Florie was featured as a Natural Hair Style Icon on January 9, 2012.

Where are you from?
F: I’m from London Town.

Did going natural affect your style choices at all?
F: I was a bit mousy before cutting my hair and being bald forced me to be bolder with my style, which also led me to appreciate my curves more.

How does your hair complement your style?
F: I think my style is always evolving and I like to try new things, whereas I don’t really pay as much attention to my hair so I think it’s coincidental that they compliment each other so well.

How would you describe your style?
F: My style’s a bit eclectic because I dress to suit my mood most of the time and my mood’s usually influenced by whatever books, music, movies I’m either reading, listening to or watching. Whatever I’m wearing though I like to make sure I have a good mix of grungy and glamorous at the same time…I practically live in my scuffed up converses, but I always have freshly manicured nails and a red lip!

What are the three favorite things in your closet?
F: This changes all the time, but my favourite things in my closet right now are:
- vintage ochre silk shirt
- leopard print platform sandals
- vintage gold curb-link necklace+grey fur stole, both add instant glamour and polish to any outfit (two accessories = 1 item of clothing right?!)

What are your three must-have items of clothing?
F: I’m a girl of simple tastes so my three must-have items of clothing might come off boring, but I couldn’t live without either of them!
- a loose grey t-shirt or vest, perfect base for layering, always looks crisp and clean
- pair of indigo skinnies (dark stitching), if you’re a little thick on the bottom like me you have to be really particular about your denim
- black leather biker jacket, it’s casual but still structured and chic and looks great thrown over any outfit, glam or dressed down

Your style is edgy and chic at the same time. What’s your advice for adding a little edge into a wardrobe?
F: I’m notorious for dressing everything down. I hate looking or feeling like I’ve put too much effort into an outfit, so my advice would be to be a bit lazier with your outfit choices, don’t over-think things and definitely don’t ever try to match your bag, to your belt, to your shoes, to your hair band because it’s just never that serious!

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
F: http://peanutbuttertrysts.blogspot.com/

A recap of our most read posts in January 2012!

1) 5 of the Most Underrated and Overlooked Natural Hair Practices

Pages and pages of online information have been dedicated to natural hair but, when you break it down, it only takes a few disciplined practices to achieve healthy, strong hair that retains length and moisture. And while it might be tempting to look to new products or ‘the hot new regimen on the natural hair streets’, there are many tried and true approaches that often go overlooked. Here are five natural hair practices that are often overlooked but have amazing results. READ MORE

2) 10 Amazing Natural Hair Products for Under $10

It can seem as though all natural hair products are on the pricey side, putting you back at least $12 for 8 oz, but that’s not the case. There are quite a few gems that are under $10! Each one of these products gets high marks in natural forums, blogs and YouTube channels and each is under 10 bucks! Check it out. READ MORE

3) 10 Reasons Your Hair Isn’t Soft

Soft, pliable strands aren’t just a hallmark of healthy hair, they also increase ease of styling and handling. But what if soft hair is elusive? Here are 10 reasons why your hair might not be as soft as you like. READ MORE

4) The Industry Standard Natural Hair & Beauty Fashion Show in Chicago

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5) 6 Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has long been used as a natural hair care product to promote healthy hair in both men and woman. Its acidity is close to that of natural hair, it’s a good conditioner and cleaning agent and it’s also an effective germ killer. READ MORE

6) Safiya // Natural Hair Style Icon

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7) Mela // Natural Hair Style Icon

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8) Pros and Cons of Using Weave as a Protective Style

The idea of wearing a weave was not new to me. Years before I had worn weaves during my modeling career to help mitigate the unhealthy hair care practices, turmoil and constant weekly usage of heat my hair was exposed to when I was in the industry. I never knew how much my hair would flourish until I actually wore a weave and saw the results for myself. Most of the fruitful results had to do with low manipulation of wearing weaves weeks and weeks at a time consistently for about two years. But as much as my hair flourished I suffered some serious drawbacks like temporary traction alopecia, scabbing and irritation, dandruff and extreme dryness which eventually led to breakage due to the neglect of my natural hair underneath the weaves. READ MORE

9) 7 Surprising Uses for Baking Soda

Let us be clear: Baking soda is not going to permanently cure your acne or turn back the cruel hand of time. But if you’re looking to detoxify your body and your household, this multitasking ingredient will make your life easier (and more beautiful) without denting your coffers. Mom may have taught you that baking soda will make your bread rise and your fridge smell better, but did you know of its many cosmetic applications?

