Loc'ed Up and Fabulous: Meet iamkamilah

Brandiss: Who are you and where are you from?

iamkamilah. I am from Miami, Florida. 

Brandiss: When and how did you start your locs?

I started my locs on July 10, 2008. My loc'ing process began with two strand twists. 

Brandiss: How did you decide locs were for you?

A little birdie ( *>*) whispered in my ear about 7 years ago, that I should start the loc'ing process.  I didn’t feel ready and I was hella insecure about having just loose natural hair, so I knew that I couldn’t handle such a bold statement like locs. 

Years later, and after having a horrible relaxer situation I quickly got on the natural journey. I totally forget about insecurity and I instantly switched my mode of thinking to health.  The fact that my hair fell out never sat right with me - I view relaxers as a harsh chemical that should be no where near hair.  So I did the transitioning thing and then BC'ed.  By this stage in my life I was feeling myself way too hard.  lol.  I loved my natural fro.   

After wearing my fro for about 1.5 years I wanted to do something different.  My options were to either cut my hair into a low fade or loc it.  

I moved back to Miami in May 2008 and this move swayed my decision to loc instead of cut.  If you don't know, Miami is what I like to call a Loc Capital.  When I say loc capital it's one of those places where so many people have locs (other loc capitals: St. Louis and New Orleans).  Everyone has locs - no joke. So moving back here I was constantly bombarded by beautiful locs everywhere I went.  This opened my eyes to the hidden beauty and bold statement of loc'ed tresses.  So one day out of the blue I was like I'm ready to get on this journey, I set an appointment to install my starter locs and the rest is history.   

Brandiss: How do you maintain your locks? (products, tools, methods)

I'm what the loc world would call a "semi freeformer."  This means I don't retwist often.  My retwist schedule is on a quarterly system.  So every 3 months I retwist my hair.  I wash biweekly. 

Shampoos & Conditioner (biweekly)-- Giovanni Tea Tree/Aveda Sap Moss

Deep Conditioner (quarterly) -- milk and honey concoction (coconut milk, honey, avocado, EVOO

Right now I haven't developed my line of staple retwisting products, but some products I use are:

CD's Loc Butter, Queen Helene Styling Gel Alcohol Free, Aloe Vera Gel with lemongrass E.O.  I also love jojoba oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil. 

I don't use any tools of my hair because I don't interlock.  My loc'ing method has been purely palm rolling.  

Brandiss: What do your locs mean to you?

My locs symbolize atypical beauty, religious strength, patience, commitment, fearlessness, pride and history.  My locs scream she's BLACK AND PROUD but those who listen closely will hear it whispers she's patient, committed and fearless.

Brandiss: How has your loc journey been?

It's one of the best decisions I have ever made.   It hasn't been an easy road but I have no regrets whatsoever.  

Brandiss: What are some of the strangest stereotypical comments you've heard about locs from  people? (family, friends, strangers)

Locs are "generally accepted" IF they are manicured. Now when they are NOT manicured people aren't as accepting.  I say "generally accepted" because case law shows us that people with locs (manicured or not) have been refused service from businesses or have been fired because they refused to cut their hair -- religious discrimination.  

What's so crazy, is that historically locs weren't manicured.  Today more people wear locs as a fashion statement and not for their religious beliefs.  Those people who historically wore their hair in locs are frowned upon, but that's so ironic because we emulated THEIR hairstyle.  

Brandiss: If you didn't have locs, how would your hair be?

I'm not sure the exact style but It would definitely be natural/chemical free! 

Brandiss: Do you have any words of encouragement for someone who may be considering locs?

If you are considering locs just do it! I think the biggest misconception of locs is that they are permanent.  And they are NOT.  Indeed, it can take more than 2 years for some people's hair to actually loc.  So if you dont like it, you can surely comb them out or just cut them off (it's hair for Pete's sake - let's stop being enslaved to it).  

Also don’t get caught up in the process — look at the journey.   If it’s something that you like, try it out, if it doesn’t work for you move on to something else. I will say that one thing you will need is PATIENCE, if you don’t have it now or ain’t willing to learn it, let me be the first to tell you that you won’t succeed in the game. 

Brandiss: Where can they find you?

thelocdiaries.wordpress.com, theartofres.blogspot.com, youtube: iamkamilah, twitter: iamkamilah

Thank you iamkamilah for taking the time to share your journey us. You are a beautiful young woman and I wish you continued strength and courage on your loc journey and life.

-Brandiss 

 

The story...

I think you know about the situation I had with my barber, if not; long story short, I had to stop going to my barber because he was flirting with me and my husband didn't like it.

