The end is HAIR, I mean HERE!

Big Hair Dont Care One Bit!!

Hey Curlies! So as you know  "Kinky Coily Beautiful Curlygirl" came about as a result of a Social Media Networking course I am doing currently. The semester is nearing the end and we must part ways with our blogs, pages, websites etc. However, I was asked by many persons to keep the page and to continue posting. They expressed their fascination with the page and suggested I keep bringing life to it. So while this is a goodbye to the assignment this is a "Let's continue" to great hair care! 

This entire experience taught me a lot. While many think that Facebook or Youtube may be a great avenue to getting their business or interests out there, it is very difficult to manage pages. I think the most difficult thing for me initially was getting feedback. I realized however, the content was extremely important in getting feedback. I had to find creative and unique ways to attract and keep my audience. 

Also, as we all know, working with and becoming dependent on others can always lead to disappointment, so ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B! Never allow the shortcomings of others to stop you in your tracks! Once you have a clear vision of what it is you want to do, keep the determination and get it done! 

This assignment was not just about getting an A for me though I HOPE I DO (and I hope my lecturer is seeing this.... LOL) I am actually very interested in persons becoming confident and comfortable with wearing their natural hair and overall with themselves . I am not the most confident person you will ever meet but I am learning daily to love who I am becoming. Though I may go through many kinks and coils in my life, I will take each moment as a learning experience. 

My lecturer said to have a closing blog and here I am getting emotional! lol So Curlies, thank you for following my blog, my Facebook page and my Youtube videos! I hope you found it all to be very informative, entertaining and engaging. Remember that your natural hair, however you chose to wear it, is something to be proud of! Love your kinks and coils! Represent the natural community proudly! 

All my love,

Jamila, A Kinky, Coily, Beautiful, Curlygirl! 

NATURAL HAIR AND EXERCISE. A STRUGGLE?

I could have done a collaboration with someone who was doing hair or makeup but then that would be obvious! So what did I do? I went ahead met up with Renee Grant!! Who is she? Renee Grant is a classmate of mine who's focus is on Fitness. The name of her blog is "My Carnival Fitness Journey 2016." Renee's blog is so exciting and motivating for persons who have similar interests. 

Though I am not one to exercise, I must admit I learned a lot from her during this collaboration. We decided to team up because it was not the usual. Also we found a good way to blend the topics smoothly. Renee has been natural a couple times before therefore she understands the natural hair lifestyle. She knows the difficulty in having natural hair and exercising. 

Many naturals are strongly opinionated about exercise and natural hair. Many think that it's easy to manage their hair since they can wash it any time and not worry about sweating out their perm. Others think that it's tooo tiring a process to manage hair when it because sweaty so they either turn to the "white crack" aka relaxer or they stop exercising completely! 

In this collaboration, Chrisle Pujadas, an official KCBC girl was interviewed and gave her views on the matter of natural hair maintenance and exercise. 

Check out our video here. 

(Please bare with the audio) 

Also, check out this video for extra preparation tips.

IT'S A HEALTH AND HAIR AFFAIR

Hey Curlies!

Today we are going to focus on something that's very important- health! Health might not be exciting to read about but it's not really supposed to be since it is such a serious matter. My entire blog is about natural hair care but today I am introducing my classmate Shanice Augustine who is focusing on Health to you guys, so be nice! lol

We decided to do this collaboration because we understand how our health affects our bodies inside and out and we wanted to show you guys how having a healthy lifestyle and choosing the more organic products can benefit you and your natural hair. 

I learned a lot from her and I think you can too! So check out the video here. 

THANK YOU KCBC GIRLS!

I am taking time to say a special thank you to these natural ladies for helping me with this assignment. They were so willing, patient and fun to be around!!  We may have nothing in common but our roots keeps us together. Thank you ladies 

Left to right (official kcbc girls):
Kember Arrindell
Kashia Beckles
Roshea'-lee Andrews
Jamila Annisette (myself)
Chrisle Pujadas
Jo-marie Henry
Malika Murray

All About Bantu

Today, many people are talking about wearing a Bantu Knots as a style for naturalistas. But today I am going to share some of the origins of Bantu Knots that most people are maybe unaware of. 

