Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself...

Ladies you inspire me with your beautiful hair!

Where are you from: Navy Brat... California Raised for the last 15 yrs
What do you do: Claims adjuster for insurance company
How long you've been natural: always had perms since I was 5 and my mother's beautiful sisters insisted that I had to be like all the other girls and have bone straight hair. Transisitoning now for maybe 2-3 months (Cant remember when I had my last home perm)
Favorite products: I actually just started to see my path on my journey and started washing my hair on a regular basis... using Silk Elements Olive shampoo, Conditioner and moisturizing treatment when I wash on sundays, will be using for the 1st time Herbal Essence TT on wed-thursdays to CO-wash with Hair Mayonnaise to deep condition, Organix Coconut milk leave-in conditioner, Organic roots olive hair lotion and of course SHEA BUTTER
Online Album: I only have pics on my myspace and facebook

Hello Ladies!!

Where are you from: Detroit

What you do: I'm a full-time student majoring in Psychology (May 2010 here I come! lol)

How long you've been natural: off and on for years (not really knowing it)--1st perm at age 9 (all my idea lol bad); relaxed every now and then through teen years--mostly presses while growing perms out, I got APL with that!?! lol; ; but...my last relaxer was in July 07 and I transitioned with two textures, gradually clipping off my relaxed ends (at least the stuff that didn't break off....) and voila! Last of the relaxed ends were cut off in March/April 09, putting me back at the same length I had when I last relaxed-SL; Fully natural now [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Fav products: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner, Burt's Bees More Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner,Taliah Wajid Enhancing Herbal Conditioner, Dudu Osun Black Soap, Shea Butter

Online Album: http://angel-jolie-chronicles.blogspot.com

Where are you from: Long beach CA, but now in saskatoon, saskatchewan Canada
What you do: Stay at home mom/ Freelance cartoon designer
How long you've been natural: my lifetime but did relaxer 3 1/2 years ago and never would I do that again!
Fav products: Mixed chicks leave in, HE body envy Gel, Aveda be curly shampoo, macadamia healing treatment oil and deep cond. any aubreys cond.
Online Album: none

Where are you from: Raleigh NC, Currently live in Newport News, VA
What you do: Assistant Program Manager
How long you've been natural: 1 year (tomorrow)
Fav products: Shea butter, Henna, coconut oil, HE products, VO5 conditioners
Online Album: none right now

Where are you from: Born raised in NYC and Cary/Apex NC, now I go to school in Washington DC
What you do:Senior College Student Psychology Pre-Dental focus
How long you've been natural:My last relaxer December 04, BC- December 05 and revealed in January 06 so its been 3 years
Fav products:TJ Nourish, QB Heavy Cream, Ecostyler, KB Hair Milk, Oils etc.
Online Album: They are two old to mention but hey www.fotki.com/talisa3636 and https://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee29/Talisa3636/

Where are you from: Oringinally from NY but currently reside in Maryland outside of D.C.
What you do: Teacher
How long you've been natural: 3 years!
Fav products: Shea Butter and Herbal Essence Conditioners Totally Twisted and Hello Hydration
Online Album: www.public.fotki.com/buttaflyy23

Where are you from: Brooklyn, NY currently in Philadelphia
What you do: publicity consultant and full-time student
How long you've been natural: all my life except 2001-2005
Fav products: shea butter, kinky curly knot today, henna, olive oil, bentonite clay
Online Album: http://public.fotki.com/wildcurlsraquelle/

I wish all you beautiful ladies with gorgeous hair the best of success in achieving your hair goals.

welcome everybody! Thanks for joining and for being so flyy We're setting the new standard up in here [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Hello Ladies!

I've been lurking around NC.com, LHCF.com, and CN.com for years. I'm so happy to see so many positive women of color doing positive things. Anyways, here are my stats.

Where are you from: Huntsville, Al but currently live in Austin, Tx (recently moved from Houston)
What you do: Commodity Trader
How long you've been natural: about 3 years
Fav products: My shea butter mixture
Online Album: http://public.fotki.com/curlycrecia/

Hello Everyone!!!!
I just want to say thank you for having this site. I've learn so much from you and the other ladies.
Where are you from: I'm from Jamaica. I currently live in Los Angeles. Lived in Hampton VA for four years while going to Hampton University.
What you do: Work for the City of Los Angeles. Going to school to get my MPA in Public Policy and Admin.
How long you've been natural: natural until the 6th grade. had a perm for a year and decided it was not for me and i've been natural since then.
Fav products: this is a tough one. I'm still trying to figure out what works for me. But I do like shea butter, pantene Relaxed and Natural conditioner for co-washes, aubrey-organics honeysuckle rose conditioner.
Online Album: None.

