Winner yea!!

Check out last giveaway winner Chanelle rocking her microfiber towel.

Doesn’t she look stunning!!!

Love your Kinks,
BkAphrodite

Can we get some TWA love?

Searching around the net time and time again I bump into a couple natural hair ladies; as it begins to sweep the nation and world more and more women are embracing their natural curls, kinks, and coils. Of course almost every natural haired woman wants long healthy hair and has a “hair crush”.

If you are not certain what a “hair crush” exactly is, I am here to enlighten you.

Hair Crush: Person whose natural hair entices you so much your crushing on their hair. These persons usually have long flowing curls or a really big fro in which the crusher would like for their hair to look the same as or similar to.

Hmmmm…

I appreciate all of the ladies with the long curly natural hair but, I DONT appreciate that the TWA ladies are not recognized as much. Many of those long hair, big fro ladies had to start somewhere which was that TWA . Why don’t we recognize their hair journeys and not their hair lengths.

To help motivate the women rocking those TWA’s I have put together a collection of TWA Hair Crushes…..Enjoy!

Thank You ladies for being bold, confident, and most of all beautiful. You all are my hair crushes.

Love your Kinks,

BkAphrodite

Locs!!!!!!

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

Tressumé: KeetaRay

Name: KeetaRay

Location: MD

How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural now for 3 years

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

How long did you transition?
For 8 months.

Why did you choose that route?
I had never had short hair my whole life, so cutting it ALL off scared me. I transitioned for 8 months and wanted to go longer, but by that point I was so tired of the 2 different hair textures that I just wanted to cut it and learn about my natural hair.

What inspired you to have natural hair? A lot of things influenced my decision to go natural. The MAIN reason was because I was tired of getting relaxers and not having many options. I also wanted to be proud of my hair just the way it was and not feel like it had to be straight for me to look good or feel accepted. I used to think that only people with certain textures (looser curls) could go natural, but the more and more I’d see pictures of beautiful women with all kinds of textures wearing their natural hair, the more it encouraged me to just do it.

What has kept you motivated to remain natural?
Hmm… I didn’t need much motivation. I loved my hair from the moment the relaxer was cut off. I think I just loved the feeling of being free and finally feeling like myself was my motivation.

What are two(2) natural hair products that you just can’t live without? Why? Coconut Oil and Kinky Curly Knot Today. No matter what other products I try, those two are my staples and I can’t stop using them. Coconut Oil is light and gives my hair this phenomenal shine. And it smells good. Kinky Curly Knot Today provides excellent moisture and is the best leave-in I have used to-date.

What is your favorite way to wear your hair?
Twist outs are my staple. It keeps my hair from tangling and gives it body and volume.

What do you love about your natural hair? I love that it is unique to me. No one’s hair is just like mine, that is what I love the most.

What do you dislike about it?
I wish it were a little thicker. But we always want what we don’t have, right? 😉

What tip(s) would you recommend to someone who wants to become natural, is transitioning, or needs advice about natural hair?
Most of all, to be patient! I see so many women wanting hair to their knees in a week! Lol Focus on the health of your hair and the growth will come, believe me. Learn to love your hair texture and not want anyone else’s. And do your own research so you know all you can about your hair.

Comments:
I appreciate the feature! I can be found online at the following: Blog – http://www.allthingskeetaray.com, Tumblr: allthingskeetaray.tumblr.com, Twitter: @1KeetaRay (additional contact info can be found on my blog in the “Contact Info” tab).

Until next time,
Love,
BkAphrodite

Tressumé: Kini

Name: Kini Slaughter

Location:Atlanta, GA

How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for a decade.

Did you transition or do the Big Chop?
I flat-ironed my hair for years, because I didn’t even know that my hair even had a curl pattern. I BC’d in late 2009.

Why did you choose that route?
I chose that route actually because my stylist informed me that all the length I had (which wasn’t much) was heat damaged. So she convinced me that I should cut it, I was shocked at how short it was, but it ended up being exactly what I needed!

