Rhea | Ms. Frolicious: Rockin' her fro again

Happy to bring you one of the ladies whom I think rocks one of the largest fros I have seen for some time.

Meet Rhea! A self-confessed risk taker when it comes to her hair - as you will read, Rhea has done quite a bit with her hair and is very open to talk about her highs and lows. When I first began exploring natural hair maintenance and having locs, Rhea was one of those persons who readily encouraged me to take that route. And from that we would always talk about her locs and maintenance. She has crafted a style which is all her own and is very much in awe of natural beauty. 

So, Naturaleza fam, sit back and be inspired by what this naturalista has to say!

Hi, Rhea! Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself:

I love to sing, I love the smell of fresh bread and track and field and swimming were my first love.


You have had a pretty interesting hair story. Talk to us about that.

I have always been a naturalista at heart! I’ve done so many things with my hair, it’s ridiculous! I have always had really long thick hair. However, in my final year at University, I decided to chop off my hair which at the time was relaxed, colour treated and highlighted - to go BALD. My hair was down the middle of my back and it was layered but I think it was over-processed and it was starting to thin out. I hated it. Seeing that I was going to be moving to live and work in France, I decided that my best option was to go natural and have fun with it. I’m a risk taker so I didn’t worry too much about the change.

Back in 2007
Her first fro

In 6 months time, I had a huge curly afro and it was working for me then, but It was a challenge to manage and I decided to grow locs in August 2007. One of my brothers has locs and I always thought they were beautiful. I really did not want to have to straighten my hair with chemicals in order for it to be manageable. So, I gave locs a try! And I loved them. After three years I wanted a change and decided to go ‘frolicious’ again. I felt as if I could manage the fro this time around since there was a lot more information out there about caring for your natural hair. So in August 2010 I did another BC.

What are some of the stereotypes that you just cannot embrace when it comes to how people view having natural hair or locs?

People grow locs for all kinds of reasons. In the past, it usually meant you were a devout Rastafarian. Today, that’s not the case. Some people get scared and suspicious when you have locs. Once well maintained I think it should be equally embraced like any other hairstyle. I think we’re getting there.

Tell us a little about your hair regimen and what products you use.

So I am now really getting to understand my curly roots. I like Nature’s Gate products. I have been washing my hair with their Minty Tea Tree line since my scalp has been a bit dry. I like products that are minty. My hair gets dry fast so to lock in moisture, I mix a shea butter potion using pure shea butter, almond oil and olive oil. I did my first co-wash recently so I think I’ll be making it a habit when I want the bob look. On another note though, I don't do much twisting at all. That's reserved for vacations and days off :-)

I also mix up a good scalp toner which I find has been working really well:

• 6 drops of cedarwood oil, 6 drops tea-tree oil, ½ oz witch hazel and ½ oz water. 

I use Tea Tree oil as I could not find any Sweet Orange oil which might be better to use in this mix. Depending on your preferences, you could also add in some Sandalwood/Rosemary oil.

Rhea with locs

Share with us some of the things you like about wearing your hair the way you do.

I love my hair texture. My parents are Guyanese mixed with Black and East Indian, so I got some interesting curly roots. I love working with my hair because it allows me to be creative. The front and middle are long and almost dead straight, the sides are tightly coiled and the back is wavy-curly. I just have a natural bob cut going on. People always ask me if I cut it that way but I have not. 

And one other thing I enjoy doing is tying my head. I think I got that from Suzie - my momma. Give me scarf, or a piece of cloth and you’ve made my day!

Do you have any favorite hairstyles?

I love to wear my hair in any updo.Whether it’s a Mohawk look, a chignon, a cinnamon bun, or tie-up. I love having my hair out, too and freeeeee! I love a wicked afro!

Do you also take a natural approach into other areas of your life?

;-) At least I try to! When I am very busy I go on shakes and fruit or light snacks. I love to cook veggies, fish and chicken. I mostly steam, bake and stir-fry. 

Mohawk tie-up in 2012

I love lamb, too, but I don’t eat it as often. I use grapeseed oil when frying (I like this much more than olive oil). Every morning I drink a glass of lemon water. But my breakfast tends to vary most days with goodies ranging from saltfish and plantain with tea OR oats, a banana and some tea. I also use Pure Castille soap which I find is a great multi-purpose cleanser. I am a performing artist. One day this is all I will be doing so I have got to be in good shape to take on the demands of this lifestyle.

