Review - Lulu Life Body Butter

So it has been a while since my last post, but I would like to tell you, that my hair was still receiving love during that time. More specifically from Lulu Life Body Butter, that is available at Curly Canadians.

Lulu Life Body Butter is made and produced by the Lulu Life Trust in Sudan. This organization helps families in Sudan who are trying to bounce back from the tragedies of civil war. So with every purchase of Lulu Life products you can guarantee that your dollar is going to help Sudanese families, which is cool.

PHOTO: Curly Canadians

Many of you know about my love affair with shea butter, well I can tell you that Lulu Life Body Butter, did not disappoint.

Although it says it is a body butter, I used it on my hair as a styler and sealer. I did my usual twist out on freshly washed hair and even to do a semi-dry twist out from time-to-time. Unlike other shea butters, that need friction to melt into a creamy texture, Lulu melts into a lovely consistency upon contact. The Lulu Life Butter, left my hair feeling super soft and healthy. The only thing I did not like about butter is that it’s virtually scent-free. I like my products to have a little sweet smell, probably because I’m too girly. On the other hand this would be the perfect product for those who have scent allergies or those who do not like strong smelling products.

So the question is, would I use and recommend this product? ABSOLUTELY! Not only are you helping those in need in Sudan, but you are also getting an amazing natural product that is good for you hair and skin. You can’t go wrong!

 

Blessings and Curls,

B-Curlie

Swimming ... ah natural

It’s been awhile and my life has been crazy busy over the last couple months. So apologize for not posting on a regular basis.

I have decided to take swimming lessons again. Yes I said again, because I’ve taken lessons numerous times before and made great progress but never got to the place where I feel 100% comfortable jumping into a pool, ocean, or lake. In retrospect, there are a couple of the reasons why I didn’t learn as a child was, first of all neither of my parents swam and I also believe that dealing with a little girl’s chlorine-filled hair once or twice a week was not something my mother was interested in dealing with. I can understand that, I had a lot of hair back then and it was super thick. 

At any rate, I’m here in my 30s, I’m taking swimming lessons for the first time with natural hair. I’ve done a little research and found a great video from Naptural85 (one of my favourite youtubers) on how to protect your tress while swimming.  The key seems to be filling your hair with water and conditioner to keep it moisturized, but also if your strands are already full of goodness, the chlorine will have a harder time penetrating them. I plan to try Napturals85 steps and hopefully my hair will survive my swimming adventures. :-) I’ll keep you all posted.

 

Do you have swimming with natural hair tips? I’d love to hear them.

Blessings and Curls,

B-Curlie

Curlies that make me PROUD!

I was recently talking to one of my really good friends (she is caucasian), who happened to read my blog for the first time this week. I often refer to each other as sisters from other mothers, since we are so in sync and usually say things in-stereo.

She read my post: Straight Up and she was really struck by it after reading about the chemicals black woman use just for so-called beauty.

She then said imagine if Michelle Obama and her daughters were to go natural. They could not only influence black woman in North America, but all over the world.

The Obama family

I totally agree with her and it would be wonderful if someone like Michelle Obama would go natural and show her true beauty to the world.

I do however want to mention that I’m honoured to be a Canadian Curlie and see that our former Governor General of Canada the Rt. Honourable Michaëlle Jean has rocked her curls on many different occasions. It was really great to see and makes me feel proud.



Rt. Honourable Michaëlle Jean PHOTO: www.nsb.com

Here are a few others that make me proud, not only because of their beautiful crown and glory, but also because of their accomplishments as African Canadian women – GO ON WITH YOUR BAD SELF!!!

 Measha Brueggergosman - opera singer

Jemini – G98.7 FM radio personality PHOTO: www.fullcc.com



Rosey Edeh – ET Canada correspondent - PHOTO: www.postcity.com

Trey Anthony – creator of Da Kink in my Hair - PHOTO: www.nsb.com

What other African Canadian public figures make you feel proud to be curlie???

Blessings and Curls,

B-Curlie

Living Relaxer-Free

Tap, Tap Tap … If you ever had a relaxer, you should remember those days approaching your touch-up, when your scalp was super itchy, but you couldn’t scratch it. I was reminded of this, one morning while driving to work. I was driving behind a woman, who was briskly tapping her head with her hand. It was quite a sight. The funny thing about it is that I knew exactly what she was doing. Her scalp was really itchy, but she didn’t want to scratch it, because she was probably going to get her touch-up done that day and knew the relaxer would irritate her scalp, especially if she scratched it. I’m sure others who seen her, thought she was crazy…LOL!

