Tuesday 11 December 2012

Black Canadian Dolls - available


I am so happy and proud of this news.

Some of you may remember one my posts Dolls Like Us.  I talked about a letter I sent to Maplelea Girls about creating a doll that represented black girls. We know that growing up most of us did not have a doll that looked like us or that we could relate to. I know I would have loved to have a doll that looked like me when I was young.

I did a survey asking all of you what you thought a black doll should look like for skin tone to hair type. I submitted your opinions to Maplelea Girls and guess what … they listened and took your comments into consideration when creating the dolls.
The two black dolls from Maplelea Girls. Photo: www.maplelea.com

Here is what Kathryn Morton, President of Maplelea Girls said, “We have two black dolls available now. We did the curly hair, as your readers suggested, but we also wanted to offer an alternative so we also did one with “textured” hair. They are part of the Maplelea Friends collection where girls get to make up their own name and character for their doll, using the journal that comes with it. Thanks so much for your help with this.”
WHAT A VICTORY! Thanks so much for being wonderful readers and for helping to make a difference. I’m really PROUD -  you should be too!!

Blessing and Curls,

B-Curlie

Thursday 29 November 2012

Product review - Curls Curl Soufflé


I pulled out one of my product staples this morning and then I realized that I had not shared this with all of you … my amazing readers!


PHOTO: www.curls.biz
The product is Curls Curl Soufflé. I use it as a moisturizer. When I purchased it the first time, I tried to use it as a styler for my twist-outs. I mean the twist out was OK, but not something to write home about. My hair was soft and smelled great, but there was no real hold so my twist-out frizzed out within a day or two. For me the strength of this product is really its moisturizing properties. It is water-based and smells like cake and looks like pudding. Put it this way, if I was three years old, it would definitely be hard for me not to put it in my mouth.
What I love about this moisturizer is the fact that it’s great to use now that the colder weather is upon us. The Curl Soufflé provides an easy way to apply a form of water on your hair without making it soaking wet and avoiding a case of the winter snuffles. It cannot replace all the natural moisturizing qualities of water, but it’s convenient if you are not fortunate enough to live in a warm climate in the winter.

Ingredients

purified water, certified organic sunflower oil, octyl palmitate, certified organic aloe vera leaf juice, glyercin, glyceryl stearate, potassium stearate, panthenol, stearic acid, sodium carbomer, allantoin, cetearyl alcohol, certified organic sweet almond oilshea buttercertified organic jojoba oil, soy tocopherols, phenoxyethanol, fragrance.

How do I use it?

Well I find myself putting it on my hair in addition to my leave-in after washing, followed by my styler, which is usually Jane Carter’s Curl Defining Cream. I also use Curl Soufflé in the morning when I’m trying to bounce some life into my curls, to get rid of the slept on look. I use a generous amount and distribute throughout my hair and then seal using coconut oil, shea butter or any other natural oil or butter on hand.

What water-based moisturizers are you using during the cold fall and winter months?
Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie

Wednesday 28 November 2012

PT 1: Dermatitis life-changing


 
So I think I’ve reached a turning point in regards to the treatment of my dermatitis, thanks to my amazing dermatologist who came up with a great treatment plan.

I’ve written about my experience before in the Fighting Scalp Issues post. I honestly thought I could handle this outbreak by myself in the beginning. It was a mix of me wanting to do it 100% natural, or pick up products from the drug store and also because I thought to myself, I’ve been through this before, I can’t fix this.

Wow, was I wrong, by June of this year the irritation had not subsided and I was actually starting to lose hair in the front and top area of my crown. In terms of styling, I was confined to head bands and beanie hats. The panic sat in. This was definitely bigger than me. I needed some professional HELP!

I went to see my doctor, very good friends with one of my “sisters” who also happens to be a great dermatologist. Not only is she black and knows about what we as black women put our hair through, but she also has succeeded in keeping her own dermatitis at bay. That was very reassuring for me. A feeling of relief came over me.

