I received a wonderful email from Loctician Islande.  She sent me a picture of her new hair cut and I love it! If any one is looking for a loc stylist in Canada, you can contact Islande at 1-514-588-6668. Thank you for sharing Islande!
 Ok... this is seriously gorgeous. Check out this Fish Tail Braid by Shelli. I just found her site today, and I can already see that I am going to be a fan of her site Hair Scapades. She has beautiful hair and also shares a lot of great tips. Check out her post on various hair bonnets that you should use for different styles.

The first photo is from Koils by Nature. The second photo was submitted by Ebony. Great picture. Thank you for sharing.  .

Q: What is your hair story?  What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A: I started getting relaxers at age 5, so all I knew of my hair was the thin, straightened relaxed hair version. I wore every popular and trendy style in the book, from wraps, roller sets, extensions, braids, cornrows, buns, ponytails, you name it!

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: I originally tried to go natural in 2003 but with a lack of knowledge on how to properly take of my hair, I went back to relaxing. In May 2009, I decided to transition again, remembering how healthy my hair was in its natural state. I knew and wanted my hair to regain its strength and health and knew I had to go natural again to get it.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A:Oh yes! There is a lack of support in our community regarding natural hair, especially during earlier years. Now, more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits and are starting to support and embrace natural hair and its culture. I have family members and associates that did not fully agree with my hair decision initially and aggressively tried to pressure me into relaxing. Some even stated that natural hair isn't "professional". My having my own business, I was definitely afraid of how potential clients might perceive.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: Most of the products I use, I make with ingredients in my pantry. I have to have Shea Butter, Aloe Vera Gel and EVOO(Extra Virgin Olive Oil). I use all of these in many of my recipes. I can't live without them.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: It took my husband a while to accept and view my natural hair as beautiful. Speaking from experience, making the decision to go natural is revolutionary. I consider this to be a revolutionary move being that the majority of society accepts other styles more so than natural hair. If you are considering going natural, know that you can do it, regardless of the rejections you might receive. Know that the health of your hair is more important that what any one could ever say, think or perceive of you. With natural hair, you will see your hair healthier than it has ever been, grow to long lengths and you will feel confident and empowered. Once your loved ones see your new-found confidence in what you're doing, it will be contagious and they will began to see your hair as beautiful as well.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website? (Optional)
A:  Find me at: Beauty As Designed, Twitter & Fotki




I would like to give a big thanks to Sunshine Abuwi of Natural Sun Shine. She wrote a great article on rocking a TWA (tiny weeny afro), and agreed to letting me share the article on my blog. Read below to see her great variety of style and recommendations.  

Newly Natural? Rocking a TWA? Don’t be Afraid of Scissors! 
Posted by Sunshine Abuwi on September 19, 2011 at 9:00m

"For many a natural, the TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) phase can be the hardest one to get through. The short length and lack of style options leaves many running for the closest wig store, regretting their decision to go natural (so soon), or just down in the dumps feeling not as attractive as they once felt.  I wish to encourage those of you who have found yourself in that position to not be afraid of scissors. For many, the reason they feel so bad with their TWA is because it is just a mound of shapeless, styleless hair sitting on top of your head. I don’t care what texture your hair is, if it is just sitting there with no personality or style, it is bound to get you down. I recommend getting the sides and back tapered to create a style. Transform your blah TWA into a cute cut by shaping it. You would be amazed at how much better your TWA would look of your sides and back were a little faded.

Remember, even as you are growing your hair out, you are still alive! You still have places to go and people to see. Today! You can’t just allow your hair to sit on top of your head shapeless and lifeless while you look forward to that day when you reach a longer length and then are able to style it. Is your life on hold until that day? Didn’t think so! Enjoy each step of the way . Don’t be on some fast paced race to bra strap length. Because even if you stand at the mirror, tapping your foot, pointing at your watch demanding your hair to grow, it is going to take time. Why not enjoy it and your life even while your hair is growing? Getting a little shape up is a great way to do that! When I grew out my hair in 2009, I always either went to a stylist and got my hair shaped or I manipulated it to look like it was in a shape. Have a look!

 
I recommend going to barber (because it is less expensive than a salon and they are less likely to try to talk you into relaxing) and asking them to give your hair a little shape. Tell them you do not want a line in the front (unless you do) and that you want the sides and back tapered so your hair has more of a style while you are growing it out. I recommend you go on a week day if possible or first thing on a Saturday morning (to avoid all the men). All of you who have used this method while growing your hair please post pictures or your two cents on this!" - Sunshine Abuwi, Source

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