Street Curlie- Toyin

                                                              Nine years and counting :)

Thank God I'm Natural- A Review

About the book:

Written by a Harvard graduate, Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair is a must-read for any black woman who has suffered hair loss or breakage caused by relaxers — or has grown tired of spending thousands of dollars and her Saturday afternoons frying her kinky tresses into submission. Featuring the advice of celebrity stylists for Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu (among others), Thank God I’m Natural offers up-to-date information — and a plethora of tips to help women break free from wigs, weaves, and damaging chemical processes. Thank God I’m Natural also highlights the perspectives of every day woman from all walks of life, as well, as the author’s own personal experiences (both funny and sad) — working in corporate America with a kinky mane. While there is no shortage of information on this topic to be found on the Internet, Thank God I’m Natural is the most comprehensive natural hair guide on the market today, and the book black women need now more than ever before.

My Thoughts:

I have to admit, when I first heard about this book, I was sceptical. I wondered what I could possibly learn from it that I didn't already know. Boy was I in for a surprise!

TGIN is written in a clear and relatable style that will make the reader feel right at home. I quickly got the sense that the writer is a normal woman like the rest of us and has dealt with the same struggles with her hair and come out on the other side smiling. She shares information openly and does not condescend to or patronize the reader. I felt that the author genuinely wanted to help her readers.

When I first started reading, I skimmed through the book thinking I wouldn't get much from it, but as I got into it, I realised that the book had a lot to offer. I received insights on many aspects of natural hair including the history of our hair and why hair politics is in the state it is now. I think this is an important thing for everyone contemplating going natural to know. the book also gives professional advice on everything from dying to loc'ing natural hair. There is a section that explains the potential harm that relaxers can cause and gives real examples of people that have suffered as a result of relaxers. My favourite section is the one that gives detailed recipes for hair products that you can make using things in your kitchen. You may never have to buy a drugstore brand again!

I did have one small issue with the book. While it gave ideas for cute hairstyles to do on loc'd or loose hair, there were no instructions or tutorials. It did however give information on how to get detailed instructions for the styles.

My Verdict:

Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone, veterans, newbies and those in between. There is so much to learn from this book, you might find yourself rethinking your hair practices and looking deeper into why you went natural. I also recommend this book to anyone thinking of going natural. It will answer pretty much every question you have and help smoothe your journey.

For more information about Thank God I’m Natural, please visit www.thankgodimnatural.com. The book is now available in the UK at Waterstone’s Bookstore or online at www.amazon.co.uk

O Ré Wa update- Keme Hoops now available!

Large and medium sized hoops now available in my store in green, blue and purple :)

On Touching Hair

Not that I advocate violence, or anything...

But iDied laughing at this. 

O Ré Wa update

Hi everyone... I heard y'all clamouring for some O Ré Wa hoop earrings and I'm pleased to say that they will be in-store very soon. I have them in medium and large sizes. I will let y'all know as soon as I put them up :) Also be on the look out for new accessories.

London Meetup for UK Naturals: Update: New Venue

Update: I created a facebook page for the event. Please visit and RSVP to let me know if you're coming. Alternatively, leave a comment below this post.


So I decided to check out Spital fields market and found out that it isn't open on Saturdays!!! Oh dear... so I came up with an alternative. If the weather permits, we could have an outdoor meetup in the Marble Arch end of Hyde Park. There are lots if places to get food around and I'll bring blankets so we can have a picnic. It will be loads of fun!

It'll be really informal and nothing fancy. I know it is rather short notice and I don't have proclamations and trumpets like Z did but I hope to see a good number there. Bring products to swap or sell (especially earrings. I love earrings!)

So to recap:

Saturday April 3rd

4pm Hyde Park (Marble Arch end)

I will update with alternate locations if it rains and directions. Please check back often :)

T-Pain's fabulous Updo!

I'm posting this here not because I particularly like the song but because I LOVE the way he styled his dreads. I'll try to copy it on my twists.