And, finally. Share some words of advice!
Do you. Always do you! Going natural is a challenge worth embracing!


Finally thoughts:
Thanks so much, Rhea!! 
Rhea gave quite an interesting tip for her scalp toner. Why not give it a try! Do you have any mixes of your own which work wonders on your hair, scalp or skin?

New duo on the scene

Back in February I posted an interview with fellow Barbadian blogger, Kim *The Fly Chick with the Fro*. Kim's blog and Facebook fanpage focus on makeup, fashion and reviews of products in these domains. Now, this naturalista has teamed up with Risee Chadderton and they have moved over to Wordpress and a new blog - 

Fashion. Beauty. Islandstyle.

This is how the duo describe what they do:

"We are two Bajan fashionistas who love to talk and observe the evolving fashion and beauty scene on our island home of Barbados, this isn’t to say that we won’t talk about the international scene but we do try to keep it local and relevant to our local divas who just want to look stunning all the time." 

Today, I feature their very first video - black|Up Makeup in Action. In the video, Kim is doing the application on Risee, who is seated with her groovy and quite glam natural fro.

In case you are wondering, this is how you can keep up with what Kim and Risee will be up to next:

Facebook: Bajan Beauty Blog

Blog: Fashion. Beauty. Islandstyle.

Two-Fer Tuesdays | Fly Style and Link Love

Today's Two-Fer One post comes compliments of my loctitian, Kelly Sealy-Benjamin of Nubian Naturals. Connect with Kelly via Nubian Naturals on Facebook.

Sisterlocked Spotlight: Kim

"Friendship isn't a big thing, it's a million little things." ---Author Unknown

Kim and I have been friends since we were 11 years old. We met at the Christ Church Foundation School as first formers, new students to the education lighthouse in the south of Barbados. She has always been incredibly positive, determined and very intelligent. When hanging out with Kim, you will be sure to sense her warm personality and share in her very infectious laughter.

After installing two-strand twists to start locs via the palm-rolling method, she decided it just was not what she truly wanted. She looked beyond the initial queries of the price tag and got her heart's desire - Sisterlocks!

So Naturaleza fam read on as Kim shares her story and we hope it inspires you, too!

Kim, share some interesting facts about yourself!

• I read for my MSc. in the wonderful country of Scotland, in the city of Stirling. I loved that place and would like to return there for a holiday soon. 
• I became a mother in 2008 to a wonderful, loving daughter. 
• I enjoy socializing and having a good laugh. 
• Love to read though since motherhood I have not had the chance to do so as often as I'd like. 

Tell us about your hair story

This is my second attempt at being natural and I would dare to say….last. In 2001, it was more out of necessity, being in a new country and not knowing how I would be able to maintain my relaxed hair. On returning home to Barbados in 2002, I maintained the natural look for about two (2) years during which my go-to styles ranged from two-strand twists to cornrows. 

Sisterlocked Spotlight: Jeeva

I have known Jeeva for about 4 years now and have always been in awe of her beautiful, warm smile. This naturalista is a very outspoken, loving and extremely driven young lady. When it comes to her crown, she describes herself as a "hair fanatic." Jeeva's journey to having Sisterlocks is more than a fashion statement. It's a lifestyle choice.

It is my pleasure to feature Jeeva as she talks about her lifestyle, passions and yes, her Sisterlocks!

Name 3 interesting facts about yourself

1. I am fluent in Spanish

2. I am a lover of all forms of art. I have a passion for creativity and fashion

3. I am very social. I love and live for people

Tell us a bit about your hair story

For most of my life I have indeed been a naturalista. There was a short period in which I had texturized hair, to make it more manageable, however, not long after, I cut the hair and grew it back out completely natural. 

Before I started Sisterlocks, I wore traditional locs but that form of locking did not suit my texture of hair. As my hair was so thick the weight of the locs became too much and the time it took for my hair to dry after washing was too long. What I also found was that the locs at the front would literally become undone because it was to soft. It just became too stressful to maintain.

