Wednesday, May 15, 2013

ASK KELA...


Good morning,
My name is Carolyn and I have a five year old daughter who has the most frizzest hair. The only time it's not frizzy is when I blow dry it. I don't do that often (1or 2 a year). Plus no matter what I try her ends feel so dry. Is there anything you can help me with? Thank You.
 Dear Carolyn,
Your daughter is experiencing dryness, correct? Frizzy hair is often the result of two things: Damaged hair and Static, humidity, or a negative charge in the air. When those two combine you get frizz! Dryness typically comes from lack of moisture in the hair, over-processing, and a few other things. From what I've gathered from the information provided it could be two of the symptoms I just mentioned. If her hair is lacking moisture I would suggest incorporating a few things in her routine. For me, conditioning my hair is important. I would suggest using a leave-in conditioner be after shampooing & conditioning hair as well as a daily leave-in when needed. Here’s a post I did not long ago about Frizz. Hope this helps.



Be Blessed & Be A Blessing,

NK
If you have a question you would like featured on ASK KELA, send an email to naturallykela@yahoo.com with your question(s).

Monday, May 13, 2013

Curlyhead Cuties Spotlight w/ Tia Hutchinson




NK: What’s your name where are you from?
Tia: Hi! My name is Tia and I’m originally from Saint Marys, Georgia, but I                   currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia
J

NK: Tell me something about you that may surprise people?
Tia: I’m the BIGGEST cry baby! I cry about everything good or bad!
 

NK: When did your natural hair journey begin and what influenced your decision to brave down that path?
Tia: My natural hair journey began in 2010 because paying for my relaxers was getting ridiculously expensive! I was paying $100 for my relaxers every 4-5 weeks and $50 to get it washed every other week! CRAZY! I was a full time student at Kennesaw State University at the time, working 2 part-time jobs and I just couldn’t afford it anymore, so I decided to save some money. My last relaxer was in the summer of 2010 and I started my transition then!

NK: Did you big chop or transition?
Tia: I totally transitioned! I was not brave enough to do the BC, although there were times in the middle of my transition that I wished I would’ve BC-ed. Working with 2 different textures was difficult at times.

NK: Do you feel there is not enough information for naturals or do you feel there is a lot of redundant information available?
Tia: I personally feel that there is TOO much information for naturals now! When I decided to make the transition, I was on information OVERLOAD! I mean from websites, YouTube, women I ran into, magazines, etc., there was just information everywhere and I didn’t know whose word to trust more or if I should just research and do my own thing!


NK: What has helped you in your healthy hair journey? Websites, forums etc.
Tia: Honestly, finding a go-to transitioning style was my life saver until I got the rest of my straight ends cut off!

NK: Do you have a signature or go to style?
Tia: I have a signature and go-to style and without either I don’t know what I would do! My signature style is my flat-twist/two-strand twist out! I like to flat-twist the front part of my hair and just do a basic two-strand twist in the back. I LOVE the results and I always get asked about it! My go-to style is my beloved Marley Bun J Once I ran across this style on YouTube it was OVER! When all else fails and I just know a bad hair day is in the future, my Marley Bun NEVER disappoints!


NK: How do you think your natural hair affects the way others view you?
Tia: I noticed that when my hair is curly, I get more compliments from women and they want to know how I achieved my look, what products I used, how often I wear it that way, etc. However, I don’t get the same response from men. The men I work with definitely prefer straight or relaxed hair over the curly hair.

NK: How has this journey impacted your perception of yourself? What have you learned if anything?
Tia: My natural hair journey has changed me and the way I think of myself (for the better). I have literally fallen in love with Tia and it feels good! Going through that transition and seeing my natural hair everyday was rough at first, but then I learned to LOVE it and through that, I learned to LOVE myself even more than I did before!

NK: What do you love the most about your curls/koils/kinks?
Tia: I love the natural definition I have without product in my hair! When I add product to it my definition is CRAZY and I love that!
 