Curlicious Diva- Roshini of Glamazini

So we're starting the Curlicious Diva feature back up. If you're interested in becoming one, email us at litk@leaveinthekinks.com or use the contact form. :)

Roshini's blog was one of the first to focus on natural hair and she has answers for practically everything. Basically she's like Microsoft of the natural hair blog world and we're some tiny internet start up... Like Mickey Mouse and we're Hannah Montana... Kenan and Kel to our Drake and Josh... anyway I hope you get my drift. My point is that she is amazing and we are honoured to feature her.

1. Why did you decide to go natural and how long have you been natural?

I've been natural this last time since November 2002. I went natural because the right side of my hair was thinning and I know hairloss runs in my family. I looked at my hair and thought "I'd rather be natural and not know what to do with my hair than to be bald and relaxed" and that was that. Thank God now my natural hair is no longer a "last resort" so to speak but the "only resort"

Relaxed

2. What was the experience like? Did you transition? Was there any
opposition? Support?

I transitioned for a couple months the last time, which made no sense since I'd been natural before I guess I "transitioned" then too but I'd never heard that term and really wasn't thinking about the health of my new growth back in 1998 when I first hacked off my relaxer. I had no serious opposition. At the time my boyfriend (now hubby) told me he liked "long straight hair". I promptly hacked my hair off and figured if he loved me he'd stay...and he did...and now he has long natural hair he wears in braids and has told me to "never relax my crown" so Jesus worked that thing out LOL!

3. How has being natural changed your outlook on life?

Interesting question since I've been natural so long. I suppose it's made me more accepting of the authentic me that God dropped off to my parents 33 years ago, plus I realize there's no shame in being "counter culture" if that's who you really are. The culture ain't always right and I don't have to flow down that stream with ya'll dangnabbit! I've also learned that I am good at doing hair in general, something I never knew prior to cutting off the relaxer. Oh and I've learned I'm obsessed with my website and documenting my journey, I just LOVE how something so unassuming can be so helpful to so many people! oh joy!

TWA

4. What’s a typical hair day like for you? What are your go to styles?

I tend toward protective styles like 2 strand twists. My typical day is wake up, take the satin bonnet or scarf off my head (or not if I'm staying home), moisturize the ends, fluff the style and let it be. I don't do much.

5. What are 3 products you can’t live without?

Water, shea butter & coconut oil.

6. Do you have a goal length that you’re aspiring to?

Late last year I had a "moment" when I was either gonna cut all my hair off or grow it till it wouldn't stop. I opted for the latter and now will just let it grow. I have no goal length since my hair's been super long before, many times actually. I just tend toward being scissor-happy and this year I've said no cutting just for cutting sake...which is SO hard for me but I'm gonna do it.

7. What treatments have you tried, colours etc.

None.

8. Have you got any advice or questions for naturals and transitioners?

All the time since I've had my site for all these years. I try to be gentle and loving and answer questions. I get the same questions over and over and do my best to make resources available to point them to either on my own site or others. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who have online resources yet seem annoyed that they are answering the same question over and over. LOL boo boo, get a grip, welcome to my world for the past decade...just answer the question in love the way you'd want someone to answer you, and move on (sorry, had to get that of my chest).

Additional Questions

1. What made you decide to start blogging and when did you start?

I had a website (roshini.net) for many years prior to starting my blog. I came off "haitus" and blogs were the thing so I started one, made it easier on me and the general public to publish and follow my posts.

2. Do you get recognised on the
street?

All the time, and so does my husband :)

3. What kind of attention does your hair garner and how do you deal
with it? Does it limit you or boost you in any way?

It's hard to differentiate the attention my hair is getting from the attention I'm getting (I'm a 6ft 1in tall black woman, let's be real, people stare ALL THE TIME). That said, I suppose it's boosted me but I don't pay attention. If it's limited me that's a shame, but once again, I don't pay enough attention to notice.