Hey Nikki and Curly Nikki Crew:


First, I'm long-winded. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] I have so much to say as I've been a spectator here for months. Now I get to particpate. I like this forum.

Who Am I: Latisha (Tish or Tisha)

Where I'm From: I live in Atlanta and I'm originally from Eastern North Carolina--(Tiny Town called Trenton which is surrounded by Kinston/New Bern/Jacksonville/Greenville/ Goldsboro, etc...).
What Do I Do:Currently unemployed. Background is commercial real estate professional. Was self-employed from 2005-2008. Currently, student at Georgia State University B.B.A Real Estate.

How Long Natural: Birth to age 16. Permed from age 16-26. Again, since 1998

Now can I rap-a-taste wit yawl? [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Here are some other details about my hair journey. You guys have been talking on here for months about various things, so I'm getting all mine out in one post.

Mrs. Nikki, I'm so thankful for this site and your example. From your marriage, to your other pursuits, to what you are doing here with this hair forum. We sure need it! Where were you--and other natural aficionados in the movie Good Hair? Lest I digress...

You have become my natural hair authority--if you will. As one of the things I like most about
your site is I find you are very BALANCED in your natural hair analysis. I enjoy all the natural hair sites, but it is obvious that there are a few out there in cyber space that have some hard core naturals [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] who will cut you down to the white meat (from the tone of their postings)--if you dare use something man made on your hair. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Just kidding....Shout out to my homie Keisha author of Nappturally Speaking. She is another example of doing it well and balance.
Now about the hair: My big chop was back in 1998. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Then 18 months later, I grew locs. I began them at approximately 8 inches. I rocked locs from 12/99 to 3/08. I did my big chop during the time when Lauryn Hill was hot. Although, my reason for going natural was more spiritual than cosmetic, but it didn't hurt to have a sista like Lauryn rocking a natural so well. Now paradoxically, my growing my natural into locs was purely cosmetic (saw a beautiful sister with them on the cover of Heart and Soul Magazine and got inspired) as locking is often spiritual for some.

Anyhoo, within those nine years, I had three batches of locs. The longest they grew were to over 20 inches from Dec 1999-Aug 2004 (cut dat man right outta my hair) [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] . I don't have photos online of this first batch. I loved them though, but they were heavy. I had a great stylist who helped me care for them and made the smell good. She made a lot of her concoctions. That's where I learned about shea butter. I, too, did cool things with them myself. Those were the days....ahhhhhh [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Anywayz, I grew them again. And I cut them, again, in January 2006. This time because a
stylist "manicured" them and compromised the integrity of my locs, if
you know what I mean. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] They were thick and I liked the fuzz on them. She thinned them, grrrrr.....not happy!

So I started over and rocked that batch from 2006-March 2008. You Can See Them Here W/ My Nephew Here Is Another W/ Nephew This was Oct. 2007. Finally, I cut them this time because I was going through another life altering experience (no not a man) and wanted a change in my appearance. I was longing to run my fingers through my hair. I wanted my hair to blow in da wind again. I guess I wanted my 1998 fro back. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

So I cut them myself March 2008 and by January 2009, I had a decent sized fro [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

but I didn't know what to do with it. I was having trouble finding the right products to keep it moist. I used Sta Soft fro, dat clear Polish Shine serum stuff, shea butter, castor oil, etc. I used this product and that but nothing defined my curls--it was cute when I twisted but when I took it out, I could not get that Curly Nikki look--if you will. Maybe because I still haven't gotten my length. My twist outs are not cute--to me. I have more than one texture ranging 3c to 4ab in some spots it seems.

Anyhoo, trying to achieve moist defined curls (love my hair wet if i would just stay wet), I went to "natural hair salons" seeking advice and paid a couple of them an arm and leg to later find out that you lay aficionados online knew more than these "salons." $80 bucks for a twist. $120 for twist up-do into a fro-ball. Then I used Miss Jessies and it did something weird to my hair in 2008 making it and a bit rough to the touch for a long while. I spent a lot of money trying things to recover from that.

I found from reading natural sites (and my pure naturalist roommate--she has locs), that I, as
well as those "natural stylists," were using all the wrong products. That explained the dryness, I was experiencing. So getting it somewhat under control and getting some moisture back (e.g. baggy method), in February 2009, I went to the Dominican sisters requesting a light blow dry so
they could "trim" for me (treating myself after a hard workout).

Well, ladies, I left that place with bone straight, burnt hair that smelled of smoke for a week and shed dreadfully. It barely reverted back. I tried to recover it from that fiasco and it tried. To most it didn't look bad. But I knew the difference. I was so hurt. The integrity of my fro was compromised. So you can guess what I did...I cut it. As you can see by now, I'm not attached to my hair--in that I'm not afraid to "cut" it. I find in being willing to just "let it go" it returns back to me better. Like pruning a garden.

