The Big Chop

The first time I "Big Chop" I did not know that there was even such a term. I associated my change in appearance with me being fed up of constant breaking hair, which ultimately really is what the Big Chop is. For many however, it is so much more on a deeper level, which at the time was not at the forefront of my mind.

Today I will explore "The Big Chop" and the many questions one will have.

What is the big chop?

The big chop is an attempt to restore your hair to a healthy state. It is the process of removing those damage ends, or for some removing hair to become natural and  having healthy growing hair. When you decided to big chop it can be a very scary but liberating time. Many women say they feel like they have let go, been refresh and a few nothing to it. Whatever the reason for your new change or urge to change do it for you.

Essentials to starting your journey?

I wrote an article about three years ago that discuss the essential to starting and continuing your hair journey Click Here. In the article I discuss what is essential for any natural. However when you first big chop depending on the amount of hair you have removed your hair care need maybe different. Less hair will require a much different routine than with someone that has chosen to transition more than 50% of their hair growth.

Turn away from public opinion

It is important to choose what will work best for you and why you want to big chop. Make sure it is a decision you willing to live with and doing it for you. Do not big chop because a natural hair blogger or vlogger said too.

What about protective styling?

The great thing about protective styling is that you can use many methods if your hair is at its shortest you can switch up your looks with wigs until it grows out to try weaves, wigs, braids, twists and of course play around with your own hair and trying protective styling with your own hair.

I have written a few articles on protective styling that may help: 

Motivation Thursday Lets Spotlight
How to winter-ize your natural hair care

Pro of the Big Chop

~ if your hair has begun to grow out by doing the big chop you will hsve one texture to style
~ shorts cuts are low maintenance and take less time
~ care time is also cut in half: shampooing, conditioning, detangling
~ you learn so much about your hair, health, and products


Cons of the Big Chop

~ it can be overwhelming when you remove all your hair especially those with longer hair
~ You may realize you hate your new appearance and short hair
~ some may not be to keen on your new look and everyone has an opinion
~ natural hair is not loved by everyone so once your hair begins to grow your texture maybe loved and or disliked


Things to know before doing the Big Chop and some may not telling you

~ Your intial reaction maybe shock
~ You may discover your true hair texture
~ As your hair grows it can become frustration for many, learning and finding out what works
~ It is important to know your hair will not be perfect and will misbehave from time to time
~ No two heads are the same, so what works for you may not work for others
~ Your hair care, hair reaction to products, change in weather and elements can be affect by all these
~ Be open to trying new styles as your hair grows
~ If you need help ask and read articles, books and watch videos to help in your journey
~ Consistency is key
~ Be patient and kind to your hair
~ Detangle will be vital to your journey, take your time protecting those ends

Hope these hints are helpful to get you started on your journey!

Good luck

How to "Winter-ize" your Natural Hair care

This was the first year since becoming a "healthy natural" (I have been natural my whole life), that my hair has experience such harsh treatment. I have dye it, cut it, dye it again and sometimes neglect it due to my busy schedule. 

The constant change in weather meant it was time to amp up my hair care, and for me being a Natural with 4b,c hair, protective styling is my go to. My hair does not respond to being out in the cold win or harsh sun. This year my protective style of choice is wigs, braids, twist, and keeping it simple. 

Protective Styling: Why wigs? Braids? or Twist?

For me these methods have been my protective styles of choice, most recently wigs.  I started wearing wigs two years ago and they have truly been an amazing journey, I love the freedom to switch up my look, protect my hair and still play dress up if I feel like it. These protective styles allow your hair to have a rest period, allowing many naturals to retain length and refrain from being exposed to the harsh climate changes of many countries. 

How long do you wear your protective style for?

Bantu knots + Kinky Straight Clip-ins

This fall and winter I feel like my hair is taking a beating. The first time I coloured my hair was this past January and it seemed to be fine with the cold winter. However I re-coloured my hair in June of this year and the double dose of colour fusion has my hair super dry. I have opted to up my weekly treatments to include hot oil treatments, masks treatments, eating well, drinking lots of water and doing trims. I decided to do more frequent trims because the colour had dried out my ends. Before the year is done I'll probably do one more trim if necessary, but so far my latest trim seems to be a success. Don't worry I only cut about 1 inch off.

This was the first day I installed my Kinky straight clip-ins. I been searching for clipins for a really long time, so when my cousin told me about these I went looking on aliexpress. I had already ordered a another hair from aliexpress and I am very careful when it comes to what store I order from. I will do a later article on this topic.

This is a few days later, although my hair is a different colour, the texture matched perfectly. I received 14 clips, 16 inches in length and relatively full. I knew that just seven clips would not give me the thickness I desired.

Few random thoughts
* This hair can be straightened
* The hair does lose its kinky texture when approaching the ends
* The clip-ins aren't individual as thick as I would like
* The texture is a perfect match to my blown out hair
* These will last you a while
* The should be washed frequently, if you will wear them everyday
* You can try many style with these clip-ins such as buns, updos, and much more





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Solange Knowles Wedding to Alan Ferguson

It is the least to say that Solange has grown into her own women, with your own sense of style and I imagine a unique idea of who she is. To say she is breaking the internet, well, I prefer not to compare the too, however she sure is turning heads, in a good way. 

Yesterday Solange wed her boyfriend Alan ferguson in New Orleans. Each shot comes off as pieces of art work. The all female family portrait was an ode to the work of Italian artist Vanessa Beecroft. 