What inspired you to have natural hair? What has kept you motivated to remain natural?Beautiful, healthy coils, retaining length, and a plethora of styling choices motivate me to remain natural. For many it’s a passing trend, but it is a lifestyle for me. I don’t EVER plan on returning! I’ve also just started a natural hair apparel line to encourage self-esteem and motivate women to embrace their natural hair. So I want to serve as an example of a woman that does just that.

What are two(2) natural hair products that you just can’t live without? Why? Darcy’s Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Curl Moisturizing Conditioner – I use it as a deep conditioner. It’s thick and it softens my hair wonderfully! Curly Kinks Coil Jam actually elongates my coils and revitalized some old highlights!

What is your favorite way to wear your hair? My trademark style is a Wash ‘n Go. But lately, I’ve been wearing my hair in protective flat-twist updo styles.

What do you love about your natural hair? I love the versatility that my natural hair has. I can switch up my look all the time. I use Ayurvedic herbs, food products and some oils that I never dreamed of using before I started wearing my hair curly. Best of all, my hair is stronger and healthier than it ever was before.

What do you dislike about it? I try to embrace it, but I do dislike the extreme shrinkage that my hair has. It literally looks several inches shorter than it actually is.

What tip(s) would you recommend to someone who wants to become natural, is transitioning, or needs advice about natural hair?
I would recommend understanding your hair type and it’s characteristics. It aids in not feeling frustrated over a million products that don’t work on your hair. Visit some product boards that mention certain lines, read the reviews. Learn the type of ingredients your hair likes (trust me, it’ll let you know)! I recommend researching for yourself in addition to meeting up with other naturals for info and support! Prominent YT vloggers/bloggers can also be a wonderful source of information. They help to motivate and do reviews that could save time and money.

Comments:

Variety Curls Apparel Coming Soon, Stay Posted

Tressumé: Brandi

Name: Brandi Austin

Location: Los Angeles, CA

How long have you been natural?
All together 8 years!

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

Why did you choose that route?
I cut my hair after a breakup in 2004. I wanted to get rid of some of the Negative energy I was holding and I sat down and cut if off. At the time I didn’t really know how to care for it, so I went back to wearing weaves. Then in 2005 I dyed my hair blonde which totally destroyed it. I then transitioned by wearing weaves for 3 years. In 2008 I felt it was time to let go of the weaves and rock my natural hair. I was really encouraged by the director of a play i was doing, so I went for it! Thus far, it has been the best decision I could’ve made.

How long did you transition?

I can’t believe I went back and forth for 4 years!

What inspired you to have natural hair?
I’ve always wanted to wear my hair natural even as a child. My mom would wash my hair and i would run from the blow dryer because I wanted to wear it wet and curly.

What has kept you motivated to remain natural?
The compliments I get from total strangers about my hair and it’s on trend in the entertainment industry right now. Especially for commercials which I audition for regularly.

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

Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, I love using this product for two-strand twist. It leaves my curls full of bounce and super soft, plus the scent it has is yummy! Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery Treatment totally brings my hair back to life! It defines my curls and adds just the right amount of moisture.

What is your favorite way to wear your hair?

It’s a toss up between my go to fro-hawk and a high sleek Marley bun.

What do you love about your natural hair?
I’m really in love with the natural texture of my hair. The combo is really interesting! I have this amazing patch of soft curls in my crown and tighter coils on the side.

What do you dislike about it?
I’m super “tender headed”, so the combing and de-tangling process is really a headache for me.

What tip(s) would you recommend to someone who wants to become natural, is transitioning, or needs advice about natural hair?
If you are considering going natural, just do it! Its an amazing experience! Spend the time to get to know which products your hair loves. Remember what is great for one Naturalista is not good for another.

Comments:
Photos Courtesy of RDigital Photos www.twitter.com/rdigitalphotos
follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/brandiaustin
like me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialBAustin

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