What to do when Youtube hair video tutorial hairstyle goes wrong...

I don't know how they do it. I tip my hats off to all those Natural Bloggers out there who make great hairstyle tutorials. I always get inspired by the notion of trying something new with my hair...So y'all know some of the favorite vloggers out there are : KinkyCoilyCurlyMe; Iknowlee; MyNaturalSistas; and CharyJay just to name a few.

So I attempted to do the following hair style to my hair*:

*Video Courtesy of Backsyncfan Youtube channel go here for more great styles

I spent 1 hour and 25 mins the night before two-strand twisting my hair and getting this down to a science by Bantu knotting the 2-strand twists. Excited and eager to see the finished look I got up the next morning and attempted to do the style...

The  front piece of my hair just didn't want to cooperate...So the New hairstyle I wanted to try ended up turning out to be really simple (well at-least for my hair length)...So what is a girl to do when you are stuck in a rut and you have spent hours watching and re-watching the video to make sure you followed all the steps of the tutorial....


1. Come to terms with your hair. It will act how it wants/feels no matter how much styling gel you use, combs, or bobby pins to hold things in place..Just learn to LOVE your hair

2. Improvise....No two hair textures are alike so that side swoop that worked on the Youtube video may not work the same for you...So tweak the hairstyle to your liking and to fit your hair type/texture

3. Be Confident and always put your best foot forward...Although we may not think our hair came out to look nice, other people can't tell so rock your hair with confidence. Some of my best hair styles/looks weren't  ones I liked that much but you couldn't tell because I chose to confidently wear it and made it work

4. If All Else fails...MAKEUP and KILLER OUTFIT...I believe that when hair isn't acting right, time to make up that face and put on clothes that make you feel super great about being you.  My favorite Ruffle cardigan makes me feel super edgy paired over a nice LBD (Little Black Dress) and simple yet bold hoops..


My hair "epic fail" final look:

What are some styles you have attempted ? Did they come out the way you envisioned them? Or id they didn't what did you do to tweak it?

Textured & Natural..Does Natural hair get in the way of getting a new job and/or affect the views of your colleagues about job performance?

Yea Yea I know I have been missing from the Blogger-sphere for a while, but all in good reason...I made it to a year of being natural in Feb 2013 and I have been busy trying to pursue  a career change. Going on Job interviews and applying for jobs but not one single offer....Yet.

I keep thinking OK is there something wrong here? After all this has been my first time being Natural since I was 12 years old and  although the world is starting to embrace Natural textured hair for all its crown and glory I am starting to wonder has Corporate America embraced the natural Afro too??

According to a Poll on Essence.com (March 11, 2013)* :

55% of Women stated that stereotypes about Natural hair exist in the workplace, but they haven't been personally impacted by it. 

18% say No that wearing natural hair does not have anything to do with professional success while 16% believe that Black women feeling self conscious about their hair more so than their colleagues  With 12% saying that  Natural hair affects their work/career as they speak from personal experience.

I am starting to wonder, could my natural hair be holding me back from the career that I am looking to pursue?!

According to CurlyNikki (via CurlyNikki.com/Oct.2012
Natural hair and Corporate world ) "Her experience in Corporate America never was neutral. CulyNikki says she was never approached by her boss CEO or HR about how she should wear her hair  and as a result she was'nt sure how people would respond to her newly big chopped hair, But when more people complimented her on her new loo for her  this made her feel immense support for her decision to become naturally textured". She also alludes this stigma of Textured hair as being unacceptable to "the history of Natural hair and the psychological vestige of Slavery where Natural hair was associated with wild, unruly or uncivilized . As the saying goes if your hair is relaxed, White folks are relaxed.

I don't consider myself one who isn't confident in my hair or  myself, but I've had some time to think about how hair and career interweave (so to speak) and if there is a stigma around more naturally textured hair than curly or straighter hair, it may not be something that can be seen. And how this affects the newly natural sister like myself who isn't in the place she wants to be, trying to work my way up, it seems that to have a  place at the Corporate table doesn't seem to involve an overwhelmed  desire to embrace the kinks, coils, and curls on our heads...hence why so many women still get their hair straightened/permed, it as one of my friends said "more professional looking".

