Transition From Relaxed to Natural With Kurlee Belle

Photo Credit: www.justgrowalready.com

Want to “Go Natural” but don’t know which products to use? 

Kurlee Belle’s line is designed to take you from “Relaxed” to “Natural” too! When you are growing out your natural hair, it can be quite a task as your kinky curly strands start standing out from your straight ends. Terrinique Pennerman, Kurlee Belle’s CEO, suggests that every new natural adopt a natural hair care regimen, she says, “Caring for natural hair is more involved than caring for relaxed hair. Natural hair, which can be naturally dry needs extra TLC. Many women who have relaxed hair, leave it’s care to salon stylists. With natural hair, it is important that you find a trusted natural hair stylist but it is equally important that you understand how to take care of your hair yourself. A good “Transitioning Hair Care Regimen” includes using a moisturizing shampoo, leave-in conditioner, deep treatment and oil.”

1. Kurlee Belle’s Almond & Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo will gently cleanse your now “two textures” and give the hair the moisture it craves. This will reduce the breakage between your natural and relaxed hair. When you are starting your natural hair journey, you want to use a shampoo that is sulfate free and Almond & Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo is just that.

2. Thirsty Kurls Leave-in Conditioner is the perfect product for "Transitioner's” because it allows easy detangling, lots of moisture and slip. This leave-in stays in the hair to condition the new growth making it more manageable, healthier and shiner.

3. To prevent your hair from breaking, use Banana Nut & Avocado Deep Treatment. This deep treatment will strengthen your newly natural hair growth and prevent your relaxed hair from breaking off. Many naturals who transition without using a deep treatment find that their relaxed ends start to break. Deep treating the hair allows you to maintain healthy relaxed and natural hair.

4. Kurlee Belle's Kurlee Tropical Oils Blend is a blend of essential oils like Castor, Avocado, Argan, Moringa and Jojoba. It can be used as a Pree poo, Hot Oil Treatment or Daily Shine Enhancer. It is great for sealing in moisture and your new growth will thank you.

Don't wait until you are fully natural to start taking care of your natural hair growth. Start now. 

The GOOD NEWS:  It will all be worth it in the end and after you are fully natural, Kurlee Belle offers stylers like Kurl Defining Creme & Jelle Coconut Styling Gel  to help you achieve the perfect twist out, wash n go, curly set or whatever style you desire.

Make your appointment at the Nak’d Body Bar (Nassau, Bahamas) for a “Natural Hair Consultation” or “From Relaxed to Natural Consultation”. Call (242) 677- 7778.

Are You Ready to "Go Natural"?

~To Big Chop or Not To Big Chop?

One of the easiest ways to start the transition from relaxed to natural is to "Big Chop". If you are new to the natural world and our lingo--Big Chop or BC is the process by which you chop off all of your relaxed hair and opt for a style much like Amber Rose's classic look. If you are not brave enough to BC because a) your employer will not understand, b) your not sure if this style will be flattering to your face shape or c) you've always been a "long hair don't care" kinda girl then the Big Chop is not for you. The other option would be to slowly transition by trimming your relaxed hair as it grows out. If you decide to transition instead of chopping off your relaxed hair spiral rods, perm rods or twists are good way to disguise the difference between new growth and relaxed hair. To speed up the transition process you will need to trim your ends every 6 to 8 weeks. 

Another option would be to wear sew-ins. Sew-ins are a great way to transition because the hair is braided. We know that less manipulation equals length retention. Since your hair is protected it will grow faster, which means more new growth and a shorter transitioning process. There are rules to wearing sew-ins, #1- Straight weaves are a "NO NO". The portion of your hair that is left out to cover the tracks has to be constantly straightened to blend  with the weave. Because of this, that portion of hair will be permanently heat straightened leaving a patch of hair that is different from the rest. Rule #2, the sew-in should not be left in for more than 3 months at a time. Any longer than 3 months, you run the risk of matted and mildew hair. In between sew-ins, it is important that you trim your ends and deep condition every time. 

~What's the real reason behind your choice? Do you have "Hair Lust"?

