PRO NATURAL GEAR AT FOREVER21

Forever21 has jumped on the Muppet-Natural Hair Train as well. Check out this racerback tee available for $13.80 online. What do you think?

HAIR FOOD: BEANS

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Beans, beans, they're good for your ... hair? YES, it is absolutely true! Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet because not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin - which we know is important for beautifully strong hair as well.

I'm always on the hunt for new recipes and my coworker brought in Moujadara (Lentils and Rice), it was super tasty BTW, and I got to thinking to myself 'Beans are really good protein right? Hair is protein, so I wonder what beans are best for my hair?' Now I mostly eat beans with rice (and cornbread, lolol), so naturally I started wondering if rice affects hair as well...and you guessed it, it does!

Here's a compliation of beans/rice effects:

* Silica and Selenium - found in rice - keeps skin and scalp supple and elastic, adds shine, strengthens hair, and prevents hair loss

* Potassium - found in brown rice, black-eyed peas, and red beans - regulates circulation and promotes healthy hair growth

* Magnesium - found in red and black beans, black-eyed peas, and brown rice - works with calcium to promote healthy hair growth

* Manganese - found in brown and white rice, red and pinto beans, and black-eyed peas - prevents slow hair growth

* Iron and Folate - found in red, black, and pinto beans and black-eyed peas - strengthens hair, prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth

So there you have it, the dish on beans. The ADA, recommends 3 cups of lentils or beans every week, so get to cooking!

Do you have any good legume recipes you want to share?? I'm always open ;)

DRY STYLING

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For a long time I was under the impression that the only way I could style my hair was if it was wet. I don' t know, I always thought it set better when it was wet and I was sticking to my guns about not combing my curls dry (which I still do). However, after this here winter, I'm thinking I may need to change that up.

I washed my hair the usual once/week and ProStyled, but in the winter I can't afford to walk out with my hair even being slightly damp. My head would start hurting the minute I walked out the door, not good at all. I was talking to one of my friends and she has a bi-weekly routine and I was like what?? How is that possible? She rocks a braid-out or twist-out for a week, then instead of re-doing it for the next week, she'd pin it up in a bun or something. Don't get me wrong, I've tried doing stuff with old twist-outs and braid-outs, but for WHATEVER reason (we'll say frustration and lack of creativity at the time) I'd just wash it and redo it to make it easier on myself. Now I've realized that maybe manipulating my hair like that this winter might not have been the best thing for it. I'll definitely take that as a lesson learned for next time.

So if you're going to dry style, just remember Rule #1, never style your hair without something on it. This could be a moisturizer, shea butter, water, etc... but whatever you do, just use something!

Here are a couple of dry styles I'd invite you to try:

WEAVE ALLERGIES?

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A Transitioner asked:

"Can you be allergic to weave? I'm transitioning and decided to get extensions to make my journey easier. I've recently gotten cornrows and I can't stand to have them in longer than a week. My scalp was beyond itchy and very red, clearly irritated. It'd gotten to the point where I just HAD to take them out! I've never had this issue before."

How timely. It's right about this time when my own scalp is starting to act a fool with my kinky twists {changed my mind on those Janet braids}. That good old 2 week mark. I guess my scalp still hasn't gotten used to the added hair. **SIDEBAR: I use my Lemon/Water mixture in between washes**

Ok so you don't usually think of people being allergic to weave, but it's true. Just like some people can't handle certain foods, some crowns of glory simply CANNOT handle weave.

If you're allergic, your symptoms would start happening almost immediately, I'd say definitely within the first 3 days. There'd be a burning sensation on your scalp - where it feels like it's on fire, little bumps would start to appear, and rashes would pop up anywhere the hair touches. You would be wanting to snatch that weave out just as quick as you got it in. For most folks the pain in unbearable.

If you're NOT allergic, your symptoms would definitely be a little less dramatic. Mostly your scalp would be itchy and flaky.

So based on your symptoms girly, I'd say you might be allergic to that particular weave :(

STRESSED TODAY, BALD TOMORROW

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As I embark on this GRUELING 60-hr graveyard shift work week, I find myself already getting pretty short-tempered. I am already stressed out and I haven't even gotten into the thick of it...just the mere thought of it pisses me off. Anyway, I am concerned about how the impending stress levels will affect my hair. I know when people, women in particular, start having major life issues, the first thing that seems to go is their hair.

Why is this??

Well basically when our bodies experience extreme emotional or physical stress the immune system shuts down. Major systems are ignored, hair included, as the body pumps blood to the major muscles preparing it for the fight. The body seems to concentrate its energies on recovery or healing and hair growth seems rather less of a priority. The hair then undergoes the fall out phase. Another factor is hormones. Hormones can change your attitude, mood, skin and your hair. If an imbalance occurs, the stress from it can damage the hair, kind of like a vitamin deficiency.

So what can we do to prevent stress from damaging our beautiful crowns of glory??

One thing is for sure and we need lower our stress levels. Balancing our daily routines can help the health of our hair. Adding some type of activity that YOU enjoy and creates that calm environment is key. When you can rest and conduct your life with less stress, not only will you feel good but your hair will too!!

