Meet Jon! (My first interview with a natural man)

How we met:

So I’m grabbing my lunch at this swank little place called the Urban Outfitters Corporation and I see him from across the room. You can spot those huge bleach blonde dreads from a mile away. (Ha!) After I got done I made my way over to the condiment area to get some utensils and when I looked up there he was. I complimented his hair and he gave me a friendly smile and said “Thanks.” A week later a group of my friends and I were walking to the subway and he rides by on his skateboard and waves at me. I had been telling my friends how I have been dying to meet and interview this guy.

My friend Melissa, who was also intrigued with his dreads, had spoken to him before so everyone knew of him. “Justin!” I called. “Come here.” He jumped off of his (skate) board and finally I told him about my blog and asked him if he would be okay with an interview. He said yes. To which I  responded “awesome how about we meet sometime this week (at urban)?” he replied “cool, no problem--By the way what’s your name?” I laughed and said “Sabrina” he said “My name is Jon” and we shook hands. I burst out laughing! Melissa had previously told me his name was Justin. Even though I was a tad embarrassed it was a common mistake we all laughed off. So without further ado I want you guys to meet my new friend, Jon.

 

 

 

 

1. Tell me a little about yourself for example your age, hobbies, occupation. and where you're from:

Hmm.. what's there to tell? I'm 23 years old. Last year I graduated from the university of Delaware with a double major in chemistry and philosophy, And I'm currently using that education to... work in the coffee shop at the previously mentioned urban outfitters. When I'm not at work, my favorite way to spend my time is playing music. I play a few different things, but my main instrument is the synthesizer. I play keys in a dancey, jammy, live electronic band called tweed and that keeps me pretty occupied.

2. How long have you been growing your locs?

I shaved my head 5 years ago and have had the locks for about half that time.

3. What made you decide to get locs?

I've got super curly hair, and before I shaved it, it was just about down to my shoulders. Even though I washed it and detangled it every morning, by the end of the day I would have more than a few little dreaddies starting up. I always dug the style though, so eventually I decided to just go with the flow and do them myself to make the process go a little more smoothly.

4. What do you use on your product hair product wise, to maintain it?

 

I have never used anything on my dreads other than water and anti residue shampoo to keep them clean. A lot of people suggest putting wax in your dreads to keep loose hairs together, but it's pretty easy for dirt and water to get stuck in the wax and make your dreads funky.

5. Is there someone who helps maintain your hair on a regular basis?

I don’t really do much maintenance on my dreads. Once in a while, I’ll have a friend roll them around or twist in some loose hairs. I’ve also got a little crochet hook that I sometimes use to stick through my dreads and weave stray hairs back into the mix. It works better than anything else, but I don’t really have the patience to do it myself. It also helps a bit when people just play with my hair. Even just some head scratching or twirling fingers can be good for breaking old knots and starting new ones, especially near the roots.

6. Do you have a favorite “go to” style?

I usually just throw them back in a ponytail. Recently, they’ve been getting to the point where I can throw most of them in a bun, but they aren’t quite long enough to really get them all to fit. Sometimes for fun, I like to rock a couple pigtails.

7. What do you think about women with natural hair?

I’m all about it. Putting lots of chemicals in your hair seems strange to me. I can get down with some color, but hairspray and straighteners weird me out a bit. A woman who understands that she and her hair are naturally beautiful is extra beautiful to me.

8. What are the pro’s and con’s about having your hair loc’d?

The biggest pro for me is how maintenance free they are. I can pretty much roll out of bed, and they already look great. Something that is a bit of a pro and a con is that people seem to have a lot of ideas attached to people with dreadlocks. This can be great, as sometimes I feel like they help to attract like-minded people into my life, or give people who might not otherwise approach me a reason to (like you!), but on the other hand, I feel like they might keep people from getting a chance to know me as a person rather than a hairstyle, particularly in the professional realm. The biggest downside to having dreads for me though is how long they stay wet when I wash them. They stay wet for hours, and sometimes I swear they stay wet all day. This is especially a bummer in the winter.

9. What makes a woman’s hair beautiful to you?

Uniqueness and the confidence to rock that uniqueness. I like long hair, short hair, light hair, dark hair, nappy dreads, and silky smooth strands, but I really love it when a girl feels comfortable doing something a little different than everyone else. A little bit of color or a slightly different cut can go a long way. Sometimes a lot of uniqueness is great too! I don’t have a favorite type of hair, but it is so sexy when a girl finds and loves her own style.

