My Journey Back to Natural Hair By: Alicia Gibbs/ Mi regreso al cabello afro.

I don’t have many photos anymore but from what I remember and from what I was told I was born with the most beautiful soft curls. I had curly hair up until about five years old when my aunt, my mother’s younger sister had a brilliant idea “hey what do I do with this extra perm, oh I know I’ll put it on my 5 year old niece” From then on my mother and I were slaves to the creamy crack, getting touch ups every 6-8 weeks.

My dear sweat beautiful mother God bless her soul was not familiar with chemical relaxers, she was blessed with a lovely wavy curl pattern or as they say in the Dominican Republic “cabello bueno” (good hair) , She had no clue that she could have just let the processed hair grow out or the other option, “big chop”

I grew up with all my female cousins having these beautiful curls and all of my life I wanted curly hair and the versatility that came with it. Oh how I longed for curly hair if I was ever self-conscious about anything it was my hair as an adolescent. I learned to take care of it as a teen but that desire to have curly hair was always there.

I continued relaxing my hair up until in May 2006. I was a victim of domestic violence; my boyfriend at the time pulled my hair and left me with a lovely bald spot (very soon after I left him). I did not want anyone to see so going to the salon for a perm was not an option. Since we are on the topic if your feel that you are a victim of domestic violence please seek assistance and make the brave decision to leave. No can love you more than you and the love the Lord has for you does not even compare to that of the love of a mother and child.

For three months I did my hair myself and as I did I would notice that the new growth was soft, pliable and had a cute curl pattern that responded very well to a simple blow dry and flat iron. You could not even tell that I had not gotten a perm done in over 3 months. I decided I would never again chemically relax my hair again. 

In May 2011 at the peak of my fully grown out natural hair, it was at its healthiest and I finally had a great hair care regimen; I dyed the bottom half of my hair red. Death to my curls between process of the red dye and red highlights my curl pattern was murdered. It looked like I literally ran out and got a perm. Man how that hurt me I really was depressed and didn’t go out for a few weeks. I attempted to nurse the hair back to good healthy with many tips from YouTube gurus but I got desperate because I knew what my healthy hair once looked and felt like. 

By October (my birthday weekend) I was so fed up that I went ahead and did the dreaded big chop you can read all about it here: My Big Chop Expertience but I will say it has not been easy. Recently to aid in the growth of my hair I got a full sewn in weave a French curl texture. I enjoyed it left it in for about a month and a half. Then I got a supposed kinky curly weave, although not my curl pattern it has been a fun protective style.  I may take it out and get one more sewn in weave before my 1yr big chop anniversary in October.

Looking back I remember crying and how far off I thought one year was and now look in a couple of months it will be here. Can’t wait to see how much it has grown and I very much look forward to the growth that is to come with in these next couple of years. I think it will take a full three years to be back to where I was. By the way no more colored dyes for me. I will stick with black; I never had an issue with that.

6 months after big chop

sewn in weave

Alicia Gibbs is the creator of Chicafashion.com  she specialize in fashion on a budget. Follow her on Facebook and Tweeter 










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Dominican Products Dilemma / El dilema de los Productos Dominicanos.

You all know That I am Dominican (If you didn't, now you know) Dominicans are well known for their hair salon (if you are looking for the best blow out of your life) and a lot, tones of hair  products... To be honest with you when my hair was relaxed I used to spend serious amount of money to have my hair in "good health" so I tend to use salon professional products to achieve it (Dominican Hair products are very affordable ) This means I barely use Dominican products...As I became natural I was itched by the "I wanna try Dominican products" to see how they work on my hair and to support my country...

I have tried some (a lot) of them, You can look around this blog (review) My  facebook page and my Spanish Youtube channel to read more abou it....

Recently I used Doctor Cabello treatment, I tried another one of this line in the past and I liked it better than this one...Did I like this one?, yes I did- Did I liked the other Dominican Products? Not all of them, but most of them.