Lately you've been watching "natural hair" you tube videos or you've been seeing gorgeous pics of "natural hair" ladies on your Facebook timeline. So you think to yourself, "I wish my hair could look like that" or worse "If I went natural my WOULD look like that." This is one of the biggest misconceptions among new naturals and it frustrates many. Although, there is a hair typing system that bundles naturals into certain groups, everyone's hair is different (I do not subscribe to the hair typing system, as I have looser curls in the front and tight curls in the back). Genetics is responsible for  hair texture and determines how your hair will look. For instance, sisters who have the same mother and father may have totally different hair textures. So you cannot look at a strangers hair texture and think that your hair will look like theirs once the relaxer fades away. The "Natural Hair Journey" requires self acceptance and embracing who you are. Know that your hair will not look like Natural Chica's or the random girl you follow on Instagram, your hair is unique. Once you've accepted the fact that your curls are unique to you, you have permission to "pass go and collect $200". 

~Do you think natural hair will be easier to maintain?

The shorter the hair, the easier it is to maintain. Teeny Weeny Afros (TWA) are the easiest, as they require very little styling. As your hair grows, it will require much more maintenance and attention. Detangling long natural hair can be a tedious process and styling it can be a pain. Throughout your journey, you will experiment with different products, styles and techniques to make the process easier but it requires patience. Deciding to 'go natural' is a commitment, much like a marriage. You have to take the time to understand your hair and its needs. Researching products, styles and investing in the right tools will go along way. 

~ How thick is your skin?

New naturals often receive negative comments from their friends, family and coworkers (Remedy: I suggest purchasing the "Kiss My Kurls" tank in our "Natural vs. Relaxed" post). Since natural hair is not your usual look, people will comment on your hair and some of those comments will be negative like: your hair looks dry, natural hair is not for everyone, or when are you going to get a perm? My advice is to ignore all the background noise and find other naturals in your area. Read blogs, join the #teamnatural and #naturalhair discussion on twitter, attend natural hair meet-ups in your city and watch other naturals on youtube for inspiration. 

If you're thinking about "Going Natural" and don't know how. Send your questions to info@kurleebelle.com. 

Hair Chalking: Will you try it?

There is a popular trend brewing in Hollywood right now....and it is called Hair Chalking. Tie-dye your tresses, change up the color each day or sport colorful streaks to match your outfit. Don't worry, the color is not permanent and rinses out when you shampoo. Visit your local art store to buy some soft chalk pastels and show your artistic side. WE DOUBLE DARE YOU! 

What do you think of the new trend? Would you try it. 

What would you like to see?

At Kurlee Belle, our main goal is to meet your needs. Without YOU, there would be no need for us to write. Your comments and feedback is very important to us. Please let us know what YOU like about Kurlee Belle and what you would like to see more of.

Hairstyle Tutorials?

Videos?

Fashion- Outfits of the Day?

Natural Hair News? 

Natural Hair Issues?

Hair care tips?

Guest bloggers?

Natural hair photos?

Giveaways?

More natural hair t-shirt desgins?

More t-shirt color or sizes?

Interviews?

Reviews?

What do you want to see from Kurlee Belle?

Black & White: What white girls are really thinking….

This topic brings to mind a very hilarious and clever video that I watched once called,  "Shit White girls say..... to black girls". While watching the video, I couldn't compose myself because I'm that black girl who white girls get comfortable with and say what's really on their mind. I'm not sure what it is about me or my personality but a lot of people not only "white girls" think it's appropriate to tell me exactly what they're thinking. (and sometimes it's too much information)….anywho…People always say to me "You're going to marry a white man." or " You're a white girl trapped in a black girl's body." So I guess that's why I'm the perfect confidant.

While having a late lunch with one of my friends the question came up "Why do you'll wear your hair like that?" (Scene: We were in a restaurant filled with black witnesses…all of whom were wearing lace front weaves.)

Mid way through a piece of lettuce, I stopped chewing to see what she was talking about and asked, "Wear our hair like what?"

