Featured Curlie - Shellene

Name: Shellene aka The Accidental Natural

Hometown: Montreal, Quebec, but now I'm a proud Torontonian!

First year of curlieness: 2008

Why I went curlie: It was kind of by accident. My hair was permed STRAIGHT (like bone-straight, no kink, wave or curl to be found) for my wedding in September 2007. As the weather cooled down, I decided to go into braids as usual until the spring. When I took my hair out, I finally noticed my new growth and it was so coily and strong, I wanted to know what my hair would look like completely natural. I hadn't seen my natural texture in 20 years. On the other side of that was relaxing my hair was destroying my scalp. I had all manner of scalp issues that relaxing was just exacerbating. I am allergic to coconut and I learned, as I was researching product ingredients when I went natural that the majority -- almost all -- commercial shampoos use coconut-based ingredients as their foaming agents. That could have been a reason why my scalp was forever flaking off.

Going 'curlie' didn't stop the scalp problem, but deciding not to relax made the problems more manageable. By September 2008, I decided to cut off my permed ends and take it from there. I didn't have a real plan or I didn't make a decision at the beginning to become natural - it just sort of happened organically.

Regime and products: My regime and products started off very complex - I read every blog and watched every video online. From that, I was buying up things like I was a Trump and trying all types of methods. I'm much too lazy and busy for all of that. So now my regime is to the point and simple. I have a hair goal to get to BSL, but I was finding it hard to get past APL. I don't believe in terminal hair growth - I knew it was my regime (i.e. playing up in my hair too much) that was hindering me from reaching my goal.

Now, I'm doing a year of twists. I wash my hair every two to three weeks with either a Henna Sooq shampoo bar (Berhempsu is my favourite) or use my Shea Moisture shampoos (black soap for dandruff and shea butter for moisture). I detangle with lots of conditioner (Tresemme) and wash my hair in sections. I'm trying to deep condition more regularly - I was using Silk Elements Megasilk Olive Moisturizing Treatment, but I find that my hair reacts better to straight shea butter and a heat cap. Next, I do medium sized or mini twists using either shea butter (can you tell I like some shea butter! LOL!), a natural gel like Kinky Curly Curling Custard or Essential Wholesale Styling Jelly (when the weather was humid) or Shea Moisture's Deep Treatment Masque. I wear the twists for two weeks, try to rock a twist out for a week and do the whole thing over again. I started in June and I've already seen a major improvement in terms of length. When my hair needs it, I'll moisturize with a mixture of rosewater, aloe vera juice and a little glycerin and seal everything in with olive oil.

The best part of being curlie for me is: There are a couple of good parts of being curlie. The major one is learning to embrace me for me. I know for a lot of curlies, going natural isn't anything more than not relaxing their hair, but for me it was a kind of awakening. I was learning to love my hair the way it grows out of my head and without using a chemical to make it into something that it wasn't. I find it fascinating that Black women are the only women on the planet who don't know what their real hair texture is and don't know how to look after their own hair. I was so tired of depending on relaxers and hair dressers, that going natural was like being freed. I can do my hair when I want. I can figure out what it needs. I know my hair better than anyone else -- I don't have to depend on anything but some water, shea butter and my two strong hands.

My Curlie Mom

When I first told my mother that I was going to transition an grow my perm out, she didn’t know what to say. I could tell that she was not sure about the idea, only because she wasn’t sure about my motives.

I explained to her that I wanted to be free from relaxing, in essence putting myself through an intervention if you will. I explained to her that even though I was early in my transition that I was already seeing the benefits of not being exposed to harsh chemicals.

Little did I know that almost a year after I started my transition my mom big chopped from her curly perm. She told me that she noticed that her hair was thinning because of all the years of perming.

She said that she realized that we had been brain-washed to think pressing and perming was the only way for our hair to be styled to look good. She now knows that is not true since the hair that grows out of our heads is naturally curly.

Since her big chop, my mom loves her curls and loves the fact that I went natural too. For her me going natural gave her an incentive to do so too. She now wears her natural hair with pride and is happy she left the relaxing and perming days behind. She is now free.

Are you an inspiration for others in your family to go curlie?  

Mom and Me

Curls and Blessings,

B-Curlie

Favourite Natural Hair Resources

Let’s face it for most of us, our journey to Curliehood and experiences with natural hair has been minimal, that is unless your were lucky enough not to have ever came in contact with a relaxer, texturizer or even a jheri curl. You have been truly blessed and I'm actually jealous - LOL!!!

I’m still working on my perfecting my regime, but I also realize that this will always change as long as their are new developments in technology and our knowledge as a whole. With that said, I’m going to list a few of my favourite bloggers and youtubers who have inspired me throughout my journey and continue to provide my with new styling techniques and in ways give me the gusts to try something new. I’m sure they can help you too.


You Tube:

Kimmaytube - I swear by her leave-in as I mentioned before, not to mention her hair growth journey videos make yo feel like you can do it too.
Kandeelovesya - she is now 100% natural, but transitioned for over a year. Perfect for long-term transitioners
Naptural85 - her styling techniques are on point and very easy to follow.
Prettydimples01 - such a talented stylist, I love her creative styles. She is also hilarious.