My decision to wear my locs was based mainly on my desire to embrace my roots, my Caribbean culture and some elements of Rastafarianism that have indeed influenced me and my behaviour towards others. I love the increased manageability and flexibility with my hair. In all cases, my hair has been started and maintained by a loctician or in recent months, a certified Sisterlock consultant.

Do you have any fave hairstyles

Actually, I love all hairstyles for my locs. I take immense pleasure in the simplicity of my hairstyle. I like the way it complements my overall natural style of dress and the fact that I don’t ever have to worry about the weather, as my hair remains beautiful in any climate. I can go with ease from ‘casual do’ to ‘formal & elegant do’.

Sisterlocks braided style

About  2 weeks after Sisterlock installation

Have you found there to be any stereotypes when it comes to people who have natural hair?

Two stereotypes that I find intolerable at times include:

1) the association of locks and drugs (marijuana specifically) 

2) the concept of locks being dirty or in any way unhygienic

I know some people have an extensive product arsenal. What products do you use? What is your hair regimen like?

I truly believe that with natural hair, you need natural products and I have faith in natural oils particularly. Currently I use, and have been using for at least two-three years, Tea Tree Oil by Hollywood Beauty(8oz btl) and Marula Natural Therapy Hair & Scalp Treatment by Motions(8oz oil in spray btl) as well as Motions Shampoo & Conditioner to ensure my hair is never too dry and is left with a great fragrance!

Do you take this natural approach into other areas of your life as well?

I do take a more natural approach in my diet. I am vegetarian and I also thoroughly enjoy ‘ital food’ (vegan style-no animal product whatsoever). I do take into consideration my daily energy consumption as I’m also concerned about my environmental footprint. I also am presently employed with a company whose mission is entirely green oriented. The reason is simply because natural is better. For  me it is that simple :)

Final thoughts: What words of advice would share with someone who may be interested in starting locs.

I’d absolutely encourage women and men out there to go natural. Natural is beautiful! Natural is the real you! I am aware of situations where corporate women would have put chemicals or braids in their hair for a job interview and then worry about the length of time they may have to work at a particular firm (provided that they got the job) prior to showing their natural hair. This is something that seriously pains me and we have to take a stand because discrimination and this hair stigma have been going on for too long.

Gracias, Jeeva!

Lectores, favor de dejar abajo tus comentarios para Jeeva, lo que sea en espanol o ingles!

(Readers, feel free to leave your comments for Jeeva whether in Spanish or English!)

The Naturalistas in my family

In this picture:

My first cousin

My sis

My daughter

Two other cousins who are sisters

And, their mum, my Auntie

One cousin has sisterlocks 

The other two have locs via palm-rolling and/or interlocking

My sister has natural twists

So does my daughter

And my Auntie...well, she rocks her 'fro!

Kim ~ the fly chick with the fro

"In my mind I am that bad chick with the big fro and fly sense of style. This is what I enjoy most about wearing my hair. It fits my idea of me." 

Strong words, huh? 


Kim exudes confidence, a diva attitude and passion when it comes to life. This chic and outgoing Barbadian young woman, is very much about personal development and hard work.


She gives you her take on beauty, fashion, hair and make-up via her slice of the blogosphere. Kim is the writer behind the blog, Bajan Beauty Blog. She describes her blog as "...where I diarise my thoughts on all things frivolous and fabulous."

Keep calm and keep reading for more on what this fly diva has to say!!

Naturalista Update ~ Erica: being a new mom, her natural hair progress in photos and dealing with postpartum hair loss

Hi everyone! This blog post is more of an update on one of my favourite naturalistas, Erica. Back in April 2011, I did a blog post on Erica and her natural hair journey - Nappy, happy and luvin' it.

Erica was also the winner of the .::Naturaleza::. Summer fun giveaway which was sponsored by Tomoka's Twists. She has since had a baby girl and is doing quite well, enjoying motherhood.

Loc-do of the day!

See if you can make out the intricacy of Dionne's loc hair do. It's quite beautiful, actually. And she wears it like a true Diva. Dionne's fresh do also saw her stepping into a new color zone. She decided to go BLACK! Not to mention, she told her stylist to add some colour to a few of her locs. Sometimes photos don't do justice to a hairdo :)

Thanks, Dee-Kay!