4. What has been your biggest challenge so far (being natural) and how
do you deal with it?

I can't think of any (I tried).

5. Anything you wish to add?

Thank you for your interest in little ole me *blush* I'm honored and wish you the best with your endeavors. Oh and naturals, moisturize and drink lots of water! The end :D

Protective Styling...

...is super super important. I never wear my hair out for longer than a few days usually but I was so busy the past week that I wore a mini twist out for a week and a half. My hair was knotted, tangled, full of split ends and dry by the time I got round to doing work on it. Never again.

I'm getting back on my protective styling kick hard and trying to keep my styles in longer at least until the summer. I now have to undertake a major trim so I've learnt my lesson. Protective styling doesn't have to be dull or monotonous. There are styles for everyone from the style-impaired to the hair-gurus so don't worry.

This style for instance, is very simple but very effective and can be done on mid to long length hair.

My staple protective style is twists (as you all know) but there are so many ways to jazz it up. You can do any style that you can do on dreadlocks on twists or braids so it doesn't have to be dull. You can vary the sizes of the twists, pin it up, wear it down, bun it, add a hump, even hold it in a banana clip to make a twist hawk. Add a few cornrows, flat twists, accessories etc. I will be experimenting with my twists and will post pics of styles I do.

Simple styles like buns, french braided ponytails and pony tail extensions are also very good protective styles.

By the way, you guys need to check out Glamazini's blog if you haven't already. She does amazing things with twists, box braids, flat twists, out styles etc.

Street Curlie-Luna

So, I had the pleasure of meeting Luna of the legendary Nappy Like Yo Pappy in person (Miss Fizz, I know you jealous me muchly) in NYC, and we had an awesome afternoon, pictures of which I will feature later, when I steal them from her.

Anyway, she rocks and she's going to be a Curlicious Diva soon, but I thought I'd give y'all a taste of the freshness.

Also, I got her to start a Tumblr blog that is pure crack. Crack, I tell you. Delicious crack. Nappy-ku heaven.

Nappy Like Yo Pappy

Starter Loc Methods

We'd like to welcome you all to the first installation of our newest series- Loc Family *happy sigh* I've wanted to have information for those in the locked category for the longest time, and it warms my heart that we've begun on this journey. Our first contributor is the lovely Nne, who's been a vibrant part of the LITK community, and I'm honored to have her write the first Loc Family post!! Enjoy =)

Upon request from the lovely loose (haired) ladies of LITK, I will be posting a bit on loc’ed side of natural hair. Unfortunately, I donated my camera to my younger brother and have not been able to take pics of my dreads thus far. So, for the meantime, you can expect mostly informational posts from me. Hopefully, this will encouraged other loc’ed LITK fans to share their advice and experiences. A bit about me – I’ve been natural for the better part of 8 years – better part, meaning that I have had some lapses. I’ve tried loc’ing in the past with mixed results and my current attempt (or set) was born last year August/September – so I am in NO WAY a veteran. I started with two-strand twists and alternate between latching and palmrolling for maintenance. Below are examples of the various methods by which to start locs and their advantages and disadvantages. The below is based on personal opinion and the advantages/disadvantages of each method is by no stretch of the imagination, exhaustive.

Coils/comb-twists – often thought of as the traditional means by which to start locs, it involves using either a comb or your fingers to create single strand twists. Often done with a light gel (heavy pomades and beeswax are not recommended for any method).

A: Usually provides a uniformly cylindrical loc almost without fail. The preferred method for those who desire highly manicured locs or thicker locs. Seems like this is also the preferred starter methods for salons as well.

D: I’ve heard that there is much unraveling in the beginning. I have never done this on myself, but it looks like it works for many.

Two-strand twists – Should be familiar to a napptural crowd. In order to minimize unraveling, I braided (three-strand twisted) the first centimeter or so and then followed up with a two strand twists. You can also latch the base.

A: For the napptural crowd – it doesn’t get easier than this if you decided to DIY. Not as much unraveling as with starter coils, particularly with looser textures.