She prescribed clobex to me and it is wonderful – it’s the truth! It started to heal the area on my scalp and my hair started to bounce back. She told me that oiling my scalp was out of the question, but my mainstays, shea butter and coconut oil are fine to use on my hair. 

Even though things were looking good, she still wanted to test me scalp for follicle damage and to make sure her treatment was strong enough. The test show that I had minor scarring, that could spread if not addressed. Pretty scary stuff right! My doctor assured me that based on the fact that my hair was already growing in, she says my scarring is miniscule and treatable, as long as I continue a healthy regimen. HALLELUJAH, I’m one of the lucky ones!

This is part one of a mini-series I have planned. I really think these scalp and hair conditions are health issues that black women need to know about and take responsibility for.

Keep reading and checking in with me on Twitter @canadiancurlie for the upcoming posts or comment if this hits home for you or someone you know.

Blessings and Curls,

B-Curlie



















 

Curly Canadians - New Product Line


Recently I was in touch with Althea, from Curly CanadiansTM, you may also remember her from my post, when I featured her as a Curlie or maybe you are already one of Curly Canadian’s clients.
They started out as an online store that provided natural hair and skin beauty products to all Canadians. The site really reflects diversity in every sense of the word and still prides itself on this fact.

A week or so ago, I was on Twitter and chatted to Althea for a moment. She told me that they are in the process of creating their own product line and the tentative launch is early to mid-2013. They will be releasing the following:

·         shampoo bar
·         cleansing conditioner
·         bentonite clay mask
·         protein treatment
·         deep conditioner
·         styling wax
I’ve reviewed a couple of their products in the past and I love them, needless to say I’m super excited about Curly Canadian’s new line… I will keep you posted as soon as I have more news. Definitely something to look forward to in the New Year!
Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie

Friday 16 November 2012

Featured Big Chopper - Amanda Henry


Hometown: Ajax, ON

How long were you relaxed: 

I have been relaxed on and off for 20 years.

Do you remember your first perm and what was it like:

My first perm experience was back in 1992 when I was in grade 4. My mom was no longer able to style my hair for school due to her full-time job and decided that relaxing my hair would be the best option. She felt that I would now be able to manage my hair for myself on a daily basis. The first time I ran my hands through my hair I was in shock! I felt like I had the same flowing hair as the other girls in my class and that I finally fit in.
Amanda with relaxed hair.

What made you to decide to big chop:

I finally had enough of the relaxer life this past summer. I was tired of having to flat iron and curl my hair on a regular basis and had started to wear my hair slicked down. Also, I wanted the “wash and go” life for when I worked out at the gym and I resorted to putting my hair in Senegalese Twists to avoid having to deal with it. However, my scalp and hairline did not agree. It was after seeing some of my friends with natural hair that I felt that it was time to make the transition.

How do you feel now that you’ve taken the plunge:

I definitely think I made the right decision! I love how it is so easy to manage and have gained back a great deal of time when getting ready for events, to do other things.

What type of feedback did you get from your loved ones:

My close loved ones and friends have been nothing but supportive. I’ve received positive feedback from strangers and have been told that the cut really suits my overall look.
Amanda rocking her fresh and sassy big chop.

Although you are newly natural, do you have any favourite products or products you are looking forward to trying:


I’m still learning about what’s out there in the market, but I have invested in the Keracare line to start with. However, I am still looking for a product that meets my needs as a daily moisturizer.


The best part of being natural for me is:

The best part for me has to be the idea of knowing that I am 100% free of chemicals. Previously I had difficulty embracing my natural texture and now I have a greater appreciation.
 
Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie

 

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Featured Curlie - Brooke


In early summer, I was fortunate enough to connect with a young Curlie, who is an up and coming, actress, model, entertainment correspondant and aspiring ROCK STAR … her name is Brooke of http://www.itsbrookesworld.blogspot.ca . She is very wise in her nine years and really a joy to meet and talk to. So it was my great pleasure to interview her and meet her parents. She is definitely on her way to stardom and a great inspiration to other young Curlies out there. Keep up the great work Brooke and Thanks for being a part of Canadian Curlies. See our interview below:
 
Let's keep our girls strong and self-aware of their beauty! What young curlies inspire you?
Blessing and Curls,
B-Curlie

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Hair Support


I was recently talking to a friend of mine who is natural and she mentioned that she almost broke down a got a relaxer the other day.

PHOTO: www.kewlgraphics.com
I was in shock and tried to encourage her not to. The thing is, after thinking about it, I do not think it is right to judge others and try to tell people what to do. It’s never been my nature so why start now? Another thing I would like to mention is that I know I will probably be natural for the rest of my life, now that I’m here and have fallen head over heels in love with my curls.

Don’t get me wrong there are days when feel like shaving it off into a buzz cut or pressing the hell out of it, but there are also days when my curls reflect my personality the way nothing else can.

The bottom line is, yes I would love for my friend to stay natural and for us to continue our CURLY journey together, but I know this life is not for everyone, so I have to respect that.


This brings me to another point that those of us of African descent need to embrace each other whether we are straight, wavy, curly or reppin’ dreads in our hair.

Yes, some styles are healthier than others, but at the end of the day it’s a personal decision and we should not let how people wear their hair change the way we treat them and we should also respect their decision.  The truth is we should not even have to consider these thoughts and just be who we want to be and what feels right.

Blessings and Curls,  
B-Curlie 

Tuesday 25 September 2012

Review - Lulu Life Body Butter


So it has been a while since my last post, but I would like to tell you, that my hair was still receiving love during that time. More specifically from Lulu Life Body Butter, that is available at Curly Canadians.

Lulu Life Body Butter is made and produced by the Lulu Life Trust in Sudan. This organization helps families in Sudan who are trying to bounce back from the tragedies of civil war. So with every purchase of Lulu Life products you can guarantee that your dollar is going to help Sudanese families, which is cool.
PHOTO: Curly Canadians

Many of you know about my love affair with shea butter, well I can tell you that Lulu Life Body Butter, did not disappoint.

Although it says it is a body butter, I used it on my hair as a styler and sealer. I did my usual twist out on freshly washed hair and even to do a semi-dry twist out from time-to-time. Unlike other shea butters, that need friction to melt into a creamy texture, Lulu melts into a lovely consistency upon contact. The Lulu Life Butter, left my hair feeling super soft and healthy. The only thing I did not like about butter is that it’s virtually scent-free. I like my products to have a little sweet smell, probably because I’m too girly. On the other hand this would be the perfect product for those who have scent allergies or those who do not like strong smelling products.

So the question is, would I use and recommend this product? ABSOLUTELY! Not only are you helping those in need in Sudan, but you are also getting an amazing natural product that is good for you hair and skin. You can’t go wrong!
 
Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie

Monday 10 September 2012

Swimming ... ah natural


It’s been awhile and my life has been crazy busy over the last couple months. So apologize for not posting on a regular basis.

I have decided to take swimming lessons again. Yes I said again, because I’ve taken lessons numerous times before and made great progress but never got to the place where I feel 100% comfortable jumping into a pool, ocean, or lake. In retrospect, there are a couple of the reasons why I didn’t learn as a child was, first of all neither of my parents swam and I also believe that dealing with a little girl’s chlorine-filled hair once or twice a week was not something my mother was interested in dealing with. I can understand that, I had a lot of hair back then and it was super thick. 

At any rate, I’m here in my 30s, I’m taking swimming lessons for the first time with natural hair. I’ve done a little research and found a great video from Naptural85 (one of my favourite youtubers) on how to protect your tress while swimming.  The key seems to be filling your hair with water and conditioner to keep it moisturized, but also if your strands are already full of goodness, the chlorine will have a harder time penetrating them. I plan to try Napturals85 steps and hopefully my hair will survive my swimming adventures. :-) I’ll keep you all posted.
 