Even the ancient Egyptians—and what beauty post would be complete without them?—used a compound similar to baking soda as soap. The stuff is antiseptic, antifungal, and lightly exfoliating. It will take the stains off your coffee mug and your not-so-pearly whites, and can be consumed internally to ease your tummy ache. And fridge odors aren’t the only smells it absorbs so don’t turn your nose up, and bring on the baking soda! READ MORE

10) Yani // Natural Hair Style Icon

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By Kay of Kaymontano.com

Bafta winning actress Thandie Newton and I first met on a Vogue shoot about 6 years ago. It didn’t take long before I felt that I’d always known her.  She is one of the most inspiring women I’ve ever met and I’ve been fortunate enough to make-up, wax lyrical and travel with her ever since. I have made her up more than anyone else in my whole career, in an entirely different way each time.

We often discuss what it is like to be mixed race, our experiences, what it means to us, what we continue to discover and most importantly perhaps, find ways of celebrating it. Our hair is not easy hair. It frizzes, it tangles and it knots and takes a lot to understand. There is still much stigma with a large ‘hair culture’ surrounding it, plus a multi-million dollar industry supplying women with ways of taming it.           

Thandie has been growing out her hair relaxer for the last year and she’s now 100% Lye-free, (the controversial chemical in black hair straightening products) and is finding that wearing it big and natural is extremely liberating.

Your hair looks so different, what made you decide to go natural?
Its taken about 2 years to fully grow out my relaxer. I always thought I would go back to curly, because I didn’t want my daughters to judge their beautiful curls. I assumed they’d want to be like their Mum, and they’ve only ever known me with straight hair. However, it turns out they’re so secure in who they are as individuals that I don’t think it occurs to them to be like anyone else, and that includes me.

What inspired you to allow your hair return to its natural state?
So, the ultimate personal wake up call was when I saw Chris Rock’s documentary Good Hair, and saw how the active ingredient-Lye (that’s in all black hair relaxing products)- can melt a Coke can. Also the fact that the FDA takes no responsibility with harmful chemicals when it comes to beauty products. Scary.

Thandie in Alexander McQueen at one of the many Bafta’s we’ve done together

How does having wilder looking, bigger hair make you feel as opposed to the elegantly-on-trend hairstyles we’re used to seeing you with on the red carpet?
I have to feel comfortable with having ‘all eyes on me‘, which I do when I work, less so in life. Ironically I don’t want to draw attention to myself because of celeb spotting, but my big hair, for a time will work as a disguise! Straight hair has been ‘on trend’ for years and years, so having big-ass curly hair means “I’m stepping outside the mould, outside what’s accepted and applauded”. It takes a little courage to do that.
Mainly, I want to wear it natural because it looks amazing!

Do you think cultural  attitudes within the black community are changing with regards their hair?
The kinky-haired Afro has been practically ironed out (pun intended!) within the mainstream black community. Now, black women have silkier, smoother longer hair than any other women. And there’s no stigma attached to black women and false hair (weaves, extension, wigs) whereas if a white woman wore false hair they’d seem more of a phony and inadequate. That’s changing a lot, but men certainly don’t expect white women to have false hair, whereas black boys know that there’s  ‘No touching above the neck!’ And there’s no embarrassment about it.

Read the rest at Kaymontano.com

Tamika was originally featured on December 14, 2009. We followed up with her to get an update on her regimen and find out things are coming along.

Introduce yourself!
T: My name is Tamika and I’m from the DMV lol. I live in Maryland. I do a lot haha. I work in retail at Urban Outfitters, I am the Personal Assistant to Kas of Kas Collection Inc, as well as the Lead Assistant Designer within the company. I model here and there as well.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
T: I decided to go natural because I was tired of putting chemicals in my hair. I wanted the versatility of being able to wear my hair straight or naturally curly. I transitioned back in October of 2008, and just grew my relaxer out.