What is My problem with the Dominican Products? 

All the bad ingredients on it that made me feel the same way I feel when I eat pizza and drink beer at night, lol...yes That bad.....And that is a bad a thing to feel for me. I wish that some day Dominican companies use better ingredients in their products, but to be honest I think this may take a while, till that happens I will continue to use them but not on a regular base.......   

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT DOMINICAN PRODUCTS ?

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Fruits That Promotes Hair Growth. 3 smoothies Recipes bonus/ Frutas que promueven el crecimiento del cabello sano y tres recetas deliciosas

Some fruits can promote healthy, longer hair naturally here are the ones you should look for..

fruits with Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential in promoting healthy hair growth and overall maintenance. It can also decrease hair loss while contributing to strength, shine and luster. Individuals deficient in this vital vitamin generally have dull hair, which easily breaks, hindering growth and a healthy appearance. Regularly consuming fruits high in this compound helps to reverse hair loss to lustrous growth. 

Eat a variety of colorful fruits such as cantaloupes, grapefruit, apples, tomatoes and watermelon, eating it without peel it can help you more, as they contain phytonutrients beneficial to hair health and overall vitality. Beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and retinol are all versions of vitamin A that can benefit hair growth.

Fruits With Vitamin B Complex

An abundance of the vitamin B complex groups increases hair growth by improving the blood circulation and oxygenation within the body, specifically the scalp. It also reduces the levels of stress and cholesterol, which negatively affect hair growth. This vitamin group helps you reach your hair growth genetic potential. The three major vitamin B components are para-aminobenzoic acid, inositol and biotin. They are crucial in facilitating healthy hair growth. Eat a wide range of fruit containing B vitamin complex, such as blueberries, pineapple, tomatoes, banana and cranberries.

Fruits With Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a necessary compound for a myriad of bodily functions and development. As one of the more powerful antioxidants, vitamin C contributes to the creation of collagen, which circumvents the hair from splitting and breaking. This compound also protects the body from free radical damage associated with external deterrents that can cause stress and imbalances leading to hair loss. 

Supplement a balanced diet with a plethora of vitamin C-containing fruits. Strawberries, passion fruit, guava, black currants, breadfruit and kiwi can help to ensure healthy hair thickness as well as growth.

Try this refreshing smoothies for the summer

Red and Blue Smoothies 

vary the color of these by the types of berries you use. Raspberries will give a rosy pink, while blueberries, blackberries, or mixed berries will produce a blue shade

2 medium bananas, cut into 1/2 inch slices               

1 cup mixed fresh berries

2 cups plain fat-free yogurt                                       

1 cup of strawberries, chilled or frozen.

1 tbsp honey (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in a blender, add some ices and blend until smooth. If desired top each serving with additional fresh berries...

banana-berry smoothies

your curlz and your body will love this one, add some scoop of protein powder, this will make an excellent breakfast or snack.

1 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt                                 

1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries

3/4 cup milk

2 medium banana 

Combine all the ingredients in a blender until smooth, (add ice if you want) decorate and enjoy.

 Kiwi-Melon Coolers 

2 cups of chopped Melon                     

1 to 1 1/4 cups apple juice

1 kiwi, peeled and Chooped 

Add ice, blend and enjoy..

General tips: 

you can replaced yogurt by milk or soy milk or any milk you enjoy best, or just add water, lemon juice or orange juice.

Please try it and share your comments or just share your favorite recipe..This blog and I love and need feedback!!

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Two year Natural and one regret/ Dos años natural y solo un arrepentimiento.

This has been an amazing year full of opportunities, but most of all, the affirmation one more time that I took the right decision on August 2009 when I said "this is my last relaxer". you  may all know by now, but for those who don't I did the big chop on May 17, 2010 all by myself, alone in my house and when my family got home from school and work they couldn't believe it; Me either....

