Tressumé: Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Name:   Jamie Fleming-Dixon

                             Location: South Carolina                                                         

 Dreamer. Lover of life. Goal getter. These are just a few words to describe Jamie Fleming-Dixon, inspirational writer, blogger, editor and F.A.B. Life Strategist. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of For Colored Gurls, a personal development blog with the mission of inspiring and empowering women to live their most Fabulous lives. Additionally, she is owner of Mocha Writer, a boutique copy editing and proofreading service.

Jamie is also the author of How to Change Your Mindset + Live Your Most Fabulous Life, a motivational book, providing practical tips for creating a more positive mindset and living the life of one’s dream. She has been featured in several websites, blogs, magazines and Blog Talk Radio Shows, including TheCEOMamma.com, AfroElle Magazine and Prominence Magazine and was recently named one of the 2012 50 Fabulous Women Entrepreneurs on BBWO (Black Business Women Online). Visit her online at jamieflemingdixon.com.

 

How long have you been natural?
Four years

Did you always have dreads or did you transition?I transitioned after having my natural hair out for a year.

Why did you choose that route? When I first began transitioning to natural, I didn’t considered locking my hair; I just wanted big, kinky-curly hair. After a year of being natural, I began wearing twists, and I really liked the look. I also wanted the changes going on inside of me to be reflected on the outside.

What inspired you to have locs?
The year I started them, 2008, I had many changes in my life, including graduating from college. Because I felt I was transitioning into another level in my life and becoming a new me, so to speak, I wanted that change to reflect on the outside, too. So, I decided to loc my hair.

What has kept you motivated to remain with your locs? One reason is because they’re super low maintenance. I’m kind of lazy when it comes to doing my hair (lol), so locs are perfect for me. I also love the way they look on me.

What are two(2) natural hair products that you just can’t live without? Why? I don’t use many products, but I’ll say extra virgin olive oil diluted with water (in a spray bottle) and White Rain Tropical Coconut Hydrating Conditioner.

What is your favorite way to wear your hair?                                                        Braid-out

What do you love about your natural hair? I love that it’s low-maintenance, unique and that it’s my very own God-given hair.

What do you dislike about it? I have a dry scalp, so I often get dandruff. I haven’t quite figured out how to get rid of it yet, but the olive oil helps.

What tip(s) would you recommend to someone who wants to become natural, is transitioning, or needs advice about natural hair? I would say be patient; stressing about your length or whatever you’re worrying about won’t make your hair grow longer or faster. Look at photos, blogs and websites if you need advice or inspiration – just keep in mind that everyone’s hair is unique. And lastly, love and cherish the beautiful hair the Creator has blessed you with!

Tressumé: Tino’I

Name: Tino’I

Location: DC

How long have you been natural?

I went natural my senior year at Spelman College which was in the fall of 2007; so almost 5 years.

Did you always have dreads or did you transition?

I definitely transitioned which was definitely a journey. In September 2007 I decided to get a short hair cut. When I went to the hair dresser she gave me a short stylish cut and a perm (my last perm). As my hair was growing back I decided not to get anymore perms and that I would just let my hair grow naturally. I would wear 2 strand twist very frequently so I decided to loc my hair so I wouldn’t have to re-do my twists weekly. The first place that started my locs didn’t do good job, the parts were sloppy and big. So I decided I would comb them out and that maybe locs weren’t for me. A couple months later I got a texturizer to “loosen” my natural curls however it just straightened it. To make a long story shorter I was back at square one for this “natural” process and I decided to do the BIG CHOP January 2010 and loc my hair one month later (February 25, 2010).

Why did you choose that route?

In the beginning I transitioned because I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to be natural. I didn’t know what type of hair laid underneath the years and years of perms I received. And lastly because I really didn’t know what to do with natural hair so I figured I’d ease into it and learn my hair along the way.

What inspired you to have locs?

My Spelman sister Audrey did the Big Chop and loc’d her hair our sophomore year in undergrad and I watched her hair transition daily and I absolutely loved it. I would always tell her that one day I was going to get locs and her response would jokingly be “No don’t do it…you got good hair [laughing]”. Also one my favorite male cousins loc’d his hair and I also had the opportunity to watch his process and I finally said “ok I’m going to did this”.

What has kept you motivated to remain with your locs?

Like I stated earlier this is my second time around with the loc-ing process. The first go-round I wasn’t motivated at all. I was very worried that they would not turn out the way I pictured them so I combed them out. This time around I stay motivated honestly because I don’t want to go through the Big Chop phase again.