D: Compared to some other methods, you may get some major unraveling. Also, takes a little more time than the comb twists to lose the TST pattern.

Backcombing – involves teasing sectioned hair to create dreads.

A: Some say that such a method looks more loc’ed-like in the beginning. The go-to method for straighter textures.

D: May lead to some major damage if not done properly. And don’t believe the hype, you do not need gobs of beeswax to maintain it.

Braidlocs

A: You can vary the size greatly with these locs – from tiny microlocks to traditional free-formed locs, like those on Toni Morrison, Whoopi Goldberg, and Alice Walker. Can be done on transitioning hair

D: I have tried this method before, and it seems like the braid pattern takes a LONG time to disappear

though this differs from one head to the next.

{There should be a picture here, but I couldn't find one :(}

Interlocs – Involves using a tool to create a loc.

A: Ideal for smaller locs and again, suitable for transitioning loc’ers. Sometimes, they’re cheaper than their patented cousin, Sisterlocks. You may find that the pattern disappears faster than a braiding pattern (especially tight braids)

D: For me personally, it took me a long time to complete just one loc and I eventually gave up and gave in to braiding.

Sisterlocks – Shhh – it’s a secret. Needs to be started by a licensed sisterlock loctitian.

A: Personally, I just think they look incredible and versatile. I have never seen of head of Sisterlocks I didn’t like. And for some reason, they tend to be less stigmatised. Can be performed on transitioning heads as well.

D: My major deterrent: time and price of installation and maintenance.

Free-forming – Just wash and separate natural hair

A: Free-formed heads are some of the most unique I have ever seen and range in thickness. Also, one can start with any of the above methods and free-form as a “maintenance method.” You also avoid some of the hang-ups that come with needing to maintain manicured locs – buildup and thinning roots.

D: Sometimes they are viewed with disdain by those who just can’t appreciate their beauty. Also, may be a bit difficult to “blend into” more corporate environments during the beginning stages.

Extensions – Hair is added by a variety of methods. New growth is then maintained either by latching, palmrolling, etc.

A: Instant locs. Great either as a temporary style or those looking to loc without going through the rougher beginning stages.

D: I have personally tried this…and hated it. Though there are others who have tried this method and have done well. And, for some reason, they are waaay expensive – unless you are DIYing and starting from kinky twists or braid extensions – or following one of many tutorials on YouTube.

These Healing Hands...

...can be destroyers too.

When it comes to ways in which we damage our hair, we tend to forget one really important thing: our hands. Basically, our hands can cause breaks and splits in our hair. I'm talking about jagged nails, hang nails, rough skin and jewellery.

So before styling hair, take off jewellery, make sure nail tips are blunt and palms aren't dry and rough. I was running my hands through my hair today and it snagged on a hang nail... and then I heard a rrriiippp as it caught on my ring too.

Poor Stef :(

Hair Question- Rod set

Asante sent this in:

I'm an avid hair blog fan, and LITK is definitey one of my favorites (My hair wants to be just like Baby when she grows up haha)! I'm about 4 months natural, and loving every minute of it. My super coily hairl has a mind of its own, but seems to be a big fan of twist outs these days. However, I'm curious to try out something new...

I've been toying around with the idea of doing a curly set, with perm rods (my hair is about 3 1/2, maybe 4 inches in some places) and wanted to know if either of you or your readers had any tips/suggestions/examples i could work with? Try as I might, i can't find any vids on Youtube that feature either hair my length or curls my texture. (I added a pic to give an idea of what I'm working with.)

Help!!! Thanks a bunch in advance ladies!

I suggested a dry rod set on stretched out hair using aloe vera gel for hold because it will minimize shrinkage and show more length. What do you guys think?

On LITK Commenting

So, we got this email today, and I was left rather baffled.

