World Record Holder and Natural Hair Guru

It was only back in 2011 when the Guinness Book of World Records first introduced the Largest Afro category. A huge step for the natural hair community, NaturallyCurly caught up with the New Orleans native who won the title to talk about her hair, her regimen and of course, her life. Two years later, Aevin Dugas still holds the World’s Largest Afro title, and says that as of 2013, her hair is much longer than it was when she first won.
Dugas is a woman who went natural long before the community gained such notoriety. She taught herself how to care for her hair, use protective styles and even deal with negative reactions from society as a whole. She has been natural for the past 14 years (starting about the same time NaturallyCurly did!), and is not only a world record holder, but a natural hair guru in and of herself.
We caught up with Dugas again to follow up on how the title has changed her life, how she continues to take care of her hair and to talk about how the natural hair community has influenced a whole new generation of women, many of whom were able to avoid relaxers altogether.

The Record

What has your life been like since you were named the Guinness World Record Holder for the World’s Largest Afro?
My life has been almost the same, except now being natural is on a larger scale because I meet more people, do more interviews and get to travel because of being natural! So, I guess my life has changed a bit from how it used to be.
Any particular highlights that stand out to you?
I think one of the highlights is meeting the little girls who say they want to grow their hair like mine! I love that the natural movement has gotten to the kids because if we can get to them before they get relaxers, they won’t have to go through the turmoil of going natural, the big chop, transitioning etc.
You’ve been natural for about 14 years now. How have you seen the attitudes towards natural hair change over that time?
Definitely, the attitude has changed a lot! When I first went natural people would give me the strange looks and make rude comments, but now SO many people are loving it, asking questions, and accepting of it. It really does make me so happy!

The Afro

What hair type would you say that you have?
Somewhere in the 4s!! It just depends on the weather and what part of my hair you’re dealing with.
What’s your hair look like now?
My hair is longer, but I don’t wear my fro that much because it gets really tangled and it’s not something you wear out everyday. That style has always gotten a lot of attention, the bigger it gets the more people want to know. So I only wear it for appearances and MAYBE if I’m feeling spicy!
How do you maintain it, keep it healthy? 
I maintain it by keeping it in a protective style 90 percent of the time and maybe wear it out on the weekends. I shampoo, condition, sometimes deep condition and then braid it mostly or sometimes twist it. By Friday, I may take it down. Then by Sunday, it’s back up again.
What are your favorite hairstyles?
My favorite of course is my bun. Then I recently tried a “Nicole Melton bun” and fell in love!! I love two French braids, and wearing it out a twist-n-curl.
How long does it take you to put your hair in those styles?
It actually doesn’t take long for any of them. I’d say an hour is all I need for styling. Now drying time is something totally different!

The Natural Hair Community

Back in 2011, you said that you didn’t mind people touching your hair. That has become a hot button issue over the past two years, with many women claiming that people wanting to ‘touch natural hair’ are treating those with natural hair like animals at a petting zoo. Do you still not mind?
Yeah that’s an “iffy” subject. Even back then I was trying to be nice, but honestly it’s not the most comfortable thing for people to want to touch my hair. Not knowing if their hands are clean, it’s just a little weird. I know it’s something that people are curious about because a lot of us hid our real texture for so long. So of course they want to know what it feels like. Is it heavy? Is it soft (that one kills me)? But at the end of the day, it’s your personal preference if you want a stranger touching your hair. Sometimes I let it slide. Sometimes, I’m not up for it.
Who do you look up to in the natural hair community?
Honestly I don’t look up to anyone only because when I went natural there weren’t all these bloggers, vloggers, gurus, etc. Most of the people who are very popular in the natural community are newly natural and haven’t even gotten 7-10 years under their belt. So besides loving my mama’s ‘fro and a few people way back in the day, I look up to no one. But I have a great respect for the bloggers, vloggers and gurus because they are making it so much easier for the newbies coming into the natural community!
The natural hair movement has really taken off over the past couple years and you being the first awarded the record for World’s Largest Afro (the first time the title has been around) makes you a big part of that history. Did you ever really think that you hair could become such an inspiration, and how do you feel now that it has?
No! I never thought going natural would lead to this. I’ve always been pro-natural, helping people, answering questions on how to go natural, but I didn’t think that the movement itself would get this big and I surely did not think I’d be recognized for having big hair! Never in a million years, but I am grateful and will keep this movement going any way I can!

Rita Ora Dyes Her Hair Blue...

• Rita Ora‘s got blue hair now. The singer took to instagram to show off her new coif, captioning the photo, “today it’s Smurf day :)” What do you think of her new hue? (@RitaOra)

5 Easy Hairstyles You Can Do with Your Hair!

By Jennifer Obiuwevbi

  

Ever had those moments where you just don’t know what to do with your natural hair? Most times the only thing you can think of doing is giving it a relaxed treatment and heading for a good old High Bun. Well that snot all you can do with your hair, braids or even your weave.