Jo Marie: An official KCBC model

Bantu knots is a hairstyle used for maintenance by many woman and girls in Africa and the Caribbean. However, it appears to me that not may people knew or were interested in the hairstyle until the 20th century natural hair movement. Now personally, I have knows about Bantu knots all my life but I never liked the idea of these little balls on my head. I think only because of this strong natural hair movement filled with cheerleaders and persons who are focused on ensuring that you accept your natural hair, that I began wearing my Bantu knots out.

 "Bantu knots also known as Zulu knots are created when the hair is sectioned off and twisted into knots. The shapes of the sections depend on how the hair is parted, and can easily be made into diamond, triangle or square shapes, but the possibilities are endless. This hairstyle can be worn on any hair type and any hair length, although it is popular among people of African descent.”
-snip-

The word Bantu was first used by Wilhelm Bleek (1827-1875). Bleek was a linguist born in Germany.  His dad was a professor of Theology at Berlin University and Bonn University. Bleek graduated from the University of Bonn in 1851 with a doctorate in linguistic. He studied Hebrew before falling in love with African languages. He moved and lived in South Africa and spent most of his life there researching and investigating the languages. It’s in Cape Town that he met his wife Jemina Llyod.  His wife did with him much of his researches and continued alone after his death. He actually died in South Africa and was buried in Cape Town.  See!!! Now you know about the man who was the first to use the word BANTU!

Now I know you guys get bored of the history and stuff... lol... So I will just leave you with some names that Bantu knots are also known by. 


Janx - Trinidad

Pepperseed - Trinidad 

Cork Screws - Barbados

DoDo - Nigeria

Nubian Knots - United States

Zulu Knots - South Africa

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed and you learned something! 

"BEAUTY IS NOT IN THE FACE; BUT IN THE LIGHT OF THE HEART"

How I achieved my Birthday Hair!

I am not a fan of change or trying new things. I buy what I know and I hardly ever experiment with food, especially if my money spend! lol I carried this bad habit throughout life and if became a drag! I needed some color to the grey life! So now I try new foods, new drinks, go to new places, meet new people and try new hairstyles!! 

So I am keeping my promise of writing a blog on how I achieved this look! This is called crochet braiding.  

Things you would need:

Noir Afro Twist Braid

Crochet Needle

Cup of hot water

Step 1: Cornrow entire hair going from front to back. 

Step 2: Split each Afro Twist Strand in 2

Step 3: Using the crochet needle, you lock the hair inside the needle and push it through your cornrow. 

Step 4: When the braid goes through your cornrow, it's going to look like a show lace that's folded in half. When you are at the point, you take the loose ends and put it through the looped part and pull it tightly, creating a knot. 

Step 5: I create a double knot by looping it back through  before tightening (this is optional) Then you proceed to comb through the braid. ( It is easier to handle when you comb through it because it behaves like natural hair)

Step 6: After I complete the surface, I proceeded to wrap portions of the hair around my finger and form a knot.

Step 7: I dipped the knot into a cup of extremely hot water. (Please ensure to keep a towel close by to protect your back and ear)

Step 8: Unknot braid when it is completely dried and you will get your lovely dropped curl. Many people use the curling rods but I find the finger knot to be just as effective and less costly. 

Feel free to message and ask any questions Curlies!

Look at the tutorial I used here.

PROTECT AND STYLE

What is a Protective Style?

A protective style is any coiffure configuration that keeps your ends safely tucked away. These hairdos require very little daily upkeep and help strands stay moisturized

This was my protective style in the form of crochet braids

Cnnstant washing, combing and detangling weakens your hair. Therefore it is possible to experience hair fall whenever you touch it because of this. 

Braids can be used as a form as protective style.. Braids can be used in many ways. I achieved the look in the picture above by using braids. You can use braids to cornrow on your scalp or you can have them fall loosely as plaits. The both styles are effective and hides your ends from potentially harmful effects of regular styling.  

Popular types of braids

• Box
• Cornrow
• Two strand
• Three strand
• Ghana
• Fishtail
• Micro
• French
• Dutch
• Waterfall
• Milkmaid
• Bubble

Other ways to Protect your hair using these styles are by using wigs (I never used a wig before :O), twists and updos.