She proceeded to say " You know what I'm talking about….like that…" Ok, I decided not to be the smart@$$ that I usually am and said, "Do you mean a weave?" Her response…."Yes"…."Well Tori." I said…."White women wear weave's too and who is you'll cause I wear my hair natural?"

Her response, "Yea, I think your hair is so cool. It looks much better than those lace fronts that all the girls are wearing."

I think you're hair is so cool is a common descriptor used by other races to describe natural hair. What exactly does the word "cool" mean when describing our hair? I pulled out my cell phone and decided to poll a number of my white, asian, and latina friends. Here is what I found.

#1- Cool means peculiar. It is quite different. We love it and it looks great on you.

#2- Well to be honest with you, my dad said your hair was cool. He used to date a girl back in the 60's that had an afro....weird I know lol.

#3- I have really curly hair but it isn't as curly as yours. I like my hair straight...my frizz is out of control.

#4- I wish I could grow an afro. That would be so cool. Maybe for halloween, you can dress up as an Asian girl and I'll dress up as an African American. Wouldn't that be cool?

#5- You're afro is cool but I like you better with straight hair. It suits your face shape better…just to be honest.

#6- (dating a black guy)- I love your hair girl. You know that. I will be bringing my little girls over to Auntie Terri's house because you know I can't do black hair.

The dictionary's meaning of cool is "the quality of being fashionably attractive or impressive."

I think I'll opt for the dictionary's version of cool.

By the way, I love all of my friends regardless of race so this post is not racial just meant to share what I've learned and humor in what some people think about our hair. Remember the only opinion that matters is your own.

How do your non-black friends describe your hair?

How has being natural changed your style?

Do you have a favorite outfit? No matter how you're feeling, when you wear it, heads turn? How has being natural influenced your clothing choices? Do you still look great in all past outfits? Or do you have to style your hair in a certain way to pull off your new look.


I'm a big fan of party dresses....I remember when I got my first job out of college, I would buy one dress a week out of Bebe! Yes silly decision, now Bebe has all of my money and I have a closet full of dresses...unlike Carrie Bradshaw who likes her money where she can see it .i.e. is in her closet. I like my money where it is bearing interest i.e. my bank account.


Have you ever heard the saying "Hair completes an outfit?" You could have on the flyest dress but if your hair isn't right the entire look is off. Since I've been natural, I've had to change my hair style depending on the outfit. When I had straight hair, my wrap seemed to go with every look from beach bum to party chic.


Here's how I adjust my natural hair to fit my outfit:


Cocktail dress: Curly Updo works like a charm
Work: Flexi rod curls for an elongated look
Beach Bum: Curly and wild afro
Gym Flow: Afro + Non slip head bands

How do you change your hair to fit your outfit?

YOU DECIDE: Regular Tank or Racerback Tank? #naturalhair

Hello Kurlees! We need your thoughts. We are bringing out a new line of tanks for the summer and need your vote. Do you prefer the regular tank or racerback tank? Both tanks are the same quality, stretch fit. The only difference is the back of the tank.

If you are attending the World Natural Hair Show in Atlanta, Georgia on April 28th-29th look for us at Booth 119!

Why do I have knots at the nape of my neck?

In the black community you can judge the 'grade' of someone's hair by looking at the nape of their neck. You know what I'm talking about when I say nape right? That part in the back of the neck where hair starts to roll up and show its true form.


Since I've decided to 'go natural', I find myself looking around at other women's hair whether they are natural, weaved-up or straighten. While working out in the gym the other day, I noticed this girl running on the treadmill in front of me. One of the reasons I noticed her was because her long weave was in a neat ponytail and dangled from side to side as she ran. Occasionally, the ponytail would swing high enough exposing the nape of her neck. Underneath the ponytail, I could see numerous knots lining the back of her hairline. 


This sighting really bothered me because it's one of my 'pet peeves'. I believe that what ever hairstyle I have in, if it doesn't look natural then I shouldn't be wearing it. Whether it's braids, sew-ins or relaxed hair. Making sure that each strand blends in is very important, after all isn't that why gel was invented? Those 'cousins' as we like to call them in the Bahamas need to be brushed, smoothed or comb to blend in to whatever style you decide to wear. 