10. Do you have any advice for my readers who are considering locking their hair?

If you’re into it, do it! Be patient because it may take a while to get them in (I sat on the floor for two days straight having a friend help me do them), and they probably won’t look as cool as you want them to right away. It takes some time for the fluff to settle in. Keep in mind that they are a bit more of a commitment than most other hairstyles, but they’re also way sexier!

 

Jon's Curls before the dreads

11. Have you ever experienced a stranger approach you and without permission touch your hair?

Oh, yes. All of the time.

12. If yes, how do you feel about it?

I usually don’t mind, and sometimes it can be nice. I really like it when people play with my hair, so having a stranger do it can be kind of cool. Sometimes strangers will pull my locks. This mostly happens at shows or other crowded places. They’ll pick one out and tug on it. I don’t really know what they expect. Pulling dreads hurts just like pulling any other hair, but as long as they’re nice about it, I don’t mind if curious people want to get a little touchy feely.

13. Some feel like it is an invasion of personal space..do you feel that way?

There’s a time and a place for everything. Sometimes it can be bothersome, like if I’m trying to have a conversation with someone or focusing on some other task, but other times I might be sitting there thinking, “Man, I wish I had someone to play with my hair right now.” As long as people are respectful, it’s pretty cool with me.

14. Does it help if they ask first?

Consent is always a good thing. This goes for touching my hair as well as any other situation you may find yourself in. If you’re unsure if it’s okay, ask!

15. Last but not least where can my readers find you on the web?

I’m on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jonnywarlock), but I can’t promise that I will be your friend if I don’t know you! This is my band’s website http://tweedmusic.com/. Check it out! Other than that, you can find me skating around Philly, or maybe hanging anywhere else around the real world. Feel free to say hi if you see me!

Twa Love

Hey Guys!!

Today I will be addressing Twa’s. For those who may be unfamiliar with the term twa stands for teeny weeny Afro. Every time I look at my feed on instagram or Google the term natural hair all I see are beautiful women with huge afros clearly years into their journeys. And I’m not hating (maybe just a little haha) but can we show a little more love to the girls who have just started  their journey? Long hair can be styled various ways, but for us girls with twa’s our options are limited.

Ladies do you have a twa and are unsure what to do with it here’s some options for you to consider:

Coil Out:

This style can be achieved by using a comb or your fingers. I will explain both below:

Comb Styling:

What you will need:

• Rattail comb
• Your favorite styling pudding/pomade (ex. Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie, Elasta QP olive oil mango butter moisturizer, Darcy’s botanical organic coconut & aloe moisture pudding)
• Your favorite oil or butter (ex.jojoba oil, coconut oil, shea butter)
• Shampoo
• Leave in conditioner
• Hair Clips/ Clamps

1. Start on clean hair

Make sure your hair is freshly washed and conditioned. Or just condition some prefer a good co-wash before doing these. Apply a good amount of leave in conditioner ( I recommend Giovanni direct leave in) You want to let your hair dry a good 50-75%. This style is best done on damp hair.

2. Sectioning your hair

Begin to section your hair and use clamps or clips to hold back the other sections of your hair. This helps to make it a neater process. And the rest of your hair won't be in the way.

3. Using your rattail comb separate pieces of your hair

You should do this according to the size you want your coils to be. A smaller section would typically be about a quarter of inch. A larger coil will be about an square inch.

4. Add your styling product

Take a section of your hair and apply your favorite styling product from root to tip.

5.  Twist and Pull

Starting close to your scalp gently pull the comb through your hair and slowly roll the comb around. Pull down slightly as you twist the comb; this creates the coil itself. Take your time until you get the hang of it or you could tangle the hair. Continue twisting the comb until you get through the ends. Repeat the process across your entire head.

6. If you’re using you’re using your fingers

you want to begin by combing through the ends then begin twisting the hair and rolling it around your index finger. You want the coil to be tight at the scalp. Smooth between your fingers as you you reach the end of the coil. Using your thumb and index fingers twist the ends. Repeat the process across your entire head.

7. Ready for the coil out

When your done coiling your head completely. Next you want to separate the individual coils into smaller sections.