 PS I took out my protective style after one day... I'm not sure why. I think I just was not accustomed to seeing so much hair on my face LOL.... But I'm sure it'll suit you. 

STAY BEAUTIFUL CURLIES!

 

Sponge Twist for Naturals (Males and Females)

My Sponge Twist

Hey guys! Sorry I've been away for a bit! The semester is taking a tool on me! Nevertheless, time to get back to business. So have you ever experienced seeing someone way younger than you getting to do something so amazing that you wish you could have done as a child? For example, when the past government gave laptops to the form one students and you're like, "The government didn't even provide all the text books when I was in school!!"..... Yeah, I'm having this dilemma currently.

My mother who is currently at her TWA (teenie weenie afro) stage is using a twist sponge. The thing about the twist sponge is that it only works really well with TWA's, in my opinion. There are supposedly Twist sponges for long hair but I do not see how it makes too much sense. When I was at the TWA stage, I had to take the palms of my hands and rub my hair in circles to achieve that fine twist look. But now, there's a sponge!! Just my luck! 

So it is basically a piece of sponge with strategically placed holes on the surface. The use of the sponge is to create many neat little twist throughout your hair in a very short span of time. I wish I had this back then because I used to sit with my rat-tailed comb and the mirror and twist my hair for about an hour. But this look is achievable in under five minutes. 

Below is a video you can look to see how the process goes.... Yes curlies, the guys are involved this time, so you better get on board as well!

  You can order your Magic Twist here.

Four BEST foods for HEALTHY HAIR

Many times we naturals forget that we can actually consume food via the mouth, like normal people do since we have a tendency of putting it in our hair. I mean half the things I see in the trolley when my mother and I are making groceries can substitute as some real good moisturizing hair masks... lol.. Coconut oil, eggs, olive oil, mayonnaise, honey, bananas and my absolute favorite AVOCADO! 

If there are any men reading..... no need to worry. This is all very normal. lol 

Below I listed the top four best foods that result in healthy hair. Now, don't get me wrong, I am a lover of DIY hair products but I also respect the natural process healthy foods releasing their nutrients throughout the body and carrying out their functions.  

1. SALMON

Fish like salmon and sardines are packed with healthy omega-3 

fatty acids that you body cannot make, therefore you have to get them from food supplements. They help protect your body from disease but your body also needs them for hair growth and to keep hair full and shine, 

2. SPINACH

Spinach is full of amazing nutrients. it has tons of Vitamin A, plus iron, beta folate and vitamin C. These work together for healthy scalp and mane. They keep your hair moisturized so that it doesn't break. 

3. POULTRY (PROTEIN)

When you do not get enough protein, hair growth "rests." Since it stops and older hairs fall out, you can have hair loss. To get protein from meat, pick lean options like chicken or turkey, which have less saturated fat than sources like beef and pork.

4. SWEET POTATOES 

Have dry hair that's lost its shine? Sweet potatoes are filled with a good-for-you antioxidant called beta carotene. Your body turns beta carotene into vitamin A. That helps protect against dry, dull hair. It also encourages the glands in your scalp to make an oily fluid called sebum that keeps hair from drying out. 

"Confident enough to be humble. Beautiful enough to be natural."

5 Successful Professionals Who Rock Their Natural Hair Fearlessly

A co-worker came to me this morning asking:

"Did you see her hair this morning? It is so big and out there. (Making hand gestures) That's not appropriate for work."

When I asked why it was not appropriate, this was the response:

"I am just not accustomed to that kind of thing."

For some, natural hair is just a fad that will soon get tiring as soon as the next new thing pops up. However, for many wearing their natural hair is a way to shun society's long-standing expectations of beauty and create a new standard. A standard that allows a woman the right to wear her hair as it naturally grows and still feel beautiful. 

Therefore, I do not understand how natural hair could come across as an unprofessional way to wear one's hair. For quite a while, the unique characteristics of black women have been undermined by Eurocentric standards of beauty and many of us have been trained to think that our hair in it's purest, natural state, affects our skills and abilities. 

Below are some ladies who challenged the nonsensical notions and made success theirs.  

