Daily Archives: July 12, 2012

Jul12

Be Weird. Be Random. Be Who You Are.

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I love this. I believe in being oneself … no holds barred … unapologetically. The whole idea of putting on a facade so others will like you or find you “acceptable” or “normal” is bizarre to me. I mean, they are going to know who you are eventually, right? So you better get them to like you for who that is … the authentic you … from the get-go. I mean, why would I even want someone as a friend or partner who didn’t appreciate my uniqueness, my quirks, my idiosyncrasies? Someone who would judge me harshly for those things or find me lacking in some way because of them? That would mean that they don’t value the true me and would either be disappointed, disgusted or dismayed when they discovered her … that, or I would have to live a lie the rest of my life.

That’s why I’ve never had the slightest compunction about revealing my love and excitement for all things cartoons and comics (see here, here, here and/or here) … and it’s why I proudly claim that I’m a nerd … it’s why I don’t hesitate or feel the slightest embarrassment about sharing childhood pics of me looking a mess (check out this post if you missed my Wave Nouveau tragedy ;)) … or feel any compulsion to expend lots of effort to always be/look perfect (for evidence of that, see here). And, it’s probably why I didn’t think twice about chopping off all of my hair 12 years ago to wear my hair in its natural state, regardless of what anyone else might say or think. ‘Cuz, you know, other than wanting to lose a few pounds every now and again, I’ve always been pretty comfortable in my own skin.

This is me. It’s always been me. Love me or leave me alone.

Embrace your weirdness. Revel in your random. Go out there and be EXACTLY who you are. Because not one person, but many, will love you for exactly who that is.

That is all.

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Who is the weird and random you?

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Jul12

June GOC Update: Miss Leah (#7)

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by Miss Leah of A Diamond Through the Fire

I can’t explain how thrilled I am with my hair growth process! Almost a year ago, I told my fiancé I wanted to get a sew-in (weave) for our wedding day. His reply was, “Why don’t you grow your own hair?” Wooooow, I’d never thought to grow my own … CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

I began searching online for assistance in growing out my own hair. While stalking Curly Nikki for hair tips, I saw a post with Shelli of Hairscapades. It was love at first curl! Looking at her hair and reading her story encouraged me. If she could do it, I knew that I could attempt to do it. At the time, she didn’t have a blog, so I went to Curly Nikki’s site to see if there were any updates from Shelli. After some time, Shelli started up her own blog, Hairscapades! I was thrilled to say the least! She began the GOC sometime after that and I decided to join. I didn’t have anything to lose (besides straightening my hair weekly!).

It has been a long road, but it was totally worth it. It took months of experimenting to find the right balance for my hair. TRIAL and doggone ERROR before I finally perfected my routine. Loads and loads of patience was needed to perfect my unruly day 2 twist-outs and tons and tons of products to get my curls to lay just right. I didn’t know what I was in for in the beginning, but I STUCK IT OUT.

I am sooooo glad that the GOC was my starting point. If I hadnt joined, my hair would probably be shorter than the 08/10/11 picture. I went from heat damaged to healthy hair. Though it’s been a rough road, it’s been well worth it! I want to thank all of the hair gurus for their constant encouragement though this journey: Shelli of Hairscapades, Nikki of Curly Nikki, Wes of Spiced Honey, Michelle of Radiant Brown Beauty, Rece of A Hair Story (she is also the reason I started this blog) and countless gurus on YouTube: Naptural85, Haircrush, LeobodyC5 and Longhairdontcare2011. I literally went on all of these pages DAILY searching for assistance with my tresses :). I look forward to waist length by next year!!!

THANKS LADIES!!!

♦

Want a sneak peak of Miss. Leah’s wedding day hair?!? Check it out here!

And check out her other GOC- The Sequel posts here:
Initial Submission
April Update

Want to see where it all began with the first GOC? Find Leah’s entrée into the first GOC here:
GOC Contenders – The Fourth Wave

Jul12

The Big Chop: Nicole’s HairStory

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Describe yourself in 100 words or less.
My name is Nicole. I’m a married mother of 3, who is quiet by nature, friendly, observant, loyal and an easy-going person.

What prompted your decision to go natural?
About 10 months after I had my first child, I experienced a lot of shedding. Then came the breakage along the left side of my nape area where it broke off completely. It felt like my hair was thinning and it was confirmed when I had to loop my the band around my hair 3 times when I put it in a pony tail. It was bothering me, because I had long hair for as long as I could remember. My hair is my crown and glory and I couldn’t understand what I was doing wrong. I incurred so much damage that my stylist had to cut my hair into a bob (first cut was chin length and the second cut was at the cheek) within an 8 month period. I didn’t know what caused the problem with my hair. I asked myself was it my diet or stress? So, in the meantime, my friend Tiffany was transitioning and I was contemplating with myself saying, maybe I need a fresh start, but I was still unsure. I told myself I would give it 1 year and then I’ll decide to either go natural or return back to relaxing my hair.

How long did you transition before you big chopped?
1 year.

When and how did you big chop?
June 1, 2012 is when I did my big chop and I did it myself.

How did you feel immediately before and immediately after your big chop?
A mix of fear and excitement. My heart was pounding!

How do you feel now?
In AWE. I never saw myself with a TWA. I’m glad that I never have to duck the rain or worry about limp, lifeless hair. This is the most spontaneous things I’ve done thus far.

What is your current regimen? Go to products?
I’m still developing a hair care regimen and still testing different hair products, so I don’t have any staple products yet. So far, I DC once a week with my current DC, which is Sof’nfree Nothing But Intense Hair Mask. I co-wash twice a week with Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner, then use a leave-in conditioner, either Cream of Nature Organic Lemongrass & Rosemary leave-in or Cantu Shea Butter Leave -In.

What are your hair plans/goals?
To retain length, learn how to style my own hair and find what products my hair likes.

Do you have a hair crush? If so, who and why?
Rachel True from the TV Show Half & Half. Her auburn coils are shaped so perfectly. Also, Tia and Tamera Mowry in their Sister, Sister TV show days. I always admired their hair. And Elle Varner; she has envious ringlets and volume.

Who is your favorite natural blogger, youtuber and/or fotkier and why?
I watch Jazzybee445, she makes a great natural moisturizing spray. Naptural 85, excellent DIY hairstyles and tips. And Fgrogan. Although she’s not natural, she does long relaxer stretches. She’s quiet informative and has an inspiring hair journey. Also Curlynikki, and now Hairscapades, are my go-tos for information.

Anything else that you would like to add?
Yes. I’m looking forward to a new beginning with my hair and also doing the same with my daughters’ hair. I hope to achieve my ultimate hair goal to be BSL. Also, I met you at the Meet-up at Pooka Boutique with one of my besties, Tiffany Millican. She’s been encouraging me to take better care of my hair and ditch the chemicals.

Tiffany (left); Nicole pre-BC (right)