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

Tressumé: Tiffany

Name: Tiffany Shawn
Location: St. Louis, MO

http://mynaturalreality.com/

How long have you been natural? Did you transition or do the Big Chop? How long did you transition?

I tried once to go natural in 2008, but had not done my homework! I was miserable with trying to figure out the difference in the two textures and how to care for them at the same time. I was trying to continue to flat iron it on a weekly basis and this was NOT working for my hair type! Only five months into it, I gave up and relaxed my hair again. When I discovered the natural hair world of bloggers and vloggers, I decided to try again! My last relaxer was either May or June 2010 and I did the BC on December 26, 2010. Best decision ever! The second time around, I wore my hair in more roller sets and kinky, two-strand twists. Since June 2010, I’ve only flat ironed my hair once and blown it out twice. I refrain from using heat as much as possible as to not disturb my curl pattern.

Why did you choose that route?

I have always had thick, shoulder length hair, but there was a section in the back of my scalp that was really acting out. I assumed it was from the relaxers and possibly the stresses of every day life. Even almost three years later, I still have a slight issue with a tip-of-my-pinky sized section of my scalp, but it was about a 3x2in section before I stopped relaxing my hair! So now I’m pretty sure it was the relaxer reacting negatively with my scalp. I never did go to a dermatologist, but that’s still a possibility down the line.

What inspired you to have natural hair?

Well for one, TWISTS!! I always loved seeing natural, twisted hairstyles on sistahs! That was my biggest obsession when deciding if it was for me or not. Even when my hair was relaxed, I’d flat twist my hair at the top or all over to make it wavy, or I’d wear it in a straw set at times to emulate natural hair styles. PLUS so many women in my family are natural! My mother had a fade back when I was in middle school! Shortly thereafter, my grandmother, aunts, and cousins followed suit. Then finally, lil’ ol’ me!

What has kept you motivated to remain natural?

I honestly see no other option. I’m not envious of women with relaxed hair because it’s just not part of my lifestyle anymore. I feel I have more versatility with my hair in its natural state. And I’m happy with it. You have to be confident in yourself to accept the natural hair on your head and I know that no matter what it’s doing on the outside, I know who I am inside!

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

As a self-proclaimed product junkie, this is a tough question! Going natural has nothing to do with me being a PJ, I grew up with a mother who frequented the beauty supply…so I get it honest! I would have to say my two favorite product lines are Oyin Handmade and SheaMoisture! They’re very moisturizing, help with my itchy scalp, and are reasonably priced with healthy (readable) ingredients. I also could not live without oil! I change it based on my current hair needs, but mixtures of oil has become my best friend. I currently have a mixture of peppermint, jojoba, grapeseed, and olive oil in my spray bottle.

What is your favorite way to wear your hair?

I would probably say I enjoy twist and braid outs the most. But I’m a chameleon and change my styles often! I have over 40 youtube vids to prove that:) http://youtube.com/mynaturalreality

What do you love about your natural hair?

I love that I love it! So often, we focus on things that we don’t like about ourselves, but I can honestly say I love my hair. It’s unpredictable and at times unruly, but I love it all the same!

What do you dislike about it?

I don’t necessarily dislike anything about my hair, but rather the way some people react to it. It’s 2012 and way past time for people to let people be themselves. If that means relaxing your hair, relax your hair! If that means being natural but flat ironing your hair weekly, flat iron your hair!! Time out with the judgements…just let people be great!

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

First, do your homework! There are so many great sites that can offer inspiration, motivation, and a voice of experience! Then, let your hair do what it’s going to do and embrace its uniqueness! Try not to compare it to those in which you have hair envy. I have many that I’m in awe of, but I am also pleased with what’s growing from my head as well. Be kind to your hair and it’ll be kind to you:)

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

Tressumé Destiney

Destiney

Location: Houston, Tx

I’m always ready for a new style, that’s when being natural kicked in. I wore weaves for years; I though time for a change and I’m enjoying it.

How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural since December 30, 2012

Did you transition or do the Big Chop?
The Big Chop. I cut off my relaxed ends which left me with a TWA(teenie weenie afro)

Why did you choose that route?
Dealing with 2 types of hair (relaxed and natural)is hard to handle. I would rather start fresh and work my way on up. Having short hair also helped me become confident in myself.

What inspired you to have natural hair?
I always like to try new things, and after I researched it and seen the pictures, stories, and tips I fell in love!

What has kept you motivated to remain natural?
My family members, my boyfriend, and of course my natural hair people out there with their stories and amazing pics! To see the love, confidence, and positivity that comes from the natural world makes me want to continue my journey.

What are two(2) natural hair products that you just can’t live without? Why?
Alikay Naturals Growth Oil, amazing product for moisturize and growth and Shea Moisture Curling Shouffle, great for moisture and defining curls.

What is your favorite way to wear your hair?
I love my fro-hawk, it’s so stylish and quick to do.

What do you love about your natural hair?
I love the fact that without a perm I can still have a nice grade of hair, and the process of finding new styles, tips, and finding yourself is an amazing feeling. And I will have a big head of healthy curls in no time!

What do you dislike about it?
I hate having short hair and trying to make sure I pull it off every morning.lol

What tip(s) would you recommend to someone who wants to become natural, is transitioning, or needs advice about natural hair?
Moisturize your hair EVERYDAY, don’t become discouraged, and become creative, don’t be scared to do your hair and try new styles. Keep touch with other naturals and YouTube and blogs are your best friend!

Comments:
It’s an amazing process! It brings a ton of positivity, confidence, and love into your life. And you’ll be surprised how many naturals are out there, and eager to help. Love Destiney.

Until next time…..

Love,
BkAphrodite