1. Solange Knowles

Solange stepped out on the scene with her unapologetically huge fro! Puma saw her and wanted her. They soon after named her their new creative consultant and art director. 

2. Issa Rae

Issa Rae, creator behind the workplace comedy, The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl (over a million views) incorporated stigmas faced by natural hair females in the workplace. She is on her way to launching her new movie with Shonda Rhimes  called "I hate L.A. dudes." There's success for ya! 

3. Ursula Burns

Ursula Burns is the head of Xerox. As the first black woman to ever secure a chief executive position in a Fortune 500 Company, Burns never allowed her Afro textured coils deter her from the pinnacle of success.

4. Esperanza Spalding

In 2011, this beauty received an award for the Best New Artist. After receiving her award with this enormous Afro, everyone wanted to know who was this woman who was brave enough to do this in a world filled of Beyonce's and Nicki's. She broke the mold while collecting one of the Music Industry's most prestigious awards.  

5. Tracee Ellis Ross 

Daughter of Dianna Ross, Tracee Ellis Ross worked in the magazine industry, which led her to modeling and subsequently acting. Many people know her big hair from the old time hit series "Girlfriends". After appearing on several other shows and movies, Ross eventually landed another lead role in the series Black-ish. The show has been a success and weekly showcase for the actress's talents and Fro. Tracee Ellis Ross is another successful natural who says "When they look at me, I hope they see a woman who accepts herself." 

See Curlies! See why I do not understand what they mean when they say our hair is "unprofessional?" Our hair does not affect our ability to be beautiful, intelligent, hard working or successful. Keep your head up and your hair big! 

"There is no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let others be inspired by how you handle your imperfections."

Why you should care to wrap your hair?

You know you experienced this before! 

Have you ever gone to an amazing party, got back home about 2am and you just want to jump in bed without bathing that sweat off from dancing all night or brushing your teeth of all that "whatever" that you consumed when you went out there? I'm HOPING your reaction was "Oh my goodness! How can I go to bed like that?" I am really HOPING it was! lol 

Anyway, that's how I want you to react when the thought of going to bed without your head-wrap arises. "What?!" "I would never do such a thing!!" or even better "What kind of person does something like that?!" Catch the drift? Wrapping your hair before bed plays an extremely important role in the entire hair management process..... (ouuu I like how that sounds...hair management... sounds important). Wrapping your hair is equally important as washing or steaming it. 

Wrapping allows the hair to be secure, tangle-free and maintain moisture while catching some Zs--preventing hair from falling out and rubbing, tugging, and snagging in sleep, which can result in damage to the hair cuticles. I used to be guilty of this but I saw the damage it did to my hair and hairline. Sometimes I get in bed and at the middle of a good book (Just enough light for the step I'm On by Stormie Omartian) I may fall asleep and when I wake up at midnight and realize that I knocked out , I just turn the light off and begin dreaming. At this point ain't nobody got energy for that! But after the damage occurred, trust that I never forget to wrap my hair again. 

There's a little SECRET that I was trying to avoid spilling because I do not want to encourage laziness to my Curlies (I do this all the time... facepalm) but I'll share anyway! Replace you ordinary cotton pillowcases with satin pillowcases. That way, the nights you pass out and are too tired to give your hair proper protection, the satin pillowcase will substitute. 

It is very important to wrap your natural hair before bed especially my 4C type ladies. You know exactly what I'm talking about.... Save yourself the stress in the morning and wrap up! That's a wrap! 

With love,

A Kinky, Coily, Beautiful Curlygirl

xoxo

Remember self-care does not mean self-ish......You cannot take care of anything else if you do not first practice taking care of yourself.

Go with the Fro!

Hey Curlies! Now I know there are hundreds of tutorials out there that you just can't wait to try. All the two strand twist outs, two strand flat twists, bantu knots and the list goes on and on but when was the last time you tried an old fashion Afro? While all these tutorials created by these beautiful curlies seem easy to do and look amazing, why not rock your fro from time to time? No!! I don't mean your curly "big hair don't care" hairstyle. I mean you, your Afro pick, your head band, your patter and TADA!! POOOF!!