So, I went to the barber and got a near buzz. And this is where I am now. You may see my facebook album here Chronicles my 2009 hair ventures. It shows...from my buzz (i.e.the photo of me kissing my niece) forward.

It was coming to this site that I found out that "proteins" (in dat Sta Soft Fro) have likely been
the culprit in drying my hair. And that my trying to be 300% all natural, using only fruits and berries in my hair, didn't work for me either.

So my motto is "what ever Nikki is doing--do it." Or at least try it.

To that end, here is my product trial dossier:

• I'm discovering that the Giovanni 50/50 dries my hair out.
  
• I find the Deva Curlconditioner does good. But it doesn't do me like....
  
• Dat Herbal Essences Hello Hydration or the Paul Mitchell Detangler. Can you say "da bizness." I think I vote Herbal Essesnces over Paul.
  
• Garnier Fructise Sleek and Shine--uneventful for my hair
  
• I was in love with Kinky Curly Curling Custard for a minute until I discovered that after a few days it starts to flake on ya
  
• The Kinky Curly leave in and other stuff--was very uneventful for my hair. May as well just wet it and that's it. That was the result to me
  
• My new holy grail is comparable to Kinky Curly Custard ($30) is the tub of Long Aid Curl Activator ($5.99 Walmart). This has been da bizness on my dry fro. Although this is so good for my hair, there are some concern. This concern is the real reason I posted tonite. Go to the products section and I'll post my questions about this product hoping someone can give me some guidance.
  
• I justed cowashed with Hello Hydration yesterday. And my curls look so sweet and feel so soft and all I have on it is coconut and jojoba oil. It has such a natural shine.
  

Note: Yesterday, I had an emergency--that required a cowash. For the past month I've been using Giovanni 50/50 and Deva Curl. I'll share that in another thread. I've said enough...in this introduction.

Hi LadyBugs!!! [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Where are you from: Flint, MI

What you do: Inventory Control Coordinator for a Food Manufacturer

How long you've been natural: 11 Months will be a year on 11-26

Fav products: Oyin whipped pudding, oyin define and shine, greg juice and honey hemp condish, Creme of Nature shampoo about once a month. Shea Butter, Coconut oil. Moe's Growth oil and hair tea (same herbs as growth oil but steeped in purified water use it in my spritzer and home made shampoo)
Online Album: Facebook and Fotki http://public.fotki.com/sheetaboo930/

Where are you from: Trinidad & Tobago, living in NYC for a while til I figure out where I'll be next, my soul is a wondering nomad.

What you do: Study for grad school, conduct social research, and read.

How long you've been natural: Til i was 12, got perms til I was 24, three (3) months into my transition now and loving my natural growth.

Fav products: Jamaican Mango and Lime Oil. I also swear by the entire product line.

Online Album: None as yet.

Btw, i love the term curly and I love being a curly woman.

Welcome to all the new names since I last read this post. You ladies give me strength and inspiration! Thank you...have a productive weekend!

Hello Everyone! I just love this site...I think I might be a little hooked now!

Where are you from: Dallas, TX
What you do: I'm currently a high school technology teacher and cheerleading coach. Applying to grad school this summer to become a school counselor.
How long you've been natural: I'm a newbie! I've been natural since June 2009 and I LOVE it so....wouldn't want it any other way!
Fav products: I like simplicity...my faves so far are--
Shampoo: Giovanni Tea Tree
Conditioner: HE Hello Hydration, Suave Coconut , and Giovanni Leave-In
Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil
Not really a product junkie, but always looking for recommendations.

Online Album: www.fotki.com/mahoganyface
It hasn't been updated in a minute, but I plan to update it soon:)

Hey Everyone!
Well here goes my rundown..like many of my sistas I use the same items.
Where are you from: Born and raised in NYC - live across the river in Jersey City
What you do: I work for a major payroll company for last 12 years - so I am a master at all things pr related.
How long you've been natural: BC on Nov 11, 2008
Fav products:Aussie Moist, Suave Coconut, CD Rosemary Mint
Shampoo (1x a month) KCCC ...oh yeah...EcoStyler w/Olive Oil (I stock pile this...got 3 jars sitting in cabinet)
Online Album:
http://public.fotki.com/Sharita73/

I haven't updated since August,so I will do it soon

Hi Nikki! Congrats on your new Forum [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Where are you from: Harlem, NYC

What you do: Currently I work in Hospitality, but I am looking for a career change.

How long you've been natural: Its been 5 Years since my final little chop (lol). October was my Nappyversary [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.].

Fav products: Kinky Curly Knot Today & Curling Custard, Karens Body Beautiful Hair Milk and Fantasia IC Gel.

