Natural’s Spotlight: Julie

Posted in Going Natural, Hair Story, HairCrush, HairStyles by Chelle

1. Tell me about yourself

My name is Julie, I am a 26 year old professional by day and small business owner in between. I have an accessories company for both women and men called Jay Dalen (www.jaydalen.com). I also sing in my spare time, which I am very passionate about. I’m shy at times, corky and crazy, love to eat, and a hopeless romantic. I’m from Philly and love my friends and family to life.

2. How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural since about 2007, my college days. I transitioned from relaxers and slowly became fully natural by trimming my ends pretty frequently. I Big Chopped on February 23, 2013 and recently cut it back down in June 2013! I wanted to begin a new healthier hair journey and decided to BC. Before my BC I colored my hair quite a few times and straightened pretty frequently on high temps (I know! Tisk tisk). However during this new journey I want to stray away from color and heat.

3. Did you transition or Big Chop?

Both, but touching on my recent experience, I am surprised that I didn’t cry during my BC appointment. The stylist put my hair in four ponytails and then snipped them off! I felt my hair leaving me but I was overjoyed and ready for a new journey. My new hair has given me a confidence out of this world. I love my hair! I am not afraid or ashamed of the stares I get. My hair does not define me and I love who I am becoming. It’s a great feeling to not be emotional attached to my hair.

4. What is your biggest hair challenge? How did you overcome your challenge?

There was once I time where my hair ruled my life. Back when I was in high school I wouldn’t go to school or anywhere if my hair “wasn’t right”. I would get so frustrated, cry and would stay home. When I think back to those times, it was so foolish of me. I should never get to the point where my thoughts or opinions on my looks interferes with my daily life. My short hair now forces me to be comfortable in my own skin. I can no longer hide behind hair. Each day I have to step out with how it is, be confident with how I look, and own it. I recently read a quote the other day by the amazing Beauty By Lee and she said, “When you feel beautiful, all people see is beauty.” Love that and it is so true! I truly feel the most beautiful I have ever felt in my life.

5. What is your hair regimen?

My hair regimen is quite simple. I use to be a product junkie but the Lord has delivered me! Lol. On wash day I wash with Clear Ultra Shea Shampoo, follow-up with Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner, and then deep condition with the Mane Choice Green Tea & Carrot Deep Conditioning Mask. I rinse after about an hour of letting the DC sit and continue to style with Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, and a gel to define my curls. Some of my staple gels are Ecostyler Olive Oil gel, Kinky Curly Curling Custard and Shea Moisture Curling Souffle.

6. What is your favorite style?

Right now, I can really only achieve a wash and go. I’ve recently tried slicking my hair down and adding a side part, which I love. Great style as I am growing out of the awkward stage of the TWA.

7. What is your fashion style like?

I really can’t narrow down a specific style. I am a free spirit and my style is very eclectic. I wear whatever I feel like and love to mix and match things that typically “don’t go”. You’re style should always be unique, true to you, and a reflection of yourself.

8. Where can we find you on-line? What else would you like to add?

I’m just enjoying this ride of loving and learning more about my hair. I don’t have any set plans for my hair right now and I’m taking it day by day. Everyone tells me that I should keep it short, as it is “so me”. I just say, “we’ll see”. I may decide to finally let it grow out (as I’ve been dying for braids or marley twists!) shape it into a funky style, or just keep it short. Natural hair is so versatile that you can do anything! I started documenting my journey on my Youtube channel after the BC to see where my hair takes me in a year. You can find me at mzjewelzz on Youtube and @juboolee on Instagram and Twitter.

If you would like to share your story email me at happilyevernatural@gmail.com

28Jun2013

Summer Summer Summertime!!!!!

Posted in Going Natural, HairStyles, Style, Tips by Chelle

Hey ladies!!! Not sure how to care for your hair this summer or what styles to do??? Here a few tips and some cute styles you can rock this summer!! xoxo Michelle

**Credit: (http://www.ebony.com/photos/style/3-tips-for-fabulous-summer-natural-hair-883#axzz2XLDQUEmB)**
TIPS:

Wear protective hairstyles

Braids, twists and wash-and-go styles are amazing for the summer. If you’re going on vacation or just simply too busy to give your natural hair the attention it needs, these styles give you a bit of breathing room. The long Poetic Justice braids and Senegalese twists have become really popular, and there are so many ways to style them. Recently, naturalista Solange Knowles was spotted performing at The Roots picnic in Philly with really cute, large two-strand twists. Don’t be afraid to add some extensions to give you the extra length and fullness.

Add some color to your hair

Be daring and add an eccentric subtle blue hue or even a fiery hot red to your natural hair. If you’re not sure you can go that bright, opt to lighten your natural color a few shades. (For a good coloring system for natural hair, refer to our SheaMoisture New Hair Coloring System post). Remember that whatever shade you choose to color your hair, the sun will naturally lighten. Investing in a good shampoo and conditioner is vital when caring for your hair post-color. Invest in good moisturizers rich in nutrients so you don’t end the season with brittle, dry hair or even breakage. And remember to deep condition at least once a week.

Accessorize those tresses

You never quite know how your hair will react to the level of humidity or the hot waves of the summer. Accessorizing the right way could really be your saving grace. Carrying a pretty printed scarf around in your purse could take your hair from big and wild to tamed and fashionable. (If you’re looking for amazing turban tutorials, refer to our list of vloggers for easy-to-do techniques). A cute straw fedora or big floppy sun hat could be a fashionable alternative for days when dealing with your hair is just too much. Picking a nice flower as a hair accessory is always a cute alternative to adding flavor to a humdrum hair day as well!

Remember: the limits to the naturalista summer are endless. Experiment, have a little fun and embrace your kinks and curls in the process! (Credit from: http://www.ebony.com/photos/style/3-tips-for-fabulous-summer-natural-hair-883#axzz2XLDQUEmB)

Looking for a cute summer do? Check out these cute summer styles

15May2013

Rod Set on Natural Hair..Plus my PARTY Deets!!

Posted in Beauty, Going Natural, HairStyles, Style by Chelle

Hello everyone!! Sorry I have been a little MIA I know LOL. I was preparing for my housewarming party and getting the house together. 🙂 whew now that’s over!!

So for my party I decided to try out something new that I have never tried myself before… a rod set!! Let me tell you that I will be doing this style more often… because I LOVE IT!!!

What I used:
– Shampoo : Cream of Nature with Argan Oil
– Deep Contditioner: EdenBodyworks All Natural Deep Conditioner (MY NEW FAV OMG!!!)
– EdenBodyworks Coconut Shea Leave in (LOVE IT)!!
– Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse to set
– White Perm Rods

So I did the set on Friday Night and let it set all day until Saturday 🙂 Here is a pic before I took the rods out and one before I separated the curls!