First Hair Color Since Being Natural

So....I had been debating on getting my natural hair (Lola) colored for a long time.

WHY?!
Well I didn't know what color to get, if it would ruin my hair, and honestly sometimes I just disregarded it.

Finally, in the same sense of me cutting all of my hair off and going natural, I decided I didn't want to debate any longer and to just went for it.

The hair color brand is called Russ, which doesn't have bleach, but does have ammonia. I did go to a professional who does natural hair as well.

The idea was to dye my hair chocolate brown with honey brown sections (if that is even a color name). I took a picture from an Essence Magazine as inspiration (the lady on the picture looked to have natural hair as well).

Hair Results and Summary:

When the color was finally done, the stylist said "I should have used a lighter brown...I'm thinking...not a positive thing to say seeing that its done. When I saw it, I didn't like it (what you thought I would lie)? It looked nothing as I imagined. I am not good at hiding my facial expressions sometimes (I probably didn't try). I looked a few more times and she said the lighting in this room is bad ( the light above us was out I believe).

You could barely see the "chocolate brown,' and that was the main thing I was disappointed in. I went ahead and set up a 2 week appointment to have my hair recolored all over to match the highlights. She assured me that the color looked better in the light. At this point, I was extremely tried (I drove an hour out of town for that) and told her to allow me to sleep and in other words re group my life (mainly thoughts) and we would go from there.

After my nap, sure enough I woke up and liked my color.
I saw my parents later and they noticed it with out me having to say anything (yes, they liked it as well).

Why I like it:
1.) It stands out in a humble, but noticeable way. I work in a somewhat conservative environment,etc. so I had to keep that in mind as well.
2.) It looks great with my completion. I notice my under tones more, which are gold. My eye color stands out more as well.
3.)To get my color wasn't very expensive so of course that made me happy (under $60).
4.) My hair doesn't feel damaged.

*Notice I didn't say if it looks damaged. I have been wearing it pulled back into a pony so far, but I will be able to tell better when I wear it down so I can check my curl pattern and such. * If there is some sort of a change I'll probably leave a comment.

So there it is! I now have color. Some may view having color as not being "natural." I respect others opinions (or try to), however; I'm not trying to fit into a certain category of "natural," I just know in this case I'm not relaxed.

*SIDEBAR: In the mist of her putting the color on I asked her to make sure it wasn't a relaxer...a sister had flash backs! And yes...I'm already thinking of my next two colors :-)


Be Fierce, Be Fine, Better You...WhyKnot?!

V.Curls

@AVintageCurl (twitter)

Semi Blown out and original color

Chocolate Brown with Hints of Honey Brown

Model Bootcamp!

So I decided to put M.B. Camp under the label Your City Vs. Kinky Reviews because I wanted to more so inform you of hidden jewels that are happening in your city or close to it (if your in MS in this case).

Why did I go:
Whyknot really? I didn't go because I'm stuck on my self or because I had nothing better to do, but more so to try something different and learn.

It was hosted by Chanelle Renee'  from www.thechanellereneeproject.blogspot.com who is a professional model herself (I first met her when I walked in two shows she was in as well held in Jackson,MS)...(Chris Bell and Thomas by Design). Chanelle has a mean walk and is a gorgeous lady at that (two snaps to her).

Other Key Hitters involved were Sterling of Sterling Photography and J. Bolin (The Stylish...get it right!) both have worked with a variety of celebrities.

Summary:
Its was $150 per person...sounds like a grip, but it started at 10am and I left at 10:25 PM so yeah...that cover that $150 lol plus we ate and switch locations. But to add sprinkles to the cake...

We:
1.)Had great run way lessons by the oh so fab La Rue, a modeling coach who taught me things I didn't know and I honestly thought my walk was mean....I learned better lol. How to position our bodies and knowing how our bodies work.* A long runway challenge in front of strangers (was fun).

2.) Make up and skin care tips and a go see make up contest *I made to top 3 :)

3.) Posing Challenges with props and groups

4.)Then we met J.Bolin's group of stylist who were in competition as well and we all teamed up for several fierce and fun long photo shoots, which were also a challenge.

Was it worth it....oh yes. I made new friends and networks. I met a sweet sweet stylish who styled me (Dominique McCullum) and a host of other great people.

Thinking about Modeling or being a Stylist, but your a beginner?

There was a 14yr old girl there that seemed so shy and lost to be honest, but on the photo shoot she became one for my new favorite models. She is a beautiful young lady and she made each photo look effortless.

Try something out of the box, even if it isn't this. Take music lessons, golf, etc. Dare to dream, desire, and do.

*Thanks to everyone I met, that were involved, and I hope the best for you. It all starts with vision and faith encourages your though.


 Be Fierce Be Fine, Better You....WhyKnot?!

V.Curls

*All are back ground pics.

Waverly from Pretty Powerful

Juanita being directed

Juanita turning up the heat!

getting ready to pose with props

Chanelle and I

Over all Winners (model and stylist)

Eating Lenny's (my first time)

Chilling and looking at our work

2nd over all winner

J.Bolin (middle), Chanelle, and Stylist Collins

You Better Work!

I thought this pic was cool

Hey Ladies!

Sterling and I

Exercise?! What about my hair?!

So a lot of brown skin sisters claim they do not work out as much as they probably should because of their hair.

Understandably, if you paid a sexy amount of money for your style I can understand not wanting it to end quickly. However, your hair is fly...what about your health? Should it be shot?

I'm probably preaching to the choir so I will summarize some of the benefits of exercising.

1.healthier blood flow throughout the body
2.helps you have a healthier mind
3. Healthier heart
4.Outter appearance is flier (more youthful looking...other factors as well play into looking more youthful).
5.Stress reliever so you want take it out on someone at the job.
6.Enhances your shape (don't lie about it! You know it feels good to put on something you didn't think you could fit)!
7.Endurance
8.Confidence---be real with me and yourself. It feels great to feel good in your own skin...even if it's a process, after a workout most people feel better about themselves and over time as well as sticking with it the results will make you hold your head a little higher. Your breast will probably be higher too...just saying.
9. Better sleep
10. Etc.

Back to hair:
Options for relaxed,transition, and naturals.
1.) Bantu knots-helps the scalp breathe and keeps a curl to the hair when you take the knots down (fully dry).
2.)two strand twist
3.A loose pony tail so the scalp can breathe. If you need to, add rollers to the pony tail to keep the hair expanded.
4.Get a style that can with stand sweat and movement and every once in a while treat yourself to a style that is only meant to be cute.
5. Straw Curls
6. Braids
7.If your natural, a wash and go with a head band, but allow your edges to not have too much pressure. Or you can make a high pony with a scarf.

So... What do you say? To work out or keep the hair on point? I say both.

Be Fierce, Be Fine, Better You...WhyKnot?!
V.Curls

Hour or Less Styling 1

This hair style is by a lady who is in transition from relax to natural.

How she did it:
She brushed up her hair up to the top of her head then pinned it up on the sides.

In the back it looks to be twisted in one twist just to lower the volume of the back of the hair and add to the front. She then pinned it was well.

Lastly, there is stretchable head band to hold all of the hair in place.

Boom, your hair is now cute and ready for a summer dress or outfit of your choice and most of all you aren't late due to styling your hair!

What if my hair isn't like hers' ?

Cool, Sea Biscuit...
If you have a tighter or looser curl pattern you can still pin it up. If your hair is extra thick and bobby pins do not hold, try a pony holder then pins on the back or a clap that will blend nicely. The lady on the pic. has thick hair.

Happy Styling!
Be Fierce, Be Fine, Better You...Whyknot?!

V.Curls