In what ways (if any) has going natural affected you?
T: Going natural really hasn’t affected me in any big way honestly, but I am very strict when it comes to my hair now, and who I let style it. I’m a bit over protective when it comes to my hair lol.

How would you describe your hair?
T: If I had to type my hair, it would more than likely be a 4b. My hair is very thick, but not hard to manage at all…It does have its days though styling wise lol, sometimes it doesn’t want to cooperate.

What is your regimen?
T: My regimen is very, very simple. I wash every two to three weeks with Pantene Pro V Relaxed and Natural shampoo, deep condition with cholesterol conditioner, or Yes To Carrots conditioner, moisturize and style. Once a week I may cowash with any available conditioner I have with a lot of slip depending on the moisture level of my hair.

How do you retain length and moisture in your hair?
T: Protective style, protective style, protective style. That is all I have to say. The less manipulation, the better.

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you’ve learned from?
T: I’ve made the mistake of being lazy when it comes to my regimen, as well as switching up on my products in some cases (stick with what works people lol).

What’s the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
T: The best and most effective thing I do for my hair is leave it alone, as I stated before, the less manipulation the better.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T: Yes, you can find me over at www.Mydesignerdreams.blogspot.com.

Anything else you want to add?
T: Love your hair, and your hair will love you back.

One of the most frequent questions emailed to me is ‘Help! My hair is breaking! What can I do?’  Many women automatically want to jump to trimming hair to solve the problem but there is a better way to permanently solve hair  breakage issues. This method is to critically assess your hair and methods to  determine what caused the breakage.

Recent onset hair breakage

If you have only just noticed that your hair is breaking but previously your hair was in good condition and did not suffer breakage, the first elimination is the way you handle your hair. The methods and tools that you used previously did not harm your hair. The remaining possibilities are changes to your hair, environment and products.

1. Have you recently coloured your hair with permanent colour or bleached it?

Solution: Change your hair products to those intended for colour treated hair. Utilise protein treatments (like Aphogee Two-step Protein Treatment) often which will help strengthen your hair and if necessary change how often you moisturise your hair as colour treated hair has a tendency to be drier.

2. Have you recently moved to a different place (hotter or colder, less humid)?

Solution: Climate makes a difference to your hair with humidity playing a big role in how moisturised your hair is. Consider using humectants such as glycerin, aloe vera and honey to help maintain moisture for longer. Moisturise your hair more often than you normally would and consider covering your hair with a hat or scarf when you venture outside to help retain that moisture. Find or modify your products to  suit the weather where you are currently living.  

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3. Have you been experimenting with different products?

Solution: Go back to the old products that gave you better results. While it is true that products by themselves rarely  result in severe breakage (strictly speaking about shampoos and conditioners), sometimes minor problems like a conditioner lacking in slip or a new moisturiser with different humectants can lead to hair breakage. Going back to your default products or fixing the issue with your new product may help.

4. Have you recently used high heat or have you been using heat more frequently when you never used to?

Solution: Stop using heat immediately and begin to ‘baby’ your hair. This means use strengthening protein treatments , ensure that your hair is always moisturised, select low and no manipulation hair styles and be very gentle when handling hair.  to restore strength and if breakage is severe, consider doing a trim to get rid of breaking heat damaged hair.

Long term hair breakage

If your hair has always been breaking  (6 months or longer) then in addition to answering the short term breakage problems, you need to consider

5. Do you really have gentle care and are your products suitable for your hair?

Solution: Change the way you comb your hair , opting for wide tooth combs or an exclusive finger combing routine especially if you have many kinks. Experiment with products including ones that you might overlook, for example silicones in hair conditioners give a lot of slip when combing,  if you prefer a natural oil, do not stick to one especially if it does not work as well as you would like.

6. When was your last trim and do you have a trimming schedule?

Solution:  Trimming is useful to get rid of weathered ends before split ends appear and cause hair breakage. If your hair has been stagnant for a long time, find a trimming schedule that can work for you.

Ladies, do you have breakage? Can you trace it back to any of these reasons?

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