After I was banned from the barber, I didn't look for a new  one. I just let my hair grow. As it grew, it was getting to be CUTE!!!  After 4 weeks or so, my hair was starting to look like the inspiration photo which prompted the haircut to begin with. I was REALLY happy with my hair.

The only thing was, I needed  a trim and I wanted the sides faded a bit. Without  thinking, I told my husband I would go with him to the barber shop and have his barber cut my hair. What I wanted was simple enough, so I wasn't nervous about it.

We made an appointment for Sunday morning at 9:30am. I went first. I sat down in the barbers chair and told him what I wanted. I showed him how far up I wanted him to fade my hair and also I asked for a trim on the top. I wanted the back lined into a "V", and that was it.

I walked in the shop with a full tall fro and left with something I cannot even describe! It was awful! It looked like a full blown mo-hawk and the height I walked in with was laying on the floor leaving me with about 2 inches of hair when easily that morning I had more than 6 inches on top (my hair was stretched out). I wanted to cry! I sat in the barber shop and waited for my husband to be finished. I literally had to hold back the tears.

I was so upset! When we finally got in the car, I let it out. A few tears ran down my face as I realized there was NO WAY I could keep my hair the way it was. The only solution was a full blown hair cut making all of my hair even with the sides. I was so hurt.

Don't get me wrong, I know I could have worn a wig or something until it grew in, but I didn't want to go that route. As awkward as I felt with the mo-hawk, I would have felt even more uncomfortable in a wig. Wearing a hat or head wrap everyday wasn't going to work either because in the next few weeks I have meetings to attend where a hat would not be appropriate and a head wrap just isn't the look I want. 

The next day I got it all cut off. I loved it immediately! This length is awesome. It is so easy.  Even though I had no intentions whatsoever of cutting my hair off, I'm kinda glad it happened. Do I miss my hair??? YES!!!! I don't even want to look at pictures of it from before. It'll just make me mad.

So that's the story. Do you have any hair horror stories? Please share. I need to know I am not the only one!!

~Sunshine

There IS a story behind this...

...and it has a lot to do with the BARBER SITUATION!!!!

~Sunshine

I did the big chop and lived to tell the tale... Meet Danielle

{before}

Brandiss: How old are you and where are you from?
Danielle: I'm 36 and I'm from New Jersey


Brandiss: When did you make the decision to go natural and why?

Danielle: The relaxer never made my hair absolutely straight and my hair grows so fast, I always have roots in a few weeks. So I've always had to work with the two textures. When I cut off all my hair at 21, I started playing with leaving it relaxer free for 6 to 8 months out of the year and have followed that pattern for the past 15 years. Pretty much my hair is relaxed during the winter and natural the rest of the year. Since my daughter was born in 2002, my hair is even more resistant to relaxer. I BC'ed the first time in 2008 planning to stay completely natural. I made it six months before returning to the creamy crack. The problem was I was too busy following everyone's hair regimen instead of what I knew worked for me. My natural hair became more of a headache than the familiarity of my "relaxed" hair. Lesson learned...do what works for YOUR hair. 
Fast forward to Christmas 2009, relaxers still weren't taking well and I made the mistake of double processing my hair (relax/color within two weeks) I had been considering cutting it myself before the over processed mess but I talked myself out of it. Though I am a kitchen beautician, I usually stop short of cutting my hair. But after looking at all the natural blogs, I felt I could do it myself. So after a reassuring call from my mom, I went to work.

Brandiss: How did you feel right before you got your Big Chop? Were you nervous, scared, excited, hesitant?

Danielle: I guess I would say I was determined and ready. I had been toying with the idea but once I made up my mind I was ready to get started.

Brandiss: What was your immediate reaction after seeing the hair cut?

Danielle: It's funny the first time I BC'ed I let my hair stylist do it and I felt so awkward afterwards but this time I felt different. I felt such a sense of relief and happiness. I guess I was more ready for it now.

{the big cop!}

Brandiss: Describe your big chop experience.

Danielle:

A quick word: I don't suggest this for everyone. Especially if you have never seen your hair without a relaxer. You may not be prepared for what your hair is like. Like I said before I am natural part of the year anyway and have professionally big chopped before so I know the texture of my hair.

-->First I washed and conditioned my hair with Finesse Shampoo and Condtioner. Then towel dried. I wanted my hair wet but not dripping.

-->My hair is short to begin with. Most of the length is in the front so I parted the front into two sections. The back of my hair didn't need much trimming. Most of the cutting was needed in the front, top, and sides.

-->Most people look for the difference between relaxed and natural hair to know where to cut. Because I planned on cutting my hair pretty short I just decided on a length and went from there. (Important to remember, wet hair will shrink when dry, so I cut a little longer than I wanted.)