Its Monday and I enter the train station in NYC... I realize that maybe the stigma comes from within, that somewhere either through media, our families or general feedback from people we encounter that Natural hair is still somewhat "uncivilized" to land a job in traditional corporate america. But the inspiration I get when seeing women getting on and off the public trains with hand bags, dresses and  suits, rocking their BIG HAIR DON'T CARE styled coifs off to their job on the grind.... I feel empowered that there are women just like me who have challenged the world's view of beauty, they work in jobs they enjoy and are PAID IN FULL...I just have to continue to stay positive be confident in my good and bad hair days...

It has been a journey that has been one that is teaching me the good old virtue of PATIENCE and trusting in GOD to do his will...in due time things will work out for the best whether or not they love my Big Hair...either way I DON'T CARE!!

Be sure to leave feedback and Comments about your own personal views..have you been personally affected by your hair in the work place?

*Essence.com Natural hair poll results below:

Yes, I know it does because I've had a personal experience with my natural hair affecting my own career.

12%

Yes, I think stereotypes about natural hair exist in the workplace although they haven't affected me personally.

55%

No, I don't think wearing natural hair has anything to do with professional success.

18%

No, I think this idea is really about Black women feeling self-conscious about our hair.

16%

Total votes: 598

Is natural hair affecting your career?

Happy New Year!! What do I do next, now that I am natural?!

Its a New Year, meaning a brand new start to do all the things you didn't get to do last year.

Some of my New Year's resolutions are getting back into blogging this year and more importantly to find a hair regimen that works for daily maintenance

Hey Natural ladies out there what are some of your New Year's hair goals? I don't know about any of you ladies who are Newly Natural but I have been feeling like I am stuck lately with my hair and styling it...So one of my hair goals is giving the natural hair maintenance another year before I give up and throw my hands in the air and revert back to a perm. Another New Year's goal is getting out to attend more Natural Hair events this coming year..

 

What are some of your New Year's hair resolutions?

Not sure, well here are a few New Year's hair tips to start off with especially if you are newly natural:

• Invest in some good hair products free of Sulfates, Parabens, and Silicons  Being Natural requires lots of moisture, especially if you recently big chopped or  are transitioning from Permed hair to Natural hair.  Some good products that work for all curl types are Shea Moisture Curling Smoothie (with hibiscus and Coconut); Mixed Chicks hair conditioner; Aubrey Organics and Jane Carter are some good places to start.

• LOVE YOU AND YOUR HAIR!!! You may have seen another curly head of natural hair and thought OMG! I want my curls to look just like (insert name here)!! Learning to embrace your hair texture/textures (most naturals find they have more than one hair type) and more importantly find the styles and hair care regimen that works for your hair, after all not all products one curly girl uses will have the same Magical effects on you
  
• CONFIDENCE....How you feel about your self image will project how others will look at you. Not having a good hair day, find a way to make the best out of it. I found the days I felt I looked a mess most people like the way my hair looked. So embrace and be confident in you and your demeanor will reflect that

• SMILE! having a beautiful smile on your face helps to brighten up any hair or attitude for that matter. Smile more its a great hair booster and it doesn't cost a thing

 HAPPY NE W YEAR...STAY TUNED FOR MORE HAIR CARE; GIVEAWAYS; AND MORE!!!



Have you ever...Lost a relationship/friendship over your hair?? Plus exclusive new music from Solange Knowles

Ok so I ADMIT...I committed to going natural, but lately I have been contemplating the growth of my hair and myself in the last 8 months....

As I get closer to my 1 year hair-anniversary I have thought a lot about past friendships/relationships and those I have now...I have realized that in my decision to claim POWER over my tresses and give them the love and care they deserve, I have realized some of those around me were not as embracing of my  "HAIR IN PROGRESS" 

But I cannot let that stop me, ok it does sting a little that a few friends deleted me from their facebook friend's list.... I had a few past lovers/acquaintances whom I ran  into  ask me before they had a chance to say hello or  ask how am I doing? but  "why did I cut my hair?" 

Overall the decision I made was made consciously  not for others but for myself...so all you naturals who may have big-chopped recently and are looking at yourself and saying..What have I done, Know that hair isn't meant to be your source of confidence but an extension to enhance the inner beauty and self-confidence  you already posses, so continue to to rock your hair HOWEVER you want to!


Keep on growing, watering, and loving your tresses...The shortest stage is the TWA...seriously

*** Exclusive****

 Solange Knowles is busy working her Fro' doing all types of projects, but it seems like she is also working on new music for upcoming LP....here is a peek at what she has been up to...I cannot wait for her album to drop!!