NK: Any advice for newly naturals just starting their journey?
Tia: Here is the best advice that was given to me: DO NOT throw away all your products and buy every product you see mentioned on a blog or hear in a YouTube video!! You will be broke and even more confused in the end! Less is more! Keep it simple!

NK: Any natural hair idols and why did you choose them?
Tia: Ms. Vaughn (MsVaughntv on YouTube) is definitely one of my hair idols! I feel like she makes the simplest natural hairstyles look so grand and she always know how to dress them up!  I had the pleasure of meeting her at the World Natural Hair Show a few weeks ago and she was so sweet! Ms. Vaughn does what she wants with her hair and she totally knows how to rock it! A true trendsetter!


NK: What is your routine?
Tia: Currently, I TRY to wash my hair once a week! Depending on how much product I put in my hair during the week, I may just do a co-wash instead. I’m usually always doing some type of twist–out and by the end of week I’m rocking a serious puff! I try to keep my routine as simple as possible. I have a go-to style and great products to help me along my way during the week!

NK: What products are you currently using?
Tia: Ok, so I am a bit of a PRODUCT JUNKIE J, but currently I’m only using: Kinky Curly’s Come Clean Shampoo, Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration Conditioner, Kinky Curly’s Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner, coconut oil & EcoStyler Gel to help me achieve my go-to style, which is usually a flat-twist/twist-out.

Interested in learning more about Tia Hutchinson, here’s where you can find her:

Twitter: @ACupofTia
 
InstaGram: @acupoftia


Want to be featured as a Curlyhead Cutie or know someone who should be featured, email me at naturallykela@yahoo.com for details.

NK

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Curlyhead Cuties Spotlight w/ Jenna Marie Christian




NK: What’s your name where are you from?

Jenna: My name is Jenna Marie Christian and I am from Chicago, IL… *yells out WEST SIDE*…lol

NK: Tell me something about you that may surprise people?

Jenna: I am an Author, Philanthropist, newly voted Miss Illinois Black Globe 2013, and Tea Snob.

NK: When did your natural hair journey begin and what influenced your decision to brave down that path?

Jenna: My natural hair journey begin because my hair had started to break and thin very badly. I was going to have a major cut to repair most of the damage that had been done from relaxers and color.

NK: Did you big chop or transition?

Jenna: I decided to big chop because my hair was in such poor condition anyway that it would be beneficial to try to transition.


NK: Do you feel there is not enough information for naturals or do you feel there is a lot of redundant information available?

Jenna: I feel like there is a ton of information available to help naturals new and old enjoy their hair journeys. I have been natural since 2005 and I feel as though I still learn so much from various sites, blogs, vlogs, and networks. I don’t think there can ever be too much information. Even if at times it may feel redundant to some, it a good reminder to others. J   

NK: What has helped you in your healthy hair journey? Websites, forums etc

Jenna: I think that every article, youtube, forum and person have helped me equally.


NK: Do you have a signature or go to style?

Jenna: My signature style changes every couple of years. I use to be the twist out queen, Then buns, Now I am a Braid out lover.

NK: How do you think your natural hair affects the way others view you?

Jenna: I think many people now associate me with my big wild hair. If I straighten it, people are sometimes disappointed…lol


NK: How has this journey impacted your perception of yourself? What have you learned if anything?

Jenna: My journey to natural and healthy hair has made me more confident in myself and very selective about the products that I put in my hair and in my body.

NK: What do you love the most about your curls/koils/kinks?

Jenna: I love that my kinky coily hair is uniquely mine and it’s finally healthy, strong and happy. Just like Me! J

NK: Any advice for newly naturals just starting their journey?

Jenna: I would tell new naturals to be patient, be willing to learn and try different products, techniques, and styles. Then ultimately you will learn what works best for you and your texture to help the journey go a lot smoother.