-->Using professional barber shears, I started cutting my hair from my middle part and moved on to the sides. I cut the top last.

-->After applying some Wrap lotion and styling a bit I could see areas I needed to shape up a bit.

 

Brandiss: Was your intention to do a drastic big chop when you made the decision to go natural? If yes, why did you opt for such a drastic cut as opposed to transitioning for a long time? If no: what changed your mind?

Danielle: Big chop was a better choice for me because I wear my hair short most of the time. Plus I feel like hair always grows back. I understand some are afraid of losing length but having had long hair with roots in the past, I know it can be a challenge to work with. Especially for me because I don't feel comfortable in weaves or braids and pressing my hair is a challenge because I sweat in my scalp.

Brandiss: What were some styles you wore while transitioning? How did you take care of your hair during that time?

Danielle: Most of the time, I wore my hair slicked down with wrapping lotion.

Brandiss: If you had any resistance (i.e. people not being supportive, or trying to talk you out of going natural) how did you overcome it?

Danielle: I never had any resistance to being natural. Most of the women in my family are natural or natural part of the year like me. The BF loves short hair and my friends always liked my hair natural vs relaxed anyway. I also work in the tech field so there's flexibility there.

{Before, hair slicked back}

Brandiss: How is natural hair fitting into your life? (Is it easier, more convenient, time consuming, frustrating?)

Danielle: For now, its a simple wash and go. My concern is just making sure I don't catch a cold. lol

For those scared of doing a drastic big chop, do you have any words of encouragement?

Danielle: Some people are afraid of what their hair will look like but its really a beautiful surprise waiting to happen and a chance for a new learning experience. Your hair will change and blossom and transition into a new wonderful you.

Brandiss: And since someone reading may be your texture twin: What is your current regimen?

Danielle: Right now my regimen is simple and I'm sure it will change as I try new products. Weekly, I wash and condition with Finesse Texture Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner. Daily, I wet my hair and apply a small amount of Smooth and Shine gel to hold my curls. At night, I may add a small amount of oil before putting on a satin scarf. I do like Qhemet Biologics Olive and Honey Hydrating Balm but I will use simple carrot oil or grapeseed oil. I also like Quemet Biologics Karkady Tea Replenishing Mist. I deep condition monthly or biweekly if my hair looks really thirsty.

Brandiss: What products can your hair not live without?

Danielle: I love Finesse. I know it has sulfate but my hair loves it. Unfortunately they changed the formula so I'm on the lookout for a new sulfate-free love. Any suggestions for 3c hair?

I just want to say thanks to the beautiful Danielle for sharing her story! I hope this has helped someone out there. You can see more Danielle on her very own blog ProjectDanielle. Stop by and show her some love!

-Brandiss

READERS SHARE!!!

-What would you like to see here on Naturally Fabulous?? (It doesn't have to be hair related)


-Do you have any questions or concerns about hair that you want to see as topics on here?


-Do you have a really cool hair tutorial or story that you'd love to share on here?


If so, you can leave a comment on this post, or you can email me at brandissblogs@gmail.com



We have well over 300 subbies, so I guess maybe I can at least get feed back from 20% of you :) ... Okay, maybe Im pushing it! But I would love to hear from you ALL--> friends, readers, lurkers



Oh yeah, there is a BIG giveaway coming up soon, with MULTIPLE winners, so stay tuned!

Hair Obsession Gone BAD!

Many of us refer to embracing our natural hair as a JOURNEY. When you are on a journey, more than likely you're experiencing new things, and although every single stage of the journey is not exciting, you're learning.
So if those things or true (or close to it) about your "hair journey", why do some obsess over acheiving perfection from DAY ONE. True, we want to take great care of our hair, but how much is TOO MUCH?? Let's see...

If your regimen is like this (or close)....
*Monday-prepoo, shampoo, oil rinse, protein treatment, moisturizing deep condition treatment
*Tuesday-Clay treatment, Cowash with 3 fav conditioners
*Wednesdays-prepoo, shampoo, oil rinse, protein treatment, moisturizing deep condition treatment
*Thursday-Hot oil treatment, Cowash with 3 fav conditioners
*Friday-prepoo, shampoo, oil rinse, protein treatment, moisturizing deep condition treatment
*Saturday-Catnip Treatment, Cowash with 3 fav conditioners
*Sunday-Henna treatment, followed a 35 minute peanut butter and brown sugar scalp massage (um hmm yeah!)



... you may need some intervention!!


I have a question...
Can your hair EVER be completely free of a split end or a knot??

