I haven’t talked about my natural hair journey in a while. It’s still going. I’m still learning what works best for my hair and what doesn’t. I will decide that I’m not going to straighten my hair for a while only to get bored of my ‘fro and resort to the flatiron a few weeks later. For now, I resolve to not straighten my hair for most of the summer.

Last Saturday, I attend a natural hair meet up for the first time. It was held that afternoon at a popular restaurant, The Spot of Tea (everything is good there). I initially found out about the group while browsing Meetup.com. There I came across the group for naturals in my area, founded by Tanene Jackson, a local hair stylist. Thing is, when I first went to my old hair dresser, asking her for tips on caring for my newly natural teeny weeny afro (TWA), she gave me Tanene’s number. That was almost two years ago, and I never followed up.

A few months ago, I picked up a flyer featuring community activities held at my old high school, and there was a class called Natural Hair 101, taught by none other than this same Tanene. I couldn’t arrange my schedule to attend that class either, but still, I thought it was pretty cool that this person’s name kept popping up, particularly in association with natural hair.

So, I signed up for the local natural hair group on Meetup and waited for notification of the next get-together. The first one I missed, but I had signed up my older sister and hair-inspiration to attend with me. The next meetup that came around, Crystal was the one that signed me and my mom up as her +2.

Saturday rolled around, and I had forgotten all about the meet until Crystal reminded me a few hours before. So, I drag up the will to get ready and go. My hair was currently flat-ironed, and I had really wanted to rock a nice twist-out for my first meet, but whatever. As I we approached the restaurant, we saw a girl walking down the street with her hair pulled back in a puffed. My mom wondered out loud if maybe the girl was going to the meetup, and my sister and I were like, “Nah.” Of course, we get to the restaurant, and the same girl is sitting at the table. I found out she’s from St. Kitts, here attending university because the University of South Alabama (my alma mater) has this amazing meteorology program that no one ever talks about.

Long story a little shorter, I got to meet some really nice naturalistas, including the elusive Tanene. She was very warm and personable and I would really like to visit her salon soon. (I usually like to take pictures at this sort of thing, but I felt wasn’t comfortable taking photos of complete strangers in such an intimate setting. Next time though…) Tanene told us about the Natural Hair and Wellness Expo that she was hosting next month on June 18. I will definitely try to attend. However, I literally just signed up for Art as Business: Using Social Media to Promote the Arts which happens to be the same day, but the times overlap so I will be able to attend the Natural Hair Expo later in the day.

I’m going to have to get some pieces together to bring to the seminar. I just ordered a new set of Moo cards that will be in next week. They’re regular size this time rather than the mini cards that I usually order. I can’t wait to see them. I just received the card holder in the mail today and it’s so great. I was delighted simply by the way it was packaged, not to mention what was actually inside.

Just something I’m working on.

Apparently half the state is frozen (people in the South can’t function with icy roads), so it’s a pretty slow day.

I’m featured today on the blog Going Au Naturale.

Since doing this natural thing, I’ve become more aware of how the issue affects the black community. There’s a lot of information to wade through, so many natural hair blogs and information, there’s no set rule about what works and what doesn’t and it’s all dependent on hair texture/type.

Here are a few blogs that I enjoy and find helpful:

Black Girl with Long Hair (BGLH) – My favorite because I appreciate the mostly objective way in which the information and interviews are presented. Never too preachy, which is great, and allows the reader (me) to have a balanced view of things I’m reading and particularly the suggestions and advice offered there.

Going Au Naturale – A recent find, but after perusing her entries Mae’s blog quickly shot to the top of my list. And I love how cultured she is. Plus, she’s absolutely adorable in her video blogs. :)

Leave In The Kinks – Love these girls blog because they’re both from have Nigerian heritage. Miss Fizzy is in Ireland now (but you wouldn’t know by her very American accent) and Zara is Nigerian/Malaysian living outside of Boston. So, it’s cool to see and hear about how natural hair is perceived in places besides the U.S.

Nappy Like Yo Pappy – I’d like to say that the title says it all, but really it gives a great indication of the wry humor and realistic yet balanced point of view these girls have of the natural hair experience.

In late September of 2008 I got my last relaxer.

Writing this, I realize that this could become a very long blog post, but my intention now is only to post photos of a recent hair styling success.

I’ve had lots of trial-and-error trying to figure out how to actually do my hair these past two months. I figured out that washing with conditioner (Garnier Fructis Moisture Works), and then twisting while damp, preferably with something with holding capabilities (Garnier Fructis Fiber Gum) works best. This is especially necessary because the top, front section of my hair doesn’t seem to want to hold a coil or curl pattern.

For moisture, I apply a bit of Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey to my scalp and hair. I picked it up on a trip to New York over 3 years ago. (more…)