I cannot tell you how much I do not miss those days. Even though as of late, I have been recovering from my dermatitis and haven’t had a lot of time for my hair, I wanted to do a post about WHY I LOVE MY CURLS. Seeing that lady really got me to thinking about how blessed I am to have my curls and why I made the decision to go natural.

Here are a few reasons to love your CURLS or NATURAL TRESS:

·         No more relaxers and scalp burns

Photo: VisualPhoto.com

·         No need to run from the rain

·         Save money, unless you are a product junkie J

·         Curls have personality

·         Style versatility

·         Can wrap up the blow dryer and flat iron

·         Harsh chemicals can be thrown out

MOST IMPORTANTLY CURLS
ALLOW YOU TO BE YOU!

What do you love most about being curlie?

Belssings and Curls,

B-Curlie

Featured Curlie - Crystal L.

Name: Crystal L.

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

First year of curlieness: September 2010 is when I had my last relaxer. April 2012 is when I consider my hair journey began.

Why I went curlie: Back in September 2010 when I had my last relaxer, I didn't have any plan to go natural--in fact the idea came much later on. I had a chin-length bob cut that I would get relaxed and reshaped at an expensive downtown salon every six weeks.  When it came time to get my next relaxer I was dreading the high cost for a 'master stylist', the long salon wait, and the  eventual disappointment that many women experience--when they leave the salon with a fabulous look that they can't recreate after they wash their hair at home. As a temporary solution to my frizzy roots I put my hair in braids with the intention of giving myself a month break from relaxing. But as time went on, I loved the easy maintenance of the braids and would have them re-braided time and time again. After five to six months of braiding I was able to see enough of my new hair growth to appreciate the texture and thickness and decided that I would just transition my hair using braids. 

Transitioning with braids.

By this time I had turned 30 and having had relaxers since I was nine years old, I realized that my hair was the one part of my being, where I felt I had little control over and knew even less about. I also didn't like the idea of being dependent on a chemical process to feel comfortable about my appearance (even though I was constantly trying to treat split ends and hair damage from the relaxer). I wanted to nurture a relationship with my tresses and knew that it would be a long road to get to a length that I was comfortable with. After growing my hair through braids for a year and a half I made the decision to do chop off my relaxed ends and start my new hair journey.

Regime and products: Since I'm a newbie to natural hair care, I am experimenting with a wide-range of products and regimens. Products that I'm using and love are: pure cocoa-shea butter, pure argan oil, ApHogee Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Conditioner, and Taliah Waajid's CurlyCurl Cream. These days I'm wearing braid-outs more often than twist-outs. I find braids take a longer time to do but they define and hold my curls longer. I like to co-wash at least once per week and re-braid my dampened hair before bed.

Rocking a stunning braid-out.

The best part of being curlie for me is: The best part of being curlie for me is to be able to look in the mirror, see my freshly done hair, and know that I did it myself and that it's all 100% Crystal. Yes, the unpredictability of my hair can be quite the challenge (oh no frizz!!), but I love knowing that my hair's beauty comes from being imperfectly perfect--just like me!

Is there anything else you'd like to add:

My advice for those thinking about going natural, but don't know if they can make the commitment, is to focus on the POSITIVES of wearing natural hair and capitalize on them. For example, I like style diversity and length (I'm not crazy about 'fros) and I needed a way to grow out my hair without having to worry about maintaining two hair textures-- so braiding was a great transitional hairstyle for me. Finding an experienced braider who is attentive and creative can mean that you can wear a new braided hairstyle every month until you are ready to take on the day-to-day maintenance of curly hair. Cornrows (especially thicker ones) can protect your new growth as long as you re-braid your hair and trim it regularly, in addition to moisturizing your braids every day (using store-bought or home-made braid spray).  

Thanks for sharing Crystal!

Find out how to be a Featured Curlie, email me at canadiancurlie2010@gmail.com

Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie

Review: The Little Book of GREEN Minutes

One of my dearest friends and gorgeous Curlie, Natashia Jefferies has recently released her first book: The Little Book of GREEN Minutes. Some people call her Tash, but to me she will always be Tashia and I’m so excited to have the privilege to review her book.