There are so many hairstyles littered on YouTube that can help your style your natural hair making it look innovative  fresh and uniquely yours. With this in mind are you willing to try seem of these amazing hair do’s with me? Here are 5 hairstyles from bloggers on YouTube to keep you looking good even when you don’t have a weave on.

1. The French Braid Fringe

When I found this hairdo on Youtube I immediately knew what I was going t have on next week. It’s fun, new and different for the regular girl who is used to doing the same hairstyles. Here Beauty & Style blogger Shirley Eniang of Meek-n-Mild is displaying a great way to do a French Braid Fringe. The hairdo is simple enough that it doesn’t look too stressful to achieve and so unique that it looks like you had it done at a salon.
Check out her tutorial below on how you too can get the French braid fringe hairstyle.

2. Milk Maid Braid

We may not have them here… but we can definitely imitate their hairstyles. The milk braid is perfect for a day at the beach, an intimate dinner or just a relaxed day at home. With this hair do you might need a bit more materials compared to the French braid fringe, but the end result makes it worth the hassle. Here Shirley is back with a great version where she has incorporated Xpressions artificial hair extensions to make the braid.
Click play to learn how to achieve this ‘do.

3. Bantu Knots (With straightened or relaxed hair)

Confession? I tried this last week and I absolutely loved it. It was different from my usual side or centre part weave and a fresh look. The hairstyle takes little or nothing to do, all you need is a mirror, some bobby pins and maybe a curling pudding (optional). The tutorial below is from www.luvnaturals.com where they show you just how easy it is to do.

4. The Hypnotic Roll

I especially loved this hairstyle because if you feel like you still want to do a high bun, it doesn’t mean you cant have fun with it. This Hypnotic Roll hairstyle looks really vintage and we all know vintage never goes out of style. Here natural hair blogger Brittany from Kysmyhair.com will show us how we can style this up do.

TIP: Instead of using the Marley hair used in the tutorial video, you can also make use of the Xpressions extensions Shirley used in her Milkmaid Braid tutorial. It would give you a varied outcome but you can still play around with it to give it your signature.
5. Twisted Braid Up Do

For those gals who want a mix between braids, twists and the up do…here you go. This retro hairstyle is great when you’re protecting your hair from harsh weather or otherwise. Here Brittany is showing us this hairstyle and just a quick tip; still keep your Xpressions extensions because you will definitely need it here. Its really quick and little or no product was used. Click play to find out more.

There you have it, 5 easy enough hairstyles that could get your hair looking fabulous. Tried any before, be sure to say so in your comments and share any useful tips you might have on spicing up our natural hair. Enjoy!

6 Factors that Could be Stunting Your Hair Growth

One of the many reasons why African women have stunted hair growth could be due to a number of reasons that could range from focusing on the wrong aspect of hair care to just doing it wrong.

There are a lot of hair problems and different solutions to them, but in all the major thing you need to understand is hair growth takes time.

But while we wait, check these things off your list to see if they’re what’s keeping you from waist length hair.

You’re applying too much heat to the hair when styling: 
Blow drying, curling, straightening…all the heat applied to hair can cause damage to hair growth. The presence of chemicals mixed with heat in your hair dries out the water and removes moisture from the hair strands. This makes it break easily.

To avoid this, reduce the frequency of heat application to your hair. In addition always get regular protein deep treatment conditioners to help fight damage after applying heat.

You’re over processing your hair or over handling:
With the large number of hair care products that exist, each promising something better than the last I know it’s very easy to go product crazy. The thing is when you burden your hair with treatment after treatment it will eventually start to show because each product has its process of working. These could also have different chemicals that damage your hair when reacting with others, like Parabens i.e Propyl, Methyl, Butyl, or Ethyl. When you give your hair too much attention it could loose its health leading to hair loss.

A quick solution is to always research your hair type and confirm chemicals that are good for your hair. Keep in mind that you could have a mixture of different types of hair (curly & wavy etc). Also schedule your hair appointments so you can give your hair time to rest up and grow naturally.

You’re doing the wrong hairstyles: 
If you haven’t been paying attention, now is the time to do so! Not all hairstyles are good for your hair. For example if you regularly make hairstyles that require a lot of bonding glue and you remove them without caution you are damaging the roots of the hair. The best option for removal of such is always to apply hair oil to the glued area to soften it up. This allows for easy removal. Not doing this could lead to permanent hair loss (traction alopecia) around the temple and the ears.

