TRANSITIONING101

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So you don't wanna BC? That's cool (neither did I), however you still want to be able to work with your hair during this Transitioning period. You're going to learn A LOT about your hair and here are some things I've learned along the way and made the process enjoyable:

** Condition Regularly Conditioner aids in helping the hair avoid breakage. When you are transitioning from relaxed hair to your natural texture, there is a point that known as the "line of demarcation." This is where the two textures collide. It is the weakest point and most susceptible to breakage. And don't forget to use a wide-toothed comb :)

** Have Realistic Expectations Do NOT expect your natural hair to act like it does when it's relaxed. NO MA'AM!! It will NOT! You have to learn and experiment with different ways of dealing with your hair to get the best results. Otherwise, your experience will be very frustrating, especially when your curls seem to be doing everything but what you want them to do (I still struggle with this).

SIDE NOTE: Under this I have issues with length obsession! LOLOLOL. Hair only grows about 1/2" per month, so with my Type 4 hair when I wash and it shrinks I feel like my hair hasn't grown...but in all actuality it has, I just can't see it fully. So don't be dismayed, your hair is GROWING!

** Be Gentle Exercise great care with your hair, especially where the relaxed and natural hair meet. Too much heat styling and manipulation to match the textures should be avoided, instead try wet sets, braids-outs, twist-outs, twists, and other curly styles instead. There's a ton on Youtube, so as long as you've got internet you're good!

** Be Patient There WILL come a time when you feel like your hair is too much to deal with. Dealing with 2 textures is hard. You'll be like 'Ok really?? Like what did I get myself in to?' or you may say 'I should've just kept my relaxer.' I know. I've been there, but if you're SERIOUSLY COMMITTED to doing this thing, you're going to have to learn patience.

Just remember that your hair is growing and it's going to be healthier and stronger than ever. Before you know it, you'll have a head full of beautiful, natural curls that are all your own!!

Hey Naturalites, what other tips can you give to Transitioners?

HAIR cAnDY: LAURA IZIBOR

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Meet Miss Laura Izibor :) She is the Irish singer-songwriter infamous for her single "From My Heart to Yours" AND she's also a talented pianist, producer, arranger, and composer...all at the tender age of 23!! BTW those curly tendrils of hers gives me life!! They're so gorgeous, I LOVE IT and her music.

WWYD: I HATE MY HAIR

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What Would You Do (WWYD) if you came across teenage girls who HATED their hair?

I met 2 young ladies who have expressed how much they hate their hair. I mean they don't even LIKE their own hair. They prefer weave and believe me there's nothing wrong with that, but to the point where you think your hair is ugly?? WHAT???

I am so disturbed. I've always at least LIKED my hair, even if it is a Love/Hate relationship at times, but I've never PREFERRED something that wasn't mine over mine. Maybe it's just a phase I don't remember going through, IDK, but I do know that something must be done. There has to be a bigger issue.

Because they're a part of a local mentoring program, my aunt and I decided to host a session to talk about it. Now, here's where you all come in...how do you think we should address this? How would you go about trying to get someone to realize the beauty of their own hair?

Oh and **SHAMELESS PLUG** if you want to volunteer/help in any way, email me :D

NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

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The month is over halfway gone, but I still think it's worthy of being acknowledged. Happy National Women's History Month!!

We've influenced so many facets of life - Education, Politics, Arts, Science, Technology, the list goes on and on and on, so it's only fitting that we celebrate our successes!!

We stand on the backs of these notable women:

Civil Rights Activist, Fannie Lou Hamer

"I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired"

First Lady, Humanitarian, Eleanor Roosevelt

"Do one thing every day that scares you"

Humanitarian, Helen Keller

"The field in which I may work is narrow, but it streches before me limitless"

Dancer, Singer, Josephine Baker

"The things we truly love stay with us always, locked in our hearts as long as life remains"

Athlete, Wilma Rudolph *ahem*

"Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit"

The National Portrait Gallery online exhibition is AWESOME! Check it out here.

Here's to us Ladies!! Don't forget to thank those ladies in our own lives who've helped us get to where we are today :)

CONGRATULATIONS TOOOOOO.....

TRACY!!

Her deets:

This is my hair for my bday party at Love the Club in DC back in January. I had two strand twists done with Karen's Body Beauiful Sweet Ambroisa (leave-in) mixed with Karen's Body Beautiful Butterlove as a styler. I let the braids set for a few days, and the result is this curly fro/twist-out...and this is actually 2nd or 3rd day hair hence the lack of definition. But its BIG and I love it!