I must say this is a really nice site y'll have going on here but don't y'll find something wrong ? With four hundred and forty one followers, you get around 4 comments a day , that is less than 1% of your followers commenting. I don't know , I just found it disgustingly odd on their part, but I'm very proud of y'll for still blogging and posting even though you don't get too much feedback. Personally i would have thought noone was really interested and just lost interest. Props to you too !

Aww, dear followers, never fear. I could never find you disgustingly odd! I'm considerably odd myself, but not disgustingly so...I hope.

Now, my dilemma is- was this email meant to be nice or under-handed nasty? I ask you, beloved readers, to evaluate for yourselves, for I can't tell. I suck at detecting subtle tinges of mean, so I'm not the best person to ask. I just assume everyone's nice *cough*.

Anyhoo, to answer the question, no I don't see anything wrong with having an average of 4 comments a day. I've actually never noticed how many comments we get in a day...I'm impressed someone took the time to look that up. As to why that doesn't bother me, well, let's get started,

First of all, not commenting doesn't mean that people aren't reading. We've misplaced the HTML for the page visits widget, but it was at a pretty respectable number. I read tons of blogs faithfully every day. I rarely comment. Mostly because I'm lazy. However, that doesn't mean I don't love love love those blogs or recommend them to people or spread the word about them. I'm a lurker, and I know LITK has lurkers and I love them all :)

Next, there's comments and there's comments. There are tons of blogs where the first ten comments on the post are just positions- "First!", "Second!", "No, I was first!" o_O I am profoundly relieved that our readers/followers don't leave comments like that. Seriously. I would be deleting them left and right while heavily wondering what on earth the authors had been smoking. I would rather have 4 reasonable interactive comments a day than 28 contributions of chaff cluttering the blog up.

Also, I gauge the blog's progress by how the follower numbers rise, and by noting the increase in our Facebook fan page. Even if these folk aren't reading it daily, they are aware of it. That's cool in my book.

Fourthly, I don't write for comments. I write so people can read and have this information available. If they leave feedback, that's just an added bonus. This blog is not a popularity contest, to see how much attention I can garner by writing it o_O Frankly, I am constantly amazed when I get positive feedback from people telling us how much they love it, or that they read it faithfully, or that it is the shiznit. I'm all like, for real? AWWWW! It makes me feel so humbled, y'all. I don't need the ego-stroking of a fafillion comments to know that we're appreciated. I mean, even if it was only one little nappy-headed child reading LITK in the middle of nowhere and learning to love her hair, that's worth it. I would keep posting for that one curly.

Um, I think I'm done answering. Miss Fizz, wanna add anything?

Also readers and fellow bloggers, what do y'all think? How much do you rely on comments to keep you blogging? Are you a beloved lurker?

Update: Got this in our email:

Hi Ladies

I read your blog almost everyday. I personally don't comment because I am not a natural but am seriously considering doing so this year. I know that in itself should not discourage me from commenting but since I am not on the same journey I didn't think i had anything to add constructively.

I read your blog to get inspiration and confidence when I embark on this journey. I say this to say that the person who made the comment was being nasty in an underhanded way, offering you a compliment with conditions. Just because there are not a lot of comments does not mean what you do is not appreciative. Furthermore, the person has no clue whether you are receiving emails offline. I think the turnout to your meet and greet is a clear indication that what you both offer are being appreciated.

Take care and thanks

Gosh I LOVE our readers!

Campus Curlies

I didn't get his name but I want to marry his 'fro. That is the kind of afro I dream of.
You know he has to sit at the back in class and at the cinema. The guy was tall too, over 6'.
Dang!!!

Hair 911- Dreadlock Edition

First of all, I'd like to know if there are any locked curlies out there that would be interested in contributing to LITK? It's an area that's been bothering me, and since I don't intend on locking Poofy anytime soon, I'm toying with the idea of getting outside input. I don't want to exclude the locked population from the target demographic of LITK.