Naturalista Spotlight ~ Angela

This spotlight interview is special to me. I have known Angela for what seems like forever. But, it really dates back to Community College were we both studied languages. She has always been confident, witty and a la mode when it comes to fashion and dressing. Angela is a source of loc envy...but, in a good way. When I grow up, I want my locs to be like hers!  :)

Angela was also the person who put me onto Nola. As you might have read in earlier posts, Nola was instrumental is starting my locs. Angela's locs were started by Tricia-Ann of Krown N Glory. However, for the past 2 to 3 years, Angela has been going to Nola.

So, without further ado, Meet Angela!

I have been a natural now for about 15 years. My journey to being natural was as a result of severe damage from a particular product I was using at the time. I did my best to hold onto my relaxed hair by wearing styles which hid the hair loss and damage behind my ears. As time went on, I grew tired of that. I just gave it all up and decided to be natural. With that said, I did my 'BC' when I was an undergrad at University (Cave Hill). Whilst transitioning, I bought scarves in every colour and for several months I wore a scarf every day to class. One day, I decided to go to class minus the head gear and revealed my tiny plaits. I had at that time 2 to 3 inches of natural hair. Friends said it looked good and I grew more confident but still not totally convinced nor comfortable. One day on my way home, I passed a rasta man who said something to the effect of- "...hair looking nice daughter, just now they will be as long as mine." Mind you, his were to his butt! Maybe it was that compliment from a stranger that gave me the confidence to go natural. 

But, my transition styles were not limited to the scarves. I wore plaits, twists and synthetic braids on occasion. I even had a wig or two! 


My journey to locs, however, came about in 2006 when I decided to become a mother. For some reason, I just felt it would take me less time when it came to maintenance. Sometimes, I dabble with colour and a variety of loc styles, but my fave style is definitely the chain-link look.


As it regards my routine, I keep it pretty simple. I wash my hair myself every two weeks but, I would love to alternate between that and going to get it done professionally. That's something I am working on for the future. I generally use oil sheen or natural oils on my 
hair. Water, I find, is also important. 


When it comes to locs, I have very few hang ups. My hair has never been this long and I enjoy the ease with which I can wear my hair and have styles last for quite a long time. Now, those hang ups? It would have to be the long length of time it takes to have my hair air-dry after I wash it myself at home. Also, I still have a few stubborn locs that do their own thing. But putting those two things aside, I would encourage persons who want to loc/are considering locking their hair, to give it a try! You really would not know unless you do. If then you do not enjoy having your hair loc'd, you can always take them down and maintain your natural hair journey. But hopefully, they would love it as much as I do!  

THANK YOU, ANGELA! 

AND I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO ROCK YOUR LOCS WITH CLASS, STYLE AND CONFIDENCE!

Don't for a minute believe that you cannot be creative when you have locs! 
Need some ideas? You are at the right place!
In pic 1, Angie's hair is not cut. The locs are actually curled back.
Pic 2, small curls are held together with small rubberbands.
The final 3 pics show what you can do with length! See how big the petals are in the final 2? And the glass bead hardware?! Eye candy, I tell ya!

AFRO-naturalista

I've been missing for a bit, I know. Work is hectic around this time. But, there are two weeks left before my summer holidays begin! I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family, friends and yup...you guys on Naturaleza! And, of course, getting some much deserved 'me' time.

I thought I'd share these snaps of one of dearest and loveliest friends. She is a naturalista and quite an inspiration to me in many ways.

Lights...Camera...Petra!

You, too, might have thick (and her hair is super thick and coily) natural hair like Pet's hair type. You can wear your headbands, too! Try twistouts.
Don't feel daunted. 
You have so many possibilities for styling!

Almost 8 months ~ Personal locspiration

June 2 will start my 8th month having locs. I took the pin up down after a week because I could not take the pressure of the pins on my scalp. It was too much, my scalp is very soft, too. Plus with my disease:- hand-in-hair-itis - it is truly difficult keeping my hand away from pulling the pins out of my hair and taking it down...especially since it hurt.

Have a look at where I began and where I am today!

Nov 2, 2010

Nov 2, 2010
Big Chop day

Nov 18, 2010

Jan 2011

Jan 2011

March 2011

                  

April 2011

April 2011

May 25, 2011
Pinup for my birthday!