The edge of your hair line is more fragile than the rest of your hair because of its exposure to build up, sweat, and pulling. Think of it as the area around your windshield that does not get wiped by the wipers. With your face being the part of the windshield that's cleaned. Whenever your car is dirty there is a major difference between the spot where the wipers touch (face) and the edge (hair line). This is one of the reasons why the hairs on the hairline are shorter than the others. 


Curly hair grows at a 45 degree angle from the root where as straight hair grows at a 90 degree angle. Since the hair at the hair line is shorter, when it grows out it tends to go around in a circle forming a knot. To gently remove the knots, instead of manipulating them when dry, saturate the hair with water, cremes or a conditioner. This will prevent the hair from breaking and ripping. After the hair is damp, use a detangling brush to smooth out the knots. If you would like the knots to stay smoothed out, apply gel and tie a silk/satin scarf around the hairline for about 10 minutes and experience a knotty free ending....

Skin Tone & Hair Color

I've been contemplating for awhile whether to color my hair or not. Struggling with the fact that natural hair is dryer than straight hair and hair color can be very drying. With this in mind, I know that getting a color would mean increased maintenance. With all of these thoughts running through my head, I didn't figure out which colors would compliment my skin tone, so I decided to do some research or "google it".

A new hair color if done right is like an instant makeover. Changing your look from Plain Jane to Sasha Fierce. But I had to keep in mind that , the same rules that apply to Rihanna, who is a red head one day and a blonde the next does not apply to me. Depending on what line of work you're in, certain colors should be avoided. Like purples, pinks, blues if you must rock a conservative 'do'.....When deciding on a color the first thing to consider is whether your undertone is warm or cool.

People with warm skin have yellow or gold undertones and look better in gold jewelry. Cool skin has pinkish or blue undertones and look fabulous in silver jewelry.

Warm Skin Tone Hair Color Matches: Gold, Honey, Caramel, Copper, Red, Mahogany, Strawberry blonde, Chocolate, Ginger, Orange based reds, Dark browns, Rust....

Cool Skin Tone Hair Color Matches: Platinum, Ash-blonde, Cream, Sandy, Coffee, Jet Black, Fawn, Mid-level blondes, Flat browns, Wine, Mahogany, Burgundy....

This are really great facts to know because whether a color is permanent or temporary you're going to have to rock it for awhile until it grows out.

What's your skin undertone and what colors look best on you? Feel free to share.
Credit to: thehairstyler.com

Kurlees are you attending CIAA in Charlotte, NC?

Hello Kurlees! Are you cheering on your fav HBCU or partaking in CIAA events this weekend? We are! Be on the lookout for Kurlee Belle associates handing out the following flyer! Receive a discount on your Tanks and Tshirt order!

We want to hear from you with your natural hair!

Today is all about YOU! Our loyal subscribers. We want to hear your story! What is the most surprising/inspiring thing that you've learned about your natural hair or anything that you would like to share about your journey?

Trimming your Natural Hair: Straight vs. Curly, Coily, Kinky

Long healthy hair is a measure of its care. Natural hair requires maintenance including daily moisturizing, weekly shampooing, monthly deep conditioning, etc.....one of the misconceptions about 'going natural' is that you no longer have to trim your ends. Frequent styling often results in damage to the hair shaft so to prevent that damage from spreading. It is imperative that you trim your hair regularly. There is no rhyme or reason as to how often you should get a trim but to be on the safe side, every 6 to 8 weeks.

The dilemma that some naturals face is the technique that is used to trim natural hair. Remember the days of straight hair when it was easy to get a trim because your hair was perfectly lined up and you could easily spot the jagged culprit? Well its not so easy with curly hair. A lot of stylists recommend that natural hair is straightened then trim------"I don't like this technique". Others recommend stretching out the hair and then trimming---this can be tricking if you're a DIY kinda girl.

First, invest in a pair of professional hair cutting scissors. Don't use the kitchen scissors or the one you had from college. Sally's, ULTA or even Tar-jay should have a pair of these scissors in stock.

