Photos via TheYBF.com

So, *sigh* it was slim pickings at the Billboard Music Awards as far as natural hair was concerned, but we did notice a gorgeous trend that would translate well to textured hair. Both Alicia Keys and Monica rocked elegant single braids. Alicia’s braid was set atop her crown and wrapped along the right side of her face while Monica positioned her braid from her ears and along the nape of her neck. Of course, both looks seem to have been accomplished with the use of extensions.

What do you think of the looks ladies? Would you re-create them on natural hair? More pictures are below.

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Here on BGLH we sing the praises of natural hair constantly. We talk about how beautiful it is and how, with the right information and techniques, it’s easy to manage. But even we have to admit that there are just some things that are undeniably frustrating about natural hair. Here is our honest list:

1. Protective Styling

Protective styling (or low manipulation styling) is one of the cardinal rules of natural hair, and although many naturals come to appreciate it, it is certainly an acquired taste. I mean, who doesn’t want to show off their curls, coils and kinks?? Plus, we live in a non-protective styling culture. From movie stars to street fashionistas, wearing your hair out and long is the name of the game. While protective styles like turbans and headwraps have gained some traction, the average American woman doesn’t have her hair tucked away. Still, in the name of hair health, many naturals hide their ends for days or even weeks at a time. The end result is beautiful, luscious hair, but Lord knows it can be frustrating.

2. Growing Out the Big Chop

I’ve never seen a big chop I didn’t like. The low cut style works wonders for highlighting a woman’s eyes and bone structure. Not so much the awkward 4 and 5 inches that follow. It’s a weird length where your hair is not short enough to be a fade, but not long enough to be the curly mop so many of us crave. The best way to get through the awkward phase? Figure out at least 2 styles that look good at that length (twist outs and flat twisted updos are good options) and stick with them. Also, buy copious amounts of headbands, flower clips and hair accessories.

3. The Product Chase

While there are some natural products that are almost universally effective (coconut oil and shea butter in particular), beyond that there are seemingly infinite variations; water-based moisturizers/spritzes, leave in conditioners, hair butters, deep conditioners, styling products. They’re everywhere! While products aren’t the primary determinant of hair health, and they certainly won’t make or break your regimen, it’s nonetheless important to find a set of products that work well together, and leave your cuticle feeling smooth and soft. And the time it takes to test out various combinations of products can be undeniably frustrating.
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*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
P: My name is Pédrhina. I was born and raised in the oh so infamous city of Miami, Florida (Dade County Baby ;o) Moved to Boston about 12 years ago and about a little over 3 years ago I took the plunge and decided to pursue my passion of writing, acting and supporting the love of my life (My Hubby) and moved to Sunny Southern California…San Diego to be exact.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
P: I made a conscious decision to go natural around late 2005 to early 2006, but I wasn’t secure enough in myself to stick with it…although I couldn’t own up to it that at the time. I can openly admit to that now because after much reflection I recognized that I would literally go to a natural hair salon, pay my money, spend no less than a few hours there and would seriously have a wig in my bag to plunk on before I walked out the door. Looking back on it now, I can laugh out loud but that was pure foolishness I tell you. I was embracing what I loved about myself, but in the same breath I was so consumed with what I thought society, my family, my peer group, and my professional counterparts would think of me. So much so, that I completely ignored/rejected being authentically Me. Before the end of 2006 I was back on the creamy addiction…a relaxer.

Fast forward a few years, 2009 was a life-altering year for me. After moving to California I really got clear about who I am and what I stand for. So I made myself a promise to be true to me no matter how hard I thought it was going to be. A few relaxers later, over lapped with amateur color services, also paired with bad hair care habits left me with heavy breakage on the left side of my head. And after about 4 months (February 2010) of slicking down my longer hairs over that troubled spot, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror one night while mixing up a batch of store bought relaxer and thought, “What’s wrong with you being you, your basically harming/damaging your hair for the sake of what? You talk a good game, but you’re not living up to it Pédrhina…you can’t say that you love yourself, but yet you’re afraid to see the real you.”

At my core, my idea/perception of beauty is diverse, but at the time I was conforming myself to only one view/perception of beauty. I didn’t like who I saw in the mirror that night; someone who wasn’t being authentic…doing one thing and saying another. And without even a second thought I grabbed a pair of scissors and my husband’s clippers, cut off what I could and buzzed the rest of it all off. I stepped out of my comfort and decided to fully embrace the natural me…pairing what I believed on the inside with representing what that meant on the outside.

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It appears that Rapper Lil Mama is reppin #teamnatural. She took to Twitter recently to post a photo of her hair with the caption:

No Make Up, No Weave….Fro Flow Just Me;D #MYBLACKISBEAUTIFUL @BLACKGIRLSROCK @BEVERLYBOND

Lil Mama typically rocks straight weave styles, but I guess there’s always been an impressive fro underneath. Get it! Ladies, what do you think?

*Prepared for BGLH by Meosha Tall of 1MeNaturally

Introduce yourself!
J: Hi! My name is Jonelle and I’m 27 years old. I’m from New England and I’m a preschool teacher. I love anything artistic and expressive (I am a praise dancer at my church, I love to crochet, I love working out and staying in shape, and I love cooking and coming up with new healthy recipes).

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
J: Well, I’ve always had long relaxed hair and it was my “pride and joy”…but it was slowly getting damaged and breaking off. I kept needing to get a “trim” (aka cutting off the broken ends) to make my hair look healthier. Then I let my hair grow out without a relaxer and I got intrigued by my “cute waves” in my new growth. I thought, “Wow, what if all my hair looked like this?!” That’s when I started obsessing over YouTube natural hair videos and decided to do the Big Chop :-) No regrets!

How would you describe your texture?
J: I would describe my hair as mostly 4a with a splash of 3b on the top and some 4b on the sides…my hair is weird like that! I have a ton of fine hairs…the individual hairs are very “thin”, but there are so many of them it makes my hair thick! My hair cooperates with me pretty well, as long as I care for it well. My hair has the attitude, “You take care of me and I’ll take care of you LOL!”

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
J: I don’t really have a set styling regimen, but it all depends on what my hair needs and what my schedule allows me to have time to do with my hair. I do however really try to always wash and deep condition my hair weekly. I sometimes get lazy and just co-wash if time is tight, but the ideal situation is for me to wash with sulfate-free shampoo and deep condition. I then usually moisturize my hair and twist (if I have time) or moisturize my hair and put it up in a bun (quick/lazy/cute style).

I always use Qhemet Biologics Amla Oil Nourishing Pomade on my scalp because I struggle with dry scalp/itching…this stuff really helps though! It is the only product I’ve found to help prevent dandruff and itching! Then I spray on my newfound love, Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier to detangle. I then apply my homemade Shealoe mix (shea butter, aloe vera gel, castor oil, olive oil, and a bit of tea tree oil) to my hair to moisturize. Then, I twist my hair in about 25-35 twists. I usually keep the twists in overnight to air-dry and then wear a twist-out throughout the week. To moisturize before bed, I’ll use my spritz (consisting of water, an oil of choice, and a little Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier) and retwist into larger sections).

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