Thanks for your support and blessings to you:)

Keisa, The Natural Hair Diva

Since walking on this natural hair journey for two years, I’ve seen other areas of my life become more streamlined and “natural” if you will. Take my facial cleansing routine. For years, I invested in fade creams and many, many cleaners to maintain a clear complexion. But I would never quite maintain the mark because my skin was ALWAYS subject to breakouts.

Click to view slideshow.Well, after years of searching for the right products, I utilize a very “natural” cleaning and moisturizing method now. I alternate between black soap and a gentle apricot scrubbing facial wash to wash away makeup, dirt and other impurities. I apply almost daily a product called Nzuri… as a moisturizer following a facial cleanse. I love the way it moisturizes my skin weightlessly, and gives it an extra added glow. In fact, I’ve gotten compliments on my skin since using the product and have cut down on the amount of makeup I wear… infact, the photos in the gallery were taken with minimal makeup on, just a dab of powder, mascara and lip liner. There would have been a time I would have never done this! Nzuri gets a thumbs up. Since seeing the results on my skin I am now taking the product after each meal to help with added hair growth.  

For extra special care, I give my face added moisturize by using one of these three: shea butter, olive oil or sweet almond oil. I use store-bought clover honey for facial masks. I leave the honey on my face for at least 10 minutes and rinse off and pat my face dry.

Happy Trails, Natural Divas!

This is your opportunity to boldly declare your love for your natural hair and support The Natural Hair Diva’s mission of natural hair care at the same time.                            We’re offering t-shirts, bags and more great goodies at our new hair store.  Shop online at  http://www.cafepress.com/ILoveMyOwnHairStore, order and wait to receive!

I’ve long had the vision to give myself an opportunity to express my love for my natural hair and this is just one part of it. So, take a look at my new store and see what we offer. And if there’s anything else we can offer for you, drop me a line, I’m open for feedback.

Happy Trails, natural divas!

• Not one, but two widetooth combs… even though I don’t use them in my daily styling…I’m a finger comb sort of girl. Lol!!!
• A 9-oz container of Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme. I use it to lightly taper my hair on the edges because it smells fantastic.
• I ALWAYS travel with bobby pins, hair clips and occassionally you’ll find tucking combs on me for those days my hair doesn’t want to cooperate. I would resort to them pretty regularly at first because I wasn’t sure what effect products vs. weather had on my hair…but now, I’m pretty product confident. I know what most will do for my hair.

As part of my daily styling routine…I always use a natural oil, mainly olive oil, and quite often a small amount of shea butter to keep my hair moisturized.

But the takeaway point is something I always preach when it comes to you and your natural hair — always be prepared and always have a backup plan. That will make your journey so much more enjoyable!

Happy Trails, natural divas!!!

It could be my best seminar yet. As women, we talk about it. We want to know what the men in our lives really think about our natural hair. 

• Do they like it?
•  Do they find me more or less attractive with natural locks?
• Or, would he prefer the sister with the chemically processed hair and if so, why?

Well, let’s talk about it. Sunday, March 27th starting at 2pm at the Homewood library auditorium, we prepare for “Men Speak on Natural Hair — A Dialogue, Celebration and Seminar.”  The all-male panel starts around 3pm at the Homewood library. In the coming weeks, I’ll introduce you to the panelists. You know, as we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, I’d say one of the most important things we can do is to love ourselves. Once you and I make that decision, others in our lives will automatically line up.

I can personally vouch for it. I love my hair, and the confidence that I exude is almost contagious. I can’t tell you how many people now comment more than ever on how attractive I look. I don’t think it’s just about the hair; rather, there’s something that happened to me when I really became authentic Keisa. It was life-changing. But it wasn’t overnight and it wasn’t easy on the road to self-love.

So, even though I love myself, and I’m asking you to do the same, I know that we do want to be in healthy and fulfilling relationships with members of the opposite sex. I am blessed to be in a relationship with a wonderfully loving gentleman who treats me like a queen. He is GOOD to me and treats me with the utmost respect. And no, I can’t claim it’s just about the hair…I’ve also read books on understanding men including”He’s Just Not That Into You” and Steve Harvey’s “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.” And I’ve read them multiple times and won’t hesitate to pull them out again if I need a refresher. I think this has been a key as well.

So it’s back to my motto of getting educated. I educate myself on relationships and understanding men and I accepted the ones that really didn’t like me. I stopped making excuses and that’s gotten me to the point I am today.

So, come out and let’s talk natural hair, but most importantly, let’s have a dialogue between men and women on how we can better connect. Guys , we need you and we want your support in life and on the natural hair journey. You fulfill roles that sometimes our dads missed — brothers, lovers and friends and your words mean more than you know. 

We’ll have some great dialogue and some cake too…’cause guess who’s celebrating their first year of natural freedom? Yep, yours truly!   Then, my girls of Natural Daze are also celebrating one year…so we want to give them their props as well for starting this support group. They rock!!! But you know what? SO DO YOU, natural diva!!!

See you Sunday, March 27th at the Homewood Library auditorium as I LOVE MY OWN HAIR presents ”Men Speak on Natural Hair — A Dialogue, Celebration and Seminar.”  Again, it starts at 2pm and we should finish around 5pm. It’s absolutely FREE of charge of course and it’s first come, first serve.

I can’t do reservations on this one — it’s first come, first served…so mark your calendar.  Space is limited!!!

www.missjessies.com

A friend forwarded me a television interview featuring the founders of the Miss Jessie’s product line. I want you to view the video, but I have to share an interesting observation. The interviewer seems amazed that this product is now offered in Target’s, but I am not for several reasons.