NK: Any natural hair idols and why did you choose them?

Jenna: My natural hair Idols are most definitely Afrobella, mllecafeaulait, and Eclark6. I love the beauty, poise, and genuine kindness if each woman. Plus, they are always willing to share their tips and methods.


NK: What is your routine?

Jenna: Right now my routine is living in the braid out. So, I co-wash with a cheap conditioner once a week. Then I grab my favorite leave-in by curls unleashed and style and curl milk by Shea moisture. I put my hair into about 8-10 braids each night. I then I unbraid my hair and fluff and go.

NK: What products are you currently using?

Jenna: My products are raw shea butter, Jamaican black castor oil, suave or aussie moist conditioner, Curls Unleashed Leave In, and Shea Moisture Style and curl milk. sometimes I still use my throwback TCB grease.



Interested in learning more about Jenna Marie Christian, here’s where you can find her:

Twitter: @1JennaMarie
 
InstaGram: @jennamariechristian

 
Want to be featured as a Curlyhead Cutie or know someone who should be featured, email me at naturallykela@yahoo.com for details.

NK
 

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Spring Style Market & Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Tour


Hello Lovebugs! Here are two amazing events that I'm so fortunate to be partaking in! I'm super excited to announce to you all that I will be at the Spring Style Market in Atlanta on April 6, 2013 and the Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Tour at FAMU on April 11, 2013 in Tallahassee and Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta on April 12, 2013!  FAMU's panel will be hosted by MsDanti1 of YouTube and Clark Altanta will be hosted by Myleik Teele of Curlbox! Hope to see you there!


Spring Style Market
Date: Sat, 4/06/13
Time: 2-6 pm
Location: Keka's Hair Boutique & Sherane Vintage Closet (in the 1016 Lofts Building) 1016 Howell Mill Rd Suite 3207
Atlanta, GA 30318


Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Tour:
I'll be at....
FAMU
When: Thurs, April 11, 2013 at 6pm
Where: Student Union Multi-Purpose Room
RSVP: CD_FAMU@sixone7creative.com


Clark Atlanta University
When: Friday, April 12, 2013 at 3pm
Where: CAU Bishop Cornelius L Henderson Student Center Multipurpose Room

Here's a quick video about the events:



NK

Recap: Tastemaker B. Fab Awards

I’m super late with posting this recap. Sunday, March 24th was fun filled as I and many bloggers gathered for the oh so fabulous Atlanta Tastemaker Magazine B Fab Awards!  It was held at the posh Ambient + Studios in Atlanta, GA. Enjoy my pictorial recap:

Tarika, Alexis, Arkeedah, and I

My lovely mother and I

Kerrie of Virtousstyls and I

I won the Best Hair Vlogger award for my youtube channel: MsKelabug…
Posing with Stacey Lee of Elasta QP
Photo Credit: Calvin Lionel
With the amazing nominees for Best Hair Vlogger:
Kiki & Farrah of MahoganyKnots and Mae of NaturalChica
Photo Credi: Tia of ifiwereabritgirl.com
Posing with Tarika who won Best Hair Blogger
Photo Credit: Tarika


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Spring Style Market

Here is an event for you that I'm sure you'll enjoy. Sherane's Closet and Keka's Hair Boutique present Spring Style Market in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, April 6th! This is an excellent opportunity to learn beauty and hair tips for the Spring, participate in giveaways, and shop with many boutique vendors. I will be in attendance discussing Spring Hair tips and styles along with the lovely Arkeedah of itsarkeeddah.com! Check out the flyer for more details.


See you there....

NK

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Throwback Thursday: YouTube Video of the Day


Happy Thursday Lovebugs! Today's post will be a vintage video that I've pulled from my YouTube archive. I recorded a video "Lessons Learned: A Transitioned Natural's Perspective" a year ago! I get asked a lot of questions on how I transitioned, if I have any tips, and what lessons I learned during the process. Enjoy...

NK