Guide to trimming your natural tresses: 

• After shampoo and condition
• Section the hair into 15-20 sections
• Twist your hair into small sized twist all over
• Let hair air dry
• Before trimming hold section between thumb and your index and middle fingers so that the bottom of your fingers targets where you want to cut. 
• Stretch out twist in one hand and hold scissors at a slight angle in other hand
• Snip the end of the twist unit with the tip of the blades getting rid of frays and knots

*Please use a mirror for areas that are visible*

Signature Curly Fro

"Going natural isn't for everyone" is a common excuse/saying that I hear all too often. I get the random stares during conversation when the person that's talking to me eyes start to drift upward until it lands on my hair...and I think to myself is there something in my hair. Then I remember that some of our own who rock perms and weaves aren't all to used to seeing my natural tresses....so it only leads me to wonder 'What is she really thinking about my hair.' But on the other hand, I really don't give a 50 cents. Being an obsessive compulsive, I like for every curl to be perfectly defined therefore it is a must that I style my hair every night (bad I know but this is an addiction that I am working on..don't judge me :)). Sometimes my curly fro doesn't come out the way I would like because it has a mind of its own. On these days, I feel like my entire aura is off but nonetheless, I try my best to keep my ish tight. 

Anyone who has been fully natural for about 3 months or so understands that finding a style that you are comfortable with is more like a marathon than a sprint. On my journey, I became very fond of flexi rods (my friend refers to them as worms) and 4 years later I am still addicted. Flexi rods tend to add length to my hair and give me the big jumbo curly look that I desire. I have experimented with two strand twists, braid outs, wash n go's but nothing says curly girl swag like the use of good old flexi rods. 

How I create my signature curly fro:

• Separate hair in 10 -15 sections
• Spray hair lightly with water
• Apply moisturizer (then oil as a sealant)
• Two strand twist section (Leave about an inch out at the end to secure around flexi rod)
• Wrap section around flexi rods away from the face (the key to this technique is to ensure that the ends lay flat around the flexi rods for perfectly curled ends)
• Let air dry or sit under hooded dryer
• After hair is dry--separate section being careful not to disturb original twist pattern because this will create frizz. 
• I use a non slip elastic band around my hair line to give my curly afro shape
• Style and go

What is your signature styling technique that let's the world know that your bringing sexy back?

Rosemary Oil: Hair growth in a bottle.....

I have this girlfriend who is obsessed with her hair and all things natural. Which is actually pretty funny because she isn't natural at all. Well every time I talk to her she is either washing her hair, treating her hair, drying her hair, thinking about her hair or talking about her hair....real talk---and her hair is beautiful. So during one of our predictable phone conversations where there are several moments of silence because she is watching "Project Runway" and I'm reading some random business school article she slips in her recent knowledge about rosemary oil.

Our conversation:

Friend: "Girl I have to go to the health food store because I've been researching hair growth oils and rosemary oil seems to be the best."

Me: "Oh really tell me more..... (I am now googling 'rosemary oil' benefits)".....

>>>>>Long pause--because my girlfriend is watching tv...and I'm trying to read the last sentence of an article online<<<<<<<

Friend: "Yea, rosemary oil has all types of benefits. It stimulates hair growth, has a refreshing scent and is good for the senses. I'm thinking about doing a deep treatment and including it in my regimen this weekend."

Me: "Oh wow! Sounds good to me. You know I love to try need things...let me know how it works."

Turns out my friend was on to something and rosemary oil does have a ton of benefits. Here is what I found from my research:

• Stimulate hair growth
• Increases thickness of hair
• Reduce dandruff
• Boost mental activity
• Relieve respiratory problems 
• Reduce pain

How you can use rosemary oil to improve your hair health and growth.

Regular use of rosemary oil helps with stimulating follicles as a result hair grows longer and stronger. It is believed that rosemary oil slows down premature hair loss and graying. It helps reduce dandruff of dry and flaky scalp by regularly massaging the scalp with the oil. It can also be mixed with almond oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil and basil oil for a great scalp treatment.