Looking good girl!! Congratulations!!

Thanks to all who entered :)

SELF TRIMMING

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I was randomly checking my hair one Saturday morning and noticed the very beginnings of split hairs **FAINT** I scheduled my appointment STAT and made sure she knew I wanted a trim. Prior to this I had hyped myself up to do it myself because I knew it was time. I went and bought trimming shears from Sally's, gave myself the 'Big Girl' pep talk, but of course, in the eleventh hour when faced with reality of actually doing it, I chickened out :( I justified this of course by saying "I'll let her get me started, I'll do it next time," lolololol.

I am SCARED TO DEATH to trim my own hair. I'm sure it's all in my head and I'm being super dramatic, but nonetheless if I ever plan on being completely self-sufficient when it comes to my hair I need to get over this hurdle. I would much rather rely on my stylist b/c I'm afraid I'll cut too much or make it uneven or whatever, I blame my Libra scale for making me have everything balanced ;)

For those who are struggling like me, these are the Trimming 101 Basics I've found:

* Invest in the RIGHT kind of scissors. Dull scissors or scissors that aren't designed for cutting hair can actually damage you hair causing split ends. Use them ONLY for trimming, NOTHING else!

* Trim on DRY hair, wet hair will mask split ends (I'd take this one with a grain of salt, depends your personal preference)

Check out this site too. She gives step by step instructions on the different kinds of cutting shapes - U-shaped, V-shaped, Straight. EXTREMELY helpful!!

These vids were great in hyping me up as well:

So tell me, have you trimmed your own hair before? If so, what/how did you do it?

FOR ALL YOU PJs...

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THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES!!!

Here's to feeding your inner PJ!! I'm giving away a $25 gift card for Amazon.com for you to buy all your fav products, styling tools, etc!!!

All you have to do is send the following to naturally.cleveland@gmail.com:

* Your name and photo of yourself/hair at your Naturally (Transitionally) Flyyest

* Info about your hairstyle ie. CurlyFro, FroHawk, TwistNCurl

* What products you used

That's it guys!!!!

The contest ends Tuesday March 15, 2011 at 11:59 EST so START ENTERING!!!

AND THE TANGLE TEEZER GOES TOOOOO....

NATURALITE

ANGELA BESSAH!!!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered!! Next giveaway starts tomorrow :)

DO I LOOK MASCULINE?

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I was out to dinner with my newly BC'd aunt, she got a shape up at the barbershop, and was unsure about her new 'do. She asked me "Do I look masculine? Being that my hair is short and all." Of course I didn't think so, but I can imagine if you're a newly BC'd person this thought has run through your mind a time or two.

Contrary to popular belief, long hair does NOT automatically equate with being feminine. It takes a very strong person, inside and out, to rock a short 'do. I myself have contemplated it, but haven't quite built up the nerve, so I applaud all short-haired Naturalites out there.

So, how do you make yourself look more feminine? ACCESSORIES AND STYLING!!!

* Hair accessories, earrings, necklaces, THE WORKS. Even makeup (if you so choose). They all work together to complete your look. You just have to take the time to figure out what works and what doesn't. It's a process, but it's worth it.

* Some styles can make you look boyish and we can't have that (unless that's what you want). Cut out pictures-put your face on them, play in your hair, consult a professional, do whatever it takes, but you MUST find the right style for you. There's nothing worse than cutting your hair into a style you can do NOTHING about...BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!!

AND Yes, there are styles you can do on your TWA. Just the check the Vid, they are cute and girly:

*CUE* TONY! TONI! TONE!

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YES IT IS FINALLY HERE!!!

The Natural Girl's Guide to Cleveland turns 1 year old TODAY!!!!!

Much love to EACH and EVERY ONE of my followers *BIG HUG* Thanks for hanging in there with me :) I cannot tell you how much y'all have inspired me on this journey.

Now for the good part, this week's giveaway is...a TANGLE TEEZER!!! I liked it so much I decided to give one away!! I want you to try it for yourself.

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You have until EXACTLY 11:59pm on Monday March 7, 2011 to email me 2 things at naturally.cleveland@gmail.com:

1. Your NAME/ALIAS

2. Whether you're a TRANSITIONER OR NATURALITE.

See ...it's dumb easy, so hop to it!!!

*Winners will be selected using an online random counter*