than what I normally wear, and I didn't have to mess with it/be in a mirror all the time. He could touch it freely and it was out of my face (which he likes), so it was perfect!!

NL: What is the best thing about being natural?

B: The cost and the freedom! I love being able to do my own hair from start to finish, and not have to worry about whether or not my stylist is available or if I can get to the shop! I know my hair is healthier, and I enjoy changing it up. Also, I love having my mom do my hair again like when I was a kid! She gives the BEST scalp massages.

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

B: Hmmm...I am feeling inspirational, so here it goes. Give yourself a chance to see yourself. Cut off your hair, wear the two-piece swimsuit, go without make-up. Discover the beauty of your baseline before you decide to cover it up. Everyone is different, so don't compare your hair (or any other) journey with someone elses. Be the lovely person you are. Be physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally healthy so you can be confident in what God gave you, and work it!!

Looks like it was a glorious occasion. Thank you Besangie for sharing your day with us!

For those of you out there planning your own nuptials, check out Besangie's blog Guerilla Brides for cool tips!

You Tubetorial: How To Style a Toddler's Natural Hair

Haha this is so cute from You Tube's Chocolatetresses! I love the serenade at around 3:50. He's singing a throwback!

Whew this takes patience but hopefully it will inspire those of you with little curly fellas out there.

A "Long & Kinky Hair" Fotki Feast!

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If you like browsing hair albums as much as I do, you might enjoy carousing your way through this list that I just stumbled onto at Nappturology 101 (one of my favorite blogs btw). This particular list showcases naturals with bra-strap length and beyond hair. Nice collection to get inspired!

Hairspiration! Pretty Natural Styles

Essence is featuring some of the hottest hairstyles going on right now. Their gallery features designs on all types of Black hair but my interest was especially piqued with their array of natural coifs. I love all the textures, colors, and designs. Here are a few of my favorites!

All photos are from Essence.com

Great stuff huh? To see the rest, click here. Then, report back and tell me what you think!

Requests for Afro Twists!

Hi natural ladies and gents! Lately so many folks have been asking me about my afro twists from 2009. Many of you want to know where I had it done and what kind of hair was used. So here ya go! Below is the most current address and phone number I have for the shop.

Falou Natural Hair Care & African Braiding

2806-C Randleman Rd.
Greensboro, NC 27406
(336) 339-2468

I am not endorsing these ladies because I've been paid or anything like that. I simply liked their work and was really pleased with the look. It was an awesome protective style that lasted a long time. Also, I know how hard it is to find something you like so when you do, you just wanna share! If you want to see my first post on the afro twists, click here. If you go to get your hair done and don't mind sharing, I'd love to see pics of your results!

Like I said, it was back in 2009 so if you've been since then and something has changed, please share for the good of the group!

Peace!

Les

Natural Hair in Latina's February Issue

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I wonder what styles Latina has in the pages of it's February issue! According to the cover line, there will be styles for all types of "natural" hair. Interesting...

Hairspiration: BeautifulBrwnBabyDol Tries a New Twisting Method

One of my favorite YouTubers, Nina of BeautifulBrwnBabyDol, has added a new video showcasing her latest natural style. I have truly enjoyed watching this young woman's journey through her videos over the past couple of years. I remember watching her first videos about kinky twist extensions and it amazes me how far her hair has come since then! Not to mention that she has launched a new site where she offers advice and tips about hair and health. Really cool!

Most naturals are familiar with two-strand twists as they are a wonderful protective style and can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the person.The last set of mini-twists I did were a lot of fun. They lasted a long time and kept my hair protected. It was great to just get up and go each morning and they afforded me a wide variety of "up" and "down" styles. I like the method Nina offers where she actually braids the base of each twist. I am going to try this the next time I venture toward mini-twists because I did have issues with the hairline becoming fuzzy and I like the look of her clean parts.

So check out BeautifulBrwnBabyDol's latest twist vid below and tell me what you think. Will you give this technique a try? Thanks for reading and happy twisting!

Solange at RLife Live

A new shot of Solange and her cute hair as it grows out...

Looks like a great twist out or coil-out. Love it!

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Solange Knowles attends the RLife LIVE launch at R Lounge at the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel on October 29, 2010 in New York, City. ~Essence.com

You Tubetorial:A Cool Twisting Method

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Naptural85 from You Tube shows us a really great way to achieve a perfectly separated twist out without the frizz! What a cool idea!

Instead of doing two strand twists that need to be separated and fluffed for fullness, she does a modified flat twist maneuver that allows each section to set. That way, when you take your twists down to wear out, each section is already separated out. Genius!

Check it out here!

Reader Email: A Big Chop!

Last week I received a very sweet email from one reader. Here is what she had to say:

Ok your blog was one of my GREATEST inspirations...I had literally stressed about my hair for a year and on Sunday I decided I was ready to chop it! I attached a before and after!

Thanks for providing such motivational content!

She attached a few pics to showcase her new do. I was inspired by her chop and thought you all might be too. So, I invited her to share with us all for the good of the group and share she did! Take a look at these shots and read her thoughts on going natural.

Choosing to go natural was stressful, primarily because I am a bit anxious when it comes to decision making. I had so many worries: What will my hair look like? What will people think? Can I look pretty with short hair? Nevertheless, I had my last relaxer on October 22, 2009. After transitioning for a year, I finally mustered the courage to do the BIG CHOP on October 10, 2010. The breaking point: my hair was unmanageable! The two textures were literally at war and I couldn’t handle it. Plus, I am at a place where I feel confident regardless of my hairstyle. Perhaps, the confidence is due to maturity. Maybe it’s because I lived without a relaxer for a year and was forced to manage unconventional hair. Either way, I feel great in my own skin. Throughout the transition, I had an excellent source of encouragement. My closest friend went natural a year ago and her hair is amazing. She is obsessed with natural hair products, styles, etc. She reminded me that I lead a healthy life, so I should have healthy hair. The notion that “nice looking hair” is achieved by damaging chemical treatment is oxymoronic. For inspiration, I searched natural hair blogs, like Naturally Leslie. The beauty of natural women overwhelms me. Long kinks, short afros, tight coils, loose curls, it doesn’t matter; everyone looks absolutely gorgeous with their natural hair. It’s only natural that women glow with their natural hair, because that’s the way we are born and how we are meant to look. I look forward to another rewarding journey as my natural hair takes it course. I am beyond excited.

Thanks for sharing with the NL community!