8. Prevent frizz

To help prevent frizz add a tiny bit of oil on your hands while pulling your coils apart. Gently stretching the coil down will make it easier to find the natural separations in your hair. Smooth the little coils through the ends and give it a little twirl on your finger.  

Maintaining your coil out:

Tie a satin scarf or bonnet on at bedtime to protect the coils and keep them fresh. You can refresh the coils in the morning with either a spritz of water, or leave in conditioner.

Twist Outs:

There are different ways to do this you can either choose to do it on dry or wet hair but the process is basically taking two strands of hair and twisting them around each other.

Flat Twist:

Flat twist can be done in various styles. It’s almost like braiding except your twisting on your scalp instead. Below you will find a picture of how they often look and a Youtube tutorial by username: shesacutey  

http://youtu.be/Oyz7vKc0cM8

Parts

Parts are a fun way to wear your budding fro. You can choose to part your hair with a comb. Or have your barber cut a part in your hair. either way is a gorgeous look

Puffs

The simplest way to explain the how to on this hairstyle is to simply push your hair to the crown of your head. You can hold your hair up by using a thin band or a thin piece of fabric.

Fro-hawks (Or Mohawk I prefer to call it Fro-hawk)

My favorite style! It’s as simple as pinning your sides back quick and effortless!

Rods

I get stopped on the street all the time and asked how I style my hair. My answer Rods. That’s all I have been using from the moment my hair actually grew long enough to use them! ha. You can buy them from your local beauty supply and they come in a variety of sizes and colors.

Bows/ Bandanas/Flowers

Want to spice up your look try a bow or a bandana!

Turbans/ Bandeau Knots

These are a great way to accessorize your outfit or hide a bad hair day!

Makeup and accessories

This isn't exactly a way to style your hair but it’s a great way to make your hair stand out more.

Welp there you have it ladies! to all you big choppers! and 1-11 month growers! I hope I have gave you more options to think about. I myself will try some of these too. Even though i’m stuck in the comfort of my “to go” the fro-hawk I as well as any other twa’er should at least give these other methods the benefit of saying we tried them. Thanks for reading friends.

Love always,

Sabrina Renee

Hair and Identity

I was recently presented with the question of:

“Why should anyone care about (natural) hair?”

This question got me thinking--Why should anyone care about (natural) hair?

As a newbie to the natural hair community, only seven months into my journey, natural hair has become as relevant to my everyday life as much as art is to an artist, or politics to a political figure. I can’t have a normal conversation about the weather without a mention or two about my hair, or the hair of whomever I am talking to. It’s safe to say I’m a little obsessed and everyone who knows me personally is aware. (Laughter) Hair in general is a controversial topic in itself. Whether many share the need to discuss it or not, hair still plays an important role in our lives. Your hair is a representation of who you are. Many would agree that the most important feature to look for when meeting new people is their personality. Which is true but unfortunately our personalities are not engraved on our foreheads. Meaning it is not the first thing that people notice about you. We as people tend to prejudge one another before the word hello has a chance to escape our lips. This judgement is usually based upon appearances. From the moment you step through the door you are automatically judged on your level of appeal, what you're wearing, how you're wearing it, your hair choice, your body language, etc. This brings me to the question of:

“How does hair (Natural Hair) Relate to identity?”  

I personally believe that you’re hair as well as some of the other physical attributes listed above says a lot about who you are. Your look is your advertisement. Your look markets the type of attention you want to seek. For example what comes to mind when we think of Janelle Monae? Her signature array of custom black and white suits and her trademark hair styled in a classic pompadour. Everyone has their own opinion of Monae’s style. The comments usually focus on the fact that her style is based solely around suits and pompadours. It would seem as though many are concerned about the exposure or lack of Monae is advertising. In today’s generation I can’t say that it is common to have an female artist so-- fully covered. Sex sells. And “sex” or rather the exposure of body parts and suggestive content is the tactic used by many of today's most iconic females (Rihanna, Beyonce, etc.)  in order to get them ahead in the industry. Monae recently had an interview with Elle magazine canada responding to the question of why she dresses as she does. She says:

“I have a really nice body. And I had to pick: Do I want them to focus on my body? Do I want them to focus on how curvy and really, really gorgeous my figure is? Or do I want them to look at my music? What has more value? And I made that decision. I want them to focus on the message and the music because I feel like I have a higher calling.”