Here's MY answer...
No. Unless of course, you just did your big chop yesterday or something. Because if you think about it, with manipulating your hair on a regular basis, how can it stay 100% perfect?? Washing, detangling, combing, brushing, shingling, twisting, braiding, roller setting, flat ironing.... yeah all that stuff and more... it's manipulation. I'm not saying that your hair is going to go buck wild by doing these things. It's just that I don't think there is a such thing as a head full of hair thats PERFECT!


Yall KNOW some people can get really bent out of shape if they make the wrong move concerning their hair... I mean considering its something that can be fixed. Like if your ends look ratty, TRIM THEM! It's hair and it DOES grow back. Are we in a race to reach toe length with our hair?? LOL  Sorry I totally missed that memo!

So, in a nutshell, if you make a mistake with your hair, don't OBSESS over it. Don't go jumping on the boat of depression. Take note of what you did wrong and don't do it again. :)
Dust yourself off and continue on your journey.

Best wishes,
Brandiss


*I obtained all images from google!

WORLD Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Show

Hello Naturally Fabulous family!

For those that may be interested, the annual Natural Hair Show in Atlanta is being held April 10-11, 2010 this year. If you are in the area, and would like to go, I think it would be a great experience. I plan on going [for the first time] this year.  There will be demonstrations of hair styles and products... a fashion and entertainment show... and plenty of vendors to buy products and tons of accessories from.

Have any of you been? What was your experience like? Or do you plan on going?

You can find out more about it here  -->INFORMATION<-- (as far as hotel packages, vendor, ticket info is concerned)


-Brandiss

Not HIDING anymore!!

I decided to wear my hair out everyday of 2010 as a hair resolution.  Here’s why. Last year I began to let my hair grow after wearing it in a low cut for about 7 months. During the 7 months where I kept my hair short, being natural was EASY. I didn’t have any hair to fuss with or worry about, so concerns over my hair were non-existent.

Once I started to let it grow out, however, I noticed I was only happy with my hair when it was shiny, neat, styled and looked “managed”. Wild hair with no clear “style” was a major no-no and I avoided it like the plague. On days when my hair was not “up to par” I would cover it with a hat or a scarf and shamefully keep it hidden from the world. I could honestly go up to 4 days doing nothing to my hair and hiding it.

You may be wondering “What’s so wrong with that? When having a bad hair day isn’t it okay to cover it up and hide it?”

Yes and No.

While I was relaxed and weaved up, my hair was always hidden. Its realness was always camouflaged. I had negative thoughts about my hair and wanted nothing to do with it in its curly state. Chemicals and hair with price tags made me happy and made me feel pretty. My real hair was a burden. I didn’t know how to properly care for it and didn’t think it was necessary to learn. It was much easier to tuck it away and not even think about it. It wasn’t beautiful so hiding it was necessary and expected.

When I cut all of my hair off and decided to be natural, I had to begin the process of re-learning what was beautiful, acceptable and appropriate. But it wasn’t until I let my hair grow that I really came face to face with my ignorant beliefs of the past.

When I began growing out my hair, I went to great measures

to make sure it always appeared neat and styled and that every hair was in its place as to not offend or be too loud with my wayward, non-conformist hair style. There was a part of me that still found it okay to hide my hair and take the easy way out by not dealing with it for days on end. This became a problem to me.

In my observations of women (of all different races and back grounds) I noticed, for the most part, black women were the  ones who would regularly come out of their houses with their hair covered up. Whether it was covered to hide it, save a style for later, or in my case just not have to deal with it, it was US that I saw in large numbers hiding our hair. Whether it was under a weave, wig, rag, scarf or hat, it was US.

So then I thought to myself, if I am still hiding my hair for days at a time, what negative thoughts am I still holding on to? Why can’t I just leave out of my house like any other race of women with my hair just “doing what it do” and be content? Why does my hair always have to be styled? Other women I know (who are not black) didn’t seem to have the same preoccupation with whether or not their hair was styled. They just washed and went. Maybe they would add a few styling products or blow dry it or whatever they do to their hair, but they were free to walk out of the house at a moments notice and their hair didn’t have to be hidden.

Don’t get me wrong, I know other races of women wear hats sometimes and have bad hair days, I know that, but how often do they have bad hair weeks? How likely are they to have an arsenal of weaves and wigs to choose from on their dressers on underneath the bathroom sink? How likely are they to be on a first name basis with the person who sells tracks at their local beauty supply store? And I know we can argue this point to the ground about how other races do the same thing, blah blah blah, but that’s not the point I am trying to make here.

