Wednesday, June 22, 2011
REAL PEOPLE REAL ANSWERS : MENS EDITON 1
A DAY IN THE LIFE
“Living Naturally You”
Real People Real Answers
What’s your name?
Thierry Kojo Baptiste - Kojo is a AFRICAN male name that is Ghanaian, which means Born on Monday and Nigerian meaning of UNCONQUERABLE
Both Definitions Apply.......
How old are you?
Ageless
Where are you from?
Indianapolis, Indiana but I travel from coast to coast as an educator of Custom Colour and Trend Cutz Styling for Locs
What is your occupation?
I am a licensed cosmetologist who specializes in the cultivation of Locs. Traditionally called an Loctician, but known to be called a LocStylist due to expansion of services I offer to the natural hair community.
How would you describe yourself?
Definitely a New Era of Locs pioneer who travels to the beat of my own drum that evolves in unison with the world effortlessly.
When did you first decide to grow locs?
When I got tired of combing my hair after having every other Afrocentric style in the world. It was a natural evolution.
This is my second or maybe third set, I'm not sure because I really don't keep up with the details past hairstyles. None thus far tops this one, and the next one will reign over the one I have today.
If there was one word to describe your style what would it be?
AfroChic. I am definitely Afrocentric. I love everything about being black and although I have a dark skin tone, I would love to be darker. I don't understand why my people are bleaching their skin. BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL
Within that mindset, I have a sense of personal style that is a combinations of a Parisian flare, Revolutionist, and Harlem Renaissance influences.
Who are some people that inspire you the most?
Those who think outside of the box when it comes to manifesting their artistic gifts and those who openly apologetically proclaim themselves (even if I don't agree with what they say).
Living Without Fear of self expression is very liberating. That freedom creates a confidence that stimulates my soul and motivates me to discover more about myself and the universe.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Stress Free & Unconditionally Loved
What advice would you give to others who wanted embrace their individuality ?
Turn the television off that subconsciously programs our people you to SELF HATE and go inside your soul to discover your definition of self.
Embrace that concept as long as you like.
When life experiences generates a new outlook, do not hesitate to change who you currently are because others like the person you were yesterday.
What’s your favorite quote?
STAY FOCUSED (on you) and all of your dreams will come true.
How to make your very own NATURAL nail polish :)
Just some more fun easy natural recipes for all to enjoy;)
Ingredients
*1tablespoon of olive oil
*powdered white clay ( can be purchase on online stores)
* 1/2 tablespoon Henna dye ( can be found on online Indian stores and specialty art stores..Think fake henna tattoos)
*Cotton Swab
Ingredients
*1tablespoon of olive oil
*powdered white clay ( can be purchase on online stores)
* 1/2 tablespoon Henna dye ( can be found on online Indian stores and specialty art stores..Think fake henna tattoos)
*Cotton Swab
- Take 1 tbsp of cold pressed olive oil and mix it with ½ tbsp of powdered kaolin clay or white clay, to form a smooth paste. Olive oil will keep your nails and cuticles moisturized while the clay will lend sheen to your nails.
- Use henna dye to add color to your nail polish. Henna is available in a variety of colors and can be used to add natural tint to your nail polish. Mix the henna with olive oil, to form a smooth paste.
- Use an old nail polish brush or cotton swab to apply the nail polish evenly on your nails. Leave it on for about 15 minutes. If you are using henna to tint your nails, keep in mind to wipe away any extra leftover on skin. Allow your nails to air-dry.
- While using henna to color your nails, remember to moisturize it from time to time. You can use a cotton swab dipped in warm water to dab the surface. Keep the polish on for at least an hour or more, depending on the richness of tint.