What are two (2) natural hair products that you just can’t live without? Why?

Honestly, I haven’t found two products that I just can’t live without I’m still in the process of finding something that works, however I always you Jamaican Mango Lime products for my loc maintenance, and I have begun to do what’s called an apple cider vinegar rinse. If anyone has any suggestions I’m definitely open for some.

What is your favorite way to wear your hair?

My favorite way to wear my hair right now is in a plain Jane ponytail. I have only been growing my locs for 2 years and 3 months, I can still remember the days where I could not get a ponytail, and I would always say “ugh I can’t wait until I can get a ponytail”. And now that I have one (and a long one at that) it’s like a loc milestone has reached and I’m very proud of my ponytail.

What do you love about your natural hair?

I love that many times I can just wake up and go I don’t have to allocate a lot of time for my hair. Naturally my hair is like 3 different colors (I recently dyed a section of my hair blonde) and I love the way the colors fall within my locs. Most of all I love being a part of the natural community, I’m always advocating for natural hair.

What do you dislike about it?

Sometimes the buildup in my locs causes my face to break out something I never experienced during puberty. I guess it’s a part of the product trial and error phase. I’m trying to find a product that is light on the hair but will hold my locs.

What tip(s) would you recommend to someone who wants to become natural, is transitioning, or needs advice about natural hair?

Do research on the natural hair salon before opting to use them. Your hair should be treated as precious as the rest of your body. Lastly be PATIENT!!

Comments:

Follow me on Twitter @girl_jones

instagram @marzmarley

My loc youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URtVnQQqIiU

Hair 180° Product Review

I recently had the privilege to try out a fairly new product called Hair 180°. Speaking with owner Nikki about her product I was excited to try them myself. Of course she had all positive things to say about her product. She sent me some products to try out and it was in fact all true. I am totally satisfied with Hair 180°.

Here’s what Hair 180° is all about:

Hair 180° came to fruition because of the frustration I experienced with trying to find a hair product comparable to what I had been using for years. Either the company went out of business or they opted not to carry the product in the beauty supply stores that I frequently visited. I did an all out search! When you find something that works you want to hold on to it right? During my search, I can’t tell you the number of times that I read the ingredients on the back of a bottle/jar and put the product back on the shelf because the large words listed meant absolutely nothing to me. Frustrated, I decided to be an educated consumer. I know what is good for my hair, but I don’t want to use a cosmetic dictionary to figure out every ingredient in the product I am considering purchasing. My husband occasionally accompanied me to the beauty supply store and watched me read product ingredients diligently and write them down to research later. This went on so much so that he suggested that I do something different… develop my own hair care products. That particular day, the moment of clarity occurred and I went from being the definition of insanity personified to a dedicated hair activist. The outcome of any hair care creation is impacted by the quantity, quality and type of ingredients incorporated into the finished product along with continued use. Therefore, cutting corners or choosing alternatives of lesser quality were not options during the development phase. I gave great thought, time and research into the ingredients I chose. I made sure that my products were infused with pure and certified organic ingredients. I purposefully avoided using sulphates, petroleum or its derivatives such as mineral oil/ paraffinum liquidum and parabens. I must admit, life would have been so much easier in the development phase had I chosen to use petroleum/parabens in my products. However, that would put me in the category of other big name manufacturers that have created products that are potentially harmful, clog pores and negatively impact hair growth. I couldn’t compromise the integrity of the product in regards to providing a natural, healthy alternative for hair care needs. Making a quality, superior product is only one phase of Hair 180°. The other phase is education. I often share educational nuggets about how to resolve hair woes whether someone buys my product or not. Education is vital to determining what product is right for you. One must remember that the heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. I have extensive conversations regarding hair concerns and desires and enjoy educating people about how to maintain, rejuvenate or grow a healthy head of hair. Through hair consultations, I also create hair care products specifically to address a consumer’s needs. I am always mindful that no two people are alike and there is more than one way to address a hair care issue. Hence, products are created for the masses as well as individualized. Outside of pre-existing medical conditions, poor diet, stress or side effects of a prescribed medication, there are things one can do to enhance the appearance and texture of his/her hair. Please explore our website and begin the journey via Hair 180°of restoring your hair back to a healthier state before the use of harsh chemicals, dyes, weaves and excessive heat.