Take caution to make hairstyles that do not put too much stress on the hair follicles. Weaves and extensions offer hairstyle options, but remove them every six to eight weeks to give your hair a break.

You might be using a quack hairstylist:
Not everyone is a trained hair care specialist. Just because they own a salon and have the equipment does not make them the right professionals to handle your hair. Be sure to search for a specialist that that knows what he or she is doing and can do it well. Also keep to one or at most two hair stylists. This ensures that the person is accustomed to your hair and all its needs.

Your hair  is being pulled too tight:
Pulling your hair too tight could result in permanent hair loss. It could also end with acne or sores to the scalp. On average, women loose about 100 strands of hair a day. Let’s not increase those figures okay?

Instead of getting on the ‘bald eagle’ train, tell your hair stylist not to pull too hard while weaving or sewing. The loosening feeling you get later is not relief but your hair strands getting uprooted from your scalp from being wound too tight. Take this initiative and protect your hair from follicle damage so your hair could have the opportunity to grow to its full potential.

You have dirty hair:
The scalp is the base and beginning of hair growth, if you do not have that under control then you do not have a good foundation for hair growth. Imagine if you went 2 weeks without washing your face? You get the picture?
Wash your hair regularly and treat it to a good cleansing when you can; at least once every 7-10 days.

Photo Credit: kootation.com | madamenoire.com |  juicymagonline

Snapshot: Cassie Ventura for ASOS 2013

Cassie Ventura for ASOS Magazine Spring/Summer 2013.
Images: ASOS.com/Cassie-Ventura.com

Timaya Shaves Off Dreadlocks!

Timaya  the self-acclaimed ‘Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa surprised everyone yesterday when he posted a picture of himself with his signature dreads cut off!

‘Ma dread is offff……Kai I feel kooool‘, the self acclaimed Egber Papa 1 of Bayelsa tweeted.

It isn’t a new thing to see artists appear on new looks day in day out, but this one seem to shock everyone. We’re told the controversial hit-maker is rebranding; and this new look may be part of the script.

The ‘bad boy’ recently fathered a baby girl and released 'Bum Bum' Video and his fourth solo album aptly titled ‘Upgrade‘....Could this really affect the way fans look at him? Could this have affected his Timaya signature? 

PHOTOS: Ex- MBGN 2011, Sylvia Nduka Opens Hair Store

Former MBGN Sylvia Nduka open's her Hair Product called “Sylvia’s Hair”  in Surulere Lagos. The store is located at Nos. 39, Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere,

The Grand-opening of the hair mart was last Sunday, July 22, 2012, and in attendance were many of the Ex-Queen's friends and many of her customers, 2nd runner-up Miss Nigeria Nowe Isibor-Alexis and many others.

See More Photos after the cut

Don't forget to join me

Facebook: CrantzCouture 

Twitter: Ms_Crantz

Beyonce Stepped Out With Ivy Blue Rocking Box Braids

Beyoncé’s braids are nothing new, but still they have caused quite the frenzy after years of her wearing weave after weave. She’s clearly in the mood for new things because she stepped out in New York City with Blue Ivy in tow wearing none other than her own House of Dereon line!


Her romper is hidden in the first shot, but the below gives it away. I’m loving the print!


Her romper boasts a v-neck silhouette, banded back for a peek of skin, and a fun aztec print.


Recreate Beyonce’s look with the below pieces.

More Charlie Jade…

What do you think?

*Check out this pic of Baby Blue!

Cutie Patootie! Spied here. Thx for the link, Bella!
Images: Splash

5 Easy Braided Looks to Try This Summer: The Fishtail Pony, Heidi, French, and more!

Seen on the Spring 2012 runways of Alexander McQueen, Valentino, and Michael Kors, these simple childhood ‘dos have trickled into the celeb elite, and are no longer reserved for our little sisters. They’re easy, cute, and convenient.
Here are 5 looks worth trying:

The Fishtail Pony- This is the cleaned up version of last year’s messy side fishtail. It’s slicked back, chic, and says “effortless cool”.


The Heidi or Braided Headband- When the braids are a little unkempt and pinned up, this look really shines (with a romantic flair to boot).


The Loose Side Braid- It doesn’t get simpler than this. Brush your hair to the side, add a little swoop for charm, braid, secure, and you’re set.


The French Braid- This braided updo is perfect for summer, and it’s benefit is twofold. Not only will it keep your neck cool, but it will also add a touch of sweetness to your look.


The Braided Bun- The refined cousin of the trendy topknot ups the glamour factor instantly. Sweep your hair back and fasten into a braided bun.



Bonus:
The Cage Braid- I haven’t seen this look on any of the celebrities just yet, but thought it was worth an honorable mention. Get the tea on the how to here.

What do you think? Will you be trying any of these looks?
Images: Zimbio