So, if you think you can contribute and be a part of this, get in touch with me :)

Moving on. I have a hair 911 from a good friend of mine who's had dreadlocks for over 9 years (yes, nine, neuf, itoolu). Needless to say, her locs are silly long. I'm talking over two feet long. Now, the problem is that she only gets them washed about once a month when she goes to a stylist to get them twisted and braided up (>2ft long, bear in mind). She's looking for a way to clean her scalp to prevent itchiness that occurs when she doesn't clean it for that period of time. However, the cleaning method can't involve rinsing her hair because that would unravel the root twists. So basically, a dry scalp-cleansing method.

At this point, I blinked profusely and said I'd ask the readers. I mean, the closest I could think of was dry shampoos, but I don't know of any naturals that use those. I can't speak from personal experience, for as we all know, if I don't shampoo Poofy at least 3 times a week, my scalp basically riots in flakes. 

So I'm turning this over to y'all, beloved readers. What can one use to clean the scalp without having to rinse out product? I'm befuddled and perplexed. 

Don't forget, dreds, hit me up for the link-up to LITK :)

Street Curlies- @ Momma's Hip Hop Kitchen

Too cute. Too dope. 

The HIF Coils

Oh, Hand In Fro disease, how you haunt so many of us. 

Imagine my glee when my idle meddling in my hair turned out to be a useful styling aid. I had just deep conditioned with Tresemme Curl Moisture conditioner (on sale for $1.27 at Duane Reade, what!), honey, baking soda and coconut oil. I let it sit for 45 minutes, rinsed it out and slathered on shea butter. 

There I was, sitting at my kitchen table, studying public policy as my fingers crept into my fro and started twisting. I did a few finger twists, then caught my reflection and went, aha! Why not just do this all over my head?!

And so my new favorite style, based on ease of styling, was born. I just grabbed random sections of hair, no parting, no combing, and curled them around my finger. Repeat and repeat. 

Then I threw in a side parting because I've been getting bored with Poofy and shaving her in any form is not acceptable. I need more styling ideas, my attention span is suffering. 

Anyway, here are the pictures of the end result, large finger coils with shea butter, with a side parting. I just like the texture of it :)

Down The Curlicious Diva Lane

So, I was flipping through our archives, checking out the Curlicious features we've had,
and I was struck by a fact. We've spoken to several women that are rather high-profile
in one way or another. I mean, I'm not sure if everyone's aware of the awesomeness
in our Curlicious archives.

Hence, a quick recap.

Danielle Belton, the Black Snob herself :)

Leila of Black Girl Long Hair

Rita of Koko Mansion

Milan of A Grl Can Mac

Rhonda Ray of Afro City

Fellow blogger, SeattleSlim

Sasha Shae of Afroniquely You

It's late and I'm a sleepy bear (and by late, I mean not even 11pm yet I'm exhausted, don't judge me), so that's as many pictures I can copy and paste, lol, but y'all need to click on the little tab in the menu and go check out these awesome interviews and the rest of the fabulous ladies!!

And if you want to be included in these annals of fame, there's a little tab to contact us with, and we'll make it happen :)

Peace, and have fun perusing!

Ahem. HouseKeeping Excuses.

                                                Oh, Blogger. How you try my patience.

Just did this post and then promptly lost it. Aight. So.

You may have noticed that I've changed the template. Again.

Perhaps I needed to procrastinate and chose this as my unwilling victim...perhaps there wasn't enough room for menu tabs under the logo in the old template...perhaps that damn logo should have centered in the old one so I wouldn't have to switch templates simply to counterbalance it...perhaps I wanted three columns.

Anyways, here we are with the new template, and I promise I'll return the blog list soon. I see the side-eyes heading my way if I don't...

In other news, we have awesome C.Diva features coming up, thanks to some wonderful curlies I met recently, and I hope you've been enjoying the Street Curlies! I actually ran out of cards for having met so many naturals...

How have y'all been, fam?

Street Curlie- Uni Q.

This mohawk just made your mohawk cry. Check out the blog at Waitin' On The Neverlution.