Well said Janelle. Another example (this one being hair related) of your appearance marketing what you stand for. Angela Davis. Some may be unclear about who she was and why she was incarcerated but we remember her Afro. A halo of natural hair framing her face--and her closed fist raised in the black power salute.

In conclusion hair has a lot to do with identity or rather how you are judged. From the viewpoint of someone else what would your hair say about you?

SR

Wake and Wear Challenge!!

Hey Guys this post is long overdue! But as many of you whom follow me on Instagram may already know I am having a challenge. It's called the Wake and Wear Challenge! 


I am daring naturals (yes you)  to sleep FREELY this means WITHOUT ANY PRE STYLING such as Braids or Twists of any kind, Rollers or Rods, and most importantly NO SCARVES OR BONETS! 


Snap a pic of your messy morning hair and style it only using:
1. Bobby Pins (aka a girl's best friend)
2. Hands ( By Finger Combing)



The picture above on the left hand side is a picture of myself that I took when I woke up one morning The right side features my friend Patience, also a morning "selfie." Putting them together inspired the idea to have my Wake and Wear Challenge. I love messy hair! there's nothing sexier than looking effortless. Below is a picture of my hair the same day I took the photo of my bed head.

                                                                          (only hair pins)

Not bad right? So let's have it ladies! Snap a pic of your sexy bed head, and the after look of your styling. To submit your photos you can either send them to: naturaldefinesme@gmail.com or hash tag #Wakeandwearchallenge on Instagram. Your beautiful photos will be available to see on the blog following a piece I am writing about messy hair.


For those who are interested in following me on Instagram my user name is: @itcomessnaturally

DISCLAIMER: This Is not an account dedicated solely to hair. This is my Personal Account. This means you are liable to see adult content. Not for the weak of heart.


Thank You! :)

My First Interview!!

Interview for my blog:

I previously mentioned her before in my first blog, Patience. Patience is the first person I met to wear her hair in a natural state. She was really an inspiration for me because natural hair hasn’t always been as popular as it is now and I thought they she was very bold to wear her hair in that manner.  It’s only right that she be the first person that I interview on my blog. Without further ado I want you guys to meet my good friend, and an inspiration to me, Patience.

• So Patience, how long have you been natural?

How long have I been natural... Man! Um, I have been natural now for about... six in a half years... Wow! Yup! Six in a half years! NO PERMS OVER HERE!

• if you were natural at such an early age, how did your peers react to your hair?

My peers hated my natural hair of course, which in term made me hate my natural hair. Back in 2005/2006 no one appreciated nappiness, except for like India Arie, Macy Gray, and Erykah Badu.

• have you ever big chopped?

I have done several chops, but I wouldn’t call them BIG. Well, at one point the back of my head was shaved. And my first hair cut I was a mushroom. Then there was the two short curly fros. But I wouldn’t call any of them big chops. Lol

• Had you always embraced your texture?

NOOOOOOOO! As a child I didn’t understand hair. I didn’t realize that the hair I possessed was special. I just thought it was nappy, and it didn’t make me happy!

• What's your current hair routine? How often do you wash, shampoo, condition, and blow out?

Hair routine? Um..... I don’t have one... I’m bad with routines. I mean I wash and blow dry my hair whenever I get a chance... to be honest. It’s bad I know.

• What’s your favorite product right now and why?

Can bobby pins be considered a product? Because I love me some bobby pins! They are the only “product” I use every single day of the week. I’m crazy about my bobby pins. Nobody puts their hands on my bobby pins but me! OK?!

• How do you maintain your hair at night?

I don’t! It’s hard to maintain my hair at night. You know! You put a scarf on at night excepting to woke up in the morning with your hair looking like Beyonce, but instead you wake up to your hair looking like Scary Spice. #thenaturalhairstruggle

• How do you maintain a healthy length?

LIMITED HEAT! I don’t wash my hair as much, because when I wash I blow dry. We all know that blow drying, flat ironing, hot combing, curling, etc. is not at all good for your hair when it is done all the time.

• What’s the best thing about being natural?

The best thing about being natural for me is... BEING NATURAL! I am a natural girl, no added chemicals, additives, sugars, or spices just all natural Patience. I appreciate the beauty of my hair, my skin, my body, my personality, my everything! :)

• Where can people find you on the web?

People can find me on Instagram straight flexin’ @payshuntz (it’s my name spelled funny! Lol)