Do you have swimming with natural hair tips? I’d love to hear them.

Blessings and Curls,

B-Curlie

Thursday 16 August 2012

Curlies that make me PROUD!


I was recently talking to one of my really good friends (she is caucasian), who happened to read my blog for the first time this week. I often refer to each other as sisters from other mothers, since we are so in sync and usually say things in-stereo.
She read my post: Straight Up and she was really struck by it after reading about the chemicals black woman use just for so-called beauty.
She then said imagine if Michelle Obama and her daughters were to go natural. They could not only influence black woman in North America, but all over the world.
The Obama family
I totally agree with her and it would be wonderful if someone like Michelle Obama would go natural and show her true beauty to the world.
I do however want to mention that I’m honoured to be a Canadian Curlie and see that our former Governor General of Canada the Rt. Honourable Michaëlle Jean has rocked her curls on many different occasions. It was really great to see and makes me feel proud.


Rt. Honourable Michaëlle Jean PHOTO: www.nsb.com
Here are a few others that make me proud, not only because of their beautiful crown and glory, but also because of their accomplishments as African Canadian women – GO ON WITH YOUR BAD SELF!!!

 Measha Brueggergosman - opera singer


Jemini – G98.7 FM radio personality PHOTO: www.fullcc.com



Rosey Edeh – ET Canada correspondent - PHOTO: www.postcity.com

Trey Anthony – creator of Da Kink in my Hair - PHOTO: www.nsb.com

What other African Canadian public figures make you feel proud to be curlie???

Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Living Relaxer-Free


Tap, Tap Tap … If you ever had a relaxer, you should remember those days approaching your touch-up, when your scalp was super itchy, but you couldn’t scratch it. I was reminded of this, one morning while driving to work. I was driving behind a woman, who was briskly tapping her head with her hand. It was quite a sight. The funny thing about it is that I knew exactly what she was doing. Her scalp was really itchy, but she didn’t want to scratch it, because she was probably going to get her touch-up done that day and knew the relaxer would irritate her scalp, especially if she scratched it. I’m sure others who seen her, thought she was crazy…LOL!

I cannot tell you how much I do not miss those days. Even though as of late, I have been recovering from my dermatitis and haven’t had a lot of time for my hair, I wanted to do a post about WHY I LOVE MY CURLS. Seeing that lady really got me to thinking about how blessed I am to have my curls and why I made the decision to go natural.

Here are a few reasons to love your CURLS or NATURAL TRESS:

·         No more relaxers and scalp burns

Photo: VisualPhoto.com
·         No need to run from the rain

·         Save money, unless you are a product junkie J

·         Curls have personality

·         Style versatility

·         Can wrap up the blow dryer and flat iron

·         Harsh chemicals can be thrown out

MOST IMPORTANTLY CURLS
ALLOW YOU TO BE YOU!
What do you love most about being curlie?
Belssings and Curls,
B-Curlie

Wednesday 18 July 2012

Featured Curlie - Crystal L.


Name: Crystal L.

Hometown
: Toronto, Canada

First year of curlieness: September 2010 is when I had my last relaxer. April 2012 is when I consider my hair journey began.

Why I went curlie: Back in September 2010 when I had my last relaxer, I didn't have any plan to go natural--in fact the idea came much later on. I had a chin-length bob cut that I would get relaxed and reshaped at an expensive downtown salon every six weeks.  When it came time to get my next relaxer I was dreading the high cost for a 'master stylist', the long salon wait, and the  eventual disappointment that many women experience--when they leave the salon with a fabulous look that they can't recreate after they wash their hair at home. As a temporary solution to my frizzy roots I put my hair in braids with the intention of giving myself a month break from relaxing. But as time went on, I loved the easy maintenance of the braids and would have them re-braided time and time again. After five to six months of braiding I was able to see enough of my new hair growth to appreciate the texture and thickness and decided that I would just transition my hair using braids. 