I have a goal I'm trying to reach and stress is definitely not going to help that out. I just need to bite the bullet and RELAX, RELATE, RELEASE, lolol. Maybe I'll try yoga.

How do you handle your hair in a time of stress?

HOMETOWN LOVE

Meet Ms. Nellenatural23

She's the girl from the iHEART post with super cute style. She has Youtube channel and will be posting a tutorial on her style soon. So why not give her a proper intro?? So let's meet her:

How long have you been Natural?

2 years

What's your 'go to' style?

My "go to" style is the wash n go

What are your product staples?

Oyin Handmade Hair Dew, I can use it as a leave in, a moisturizer and a styler. Also Aussie Moist Conditioner.

What are the Top 2 videos you've done?

Well I only have 1 favorite video, and that would be my first video because it felt great to startposting on my channel.

Top 3 tips for Transitioners and/or Naturals?

1. To go natural for you. Stay true to yourself and know why you decided to wear your hair in its natural state.

2. Be patient. The beginning stages may be rough, but the versatility of natural hair is amazing!

3. Moisturize often and realize that what's good on your friend's hair may not be good on yours.

There you are Cleveland, let's show her mad love by subscribing to her youtube channel.

REALLY??

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So this weekend while out celebrating my girls' birthday, I was rocking my 'fro with a flower. Nothing major - or so I thought. THREE guys came up to me and said something about me and my hair....it was um...interesting. I still don't know how I feel about it.

Guy #1: You know, you're kinda funny acting, I mean I can just tell with your fro and all. You came up in here all Black Power. It's intimidating.

Guy #2: I didn't expect you to kick it like you're doing right now. I expected you to be snooty with your fro and all.

Guy #3: You know..you have to have a LOT of confidence to wear your hair all out like you do. It's (pause) different. I mean, it's not what I'm used to seeing. I think I like it.

Now, I was just out and about kicking it with my girls. I'm not one who walks in a spot and screams 'HERE I AM WORLD!' Negative. I'm the opposite. I do NOT consider myself arrogant or overly confident or super soul sista at all. So when those guys came up to me, it definitely caught me off guard. I was just being lazy, didn't feel like doing my hair for real and just did my W&G.

With Guy #1 - I was offended at first then I was intrigued. I mean where did he get that from?? He didn't have a real answer, so I kept it moving.

With Guy 2 - I guess I should take this as a compliment. We can have just as much fun as the next chick...it has nothing to do with how we wear our hair.

With Guy 3 - I'll take this as a compliment. Not like I need him for validation of anything, but just that guys in Cleveland are warming up to us Natural sistas.

What do y'all think? What reactions are y'all getting when you're rocking your Natural 'dos?

iHEART

I was at 'Another Natural Hair Gathering' hosted by the ladies of W.I.N.K.K and I stumbled upon this fab hairstyle. I love it! however in my awe of the style I neglected to get the girl's info *smh* It's pretty simple, so try it out!

Oh and if you see/know her, tell her to send me her info! LOLOLOL

*THANKS TO EVERYONE who supported me and bought a shirt*

WE HAVE OUR WINNER...

*loves the 'fro*

Go PERRINNE, it's ya birthday!

She's the big winner of the 'Live Life on the CURLY side' t-shirt!!

She likes living life on the 'Curly' side because "There is so much freedom! I no longer have to fun from the rain and can whip up a hair style in less than 30min!!!" *AMEN to that*

Style/product: Bumble and Bumble Calming Cream (for coarse hair) and pinned to the side

THROWBACK HAIR

Hey all! FINALLY we're starting to attempt to get Spring-like temps around these parts *YES* I love warm/hot weather so naturally Spring and Summer are my favorite times of the year. The sun beating down on me is the best feeling in the world, especially on a Friday that I just got paid on and DO NOT have to work *cue Johnny Kemp* I digress...

Spring, right, this time of season I tend to not want to be bothered with my hair AT ALL so when I get tired of W&G I usually get twists/braids/strawsets something of the sort. This year I'm thinking about taking it back and getting those Poetic Justice braids. Since I will be working 60 hours a week for 6 weeks or so, that leaves NO time for me to attempt to do anything to my hair. Plus, braids grow my hair out like a mug, so I'm thinking my hair will be APL by the July. Right on track for where I want to be by October.

Solange inspired me. I love her look.

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What are your Spring/Summer 2011 hair plans?

JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING

BIG NEWS:

I will be launching my online store very soon!!! *deets to come*

**CHEERS**

I'm so excited about this new venture, so here's to celebrating with me!! All you have to do is email the following to naturally.cleveland@gmail.com :

**NAME/ALIAS**

**WHY YOU LOVE LIVING LIFE ON THE 'CURLY' SIDE**

**A PIC OF YOUR FAVORITE 'CURLY' DO AND HOW YOU DID IT**

That's it!! Contest ends next Thursday, April 8 at 11:59pm. START ENTERING!!!