Natural Beauty at Georgia State University

I had the pleasure of visiting Georgia State University last week along with Naturally Me! Media/Tarin Boone to meet and greet with some of the beautiful naturals that go there.  We had a great time hanging out in the "quad"!  It was awesome to see just how many naturals there are at Georgia State. From High Puffs, to Locs, to FroHawks, we saw it ALL!  The young ladies were all eager to talk to us, take photos and uber excited about receiving their Curl Unleashed goodie bags for their participation.  Here are some of the cool styles that we saw.

locs

Wash N Go

Twists into a Bun

Puff

Fro w/bow

Fly Fro

locs

city twists

Fro Hawk

Anytime that I can be involved with young people who are working to continue their education and better themselves is a good time, no matter the capacity.  I am proud of all of these young sistahs and wish them much success in school and in life whether I know them or not.

for MORE pics click here The Natural Beauties of Georgia State University

Next stop Clark Atlanta University 3/28/2013 from 4p - 6 p!  Hope to see you there!

What hairstyles were you rocking while you were in college!?

Natural Hair Meet Up at Urban Grind - Atlanta

You know what I miss?  I miss good old fashion natural hair meet ups where you can just get together and talk.  Call me old school, but I love it when we get back to basics...CANDID face to face discussions about natural hair.  I met up with some other Atlanta Naturals at Urban Grind, a trendy little coffee shop in Atlanta.  Hosted by my girl @SwarthyDaisy we really had a wonderful evening.  It was a small gathering.  We sipped caramel machiattos, munched on paninis and enjoyed the eclectic atmosphere of Urban Grind as we discussed natural hair and what it means for us individually.  We discussed whether the "natural hair movement" was a fad. We talked about texture acceptance and we shared best tips and practices with one another and much, much more.

Our Host
Ericka aka @SwarthyDaisy

Naturals from all over Metro Atlanta

 

Natural Beauty

Ericka also introduced her newest baby, "Fro-Fi Collective".  It's a group whose "...goal is to talk about technology and ways to make our online lives better." I am looking forward to watching this latest project develop.  For more pics from The Urban Grind Natural Hair Meetup....

Click Here  ~~> Urban Grind Natural Hair Meet Up Pics!!

     
Thanks for reading!

Sistah SpotLight! Mahogany Babies

On behalf of Our Natural Kids, I am so excited to tell you all about Mahogany Babies!  Mahogany Babies is a California based program that helps to educate parents about healthy hair and scalp care as well as healthy self esteem.  They achieve this through educational "hands on" seminars developed by Trichologist, natural hair stylist and salon owner, Dr. Kari Williams.  I just love the mission of this program:
"...to inform and train parents on how to nurture their child's hair and self esteem by providing education that teaches how to recognize common scalp disorders and avoid unhealthy hair care practices that can lead to permanent hair loss in children."

Dr. Kari believes in encouraging healthy techniques for styling hair at home to ensure that children will actually have a head full of healthy hair as they grow.

If you are in the Los Angeles, CA area, you are in luck because the next seminar  is set for Saturday, May 19th, 2012.  This particular installment will teach parents how to detangle, braid, twist,  and cornrow! In addition to education there will also be entertainment in the form of music, art, spoken word, stories that inspire, AND MORE!!  (A buffet style lunch is included in the price of a ticket.)

Go to http://mahoganybabies.eventbrite.com/ for more information and as a special offer for our Cali readers enter coupon code MAHOGANY to save $10 on your ticket!

Sign Up on www.OurNaturalKids.Ning.com to learn about how you can win a FREE ticket to this event.

Education is key!  Check out Dr. Kari's other sites also:

http://www.drkariwilliams.com/

http://www.mahoganyrevolution.com/

Thanks for reading!

5 Styles in 10 Days with Curls Unleashed

Organic Roots Stimulator has added a new curl care line to its bevvy of products!  Curls Unleashed was launched at Fro Fashion Week Spring 2012.  I was invited to give the products a try and I am happy to report that I was very pleased with it.  I dont believe that using a product one time with just one style can give you a total and fair review so I worked this line out.  I did 5 styles in 10 days. I have thin type kinky and curly 4a hair.  See for yourself the the specific product that I used, the style and the results that I got.

These are the Curls Unleashed products that I used:
Lavish in Lather Sulfate Free Shampoo
No Boundaries Leave In Conditioner
Take Command Curl Creme
Second Chance Curl Refresher
Let It Flow Shine & Define Mouse (gave this to my mom to try)

Day 1 ~ Wash N Go
I started by giving my hair a nice wash with Lavish in Lather Sulfate Free Shampoo.  The name they gave this poo is very appropriate.  It gave a very nice lather which scared me at first, but it did not leave my hair feeling stripped at all.  It left my hair feeling good & smelling wonderful. (I used my own conditioner after the poo)

To achieve this Wash N Go I cocktailed the No Boundaries Leave In Conditioner & the Take Command Curl Creme.  On totally damp hair I applied the No Boundaries leave in from root to tip and then shingled in the Take Command Curl Cream.  I sealed with jojoba oil and let it air dry.  I noticed no difference in the amount of shrinkage that I experienced.  This product DID NOT DRY CRUNCHY!!  You all know that I am Wash N Go girl so this made me very happy.  As you can see it left my curls looking very shiny & healthy and feeling moisturized and soft to the touch.