Transitioning with braids.
By this time I had turned 30 and having had relaxers since I was nine years old, I realized that my hair was the one part of my being, where I felt I had little control over and knew even less about. I also didn't like the idea of being dependent on a chemical process to feel comfortable about my appearance (even though I was constantly trying to treat split ends and hair damage from the relaxer). I wanted to nurture a relationship with my tresses and knew that it would be a long road to get to a length that I was comfortable with. After growing my hair through braids for a year and a half I made the decision to do chop off my relaxed ends and start my new hair journey.

Regime and products: Since I'm a newbie to natural hair care, I am experimenting with a wide-range of products and regimens. Products that I'm using and love are: pure cocoa-shea butter, pure argan oil, ApHogee Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Conditioner, and Taliah Waajid's CurlyCurl Cream. These days I'm wearing braid-outs more often than twist-outs. I find braids take a longer time to do but they define and hold my curls longer. I like to co-wash at least once per week and re-braid my dampened hair before bed.

Rocking a stunning braid-out.

The best part of being curlie for me is: The best part of being curlie for me is to be able to look in the mirror, see my freshly done hair, and know that I did it myself and that it's all 100% Crystal. Yes, the unpredictability of my hair can be quite the challenge (oh no frizz!!), but I love knowing that my hair's beauty comes from being imperfectly perfect--just like me!

Is there anything else you'd like to add:
My advice for those thinking about going natural, but don't know if they can make the commitment, is to focus on the POSITIVES of wearing natural hair and capitalize on them. For example, I like style diversity and length (I'm not crazy about 'fros) and I needed a way to grow out my hair without having to worry about maintaining two hair textures-- so braiding was a great transitional hairstyle for me. Finding an experienced braider who is attentive and creative can mean that you can wear a new braided hairstyle every month until you are ready to take on the day-to-day maintenance of curly hair. Cornrows (especially thicker ones) can protect your new growth as long as you re-braid your hair and trim it regularly, in addition to moisturizing your braids every day (using store-bought or home-made braid spray).  

Thanks for sharing Crystal!

Find out how to be a Featured Curlie, email me at canadiancurlie2010@gmail.com

Blessings and Curls,
B-Curlie

Tuesday 10 July 2012

Review: The Little Book of GREEN Minutes


One of my dearest friends and gorgeous Curlie, Natashia Jefferies has recently released her first book: The Little Book of GREEN Minutes. Some people call her Tash, but to me she will always be Tashia and I’m so excited to have the privilege to review her book.


It’s an inspirational self-help book for those who want to live a wholesome and empowering, green/natural lifestyle, by taking baby steps and in the end reaching a goal.

Not only does the book give great day-day tips on how to live well, but Tashia also gives insight on how she has personally changed her life for the better. So you are reading an actual case study as well as learning along the way.

There are a few unique things about this book that you will not find in other self-help books. First of all it is only 83 pages, a very easy read, she has included helpful resources, recipes and a journal to help readers on their way to living a healthy green lifestyle. It’s important to note that all of the products or services Tashia mentions in her book, she has personally tried or has had experience with. Lastly, The Little Book of GREEN Minutes is not preachy. Tashia has written it in a way that is educational and intuitive, you do not feel obligated to do anything, but without a doubt after reading it, your perspective on life and the things that you use and consume everyday will be re-evaluated.  
                        
I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for something new and exciting. If nothing else pick-up the book and perhaps take a few tips to apply to your everyday life, I’m sure you won’t regret it. The Little Book of GREEN Minutes can be purchased at and the book can be purchased on www.amazon.ca  or www.amazon.com $19.97 plus tax. Feel free to check out Tashia's website at: www.GreenMinutes.ca or to check out her road to curliness as a past Featured Curlie.