Source:Hair 180°

Okay now let’s get down to the products! I recently decided that I would try my best to stick to the Co wash method, so the Hair 180° Leave-In Conditioner and Detangler worked perfect for this occasion. I first applied a protein treatment using my Pre Poo mixture and one egg, which stayed on for about 10 minutes. I then rinsed and applied the Hair 180° Leave-In Conditioner and Detangler twice to ensure that all of the egg was out of my hair, followed by another rinse and blot using a wash rag. (I found that blotting with a wash rag does not pull a large amount of moisture out of my hair.) Finally,the Curly Custard was applied and I ended up with these amazing curls!!

Front of my hair

Back of my hair

I rarely have as much curl definition with other products but Hair 180° did the trick!!!

Plus all of the products smelled AMAZING!!!

So be sure to stop by Hair 180° and find out which product are right for you! (Products for locs are also available) Tell em BkAphrodite sent yah. Be Sure to give them this code 08906.

Thanks Nikki!!

Love Your Kinks,

BkAphrodite

Locs!!!!!!

Have no idea who these people are but I love it! LOCS!!

“Affairs of the Heart”

Once again, I’m still on vacation in Jamaica(in my mind). I just can’t stop missing that place. The people were so care free and everything was so much slower paced than NYC. It felt great to take a break but now I just want to get back to that stress free feeling of Jamaica. Though, I can’t go back now…I use the music to bring me back that stress free feeling. So, I thought I’d share one of the songs that I fell in love with. I think you might just fall in love too. Hoping you too feel the same stress free feeling. The most important thing I want you to check out is Damian Marley’s locs….I’m IN LOVE!! Makes me want locs!

Definitely, take a listen and look…..

Until next time…

Love,

BkAphrodite

Bob Marley Documentary

While on vacation in Jamaica I was constantly hearing about a Bob Marley documentary. Well guess what its finally here and you can see it in theaters or in the comfort of your own home. How awesome is that.

The Bob Marley documentary “Marley” will stream on Facebook simultaneously during its theatrical opening, a signal that social media may also play a role in shifting movie release windows.

Such day-and-date releases have become increasingly common in recent years for smaller independent films. But this will be the first such U.S. film to stream concurrently on the social media behemoth while opening in theaters.

The film, directed by Kevin Macdonald, will be available for a $6.99 rental beginning April 20th, which is the day it opens in theaters. A portion of the proceeds from Facebook sales will benefit Save the Children, the charity for needy children.

“Marley” is also being released via video-on-demand on April 20th.

Facebook began hosting movie rentals in March 2011. Digital delivery of new releases and older films has been a highly competitive frontier, particularly among Google Inc.’s YouTube, Apple Inc.’s iTunes and subscription service Netflix.

;

Want to watch Marley at home?

iTunes:	Movies (Search Titles)
AT&T UVerse:	On Demand · Uverse Movies – All Movies
Cablevision:	Movies on Demand • Independent Films • Magnolia Pictures
Charter:	Channel 1 (On Demand) – Movies • New Releases (Search Titles)
Comcast:	On Demand • Movies • Indies & Foreign – Magnolia Pictures On Demand • Top Picks • New Movies (Search Titles) On Demand • Movies • Just In (Search TItles)
Cox:	On Demand • Early Screening • In Theatres
DirecTV:	Channel 1000 and 1100 (On Demand) • Movies • (Search Titles)
Dish Network:	On Demand • Movies and More (Search Titles)
Playstation 3:	Video • Playstation Store • Playstation Store • Studios • Magnolia Pictures (Search Titles)
Time Warner:	On Demand • Movies on Demand • Early Screening (Search Titles)
Verizon FIOS:	On Demand • Featured (Search Titles)
VUDU:	Now Playing • Now Playing • (Search Titles)
Xbox Zune:	Video Market Place • Zune • Featured (Search Titles) Video Market Place • Zune • Featured (Search Titles) Video Market Place • Zune • Featured (Search Title

What a great present for the 4/20 crowd. Bob would be so proud!

Sources:

NYpost.com

http://www.bobmarley.com/marley_the_movie.php#ondemand

 

Until next time….

Love,
BkAphrodite

Tressumé: Deniece

Name: Deniece P.

Location: DC

How long have you been natural?
I “went natural” around 98. My hair
had broken off so bad from relaxers, harmful products, and heat that I
just kept my hair in braided styles. After my sophomore year in
college, unable to afford to get my hair done, comfortable with the
health and the length of my hair, I decided to get a relaxer and cut.
This was about 2004. My hair looked FANTASTIC for about 9 months. Then
it started falling out and breaking again. I haven’t relaxed it
since.