Its always encouraging to see the Natural hair confidence shine...Shout out to Solange Knowles! visit her here @ Solange Knowles My damn blog

Hmmm a special treat...BODY DESSERTS By LUcKy LuCY & GIVEAWAY!!!!

Over the Summer I have been hitting up quite a few natural hair meet-ups in the NYC area...and one of the meet-ups gave away samples of this heavenly HELLO GOOD MORNING Body Scrub; Body Lotion; and Body wash. To say the least once I got home and hopped in the shower and poured the HELLO GOOD MORNING body wash onto my loafah I was in love !!











The company (who launches August 2012) is known as LUCKY LUCY Body Desserts. They feature natural high quality body desserts that smell delicious, almost smell so good you may think you can eat them!!! 

The Scent I have fell in love with is the HELLO GOOD MORNING set, the scent is a mixture of a vanilla and citrus blend light yet sweet and citrus that reminds me of fresh lemon meringue pie.

Below is the story of LUCKY LUCY BODY DESSERTS, founders Nicole and Tara gave me a peak behind the doors of LLBD. With the official launch of their brand days away this August 2012 

READ THE DETAILS BELOW:

    Co-Founders Tara & Nicole hailing from Jonesboro GA came up with the concept for LUCKY LUCY Body Desserts from a disappointed Grandmother. Nicole's grandmother Ethel Lucille aka "Lucky Lucy" was fed up with highly priced products that often were over-priced and left minimal results. From this Lucky Lucy Body Desserts was born.

    Both Nicole & Tara are Naturalistas and promote products that reflect all natural hair & body care as the best approach to be beautiful inside and out. 

     "Lucky Lucy Body Desserts came from wanting each person that brought the product or sampled something from our line to be treated to something that was unique to each person. When you're eating a dessert it is a treat and something you enjoy, that is what we want everyone to experience" Says Nicole.  

     The Name Lucky Lucy also comes from Nicole's grandmother Lucy, " Lucy is Nicole's grandmother's name so we figured that Lucky just went along quite well with it, as we were lucky to come up with such an awesome concept that beautifully married creativity with health." -Nicole 

      

    The natural concept was derived from Tara's grandmother Ms. Lillie, who is a doctor. "If you had a cough or a rash she was known to describe certain herbs to remedy your illness". Thus collaborating the creativity of one grandmother and the ardor of health from another birthed the perfect product Lucky Lucy Body Desserts. With Tara's grandmother Ms. Lillie on the concept team, they were able to customize products that caters to their customers needs, thus reflecting every one's uniqueness.

The products Scents that will be featured are :

• The Lady E collection
• Hello Good Morning
• Bubblin' Brown Betty

 Each Set contains a body wash aka "Shower Pleaser", A lotion Souffle made with Goat's milk (it is great on skin, no greasy feeling just smooth buttery skin), and a Body Scrub aka "Body Buffer".

Prices will range from $11.50 - $14.50  for 8oz sized products

And lastly Tara & Nicole  as I mentioned are both Natural hair ladies; Tara 6 years and Nicole 2 years. I asked the ladies what advice and/or tips did they have for women who are thinking about going natural, are newly natural, or transitioning here are their thoughts:

" Be excitingly creative and have massive amounts of fun because there is no right or wrong way to personify your personal style. As we say in the LLBD factory "Don't let society dictate the truly beautiful YOU!! Closely read the labels and confidently know what works best for your skin and hair type. If your not sure drop by Twitter and FB and we will honestly try our best to help you." -Nicole & Tara

***** GIVEAWAY*****

I will be giving away Lucky Lucy Samples!!!  Enter the GIVEAWAY Below via RaffleCopter;a Rafflecopter giveaway





If you cannot access RaffleCopter  or choose not to use rafflecopter:


*Like Lucky Lucy Body Desserts LLC Fanpage Like  

* Subscribe to Princess Naturella blog

* Leave a comment on Lucky Lucy Body Desserts Fanpage "I cannot wait to try Lucky Lucy Body Desserts!!"

Leave a comment below once you have done all the above. Please Note this is for those who are subscribed and choose not to use rafflecopter. 

