Sunday, January 10, 2016

The journey has been even more real the second time around….



The Natural Sophisticate 2013
The Natural Sophisticate 2016
It has been a while since The Natural Sophisticate has
blogged, but the wait is over! We have been on an extended hiatus due to so many irons in the fire. You know how busy life can be, that we are sure of. At any rate, we are BACK! We are back to continue to provide our take on natural hair, beauty and lifestyle. Are you ready?

So back to the idea of the journey has been even more real the second time around. This is my second
time navigating my way through the trials, errors and triumphs of natural hair, and I must say that I have learned even more about myself. Why is it my second time around? I encountered a bump in the road called cancer and lost all of my beloved “Bernadette.” (I still have her in a box…I know! I know!) It was truly a trying time, but grace kept me!

Easter Sunday 2014
I mean, I knew how to care for that first wave of natural hair like nobody’s business. I would style, restyle and just play with my former hair, but I am not sure if you know that sometimes when the hair grows back after chemotherapy, it may or may not be the same…it was NOT the same…LOL! I went from curls that would finger coil to curls that laughed when I simply tried it. I was a little discouraged and taken aback until I realized that hair is hair, and the journey that I had been on was so much bigger. Because let’s face it, sometimes we get caught up in the physical that we sometimes miss the growing process. Not to say that I was not thankful of being healed of cancer, but there was so much more to be thankful for. 

The Natural Sophisticate Spring 2015
I have learned that hair is just hair, which I had said time and time again. However, I did not understand the concept until life happened. I had to rethink how to keep and maintain my hair, which can be a challenge in itself. So it was back to the drawing board on products that would really work for my hair, and I am happy to say that Organically Yours products still worked, but the amounts needed changed. For instance, with my “first” natural hair, I did not have to moisturize as much so I used more Velvet (sealant) than moisturizer; however, now my hair requires more Silk (moisturizer) than Velvet. I also helped my hair out with a supplement called Hair, Skin and Nails by
The Natural Sophisticate Fall 2015
It Works (contact Nickeda Shelton on Facebook, best distributor in the world, owner of Nicke Street Boutique and the other half of the Natural Sophisticate). With all of this being said, sometimes life happens, and we have to roll with the punches in order to get the results that we want. In other words, a change in hair regimen is good from time to time to receive optimum style results, hair growth and retention for our natural mane. You have to be patient and flexible in your hair journey. Realize that you may not always get it right, and that is ok (this applies to life in general).

Take the time to learn and grow spiritually, mentally and physically during the times of change. You
may be surprised to see what you find out about yourself. Heck, I found out what eyebrows and nose hairs were for….lol!

Fall 2016
Organically Yours,

The Natural Sophisticate

 

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Sunday, July 19, 2015

Meet Sunday Sophisticant...Nakikke!

1.Tell us about yourself:
Hi there. I am Nakikke Wallace Johnson originally from Baldwyn, MS yet residing in Columbus, MS. I am married to a loving husband with two step-daughters who also have natural hair. I have two furry babies, a Schnauzer/ Yorkie mix named Hogan and a Chihuahua named Rocky. I am the Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life at Mississippi University for Women (The W). I am also a stylist for Stella and Dot as well as a QC Make Up Academy student. I love all things fashion, hair, and jewelry.

2. How long have you been natural? And why did you become natural?
LOL … well … it depends … I go by my first big chop date, March 17, 2010. I have not been natural completely throughout my hair journey. I relaxed when I decided to grow my hair out for my wedding back in 2012 and I relaxed in August 0f 2014 just because I  wanted a change. I am very spontaneous when it comes to my hair. When I decided to return back to my natural hair, I didn’t do any research beforehand. I literally saw a girl in an Essence Magazine and I was like  … “I wonder what my hair would look like that?” SO I went home after work, went to the bathroom and cut my hair into the cut I saw in the magazine … and then went out for St. Patty’s Day drinks with friends. Brave? Maybe … Smart? Not really. I did no research and I used whatever products I had on hand so after failing at it for about two weeks, I called my sorority sister who was already natural and she told me to go You Tube and the blogs. Having always been a student at heart, I immediately dove into all things natural hair. I still continue to refresh myself by keeping up with the latest information. Nevertheless, I say I have been natural since 2010.