The Hair Growth Potion

In a glass jar add a cup of rosemary leaves (bruise leaves with a pin or needle) and cover with almond oil, jojoba oil or tea tree oil. Add a few basil leaves as a further hair growth stimulant.

Shake mixture.

Put the jar in a sunny spot and give a shake every day for a week.

Strain the leaves out of liquid/oil mixture.

Apply to dry hair from root to tip. Massage into scalp.

Apply shower cap.

Sit under dryer for 30 mins. Your hair should be gloriously conditioned and fragrant.

Rinse with shampoo. Treat your hair as often as you like.

If you don't have the patience to make your own rosemary oil feel free to purchase.

Valentine's Day Hair Inspiration!

The 14th of February can be sweet or sour. It's the time of year when you are so excited that you have someone to share your love with or dread because that special someone turned out to be less than special. Whatever your situation, your hair still has to be fly. Here are a few sweet style ideas for Valentine's Day. 

Mad Hair Monday Model: Marie Milfort

Hello Kurlees! It's Mad Hair Monday and a start to a fabulous week. This week's model is Marie Milfort. She has been natural for 10 years and is a contestant on Miss Nappturality 2012:  http://going-natural.com/the-kynx-challenge/carlie-i-am-natural.html

Marie says:

"I've kept my hair moisturized with glycerin spray, and doublebutter cream from As I Am.  My hair is usually in twists.  I would encourage anyone considering going natural to do it.  I have 4c hair and I think it looks fabulous."

Send your photos to info@kurleebelle.com if your interested in being our Mad Hair Monday model!

The skinny on maintaining a healthy scalp: 5 easy tips

#1 Cleansing- Wash hair on a regular basis. Alternate between clarifying and moisturizing shampoos. Natural hair tends to be dryer than straight hair so using one type of shampoo maybe drying or over moisturizing. To keep a balance alternate as often as possible. 

Clarifying shampoos gives your hair a fresh start by removing deposits (hard water, cremes, hairspray, gels, chlorine, etc) and restoring shine. 

Moisturizing shampoos gently cleanse the hair while replenishing hydration.  

#2 Conditioning- After your wash, avoid applying conditioners and cremes to your scalp. Conditioners/cremes are only made for the hair shaft and can clog the hair follicles which results in stunted growth. 

#3 Nutrition- What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on it.  Anti-oxidant rich foods like fresh fruit and green vegetables help to keep your body and scalp healthy. Products such as fish, nuts, , milk, peas and beans promote hair growth. 

#4 Massage- One of my favorite things to do. Massaging the scalp with your finger tips stimulates blood flow, nourishes your hair and relaxes your muscles. 

#5 Avoid Heat- The same way sunlight can burn your skin so can excessive heat from hair dryers. Hold blow dryers a good distance away from hair/scalp. If you experience any discomfort from drying your hair then the dryer is too close to your hair/scalp. 

What's more important? What's IN our Head or On our Head?

If something is bad for a sewage system you have to think of what it is doing to the rest of your body~ Comment about relaxer from "In Our Heads About Hair"~ No wonder sales of relaxer kits declined by 36% last year. 

I am really excited to see the premiere of "In Our Heads About Hair". A lot of people may think that we are obsessed about our hair and can't get enough of talking about it, reading about it or listening to videos about it but honestly hair is a women's glory. We see the obsession with hair in all cultures and somewhat trace it to the fact that hair is a major feature that makes a woman more appealing. White culture- Golden Blonde hair is sought after because everyone knows that blondes have more fun (just kidding- had to throw that cliche in there). Indian culture many sacrifice the hair as an offering to God because of its sacredness---which is then used in black/western culture to make black women look more culturally acceptable. In Asian culture the straighter the better. 

The issue of hair in african american and black culture is very complex. Why? Because unlike other races, we have been wearing our hair in a way that is unnatural to us. I frequent Yahoo! Answers, and a user posted " What is all this talk about going natural? What are they doing? Not combing their hair or using any chemicals?" The thought of "going natural" was foreign to this individual because they'd never heard of such a thing where hair wasn't worn in its natural state.  