Online Album: In my siggy below. Also, check out this spotlight on me done by the fabulous CurlyNikki earlier this year: http://www.curlynikki.com/2009/01/misskinkycoily.html

Where are you from: Born in St. Croix to Antiguan parents. Grew up in Houston. Recently relocated back to Ohio after living in Kobe, Japan for 3.5yrs.
What you do: Critical Care RN
How long you've been natural: Since Feb 9, 1998
Fav products: SHEA butter, Castor oil, EVOO, Coconut Oil, and Herbal Essence Condish
Online Album: http://public.fotki.com/oooop2/

Hello Lovely ladies!
I'm FierceNerd but feel free to call me Nikita or Nik!

Where are you from:The Home of the Georgia Peaches-Atlanta!
What you do:College Student majoring in Sociology who also wants to pursue a career in the fashion industry,dancer(hip hop,jazz and ballet) and blogger.
How long have you been natural:I am currently transitioning and will be doing my BC Jan 2010!
Fav products:Shea Butter,Aphogee 2 Min Treatment,Cheapie Conditioners!
Online Album:www.fotki.com/nerdyDolly (also in signature)

brownshugahgirl wrote:Heyyy all my curly bellas!

Where are you from: Richmond, VA
What you do: Rehabilitative Counselor/Student
How long you've been natural: 5 years
Fav products: KBB Hair Milk, Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose Conditioner, Shea Butter, Garnier Sleek N Shine Conditioner, Qhemet Burdock Root Butter Cream, Devacare One C
Online Album: http://public.fotki.com/brownshugahgirl/

<3 geezy

Your twist n curl is so cute!

Hi ladies!!! I am new to CurlyNikki and I am a brand new transitioner (only 6 weeks post). I decided to go natural because I am a heavy sweater and I never keep a hairstyle, I have been getting relaxers since I was 6 and I would like to know what my natural texture feels like and since having my daughter and learning doing her hair and trying different products has inspired me to go natural (plus when she gets older she will see natural hair is the norm in the household and hopefully will not feel the pressure to get here hair relaxed).

Name: Birth name is Anikra but everyone calls me Niki
Where I am from: Indianapolis. I lived in Chicago for 5 years but moved back when I had my daughter
Occupation: Senior Internal Auditor at a Energy company. Have a BS in Accounting and a MBA in Finance
Fave Products: Still experimenting but I do love to cowash with HE Hello Hydration and I love the mixing water, glycerin and a leave-in condish in my hair as well as my daughters hair to hydrate.
Online Albums: None so far but I am seriously thinking about it to document my journey from relaxed to natural (plan to be a long-term transitioner)

Thanks CurlyNikki for this blog...coming here everyday keeps me motivated and when I get discourage I just look at all the beautiful ladies on here rockin there natural hair and I get right back on track....so thanks babe!

Hi Ladies! After transitioning for 10 months, I did the BC about 3 weeks ago. I'm still trying to get used to the new look, but this 3rd week is getting off to a much better start, thanks in part to the encouraging words I received from a few members on Sunday.

Where are you from: St. Louis, MO
What you do: Right now I'm on a "work hiatus". In other words, I was (happily) laid off back in May. I worked in advertising for 11 years, but want to work for a non-profit next.
How long you've been natural: Three weeks and two days.
Fav products: I really don't have any favorite products. Nothing that I used during the transition seems to be working. So, I'm back to experimenting and mixing/combining products to find out what works. I was in Argentina a couple of weeks ago and picked up some Sedal, Klorane and local products to try (at a ridiculously cheap price). Kinda hoping they work so I'll have to go back to get more.
Online Album: I don't have one. But, I'll share pics when I try things that work and that I'm happy with.

Look forward to the advice, tips and inspiration from all of you!

Hey Sistahs!!! First I have to say that I am so thankful for Nikki and this website!!! It's been awesome awesome awesome, and I tell every natural hair Sistah that I meet about it! Ok so here we go:

Who am I: Pamela, a 41 year old woman who loves life!

What do I do: I'm a photographer, have owned my own business for the past 10 years: The Perfect Negative, photography with passion! www.theperfectnegative.com

Where have I lived: I was born in Detroit, and moved to so. Calif when I was 12 yrs old. I've also lived in San Antonio, Tx & Mpls, MN. I now reside in the Charlotte, NC area

Products I use: Mill Creek Shampoo & Conditioner, Pantene replenishing mask, hydrating & the one for women of color. Carol's Daughter mimosa hair honey & healthy hair butter, raw shea butter & a water/glycerin spray

I absolutely love all of the new hairstyles that are on this site, I've tried most of them and had great success! And some sistah friends and I have formed a natural hair gathering group that meets once a month to discuss a variety of things that we've discovered, so thank you thank you thank you Nikki!!