Solange commisioned Humberto Leon for Kenzo to design her unique dress, and Rog Walker as her official photographer.  

The simplicity of this wedding although it may not appear simplistic in price it is however beautiful to me. 

                           There is something extremely sexy, but modest and artistic about this look.
                                                                  I love it.

Top 30 Natural Hair Black Women

When I first sat down to watch this, I was very intrigued with who came up with this list. I assume the creator of this video. This video, and some may disagree is very inspiring, eyebrow raising and yes will raise alot of debate. I believe as we embrace the weaves, clips, and wigs of other races in which he happily adorn on our crowns, we should feel free to have natural hair and embrace it. I for one never say you have to "go natural" or have natural hair. I do not believe this method will work. I have always said whether you decided to have relax hair, natural hair, short or long hair or be bald it is a choice. It is a choice because there is an industry built on women altering who we physically can be and present ourselves to the world. I doubt this will ever change, but we can surely first learn to embrace our inner understanding of our whole being and maybe that will reflect the decisions and how we treat ourselves on the outside.

I have posted the video below, share your opinions and thoughts. Let me know how you feel, think and do you disagree with this video.

Maybe your list is different, let me know in the comments below?

Inspiration for the Day

Happy Monday and I hope you all had an amazing weekend. I really wanted to start the
week out right, this quote from Maya Angelou was fitting and I hope it is inspiration
to help anyone get through this week with love.

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I‘ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
     - Maya Angelou (born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928)      


Stans *Dejavunaturals* 

Empower, Embrace, Create and Unite

Natural Sista's : LOVE YOUR HAIR

I LOVE THESE LADIES, THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY STUNNING AND THEY SHARE SOME GREAT TIPS ON HELPING ANYONE WITH THEIR JOURNEY. IF YOU ARE STRUGGLE WITH YOUR HAIR CARE JOIN, THIS SHOULD BE HELPFUL. LOVE YOUR HAIR LADIES, BE YOURSELF

 

bisous *kisses* 

 Stans *Dejavunaturals

Model Diversity: AYOR MAKUR, RACHEL ZIMMERMANN, IMAN, SOLENN HEUSSAFF, CARMELITA MENDES, BARBARA DI CREDDO, BAO HOA, EMANUELA DE PAULA

Ayor Makur Chuot by Michael Isiah

Raquel Zimmermann for Vogue Paris November 2011

Chanel Iman for H&M

Couture 2011 for V Magazine #74 Winter 2011

Solenn Heussaff for Mega Magazine November 2011

Carmelita Mendes & Barbara di Creddo for Elle Brazil November 2011

Bao Hoa for Elle Vietnam November 2011

Emanuela de Paula for Gina Tricot October 2011

         I know, I know I said only hair but I had to post these I love them

        xoxo

        Dejavunaturals

       source

Curly Nikki Nyc Meetup (Street Style)

I have been such a browsing mood lately, going everywhere I can find on the net about hair, fashion, news, fun videos. I always seem to find the most amazing things minding my business. I love watching my hair grow but I am so excited to see if I can really pull off some these styles, I found these over at Essence and have shared some of my favourite styles..Enjoy style inspirations

These are some of my favourite looks from the event

source

xoxo

Ms. Stans

Video Request: Dark Skin vs Lightskin: Redbones?

Hey guys I recently got this video in my inbox, from these amazing ladies called "PrettyYoungNaturals" and decided of course I would love to share it with my readers. It takes and in depth look at the way young black women of different skin tones, hair textures, views, beliefs discuss the issue of our skin tones and
what young black women and men really think.

I would love to know what you all think of this issue...Thanks for watching

XOXO

Essence.com Top Ten All time Afros

I was minding my business surfing the net and decided to check out Essence.com and I came across this article on the top ten Afro. It was so inspiring I had to share it with you...Enjoy...I cant wait to rock my fro out again next summer. I love fro's

THESE ARE MY TOP FAVES FROM THE SITE

Then and Now

1969, One of the Originals

Political activist Angela Davis popularized larger-than-life hair when she proudly rocked her afro in the 60’s

1969, Big, Bold Hair

In the late ‘60s, few afros were as powerfully majestic as Marsha Hunt’s.The singer,actress and model lit up the stage in skintight buckskin pants, belly-baring halters and that awe-inspiring cloud of hair.

1972, Fab Fro

In the Seventies, Pam Grier made a name for herself not only for her iconic roles in blaxploitation flicks like Foxxy Brown, but also for her super-big, sexy afro

1973, Diva 'Do

On her first solo tour of Britain, Diana Ross rocked a head full of voluminous ringlets—a real departure from the structured Supremes bouffants of the Sixties

1976, LemmeRockYa Chaka Khan

Chaka hits the stage with Rufus rocking an enormous, fluffy ’fro.

2003, One of a Kind

Erykah Badu stays true to her roots rocking a striking, full afro.

2006, Vintage Glamour

At an Oscar party, Lauryn Hill sported an oversize coily wig and Harlequin-style makeup. Don’t you love this look?

2011, Spiraled Halo

At the ESSENCE and BET party honoring Tracee Ellis Ross, the lady of the hour looked lovely wearing a lush, curly ’do.

And ROUND OF APPLAUSE GOES TO SOLANGE BECAUSE I LOVEEE HER SULTRY STYLE LATELY....

2011, Au Naturale

Solange is currently the leader of the pack when it comes to flaunting her beautiful, kinky-textured tresses.
















And of course the World Record Holder Aevin Dugas



xoxo