It’s an inspirational self-help book for those who want to live a wholesome and empowering, green/natural lifestyle, by taking baby steps and in the end reaching a goal.

Not only does the book give great day-day tips on how to live well, but Tashia also gives insight on how she has personally changed her life for the better. So you are reading an actual case study as well as learning along the way.

There are a few unique things about this book that you will not find in other self-help books. First of all it is only 83 pages, a very easy read, she has included helpful resources, recipes and a journal to help readers on their way to living a healthy green lifestyle. It’s important to note that all of the products or services Tashia mentions in her book, she has personally tried or has had experience with. Lastly, The Little Book of GREEN Minutes is not preachy. Tashia has written it in a way that is educational and intuitive, you do not feel obligated to do anything, but without a doubt after reading it, your perspective on life and the things that you use and consume everyday will be re-evaluated.  
                        
I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for something new and exciting. If nothing else pick-up the book and perhaps take a few tips to apply to your everyday life, I’m sure you won’t regret it. The Little Book of GREEN Minutes can be purchased at and the book can be purchased on www.amazon.ca  or www.amazon.com $19.97 plus tax. Feel free to check out Tashia's website at: www.GreenMinutes.ca or to check out her road to curliness as a past Featured Curlie.

Blessing and Curls,

B-Curlie

Product frustrations

So a while ago I asked you guys for your favourite natural hair resources. I got a few replies and also started to do my own research, because I think it’s important that we have a myriad of places to go that cater to us and our hair needs across Canada. I have noticed that Walmart, Walgreens and Target have caught on in the States, that the natural hair market is a lucrative one. I wish our Canadian department store would too. On the flip-side, there is nothing wrong with giving some of the independent manufactures and distributors some support as well.

I have three theories as to why we do not see our natural products everywhere.

1^st theory:

Many live in a hair product bubble

Photo: sxc.com

I truly think those who do not have our type of hair as our, live in a hair product bubble if you will. Not on purpose, but why should they care, if everything they need is at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart or even a local grocery store? They do not have to search for it as an entire aisle is devoted to their products, while black hair products take up less than a third of that space, and that space is usually for those with relaxed hair.

I also think many who do not have afro-textured, may think we can use the same hair products as them, and therefore would not understand why we need different products or tools.   

2^nd theory:

We aren’t loud enough

In the words of James Brown, “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud.” We need to inquire about our product in the stores we go to, on a regular basis. I’m guilty of this as I’m sure the rest of you are, but the truth is if we do not ask about them, we will never have a chance to see or purchase them in the big brand stores. It is 2012 and it is time we are represented in the stores that we have been spending money in for all these years.

3^rd theory:

The Curlie Lifestyle is relatively new

I know rocking natural hair is not new for everyone, but over the last 5-10 years, I think it has really come into its own. In the past it was more so thought of as political statement, but now it’s a form of self-love and to maintain healthy hair without chemicals.  So, if you think about it that way, the Curlie Lifestyle is really, just an adolescent.  It needs to grow and be nurtured like anything else. We have to make it important in our lives and once we do that, hopefully others will follow our lead.

Researched and submitted resources:

So far below are the ones I found or knew of. Please note that it’s also important to check your local Black Beauty Supply stores or even Sally’s, you may be pleasantly surprised. I know there are plenty of other companies/salons in Canada that provide services and products for Curlies. Help me improve this list and send your resources to share!

Online:

Blended Beauty: www.blendedbeauty.ca Phone: 1.877.470.0634
Curly Canadians: www.curlycanadians.ca

Kynk Naturals: www.kynk.ca Phone: 519.841.7559

Hair by Eli: www.hairbyeli.ca

I Love My Curls: http://storefront.ilovemycurls.ca Phone: 902.802.2409

Love Thy Hns: http://www.lovethyhns.ca

Ontario:
Curl Ambassadors: www.curlambassadors.ca

Grace Hair Studio: www.gracehairstudios.com Phone: 416.284.8523

Honey Fig www.honeyfig.com Phone: 416.226.2100

Nanni’s Natural Hair Salon www.nannisnaturalhair.com Phone: 416.243.5151

Nova Scotia:

Hy-Style Beauty Care (stylist: Pauline Patten-Bailey):  http://hy-stylebeautycare.yolasite.com  Phone: 902.431.0556.