Blessing and Curls,
B-Curlie


Monday 25 June 2012

Product frustrations


So a while ago I asked you guys for your favourite natural hair resources. I got a few replies and also started to do my own research, because I think it’s important that we have a myriad of places to go that cater to us and our hair needs across Canada. I have noticed that Walmart, Walgreens and Target have caught on in the States, that the natural hair market is a lucrative one. I wish our Canadian department store would too. On the flip-side, there is nothing wrong with giving some of the independent manufactures and distributors some support as well.

I have three theories as to why we do not see our natural products everywhere.

1st theory:

Many live in a hair product bubble

Photo: sxc.com
I truly think those who do not have our type of hair as our, live in a hair product bubble if you will. Not on purpose, but why should they care, if everything they need is at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart or even a local grocery store? They do not have to search for it as an entire aisle is devoted to their products, while black hair products take up less than a third of that space, and that space is usually for those with relaxed hair.

I also think many who do not have afro-textured, may think we can use the same hair products as them, and therefore would not understand why we need different products or tools.   

2nd theory:

We aren’t loud enough


In the words of James Brown, “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud.” We need to inquire about our product in the stores we go to, on a regular basis. I’m guilty of this as I’m sure the rest of you are, but the truth is if we do not ask about them, we will never have a chance to see or purchase them in the big brand stores. It is 2012 and it is time we are represented in the stores that we have been spending money in for all these years.


3rd theory:

The Curlie Lifestyle is relatively new

I know rocking natural hair is not new for everyone, but over the last 5-10 years, I think it has really come into its own. In the past it was more so thought of as political statement, but now it’s a form of self-love and to maintain healthy hair without chemicals.  So, if you think about it that way, the Curlie Lifestyle is really, just an adolescent.  It needs to grow and be nurtured like anything else. We have to make it important in our lives and once we do that, hopefully others will follow our lead.

Researched and submitted resources:

So far below are the ones I found or knew of. Please note that it’s also important to check your local Black Beauty Supply stores or even Sally’s, you may be pleasantly surprised. I know there are plenty of other companies/salons in Canada that provide services and products for Curlies. Help me improve this list and send your resources to share!


Online:
Blended Beauty: www.blendedbeauty.ca Phone: 1.877.470.0634
Curly Canadians:
www.curlycanadians.ca

Kynk Naturals: www.kynk.ca Phone: 519.841.7559
Hair by Eli: www.hairbyeli.ca
I Love My Curls: http://storefront.ilovemycurls.ca Phone: 902.802.2409
Love Thy Hns: http://www.lovethyhns.ca

Ontario:
Curl Ambassadors:
www.curlambassadors.ca
Grace Hair Studio: www.gracehairstudios.com Phone: 416.284.8523
Honey Fig www.honeyfig.com Phone: 416.226.2100
Nanni’s Natural Hair Salon www.nannisnaturalhair.com Phone: 416.243.5151

Nova Scotia:
Hy-Style Beauty Care (stylist: Pauline Patten-Bailey):  http://hy-stylebeautycare.yolasite.com  Phone: 902.431.0556.



Friday 22 June 2012

Featured Curlie - Angela



 Angela is an inspiration not only as a Curlie, but also spiritually and physically. She has a such positive attitude while living with her disability. It's my pleasure to feature her. Thanks for being a part of my blog Angela!!!

Name: Angela Njoku     

Hometown: Halifax, Nova Scotia

First year of curlieness: 1996

Why I went curlie: When I was sixteen, my hair was straightened with a chemical relaxer.  As I got older, I found the relaxer chemicals to be too harsh for my fine hair.  By the time I was twenty-five, I noticed that the colour of my hair was changing to a coppery almost blonde colour at some parts.  I figured that this was a sign of damage to the hair and possibly to my scalp.  I decided to go natural.  I waited until I grew about a centimeter of natural hair under the relaxed hair, and then went to a salon and had the relaxed hair chopped off.  The hairstylist was tentative about cutting off my hair because my hair was shoulder length at the time.  But when it was cut to an afro, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated.  As time went by, I noticed that my hair became stronger and healthier.