- After the paste has dried off, use a damp cloth to wipe it off from your nails. Rub your nails gently while doing this, to buff up the nails. Repeat the application as often as you want, to have naturally painted glossy nails.:)
Monday, June 20, 2011
LOCKING SERIES PART 2: Upcaled Tightened Coiles:)
Locking is one of my upmost favorite topics to talk about. In this article I will expand upon two advanced level techniques of starting and tightening locks. The two advanced techniques we will go over in this article is interlocing and starting locs from a basic add on way/interlocing combination.
Interlocing : Basic clock method(4 pattern) for tightly coiled hair
12 9 6 3
When you begin the interlocing process its a very intricate and timely process but may be well worth the wait for many. To begin this process ( note this process CAN be started on permed or straight hair as well:) First part your hair in your desired method. You will make the parts in the size of the resulting loc that you want. Use some hair clamps to keep the hair in place and prevent it from mixing into the rest of your parts,Gather the bunch of hair that you parted and back comb it while holding the very bottom of the hair to make it a little tangled. Envision the hands of a clock place your finger in the "12 o clock" position and almost like a knife cut through the hair and stop before the matted piece. Proceed to take your finger in the "9 o clock" position a inside this hole you made and bring the finger through to you get to the matted hair. Do this process for "6 o clock" and "3 o clock". Repeat this rotation until you have almost reached the scalp of the clients head. Once you get to a point where your fingers no longer fit you will use either a latch hook ( you can get this at a craft store or local beauty supply store), a loc loop tool (can buy on line), a sisterloc tool ( tool you get from certified sisterlocing specialist) or wait until my future article on making your on :). Take your hook of choice and place it in this last amount of hair in a way that you would close off the gap you left with your fingers . Place the tip of the hair in the grasping portion of the tool and pull the hair through in the clock like motion until the hair is comfortably tight to the clients head. Depending on how many locs the clients wants, the length of the hair started , and the size of the client's head itself.... this process can take anywhere from 12 and I heard stories ranging into the 37 hour time frame.
Note: This Method is usually used for small locs to sisterlocksTM .
The main differnece between small locs and sisterlocks is the certification for sisterlocs
and the actual number of locs with sisterlocks starting off at a minimum of 350 locs..WHEW
Note: In this video the woman starts from 9 oclock
Locing from Human Add on ( Basic method)
I highly recommend using a human hair afro bulk for this method as it looks the most natural ( EON hair online is a supplier I have used in the past and worked just fine). Part hair in desired. Add in afro kinky hair as described in Basic Braiding Methods Part II . Do this to the entire head. It is my recommendation that you do these (kinky braids) on the smaller end so that they appear to be small locs. You may roller set or pipe cleaner set this hair for an added effect. Once the new growth appears simply use your favorite locking tool to tightening in the 4 pattern as described previously. You may clip the ends slowly as your own loced hair grows or opt to allow the human hair to mat with your own for " the instant locs overnight" look:)
Well as I say in all my You tube vids "THATS IT!!" :) I hope you liked my basic series on twisting braiding and locing:) If you did ...wait to you see my advanced natural hair articles coming to a Kyles Natural Hair Care blog near you:)
By M Kyles of Kyles Natural
Interlocing : Basic clock method(4 pattern) for tightly coiled hair
12 9 6 3
When you begin the interlocing process its a very intricate and timely process but may be well worth the wait for many. To begin this process ( note this process CAN be started on permed or straight hair as well:) First part your hair in your desired method. You will make the parts in the size of the resulting loc that you want. Use some hair clamps to keep the hair in place and prevent it from mixing into the rest of your parts,Gather the bunch of hair that you parted and back comb it while holding the very bottom of the hair to make it a little tangled. Envision the hands of a clock place your finger in the "12 o clock" position and almost like a knife cut through the hair and stop before the matted piece. Proceed to take your finger in the "9 o clock" position a inside this hole you made and bring the finger through to you get to the matted hair. Do this process for "6 o clock" and "3 o clock". Repeat this rotation until you have almost reached the scalp of the clients head. Once you get to a point where your fingers no longer fit you will use either a latch hook ( you can get this at a craft store or local beauty supply store), a loc loop tool (can buy on line), a sisterloc tool ( tool you get from certified sisterlocing specialist) or wait until my future article on making your on :). Take your hook of choice and place it in this last amount of hair in a way that you would close off the gap you left with your fingers . Place the tip of the hair in the grasping portion of the tool and pull the hair through in the clock like motion until the hair is comfortably tight to the clients head. Depending on how many locs the clients wants, the length of the hair started , and the size of the client's head itself.... this process can take anywhere from 12 and I heard stories ranging into the 37 hour time frame.
