0 Advice for a Natural Girl in New York

"I recently did a big chop and my hair is growing back, but I am a bit discouraged because I do not know what to do with at this point. Do you have any suggestions. I am desperate. Background: I got a relaxer when I was 12, and I loved it (at the time). I was young and I thought that straight was the way to go. However, now that I am older I would like to put away childish things..lol..  My issue was moving from straight to curly. I like the "untamed" look. I loved when my hair curled up. So, I would like to go natural because my hair would be more versatile in that state.

However, my bf hates the short look, and he makes jokes all the time, my family says my hair looks matted now, and I feel very self-conscious, now that my hair is growing back. My bf joked after my big chop -because he says he hates short hair, and my family (some members) liked the short-bald-look, others tolerated it, and others loved it ( mixed reviews). I want to embrace my afro but I am having a hard time. This is my third time transitioning, because I caved the other times, and got a perm, as a result of the negative comments. I live in NY, and I do not know a lot of great natural stylists. In addition, the ones I do know are either very expensive, or are limited as to what they can do. PLEASE let me know if you can help in any way? I tried braids but they slipped off because of the texture and length of my hair. I do not know what else to do." - N.D.

If you have any advice for this natural New Yorker and how to style her hair while in transition or suggestions for natural hair stylist in New York, please reply to this post. Thank you!

Detail: Advice for a Natural Girl in New York

0 Romona's Fabulous Hair

"My hair journey began summer of 2011, I've been natural all my life but I never cared for my hair it was extremely heat damaged from all the trips to the hair salon. So I decided that I would take baby steps, so I would never feel like I was forcing myself to stay away from heat. I wore wash n go's for months and then in January I started protective styling. Throughout my journey I've used various different products, but the ones that I truly love are Organics Olive Oil Shampoo and Replenishing Conditioner, Cantu Shea Butter and Olive Oil Eco-Styler. I have a lot of hair so I get a wide range of reactions when people see my hair. Living in New York there are a lot of strange and different people, but yet my hair never fails to amaze people. I've had people touch my hair with out permission, people follow me around bombarding me with questions on what I use, I don't mind at all though. But then unfortunately I've had people doubt me and wither I'm lying about my hair. People always assume that I'm mixed or wear Afro wigs , which is obviously not true. My advice to other women that want to go natural is to first find confidence within yourself , people are going to try to put you down and tell you things like "girl you need slap a perm in that hair", but you cant fall into temptation if this is something you really want to do. Your hair might not look amazing everyday but you have to be confident and realize that this can only lead to healthier hair and a healthier lifestyle."  ~ Romona

Detail: Romona's Fabulous Hair

0 Add Some Color!

I love this gorgeous photo of Gia! I lot of people think that when you have loc's or dreadlocks, that your options for style and color are limited. But this is very untrue. There are many styles you can create with your hair and color is always fun. Meet with your stylist, talk about some styles or color your interested, and find some ideas that will work with your hair type and color that will be safe for your hair. And just have fun with it!  And it always great to have photos like this one as inspiration to show you that being adventurous with your hair can be fun.
~ Photo Source

Detail: Add Some Color!