Did you always have dreads or did you transition?
I transitioned to natural hair and then to locs. I have “sisterlocks”
so they were “installed.”

Why did you choose that route?
I never felt a desire or need to cut all my hair off. I just kept it
protected as much as I could

What inspired you to have locs?
I always admired other people with locs. I vowed (when I was MUCH
younger) that when I was older I was gonna marry a man with locs, lol.
Then I thought to myself, “well if you like ‘em so much, why don’t
you get them yourself?” About 10 years later, I did!

What has kept you motivated to remain with your locs?
I LOVE my hair. It not only looks awesome but it represents the best
part of my personality (IMO). I was discouraged by everyone I knew
not to “do that to your hair.” They came up with every reason you
could think of. They convinced me of it for awhile but this is
something I KNEW I wanted. So, finally, I did it. Those same people
are the ones that are amazed and compliment me every time they see me
now.

What are two(2) natural hair products that you just can’t live without? Why?
Taliah Waajid Medicated protective mist bodifier – keeps the
dandruff/dry scalp at bay
Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Mist – oil and alcohol free shine!

What is your favorite way to wear your hair?
I don’t have one!!! That’s what I love. I can do so much to it
contrary to most people’s beliefs. I’m still learning different
styles! I would say my “goto style” would be a slightly modified
version of the first style in this video by bronzegoddess1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSTFsEnKPEI

What do you love about your natural hair?
It took courage. It allows me to be me. It’s a testament that I don’t
have to do things just because I’ve been taught that the way everyone
else has been doing it is the right way.

What do you dislike about it?
I have sooooooooooooo much hair. My follicle per square inch HAS to be
like 1,000! When I wash it, its super heavy so I have to lift my hair
with my hands first and then lift my head.

strong>;What tip(s) would you recommend to someone who wants to become
natural, is transitioning, or needs advice about natural hair?
Thinking about becoming natural? Do it. Don’t let fear of the unknown
hold you back. There are so many resources out here. There is no
reason to be fearful anymore. Get to know YOU.
Transitioning? YouTube is your friend!!
Need advice? Don’t call me! LOL!!! I can only know what worked for
ME. One thing that I learned is that every product/style isn’t for
every hair type. Experiment! Experiment! Experiment! (just don’t do
anything foolish with harsh chemicals)

Comments:
Whatever you decide to do, do it with confidence!

Until next time….

Love,
BkAphrodite

Tressumé Aretha

Name: Aretha

Location: Brooklyn

How long have you been natural?
A little over twenty-two years.

Did you transition or do the Big Chop?
I transitioned.

Why did you choose that route?
I was newly married, i converted to a new religion and I was covering my hair/head anyway.

How long did you transition?
I am not exactly sure but, however long it takes for the remnants of a perm to grow out.

What inspired you to have natural hair?
My hair was continuously breaking off when I had a perm and the expense of a perming. Also, the fact that natural hair is so much more healthier.

What has kept you motivated to remain natural?
The fact that i can lock my hair and not have to worry about much manipulation.

What are two(2) natural hair products that you just can’t live without?Why?
Jamaican mango and lime hair oil, because it smells good and contains a lot of natural ingredients. My natural oils as well.

What is your favorite way to wear your hair?
I love wo french twist with a part on the right side, 80’s style, real cool.

What do you love about your natural hair?
It’s naturally soft and it always smells good from all the amazinf hair products.

What do you dislike about it?
I do not like to comb it, that’s why i’m currently locking it.

What tip(s) would you recommend to someone who wants to become natural, is transitioning, or needs advice about natural hair?
To keep your hair clean and use all natural products.

Comments:

Jus do it!!

Until next time….

Love,
BkAphrodite

Bantu Knot Locs

The lovely Crystal and her amazing locs! This is the bantu knots and bantu knot out on her lovely locs.

Until next time….

Love,
BkAphrodite

Lovely Locs

Embarking on my natural hair journey many topics have come up in conversation. In many conversations it has been dreadlocks. Which most people feel comfortable referring to as locs or dreads.
I find that people with locs can’t be classified in the natural hair category(don’t attack me just yet). When one decides to take the route to growing and attaining locs, it takes much more strength and dedication. I find these people to be thee most liberated.
Hair in its most natural state is woolen and locked. No manipulation,the beauty of how natural and free their hair is able to form. Locs are amazing!
Form a new category LOCS. We can no longer associate persons with dreadlocks as apart of the natural hair community. We shall call them something more meaningful.

What is natural hair to you?
What are locs to you?

Until next time….

Love,
BkAphrodite