FAB 'FRO BACK: Marsha Hunt

Look familiar?? Ever wonder who's face that was on every natural hair tee, button, etc... well wonder no mas. It is the gorgeous Marsha Hunt. She is a talented, model, actress, and novelist.





For your viewing pleasure...

Now...

Still just as fabulous!!

NATURAL CELEBS

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Look who's shedding some light on their Natural hair journeys. I love it! I was just talking to my BFF about how there are probably way more Natural celebs than we think and they more than likely wear weave because it's more condusive to their careers. I was right. Check Tamera's interview here and Malinda's here.

Just for kicks...I am feeling this more grown up "Olivia" lololol

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SWIMMING W/NATURAL HAIR

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It's that time of year! FINALLY I can go swimming :) I love swimming, it's a favorite summer pasttime of mine, it brings back so many childhood memories. Anyway, you want to take a dip, BUT what will you do with your hair?? That's the QOTD.

Now don't think just because you're Natural your hair doesn't need protecting because it does. Chlorine affects hair period. Relaxed or Natural. You must do SOMETHING to minimize the effects, so here's what I suggest :

* Completely wet your hair with water before entering the pool - this way your hair will soak up the tap water vs. the chlorinated water

* Pre Poo (w/out the rinse) before swimming - Using an oil will form a barrier, remember the Moisturize vs. Seal?

* Put your hair in large braids/twists to lessen the amount of hair directly affected

* Shampoo and Condition your hair immediately following swimming or as soon as you possibly can. Chlorine is drying, so the longer it sits the more moisture your hair loses.

* A swimming cap *They NEVER stayed on my head LOLOL*

Oh and this doesn't just apply to pool water, I've found these work even when I'm at the beach. Salt water is treacherous to my hair!!!!

Try a couple and see how they work. Remember, it's all about trial and error with Natural hair.

For those who are avid swimmers, what are your swimming suggestions? What works for you?

DO YOU PRE POO?

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Hey all! I'll be coming out of my twists soon and looking to revamp my Summer regimen (which is usually just W&G). I'm backing off from my PJism of buying/using too many products and my goal is to just keep it simple. One thing I'm going to incorporate is a Pre Poo.

What exactly is "Pre Poo?" It's when you add oil, conditioner or both to your hair, let it sit for however long (usually 30 mins. or so) and then wash it out BEFORE you wash it with Shampoo (if you do Poo). Now I know what you're thinking because I thought the same thing...it's counterproductive right? Actually, I find the opposite. I do a Pre Poo in the winter to add extra moisture to my hair and it makes it softer and more manageable. Pre pooing has many different benefits. It helps protect your hair from the shampooing process. The majority of product buildup lies on our scalp, not on our hair, so using an oil or a conditioner provides a layer of protection between your hair and the ingredients in the shampoo.

I usually add Honey to the conditioner which works wonderfully, but since it's Summer and my hair doesn't need heavy products on it, I'll be using some type of oil.

But tell us, do you Pre Poo? If you do, how do you like it?

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The Natural Girl's Marketplace is OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS!!!

**CHEERS**

I created an online store with tees specific for us Natural Girls because I wanted to show the world how Naturally proud we are. I love my hair! I think it's the most beautifulest thing in this world, lolol, so why not tell everyone, plus I love shirts that have meaning.

And for you lovely ladies with Locs, I got you covered too.

So head on over there and cop some tees to rock for the Summer!

HAPPY SHOPPING!!

THE X-FACTOR: HUMIDITY

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Picture this: *cue Summertime by Fresh Prince* You walk out into this gorgeous weather we're having looking your summer flyyest and exactly 2.5 minutes later that super cute press, twist-out, or rollerset that you played with til perfection has COMPLETELY crumbled. I mean not ONE sign of a curl or wave, absolutely nothing. Well ladies you have been attacked by our style's worst enemy....HUMIDITY.

I cannot tell you how many times this has happened to me. I mean I thought that my twist-outs and such would hold up in such humidity, apparently I was mistaken AND doing something wrong.

For starters, I, for some unknown reason, would underestimate how humid it really was. I know it's not ATL humid *THANK HEAVENS*, but it's enough to make me feel sticky-icky just walking to the car. Then, I wasn't using the right products. None of what I was using had anything to protect my hair from the moisture in the atmosphere. Finally I was choosing the wrong style for the day. Enough said.

Never fear!! You can have Humidity-retardant hair with these simple tips:


* Try rocking styles that force your hair to stay in place ie. box-braids (plaits), flat-twists, or cornrows

* Play around with pin up styles and buns. These keep most of your hair HIDDEN and away from the moisture in the air

* Leave-in conditioners not only help keep your hair moisturized, but they also help tame some of that frizz

* Use styling aids designed to resist humidity. There are plenty of 'Anti-Frizz' options, so try some out and mix them with products that enhance your curl pattern

* And if all else fails (or you're lazy like me) a simple W&G is AWESOME! Or keep some headbands and hair accessories when things really get outta control, lolol

If it's gonna be a high humidity day, why aggravate yourself? Your hair IS going to struggle, so govern yourself accordingly.

HAPPY STYLING!!

PJ FIX: COCONUT MILK

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My girl asked me have I ever heard of using Coconut Milk for my hair and skin. Now we all know how wonderful Coconut oil is, but I've actually never heard of using the milk of coconuts for anything other than cooking, so you know I had to dig into it. Turns out, it's VERY good for our hair *SURPRISE SURPRISE*

So what is Coconut Milk??

Coconut Milk comes from the meat of a mature coconut. It's high in protein, essential fats, iron and manganese, which are all valuable in promoting healthy hair growth. It makes your hair super soft, shiny, and moisturized.

It is also wonderful for hair loss. The milk contains Potassium and B9 which are minerals essential for healthy hair growth. Gently massage the Coconut Milk on your problem area to stimulate the blood flow to the hair follicles before you wash your hair. You should notice changes very soon.

But be careful, you can't use it too much or your hair will become too protein rich and turn dry.


Here's a recipe I'd invite you to try:

1/4 Cup of Coconut Milk
2 Tablespoons of Honey
1/4 Cup of Conditioner

Mix all of these ingredients and let sit on your hair for about an hour then rinse. Easy breezy.

Or you can just pour the milk directly on your hair, cover with a plastic cap, sit for an hour or so, and rinse.

If you love Coconut oil, I'm sure you'll love the milk. Let us know how it works out :)

AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

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Let's meet Leanna Archer. She is the CEO of Leanna's All Natural Hair Products and guess what??? SHE'S ONLY 15!!! *WORK*

She started her company at the tender age of 9! Using a secret family recipe, baby girl turned this into a profitable business. Her hair products include various oils like Avocado, Almond, Hibiscus and Rosemary, and our fave Shea Butter. I find this all fascinating, but what I like most about her company is she employs young kids to be representatives! Ingenious. It's a win-win. Now they can help contribute to that ever rising college tuition.

So the next time you're looking for products to use on your baby's head, think of Leanna. Let's show this teen entrepreneur love y'all!

AND THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS...

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The month of May wasn't a total bust ;)

In EXACTLY 12 more days, I will be launching The Natural Girl's Marketplace. A cute little place to rack up on your pro Natural gear!!! CHEERS!! Doing big things out here :) Stay tuned!! Wheels and Deals will be coming shortly.

Are you excited?? I sure am!