Day 3 ~ Two Strand Twists
After touching and smelling the Second Chance Curl Refresher, I thought I'd try it for a 2 strand twist.  I finger parted through my wash n go with just a dab of this product on my fingers for each twist.  Again, great smelling product and not sticky at all.  My twists were still soft.

Day 4 ~ Bantu Knots
I took a little bit of the No Boundaries Leave In Conditioner (about a dime size) and smoothed it into my twists on this day.  I decided to throw some Bantu Knots in.

Day 5 ~ Bantu Knots Unraveled
I unraveled the knots, but not the twists on this day.

Day 6 - 10 ~ Twist Out
I took the twists out on day 6.  These pics are on day 10, so this is a 4 day old twist out.  I used the No Boundaries Leave In Conditioner this time to add moisture to my edges and pulled my hair back with a barette. My hair still smells as fresh as it did on day one, and is still soft to the touch.

I really like this product for my hair.  I will definitely be using the Curls Unleashed line again and hope to try the No Restrictions Moisturizing Conditioner next time.

Have you tried this line yet?

Thanks for reading.

Peace :-)

AfroPuffs and Ponytails - Inspiring African American Girls!

A week ago my daughter and I had the pleasure of seeing ourselves featured on this fantastic website regarding Our Natural Kids.  When I tell you that this website is your ONE STOP shop for all things black girl related, you need to believe me.  Afro Puffs and Ponytails, Inc. is a non-profit organization created primarily for supporting and uplifting African American/Black Girls! Their website provides encouraging articles, events, program listings, and resources for African American/Black teen girls, young girls, and their parents.

AfroPuffs & PonyTails
Inspiring African American Girls

If you know anything about the real me or even if you have just been following my online persona, then you know that I believe that our beautiful baby girls are our most important resources for the future.  I have dedicated a very BIG part of my life towards encouraging young girls by providing information and resources that promote self esteem.  We are so honored to be mentioned on this website, I just had to come and share.

Please go there and check out our feature in the Hair Care for African American Girls' section
Our Natural Kids - An Active Natural Hair Network for Parents

and please save the following link to your favorites so that you can return often.
AfroPuffs and PonyTails

Thanks for reading!

Peace

The SistahChick's YouTube Channel!

I am sure that I have made reference to my YouTube Channel before, but please allow me to formerly introduce it to you. In April 2009, I decided that I would like to chronicle my Natural hair journey among other things in a way that documented as well as expressed the real me, doin what I do best and thats running my mouth! LOL. So I set up a YouTube Channel and the rest is history. By joining all of the very knowledgeable ladies of the YouTube Natural Hair Movement not only have i made some really cool friends, but I have also gotten and given some truly wonderful advice. Even though I decided to go Natural and BC'd back in 2006, I had never actually gotten to know my tresses very well, and was limited to simple Puff with Headband styles. I knew nothing about properly moisturizing, curl defining, conditioning...none of that. It was through YouTube that I learned how to properly care for, style and pamper my gorgeous 4a- 4b hair. I continue to learn daily and share knowledge as I go. As you will see, I have gotten my entire family involved in my journey and we are having lots of fun. Its been especially exciting for me and my little girl who is affectionately referred to as "The LittleChick". My decision to go Natural has opened up the door to so many things, and even led me to quit smoking! (I have been nicotene free, since June 19, 2009!!! - Check out the Freedom Series below!) Well enough with the intro... see for yourself :-) Below are several links. I hope you enjoy!

This link will take you directly to my channel, The SistahChick's Spot. Here you can view all of my videos, playlists, favorites, and also check out my friends & subscribers lists plus other need to know info!
http://bit.ly/5NZLg1

I have taken the care to categorize some of the videos that I have made into playlists (videos grouped together by topic)

Fierce 'Do's' & Smokin Hot HairStyles
Here you will see a variety of seriously HOT Natural hairstyles!!
http://bit.ly/8MccLv

Methods & Techniques
Here are some tried and true Methods and Techniques!!
http://bit.ly/4Lctvs

Natural HairCare - Product Reviews
I have tried many products during my journey and will try many more, this link will play a list of the video reviews for some of my favs!
(Remember, I am not a professional, so all of the opinions given are specific to my own personal experiences!!)
http://bit.ly/8BRqm9

Freedom - Journey to Be Smoke Free
My Freedom Series!! Nicotine Addiction is serious and quitting smoking is not easy. Follow my journey to be SmokeFree!
http://bit.ly/6wXunt

LittleChick Hair Maintenance
This is our newest series. It chronicles my daughters haircare & maintenance
http://bit.ly/5KH2MN

There are several other videos posted for your viewing pleasure. Please, check them out & let me know what you think. I also take requests, so if you have a question or an idea that you would like to see as it pertains to Natural Hair Care, etc. Please feel free to send me an e-mail to: TheSistahCafe@gmail.com. All ideas will be considered.