For years the beauty industry has defined what being a beautiful woman is and every aspect seemed to be the opposite of black women. Skinny, white skin, and straight hair which is everything that the average black woman is not. I am very proud of productions like "Good Hair", "Dark Girls" and "In Our Heads About Hair" because it sheds light on who we are and our beauty. Being a dark skin girl, with a little junk in the trunk and less than straight hair my reflection is anything but the status quo. Am I not  beautiful because I don't look like Angelina Jolie or Audrey Hepburn? Many in Hollywood and in the land of everything superficial may tend to agree…a women is truly beautiful when she is confident enough to show the world her unadulterated self. 

"In Our Heads About Hair" premieres February 20th, 2012 at the BAMcinematel New Voices in Black Cinema film festival in Brooklyn, New York. 

Watch Video Here

At the end of the day, what should really matter is what is IN our head rather than ON our head. 

Mad Hair Monday: D' Angela Knowles

Hey Kurlees! It's Monday and the start of another fabulous week! Our model today is D'Angela Knowles. I'm loving her beautiful golden locs. 

Tell us a little about your natural hair journey:  

"I've been natural since June 16th 2009 (Almost 3 years). 

I 

try to change up the styles in my hair every so often because I get bored easily! When I had relaxed hair I would cut, color and have a different style every month. So it shocked everyone when I decided to loc my hair. Truth is, I wanted to loc all my life but my mom didn't want me to. I finally made up my mind to do so anyway and it was one of the best decisions ever. The locking process taught me so much about being natural and also humility; it wasn't easy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I color my hair a lot to change things up a bit. I used to crimp my hair a lot as well but after it grew out I became fond of wearing it in loose spiral curls. I like to pin up my hair and/or wear it in a bun as well, especially when I'm going out at night. "

If you want to be featured as our Mad Hair Monday model send your photos to info@kurleebelle.com. 

5 Mistakes When Going Natural

The natural hair journey isn't easy but with a little guidance YOU can do it! On my journey, I have made a lot of mistakes that I think will be helpful to those of you transitioning or thinking about taking the plunge. 

1. Hair Copy Cat------->Watching numerous vloggers twist, braid and twine their hair. I thought to myself "My hair can look like that". Turns out everyone's hair texture is unique. A common mistake of new naturals is the thought that their hair will look like their favorite blogger or vlogger. complete misunderstanding. It is called a natural hair journey for a reason because it is a journey of self discovery and discovering what your natural hair texture really looks like. 

2. The Straight weave----->I did not want to do the big chop for various reasons so I decided to transition by wearing straight weave. Turns out the portion on top of my head that was left out to cover the tracks became permanently straight after all the heat processing. My advice to ladies who prefer to transition by wearing a weave, find a curly one. In particular a weave that can blend with your hair texture and use flexi or spiral rods to curl the portion of your hair that is left out. By using heatless styling tools you will not damage the portion of hair that is exposed. 

3. Flat Ironing------>I wish I had known this sooner. After I decided to get off of the creamy crack. I resorted to flat ironing as a way to blend my curly roots with straight ends. Complete "No No". Turns out my "fine" hair texture and a combination of Dominican blow outs are a recipe for disaster. For a year and a half, I got blow outs which stunted the process of growing natural curls. If you have fine textured hair avoid heat styling at all cost. 

4. Long Hair don't care Obsession----->I love bangs. All of my friends can attest to this. So when my newly natural curls didn't exactly fall down onto my forehead I was highly frustrated and upset. I did whatever it took to manipulate my hair to fall onto my forehead but it insisted on sticking up in the air. Letting go of what you used to look like or what you are used to your hair doing will save lots of anxiety on your natural hair journey. Always remember, straight hair is not your hair. You are a highly textured goddess of beauty and getting more comfortable with the new and true YOU will be well worth it in the end. 

5. Not Consulting a Natural Hair Care Professional------->All of the above mistakes could have been avoided if I had consulted a hair care professional before I transitioned. If you are thinking about transitioning visit a natural hair salon for a consultation. These stylist are very knowledgeable and can inform you on the pitfalls of transitioning that will save a lot of headache, time and money.