I want to experience the same freedom other women have. I want to be able to walk out of my house everyday with my own natural hair free. Whether it's styled or not, shiny or dull, nappy (yep I said it) or not. WHATEVER it is, I just want to feel okay with it. So that is why I resolved to wear my hair out everyday this year. To confront my demons head on and truly learn how to manage my hair day to day.

And let me tell you... it has been a struggle. We are only 3 week into the New Year and I have already covered my hair because it was too straight.  So this is a work in progress. Just like many of you, I am a relatively new natural and I am still working out the kinks in my mind. I am learning day by day how to accept myself, flaws and all. I am learning little by little to let go and just be SUNSHINE. Whatever that entails.

So here are the actual rules to my resolution. I have to wear my hair uncovered and out most of the time.  My hair can only be covered if, I am rocking a style that requires my hair to be covered like head wraps or when I am going for my hip hop look when I wear a cap and large hoops. I am not allowed to “hide” my hair. If I am reaching for something to cover my hair with, I have to ask myself, am I “hiding” my hair out of shame today? And if the answer is yes, I am not allowed to cover it. If the answer is “No, I just want to rock this scarf today or hat” then I am allowed. But uncovered days need to significantly outweigh the covered days.

And that’s that. What are your thoughts? Do you find yourself "hiding" under weaves, wigs, protective styling, hats or scarves? Are you a natural who has yet to wear your “real” hair “out” because you are still holding on to your old beliefs? What do you think about us being so content to hide our hair and not have the freedom to just “BE”?

***I am  not referring to protecting your hair from the weather, or choosing a protective style for whatever reason, but you know what I mean....I am asking about shamefully hiding your hair or hiding it so you don't have to deal with it.

I wanna know!

Happy Nappiversary!!! [by Brandiss]

Three years ago today...

I got the urge,

the urge to chop,

to chop the hair,

the hair that wasnt me.

I was afraid of the reflection...

she was too much for me,

for me to handle,

to handle and to accept,

to accept with no shame.

She told me I was perfect the way I am...

I told her she was crazy,

was crazy to think that,

think that I could love me,

love me with nappy hair.

I was determined to change my mindset...

God made no mistakes,

no mistakes when he crafted,

he crafted my coils and kinks,

coils and kinks that I have fallen in love with.

So, I guess she wasn't crazy after all...

I am perfect the way I am,

I am beautiful and Naturally Fabulous,

Naturally Fabulous, that's me,

That's me! She is now ME!

~Brandiss

Product Review: Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner [by Brandiss]

(pic courtesy of www.curlmart.com)

Product: Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner

Company: Elucence Beauty & Wellness

Price: $8.00 for 10oz/ $20.00 for Liter

Product Claims: "A balancing blend of natural olive oil and coconut, Moisture Balancing Conditioner moisturizes and protects your hair without weighing it down. Essential triglycerides add softness, shine and silkiness to your hair for effortless combing and minimized breakage." (www.elucence.com)

Ingredients: Panax Ginseng root extract, cetraria islandia (Irish Moss) extract, saccharomyces cerevisiea (Brewer's Yeast) extract, Gingko Biloba extract, pimpinella anisum (Anise) fruit extract, prunis persica (Peach) extract in purified water, hexadecanol, stearakonium chloride, certimonium bromide, Squalane (olive oil lipid), Capric Caprillic Triglycerides (coconut fatty acids), Panthenol (pro-vitamin USP), Biotin (USP), imisazolidinyl urea, methylparaben (USP), fragrance


My review: I love this stuff! It works wonders on my dry hair. On the bottle it says that you can use 3 different ways: 1) as a rinse out conditioner or 2) as a leave in or 3) as an intense moisture treatment with a heat cap. I have tried all 3 and prefer to use it as a deep treatment. Most times when I use it as a deep treatment, I will add olive oil and honey. After rinsing it out, it leaves my hair well mositurized and manageable.

I also use it as a detangler/pre-poo treatment. For example if I have been wearing my hair out for the whole week and its kind of tangled, I will put the conditioner on my hair and detangle each section and then twist or braid the sections and then I wash my hair concentrating on the scalp.

As a leave in, I didn't really like it. Once it dried my hair looked rather dull. I may have used too much so I will try that method again one day and report back to you all.

But overall, I am pleased. I think it is priced reasonably compared to some of the other good conditioners. Im just sad that I can't find it locally. When I bought the bottle that I have now I used a gift certificate that I won from the lovely Ms. Kcurly over at Newly Natural and I made sure that I got a LITER. (sidenote: I have tried this product in the 10oz bottle over a year ago which is why I got the Liter the 2nd time around)



Soooo, Have any of you tried this? Are you going to try it? What are your thoughts?