3. Describe your hair and/or health (if it  aids in hair care) regimen.
I surprisingly  have always had a healthy head of hair and scalp. I was taught at an early age how to take good care of my relaxed hair. Now that I am more “seasoned,” I am paying more attention to the health of my  scalp and my natural texture. I have developed several food allergies as an adult and I am also allergic to sulfur.  These days I rock a shaved head (buzz cut/fade) and I love it. It makes no sense to have long hair down your back but your scalp is a mess. I make spur of the moment decisions when it comes to my hair … I let it be a freeing experience anytime I’m starting to feel pressure to be put in a box or categorized. That is why I love big chopping  because it is such a freeing experience. I accept me for me and I love me for me … anytime when I start to question that love for myself … I go back to free myself all over again. I keep products and a routine simple with the LOC method (Liquid application – water; Oil – whatever I feel at the moment; C- cream/leave-in conditioner to lock in the moisture.)

4. What are your favorite hair care/ health care products?
I have always loved Shea Moisture products. I use their conditioners, soaps, and hair oil. I love Eden Body Works Peppermint line and their deep conditioners. Right now I am using the shampoo and I love to feel the clean tingle on my scalp. I also love a good Shea Butter Mix (such as the one from Organically Yours or One Love Naturals - find her on ETSY.com) When I am “woofing,” I use Sporting Waves Gel Pomade. When you are rocking a tight fade or a buzz cut, you need a good brush and a doo rag (for wave training). In the winter and spring months, I take a hair, skin, and nail vitamin and I don’t skip out on my scalp massages.

5. What are your hair care and/ health care always and nevers?
(1)Always use water/drink water. We need water on the inside and out … a lot of it so drink up. (2) Always be confident – Never let people put you in a category like “only natural”. I am so much more as a person than my hair. (3) Always have fun – Never let natural hair nazis tell you what you can and can’t do. Never let ignorance dictate how you look and feel.

6. Two tips to help others on this journey.
(1) When you are reading blogs, pinning on Pinterest, or watching YouTube videos; please don’t look at a person’s long flowing locks and picture your hair the same. Our hair coils and kinks are all very different. Go check out the beginning of their journey. It’s ok to have a hair crush but don’t obsess about getting your hair to look or grow like hers. It’s ok to have a hair twin but  make sure that her hair texture is  as close to your texture as possible.
(2) Accept yourself and your hair for what it is and see it’s potential. Don’t wait for others’ approval concerning your journey. Most people won’t get it, will discourage you, and will talk about you. It’s your journey and everyone won’t be along for the ride.

7. Contact information …
You can see my crazy journey on Instagram - https://instagram.com/nakikke/


Thank you for the opportunity to share a piece of me with you all.
Be blessed,

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Who is this week's Sunday Sophisticant? KaDiedre Talley, that's who!



Who are you?:
Mother of Kingsley. I love all things cosmetology!! I enjoy making others feel beautiful through hair. 

When and Why did you decide to return to your natural hair?
January 2014 I embarked on the journey of natural hair. Becoming natural was a little challenge for myself to see how long my hair could get without a relaxer. It's been a year and five months post relaxer & 10 months post BC. 

How would you describe your hair?
My coils are 4c, and my shrinkage is the DEVIL! I always think I'm bald until I do twist-outs. Lol.

What are your hair’s must have products?
These are my favorite hair care products: coconut oil, Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie, jojoba oil, Doo Gro stimulating growth oil, and Jamaican Black Castor Oil. 

Fill in the Blank:
I Always: oil/moisturize my hair, protect my hair at night,  and detangle with conditioner.
I Never: use brushes on wet hair, use heat, or compare my hair growth to others.

What would wisdom would you share with our followers?
Be patient, this is what YOU wanted! Find products that best suit YOUR hair type! 



How can our followers contact you?

email : [ krowndkweens@yahoo.com ]
IG : KaDiedra Charlé 💋