MahoganyKnots - excellent tutorials and she is not afraid to use products.
Splinta24 - representing Toronto. I love her product reviews and styles, not to mention she tell you how it really is, without holding back.
ToniDaley80 - another Torontonian. She has a funky style and I like her product reviews too.


Hair blogs:
The Accidental Natural - great blog and writing style. Here review are very honest and so helpful. Another Canadian.

Back to Curly - A mellow feeling blog about natural hair. A good read while drinking a cup or tea.
College Curlies - Although my days in college are long gone, she also focused on frugal natural hair styling. I think everyone needs to think about $$$$ every so often.
Curly Nikki - She is a blog icon in the natural hair world, for me anyway. She covers everything from lifestyle stories, styling techniques, products and online forums.

iHEARTmyhair - I love her blog because it’s not just about products and style, but she also focuses on personal empowerment and loving natural hair.


Although I’ve only listed a few, I should note that I’m always finding new blogs and youtubers that I enjoy. So this list will probably grow as time goes on.

Tell me what youtubers or bloggers that have helped you?

Blessing and Curls,

B-Curlie

Freedom with Curls

Do you remember those days when you were afraid of rain or snow messing with your fresh flat ironed or pressed style? I do, like it was yesterday.

Yes natural hair is still effected by the elements, but not to the point where they have total control over whether you go outside or not. I remember staying at home, if I couldn’t find an umbrella or had a ride to pick me up. Those days are over. Now, the rain just adds a little bit more frizz than there was to begin with. LOL! I have a love hate relationship with frizz, but sometimes you just have to submit and let your curlies be frizzy if they want. At the end of the day at least your hair is getting moisture right!

I love the fact that now I don’t have to run from the rain or hide under a roof or tree for shelter to protect my hair. This freedom is amazing and something that I always wanted. It just reaffirms to me that going natural was the right decision after all. My husband even asked me what it was like not having to worry about the rain. I told him it was great and now I can enjoy those flash summer showers. In addition to being released from the bondage the rain once had over me, it was also nice to see that my husband appreciated it as well.

How has natural hair released you? Share your stories...

Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie

Flower or no flower

When I first went natural you could find me in my neighbourhood Ardene or Claire’s at least once a week. I was addicted to hair accessories. I soon decided to try my hand at creating my own. I invested in a hot glue gun, fabrics and zippers. I had found love once again. I loved creating my own stylish hair accessories every fabric had different possibilities and style combinations.

Now that my hair has grown longer, I do not wear my accessories as often and I think it’s because I’m starting to feel more comfortable with my hair naked so to speak. Even though I transitioned for nine months and had 4-1/2 inches of growth, it was still the shortest length I had my hair since I was a baby. So I think it was normal at least for me it was to have a few insecurities in the beginning.

When I started my making the accessories it was so much fun creating colourful, unique accessories that no one else would have. I was able to express myself and it was very fulfilling. I now wear my beloved accessories once or twice a week to complement my outfit.

My point is I understand the need for new naturals to accessorize whether it’s hair pieces, earrings or make-up. The question you need to ask yourself is why are you accessorizing? Is it because you aren’t comfortable with your hair or do you just want to add to your already amazing style. I learned that my soul and my curls are already my best accessories, everything else are just colourful additions.

(above) Me with one of my favourite creations 

(below) A few of the flower hair accessories that I made.

Blessings and Curls,

B-Curlie

Natural reflections

I’ve only been wearing my hair fully natural for six months and I have to say that since I started my journey, I’ve noticed quite a few curlies and naturals around me. It’s a great feeling, almost as if we’ve found out about a hair secret and won the lottery too. I knows this will sound cheesy, but it truly is a gift that keeps on giving.  I absolutely love my hair and going natural has given me a new awareness of who I am and I feel good inside and out.

One thing that saddens me is when I speak to women with relaxed hair and they have no idea that there is another side to beauty. Yes, you can look amazing with straight hair (I’m not hating) but there is something wrong when you don’t think you can also look fantastic with the hair that naturally grows out of your scalp. I honestly think all women should go natural at least once in their adult life and give it a real shot. Then make an educated decision on what is best for them and the health of their hair.

This experience has been very eye opening. I now know that Curlies don’t have to be militant feminist or have an agenda against relaxers to be themselves. I guess what I’m saying is that
there is no war, unless you allow one to happen. Love yourself, your curls and do what is best for your well being!

Are you ready to accept the challenge of going natural??? We will support you. Share your story....

Blessings and Curls,

B-Curlie

Wash-n-Go Wizards

So my friend and I decided to go natural at the same time. What is cool is that our last perms were on the same day done by the same stylist. We both took different roads as well, she big chopped two months into her transition and I waited nine months. In terms of styling she is a wash-n-go wizard and I’m the queen of twist-outs. Twist -outs make me feel secure.

I love her wash-n-gos. She makes them sound and look so easy. To me they are too unpredictable, I don’t like my hair to shrink too much. Not to mention, they usually only guarantee two days of hair before another wash is in order. Not my cup of tea, but I still want to master them, to add another look to my skill set.
 
I’ve tried it using Kinky Curly Curling Custard, and it was OK. I think I may have used too much product or not enough. I plan to try it again this weekend, I’ll come back with an update on my next post. I’ll post pics too. Please pray for my curls…I’m accepting wash-n-go tips…

Blessing and Curls,
B-Curlie