1. First, they’ve been “on the market” for years and this is just the next level for their hard work. Success is equated to growth pure and simple. Both still work in the salon and are diligently working to make naturalistas beautiful every day.
2. Second, they have a proven following and have put out an excellent product that works for a number of curlies.
3. Third, they have the law of focus in place big time. They know it’s important for them to “focus” on marketing their product and not “expanding” their locations…at least that’s the order right now. They have a strategy and they know it works for them right now.

But don’t take my word…listen in… and do you use Miss Jessie’s? If so, I’d love to hear from you regarding what you think about the product…  

http://video.foxnews.com/v/4532660/santorum-vs-palin-overblown-controversy/?playlist_id=86858#/v/4530724/small-business-goes-big-miss-jessies-hair-care-and-salon/?playlist_id=87485

You can be a diva on a budget! I have a list of my favorite products this winter that are right for any budget. The average price? Around $5 or less. Take a look…

For co-washing or conditioning:

• VO5 (Moisture Milks preferred)
• Garnier Sleek and Shine or triple moisture conditioners

 For “pre” or “post” shampoo/co-wash conditioning:  

• Olive, castor, jojoba or sweet almond oils
• Shea butter (WalMart or any health food store)

 For styling:

• Eco Styler olive oil gel
• BB Foam Moisturizing Wrapping lotion
• Nahbila’s Essentials aloe peppermint twisting gel www.irresistibleart.com

A couple of other notes on using this directory:

• Plus, please double check with them on the styles they will do on your hair. They may be able to do more than what I’ve listed, just ask a few questions when you phone them.
• If you have visited these stylists, please give me a rating on your experience. I believe these are a really good group of folks, but I am open to your feedback whether positive or negative.

 Ok, so here we go with our stylist recommendations and product locations.

Straightening,flat ironing, or ceramic silkening

• Darius Peace: 205-422-5302
• Theo Garfield: 205-930-4545
• Brandy @ Damez Hair Studio: 205-283-2382
• JoWanna Etheridge: 205-833-0233
• Krystel @ Hair Spray: 205-823-7665
• Corlisse Richardson @ Perfect Kuts and Style: 205-482-5399
• Zach Pickett @ Nhancements: 205-902-6544

Locs/Twists/Twist-outs/Braids

• Sharifa Wip: 334-663-0838
• Goldie Williams: 205-413-0928
• Sheena Moore/Loc Oasis: 205-332-2010
• Kelvin Thames @ Irresistible Hair and Lashes: 205-841-5274
• Keisha @ Perfect Kuts and Style: 205-413-0868

Sews-ins/Extensions

• Darius Peace: 205-422-5303
• Sheena Moore/Loc Oasis: 205-332-2010
• Brandy @ Damez Hair Studio: 205-283-2382



Rods/Twist Sets

• Brandy @ Damez Hair Studio: 205-283-2382
• Darius Peace: 205-422-5302



***Also, here are some places that sell natural hair products…

*Macy’s @ Brookwood: Carol’s Daughter

*Sephora: natural hair products including Carol’s Daughter

*Ulta

*Le Via’s in Homewood: Hair Rules, Kinky Curly, etc.

*Target: Miss Jessie’s products, Mizani Natural Hair Care, Shea Moisture, etc.

*Whole Foods: Kinky Curly, Alba and more

*Wal-Mart: Shea Butter, Alba and more

*Golden Temple on the Southside: an array of natural oils, shampoos and natural scents

*GNC: all natural oils, like Sweet Almond and jojoba oils, and vitamins

*Dollar General: Loc butters/gels, various gels including Eco-Styler, VO5, BB Moisturizing foam wrapping lotion for flat twists and Suave conditioners, etc. 

*Sally’s: various gels (Ecostyler), shampoos, conditioners and utensils for natural hair

*Ensley Beauty Supply: Mizani, IC and a host of other natural styling products and utensils

This is the system I’ve used along with countless other women. Listen, I personally don’t believe any one type is better than the other. I think you and I have an obligation to learn our hair type and also learn what products and styles suit us best. Period.

Two strand twist out

For instance, I am a Type 4b. And although I’d love to do the co-wash and go with my hair, which I can, my hair looks absolute BEST when I co-wash and two strand twist, plait or braid it even. This produces the best style for me.  Now, I’m hopeful that later I will be able to do some different things with my hair as I learn how different products work. For instance, I still haven’t given up on the co-wash and go, but, I know what I like…lol!!!

By the way, hope this article helps you!!! 

Taking a break from work to say "cheese."

On New Year’s Eve, I had this inkling to allow my mom to braid my hair. I thought, that as I got ready to bring in the New Year, I wanted a low maintenance style to kick it with friends and fam. Well…I liked the convenience of it soooo much, I’ve adopted it for the next 6 weeks. Here’s why:

• It’s a great protective style…with little maneuvering, I get the opportunity to give my own hair a rest.
• It’s convenient…I tie it up at night and every few days I re-twist the top of my hair. I add a light holding agent to sides and back every few days to re-fresh it… it can be gel, or even a water and oil combo. It looks just like new all over again.
• It’s professional and funky…at the same time… I can dress it up or down. Infact, I’ve gotten many compliments on this style… at work, church and home with friends and fam…both white and blacks say it’s cool. Interesting, but it’s all in how you wear a style.
• I still deep condition and co-wash my hair once a week and allow my mom to re-braid it.
  

  Side view of braids

I will see if this makes a difference at the end of my trial. I want to see if my hair is healthier and if it grows faster. I plan to come out of this braided style by mid-February and resume my flat twist-out until May or June. Then, for the summer, I will go with a wash and go style. I’m researching and asking questions now on the best way to make this happen.

My latest protective hairstyle - braiding my own hair