I kept my hair in a very short style that framed my face (about half a centimeter in length) for about five years before deciding to grow it out.  My biggest challenges with being natural were finding products for natural hair, finding a hairstylist who was skilled in handling natural hair, and figuring out different ways to style my hair. 

Seven years ago, my health deteriorated to the point that I became disabled.  I thank God that my hair was natural at the time because I became too sick to visit a salon or do my hair myself; if I still had the relaxed hair I would have had to cut it all off.  But I receive home care, and my home support worker has been taking care of my hair for me among other things.  For the last five years she has washed, combed, styled and occasionally trimmed my hair when I couldn’t do it myself.  She visits twice a month, and I manage my hair the rest of the time. Thank God that my health is turning around now, so I am able to do a little more with my hair and occasionally get out to a salon for a trim and conditioning treatment. The reason why I mention this is to encourage anyone who is considering going natural.  If I can keep my hair natural while dealing with a disability, you can do it!
Angela with a cornrow braidout.


Regime and products:
The frequency in which I wash my hair is based on its length and how my scalp feels.  It’s a little bit longer than shoulder length now, so it is washed twice a month.  (But when it was very short, I had to wash it every 2 days, and when it was chin length it had to be washed once a week.)  If I wash it too often, it becomes dry and my scalp itches.

Presently, I am using a natural shampoo called Hygenic, made by local hairdresser, Pauline Patten-Bailey of Hy-Style Beauty Care here in Halifax (website coming soon; see below for more information).  Pauline has developed a line of natural hair care products called Bailey Hair Care Products.   When I became disabled, I could no longer comb my thick hair.  But I discovered Bailey‘s Curl In Curl Out, which softens my hair so that it is a little easier for me to comb. I apply it every six months. 

One of Angela's favourite products from her stylist Pauline Patten-Bailey.


I also use Bailey‘s Bedew, a leave-in conditioner, after washing and as a daily moisturizer.  I use natural Shea Butter as a scalp and hair moisturizer.  It was given to me by a friend, but can be purchased in stores. The Shea Butter prevents my scalp from going dry and flaky during the winter months.  It also produces fantastic results when my hair is flat ironed.

I try not to fuss with my hair with too much combing, heat or product.  If it’s not dry or tangled but is soft and shiny, I know that all is well, so I leave it alone.  If not, I add moisturizer, condition it or use less heat on my hair.  (I try not to flat iron more than three times in one month.)  I make sure to get it trimmed every two months to prevent hair breakage and tangling at the ends. I also maintain a healthy diet, and try to eat carrots regularly to encourage a healthy scalp and hair growth.
Angela's wash-n-go look.

The best part of being curlie for me is: I like variety, so I have been one to change my hairstyle frequently. I love curly hair, because of the fact that it can be styled in many different ways with relative ease. It can be in its natural state or afro, locked, twisted, flat twisted, braided, flat ironed, straightened with thread, corn-rowed, you can add extensions to it, and so on.  Also, undoing a hairstyle (like twists or corn-rows) can create another hairstyle. An added bonus, I find, is that that curly hair (mine is quite curly) can hold a hairstyle for a long time, so it does not have to be changed every day if one wants to keep a style for a few days or weeks. My home support worker gives me a style that will last for two to four weeks.


One challenge about being curlie is that, no matter what style it is in, once my hair gets wet, damp or is exposed to humidity, it reverts to its natural curl.  I’ve lost a few hair dos after sweating or taking a bath!

Maintaining my hair in its natural state has been considerably less expensive than in those days when I used a chemical straightener, which to me, is another big bonus and reason why I have stayed natural all of these years.  Last, but not least, my hair is healthy, I am happy with it, and it looks better than ever!  That is the reason why I wanted to go natural in the first place: to have healthy hair that I could feel good about.


For you Canadian Curlies in Halifax, Pauline’s hair salon is located at 349A Herring Cove Road, Halifax; telephone 902.431.0556.