Note: This Method is usually used for small locs to sisterlocksTM .
The main differnece between small locs and sisterlocks is the certification for sisterlocs
and the actual number of locs with sisterlocks starting off at a minimum of 350 locs..WHEW
Note: In this video the woman starts from 9 oclock
Locing from Human Add on ( Basic method)
I highly recommend using a human hair afro bulk for this method as it looks the most natural ( EON hair online is a supplier I have used in the past and worked just fine). Part hair in desired. Add in afro kinky hair as described in Basic Braiding Methods Part II . Do this to the entire head. It is my recommendation that you do these (kinky braids) on the smaller end so that they appear to be small locs. You may roller set or pipe cleaner set this hair for an added effect. Once the new growth appears simply use your favorite locking tool to tightening in the 4 pattern as described previously. You may clip the ends slowly as your own loced hair grows or opt to allow the human hair to mat with your own for " the instant locs overnight" look:)
Well as I say in all my You tube vids "THATS IT!!" :) I hope you liked my basic series on twisting braiding and locing:) If you did ...wait to you see my advanced natural hair articles coming to a Kyles Natural Hair Care blog near you:)
By M Kyles of Kyles Natural
REAL PEOPLE REAL ANSWERS EDITON 7
A DAY IN THE LIFE
“Living Naturally You”
Real People Real Answers
What’s your name?
Montique "Tiquee" Harris
How old are you?
How old are you?
39
Where are you from?
Where are you from?
Orlando, Fl
What is your occupation?
What is your occupation?
Staffing Specialist(Public school system)
How would you describe yourself?
A naturally free outgoing, charismatic, authentic, humorous woman of integrity.
When did you first decide to become natural?
I decided to go natural in December 2009. I began my transition by wearing half wigs, and phony undo ponytails and buns. I transitioned for 81/2 months, got anxious and I administered the BC on August 13, 2010.
If there was one word to describe your style what would it be?
If there was one word to describe your style what would it be?
POSH.
Who are some people that inspire you the most?
My inspirations come from JESUS CHRIST, my mother, and my husband. Looking back at the strength of these special creations gives me the strength and courage to move forward in every endeavor in life.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be an inspiration to mankind in a positive way, especially African American women! I would love to work full time traveling across the world encouraging, inspiring, enlightening, and empowering African American women spiritually and physically while encouraging them to embrace their "Natural Hair/ Natural Being" while in their Natural State! This is a dream that I would love to make a reality!
What advice would you give to others who wanted to go natural or live a more natural based lifestyle?
I would advise them to live naturally free to the utmost! One can always receive J-O-Y out of being FREE! Putting Jesus first, Others, and then YOU! That’s J-O-Y! We should always be apt to help others to become free naturally and spiritually. God creative each of us differently and we should embrace the fact that he made us to be one of a kind, free; naturally free! Embrace who you are and enjoy the skin you're in! Your natural hair is an enhancement piece to beautify your outer being and it makes a statement to the world! It doesn't matter if it's short, long, bald, big, "good", "bad", wavy or kinky, you and your hair are beautiful because you are God's creation. Enjoy it, wear it naturally, flaunt it like you know you can! Be naturally free like you know you can! Embrace life being the REAL YOU!~ Authenticity is being ~ Genuine! Live FREE NATURALLY!
What’s your favorite quote?
What’s your favorite quote?
" Hair doesn't make an individual~ YOU make the Hair"!
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