Now, here is the take down today. The clips here

were simply to keep the front down. I did not reloc or anything like that.

                             

                   

So, yes that is it pretty much. 

I'm happy with what I'm seeing. I GOT HANG TIME! Well, just a little. And I'm shaking them, too! LOL LOL LOL!


There is more firmness. I said it sometime in a recent post, the pinups help to keep the fuzziness at bay and I guess the loc gel/butter sets into the hair. And seeing as the hair is intertwined in the braid it has time to be firm and keep the set. I have more ends this time around that are firmer. 

The journey continues!

A shout out to all those who come by .::Naturaleza::. I do trust that you are finding the motivation you need. The pics of styles that make you go away thinking, "Yes! That rocks!" Or the health information that leads to an awakening of your senses.

Stay a while and read up, view, comment and share your thoughts, pics! As a teacher, sharing comes naturally. Seeking to educate is something I do daily. So you are welcome to join us on our quest!

Much love,

Besos mis corazones!

Tasha

Sheena ~ Diva loc rocker!

For the majority of her life, Sheena has always been a natural kinda girl.


But, she wanted a different way to wear her locs. So, she set the pace. Her own pace. 

That has always been a characteristic of my cousin, Sheena.

No matter the area, she has sought to carve her own niche. 

Even, with her locs! The funky lochawk!

Tell us about your hair journey thus far.

Between the ages of 11 and 15; and then again from 20 to 23, I actually had relaxed hair. But, during the first instance of growing  my hair natural again, I was at secondary school. At that time, locs and natural twists were becoming very much the 'in thing'. I was very captivated by different styles and textures. I began to be very conscious too of being black and female, and of our history. A part of me felt that it was time to get back to my roots (literally). But, I get restless quickly and I decided to straighten my hair again. That did not last too long though. The second time around, I was going into a new phase of my life and felt everything about me ought to reflect such. 

During my natural hair phase I've worn my hair locked on two different occasions. The first time was from 2001 - 2002. Since 2007, I've been wearing my hair in locs. I think locs are hot and sexy! Initially, my locs were started by Nubian Naturals. She did them in two-strand twists and pinned them up. When I got back to Canada, I got this lady to relock them by interlocking. Big mistake for me. She damaged my locs! It took the work of Nubian Naturals and then, Nola (thank God!) to nurse them back.

Tell us about your transition phase.

Luckily for me, transitioning has always happened when I was either in secondary school or university. While I was in secondary school, I did a big chop and wore baby locs. It was a brave and bold feat for me but it gave me a sense of confidence. The second time I went back natural, I was actually working but preparing to go back to university. At first, I wore afro-kinky twist braids (loved those) and sometimes a natural weave. Then, when my hair grew some more, I just wore afro puffs until I decided to loc my hair again. I've had locs now for four years. 

Do you have a special routine - washing, products, etc?

When I was in university and prior to having locs, I would wash and retwist on my own. Then, with my locs, I go to the salon. I'm hooked on my stylist Nola! I don't do my hair on my own. For me, going to Nola is therapy. As it regards products, I might use a bit of loc and grow moisturizer. And I spray with Olive Oil to keep the style shiny and in place. Other than that, you would have to ask Nola :)

What is your fav loc style?

It would have to be the infamous mohawk...or lochawk! I was so inspired I cut off my front locs to achieve a funky hawk! I also like to experiment with colours. My last colour was blue. But now it is fading so I'm thinking of maybe something in the red colour zone.

Have you met with many negatives and/or positives since having being a natural hair chica?

Well, I think mostly positives. You see, I wear my locs a bit different to others, as you can see from the photos. I have a section to the front that is not in locs at all. I did it to be different. Honestly, when I was going to a big job interview at a large organization, I was a bit skeptical about having locs. Thank God I tossed those thoughts out the door! I don't think they even realised I wore locs until a while after I began working there. 
One downside would have to be when they got longer fitting on clothes became a problem. When they are opened and free flowing you have the tendency to sit or lie them which hurts. OUCH!

Remember what I said? She sets the pace
with her style!

See the front section which she wears naturally unlocked.
Not to mention the bold colour!

What words of advice would you leave with someone who is thinking of transitioning to wearing their hair natural? 

GO FOR IT!