I plan to really expand my horizons in 2010 with vids demonstrating the preparations of some of my fav recipes and also on ideas for redecorating on a budget. Please subscribe & Stay Tuned

I appreciate, as always, that you took the time to read this :-)

Peace,
The SistahChick

Atlanta Natural Hair Meet Up - 09/19

After checking my e-mail and perusing the web a little this past Saturday morning, I decided to see what was going on in YouTube. I was looking through my subscriptions when I saw a vid posted by LexiwiththeCurls titled "Atlanta Natural Hair Meet Up" and stating that this would happen... TOMORROW 3p - 5p!!! I nearly spilled my coffee scrambling to see the date of the video! Is tomorrow today?!!. omg!! Let me see! Low and behold tomorrow was today!! Yippeee! I am going! Let me call my girl Narazonia76 and let her know too AND better go get my toes done right quick. (trust me...it was time) Off I go for a Mani/Pedi. I was brimming with anticipation for this event. Why is it raining cats AND dogs??? I leave the nail shop with 10 bright blue toes, get home, log on again, and guess what?? The event is CANCELLED with a possible postponement to tomorrow. The floods were just beginning in the Southeast. The exit to the area where the event was to be held was closed off due to flooding. AwwWww...Well...ok. So what. I'll go tomorrow! I chill with the family a bit, make a grocery list and prepare to get my shopping done. Before leaving, I logged on to YouTube AGAIN...lmao and guess what? The event was back on!!. postponed till 3 but still on. It turned out that the exits were back open so it was BACK on and the rest is HISTORY! I got to spend the next 2 hours of my life fellowshipping with the friendliest, most positive, highly energetic group that I have ever encountered. Sistahs...from the lightest light to the darkest dark...2b's to 4c's...16 years old to well...ok? All beautiful. All Confidant. All Natural. We represented. We talked hair, we discussed products, we laughed, we ate, we connected...I dont even want to get into the fantastic styles that i saw. These ladies were ROCKIN some do's...omg. And let me say this...its kinda cool being recognized from YouTube!! It is!! Hoping we can do it again reaaal soon :-) Until next time...

Thanks for watching & reading!

TSC

The Hair Journey Continues!!

Wow! My hair journey has been kicked into high gear! Not only have i been able to test and review several new products, but I am learning about what ingredients to look for in certain products and which ones are important for healthy hair (No Petroleum, No Cones, No Sulfates!). Some of the techniques that I have tried have given me magnificent results (Stretched Out Afros, Twist Outs, Curl Refreshers, Shingling, etc.) I have expanded my hair supplies to include various things that I didnt have before (Rat Tail Comb, Ouchless headbands, Bonnet, Wide Tooth Comb, etc). One of my new necessities include: 100% pure Shea Butter. I haven't developed a full list of staple items yet but I am getting there. Some the newest products that I have enjoyed are:

Carol's Daughter - Khoret Amen Shampoo, Conditioner w/Sea Moss & Smoothie plus Hair Milk (and for the body...Mango Melange Shea Souffle, Body Jelly)

Taliah Waajid's Black Earth Products - Herbal Cleanser, Total Body Shampoo, Enhancing Herbal Conditioner, & Loc It Up

Paul Mitchell's - The Conditioner - Leave In Moisturizer

Lush Cosmetics - Curly Wurly Conditioning Shampoo

Biolage By Matrix - Hair Conditioning Balm

Here is a short list of Natural hair terminology that may not be new to you but it was to me!

BC - aka Big Chop. this is the first step to your natural hair journey. It means that you have cut the perm out down to the new growth to start anew!

Co-Wash - Using Conditioner to wash your hair instead of Shampoo. This process cleans your hair without stripping it of the natural oils that exist.

PrePoo - Shampooing your hair with something like a Clarifying Shampoo prior to using your normal shampoo.

Shingling - Applying product, usually a Leave In Conditioner, to your hair in layers for full coverage.

Stretching - Manipulating your hair in a way that stretches your natural curls to show length.

(more terms to come!)

I haven't gotten my oils (Coconut, TeaTree, Jojoba, etc) locked down to an understanding yet. But I am learning about different oils and their benefits.

Most importantly I am having FUN! The exploration, the pampering, the ME time...it's all been enabled!!! Developing an afinity for the natural me has opened the doors to other needs, such as skincare and physical health, It's hard to explain, but I guess I could say that any improvements that you consciously make for yourself affects your ENTIRE well being. One step at a time, but the path has been shown to me.

Much Love!