                                       

                                       **GIVEAWAY ENDS SEPT 22, 2012 **

Winner will be notified by email so be sure to include your email address.
***UPDATE***LUCKY LUCY IS ALSO RUNNING A GIVEAWAY UNTIL OCT 30
BE SURE TO LIKE THEIR PAGE ON FACEBOOK & LEAVE A COMMENT STATING THE NAME OF THE PERSON WHO REFERRED YOU FOR ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN...TELL THEM PRINCESS NATURELLA REFERRED YOU...GOOD LUCK!!

       

Can Natural hair really make or break your love life/relationships??

 

 Waiting in line at a Starbucks I ran into an ex who I have not seen since going natural, and the meeting seemed almost surreal...I always viewed him as the "one that got away" and upon our exchange of greetings and momentary shock, a few "oh wows", "look at you"; " I can't believe its you"  I was shocked by the next question by Mr. Ex which was "why did you cut your hair? you always had such pretty long hair", the look on his face showed he was shell shocked and at the same time a bit disappointed. 

I didn't know how to respond and the only thing I could think of was " I had a Brittany Spears moment and just cut off my hair one day" (gasp).  When there were so many other valid and poignant reasons that I cut off my permed hair.  We chit-chatted for a few more moments about people we knew from our past exchanged Facebook information and I bee lined out the Starbucks faster than you could say Sonic The Hedge Hog.

 This encounter however made me realize how some men embrace a natural sister with open arms while other men view natural sisters as "not their type".  But then I could never understand what does that mean? I mean how could hair have that much power when it comes to what men are attracted to in the opposite sex.  Most music videos and shows depict women with long permed tresses sashaying in platform heels, pencil skirts, and crisp button down white shirts.  But the reality is there are many women who have natural curls, coils, kinks, rocking closely shaved heads, to beautiful afros. Could it be men are brain-washed by images that depict black women one way only to see women in the real world embracing their natural hair and find it unacceptable?

After this brief encounter with Mr. Ex I realized that despite his surprise at my naturally textured hair I to caught myself thinking about perming my hair for a split second only to feel more accepted by Mr. Ex. 

So I wonder and would like feedback from you Naturalistas out there, has going natural caused you to lose love relationship(s) with a significant other(s)? Being natural do you find your love life has become better? Or Do you find tumble weeds and dusty empty western streets define your non-existent love life?  (provide feedback in Comments below).

FOUND THIS ON YOUTUBE...WATCH AND COMMENT IT IS QUITE INTERESTING PIECE ON MEN AND THEIR  VIEW ON NATURAL HAIR

More Fashion Swag for Fashion Fun Monday....

Having Natural hair allows you to show your inner self by taking away the  facade of everyone looking exactly alike, Natural hair comes in every hair texture shape and color...
With natural hair you can have a unique individual style that lets your personality shine bright

These hats are all the way Swagged out, and are a must for those wash days, or days after a twist out/braid out style, however you wear your hair know that you are beautiful inside and out

Now SWAG OUT LADIES!!

Where to buy hats (Courtesy of Those Girls are wild)

Fashion Fun Monday...Hayden Williams (My new fashion designer crush)

HAYDEN WILLIAMS

Known for his lovely Fashion illustrations and his keen eye for the forward fashion trends British fashion designer Hayden Williams (FYI he just turned 21 7/22/12)  is someone to look out for in the up and coming fashion world. 

His pieces capture elegant couture style mixed with fresh prints and colors that are in style today. He has sketched looks worn by celebrities such as  Rihanna, The Kardashian sisters, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen,  and Jennifer Lopez.  It is rumored that the Bajan Princess Rihanna herself may be teaming up with Hayden Williams to work on her upcoming clothing line...Only time will tell

 I cannot wait for his upcoming Disney line....He even Made a dress for me.. Princess Naturella! 

Stay Tuned for more soon....

More Pics Below:

FALL/WINTER 2012  

*I am not quite sure if this is from Fall/Winter so please forgive me ;0)

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

FALL/WINTER 2012 Hayden Williams 

FINALLY A DRESS MADE FOR ME PRINCESS NATURELLA!! And its figure faltering so no need to diet before the wedding... Oh Yeaa!!!

You can follow Hayden Williams on Tumblr, Blogspot, Facebook and Twitter

Hayden Williams Tumblr

Hayden Williams Blog

Hayden William Face Book

Hayden Williams @ Twitter

**Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to these photos and they are only used for information purposes only. I do not gain nor reap any profit and/or endorsements from the artist or its subsidiaries. If further information is necessary please visit the Hayden Williams sites listed above**