THROWBACK: The effect of the African-American Civil Rights Movement brought a renewed sense of identity to the black African-American community, which also resulted in redefinition of personal style that included an appreciation of black beauty. This cultured movement marked a return to more natural untreated hairstyles. The Afro became a powerful political symbol which reflected black pride.It's very easy to do, take little time to comb, absolutely gorgeous and talk about a hair statement! 

This is what you will need to perfect your Fro!

HOW I COMB MY FRO

1. Spray water to already well moisturized hair. I prefer to just apply coconut oil or olive oil in my hair before I do a fro.  

2. Comb through hair, away from the scalp with an Afro pick or a wide tooth comb.

3. Pat hair using a folded paper, a magazine, anything that is flat that is close to you at the moment (lol) or simply cup your hands and pat the hair gently.

POOOFFF! The end result!

I would love to see your Fros Curlies. Share your Fros with us here.

Below is a video that also gives step by step instructions to attain the perfect Fro! Enjoy! If the video doesn't open watch it here!

Remember, the minute you begin feeling comfortable on the inside, that's when you will be confident enough to make changes on the outside.   

With love,

A Kinky, Coily, Beautiful, Curlygirl 

xoxo

MAKE SUNDAY YOUR WASHDAY A FUNDAY!

 

Curlygirls, I know you know about this all too well! WASHDAY! Washday is that day of the week where you make time for yourself and your mane! It doesn't even make sense putting shampoo in that hair if you know you don't have at least 2 hours to dedicate to blessing your hair with the best of the best!

Natural hair requires sufficient protein and moisture for increased growth and strength and that's why it is not necessary to wash or wet it daily. Once a week is fine! My wash day is usually on sweet Sunday when things are slower and I can get a movie in (I seriously recommend Southpaw..lol) while combing my hair! This way I can start the week looking tamed! 

For the past few weeks I have been using Pantene Pro-V Curl Perfection Shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse and condition my hair. I must admit I am surprised by with quality of this product! It actually works pretty good. My curls are more defined, the hair is shinier, it feels so much stronger and it smells sooo good!! The secret is warm water Curlies! 

After I shampoo and condition, I style with my Creme of Nature Argan Oil Pudding Perfection that takes away frizz, reduces dryness and adds an unbelievable shine! And every two weeks I give my hair a little extra love with Creme of Nature's Intensive Conditioning Treatment. Now this is everything your hair ever dreamed of in a bottle. 

WASHDAY ROUTINE:

1. SHAMPOO AND CONDITION hair using Pantene Pro-V Curl Perfection Shampoo and Conditioner. Throughout this entire process I comb through the hair to detangle, therefore making it easier to manage when styling. 

2. When I do decide to do the DEEP CONDITIONING, I apply a generous amount throughout the hair, cover it with a shower cap or a hair steamer cap and leave it for 30 mins (I ignore the bottle with this step.... I think 10 mins just is not enough)

3. RINSE the hair thoroughly.

4. I proceed to my desired STYLE using my Creme of Nature Pudding Perfection with my hair slightly damped. I usually separate (not path.. I dislike harsh lines in my hair) and apply the product and twist that portion immediately rather than apply the product throughout the entire hair and then path and twist.

Remember Washday could be a Funday but it's all on you Curlies!

With love,

A Kinky, Coily, Beautiful, Curlygirl 

xoxo

Hey Curlies!!

A picture of me 1 year into my natural hair journey! 

Hey Curlygirls! How's the mane? Jamila is the name and I have been rocking my natural hair approximately two years. This blog was created for academic purposes (believe it or not). Though it is in fact for my Social Media Communications class, I am extremely passionate about girls and women loving themselves. I have had many persons ask me "Do you think natural hair will suit me?" My response is always, "It grows directly out of your scalp, I do not know how much more for you it can be!" At KCBC naturalistas can learn how to manage, maintain, style and rock their natural hair with confidence!! You will also be seeing a few featured posts on "Diaries of a curly coily girl" and general daily motivational posts. 

Remember, wearing your natural hair is not just a style or trend but it's a sisterhood and community where newbies are welcomed with wide arms and big hair! 

With love,

A Kinky, Coily, Beautiful, Curlygirl 

xoxo