This is a decision you have to take fast and at the right time, if you think about it to much you may never do it or go back to relaxer again because of the frustration on having two textures, or at least in my case it was...It was either Big chop or relaxer that May 17, 2010; thank God I took the right path..

In these two years I only have one regret;  why "I DIDN'T DO IT EARLIER ". I can't believe it was a time when I ""believe" I " needed" a relaxer, it was all in my head, thoughts that you hear and you believe; be careful of what you think. First you think and then you believe,and all of the sudden you are acting the way you think and those thought become your whole life...I don't think about the negativity and bad comments about my hair (believe it or not there are) I focus on the positive, if I think I am BEAUTIFUL, if I think that MY HAIR IS GORGEOUS"   I act like it and when I go into a room everybody will think so too (At least in my mind, lol)....

Natural hair is a stage of mind, love you, accept you, you are unique, you are amazing, your hair is breath taking....And believe when I say everything is gonna be alright...............

Happy Nappyanniversary to me!!!!!!

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Is natural hair formal/dressy.?/ Es el pelo Rizo formal / elegante?

Natural hair is a stage of mind, we are what we think we are,...It got to my attention how many curly girls flat iron their hair when they have an " important" meeting, date, family reunion or even a girls night out, and don't get me wrong I am not here to judge anyone, this post has the intentions of inform and research  only.

I  totally agree that if you are going to a job meeting or even an interview the best you can do wear a bun, specially if you have  bigger, longer curly hair like me, not only  is it how you will look more "appropriate" but it is the way business etiquette goes, and I am not only talking about hair here; big earrings, bright colors, super tight and short skirts are not part of this appropriate and acceptable look....

But let face it, if you think your natural curly hair is not sexy or formal, everybody else will, Natural hair  is what ever you want it to be, just like almost everything in life is.. I've seen lawyers and successful corporative  women wearing their natural hair, curly hair is not meant to be big and out all the time, just as straight hair is not; you have seen how many , slim styles I've done with my hair and some other great bloggers too, so if you want to look "professional " there is a lot of hair styles you can do with curly hair, if you want to wear it straight or  with a wig that is totally fine and part of the versatility of natural hair, but please don't say that is because it looks more "professional" or formal/dressy.

please share your thought!!



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10 reason of why I love my natural hair/ 10 rasones por la que amo mi pelo rizo

I know you noticed, Yes I am crazy, mad in love with my natural hair and I have very powerful reasons of why I am a natural hair lover..

1. This is how God made me and he makes no mistake, I can only embrace its beauty but never again change its nature.
2. I can rock a straight look one day and a curly the other...can your relaxed hair do that?
3. My curly hair builds confidence in my daughters in a indescribably way (best reason of all)
4. Chemical relaxers are bad for your health.
5.  I can workout EVERYDAY come home, do a co-wash and ready to go.. The power of wash-n-goes.
6. I quit smoking.. That's right, simple equation: naturalhair + gym+more water+ healthy eating = No cigarette.
7. I don't like my style? no problem "JUST ADD WATER"
8. I am part of the powerful, supportive community; THE NATURAL HAIR TEAM 
9. And... How I love this number 9 reason,.... I can wet my hair anytime I want, a n y t i m e......I can get in the pool, rivers or beach with my kids because curly girls have more fun..
10.  I can be a product junkie and no rehabilitation  needed ..

Tell me your reasons to love your natural hair...  

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EXERCISE And HEALTHY HAIR

Been Natural hasn't been "no walk in the park", yes am very happy with the choice I made, but if anyone tell you that is the easier thing to do "is lying" to have natural hair is an every day Job, because as our hair get dry so easily Moisturize has to be done every day or sometimes even 2-3 times a day.

In my relaxed day I usually avoid sweat, so, no exercise for me, I mean how am I going to ruin my perfect perm hair? getting in the beach or the pool? NO way Jose!!!
"No contact with moisture or straightening would be gone (used plastic rain scarves, no swimming, washed hair once a  weeks), “You know the bane of Perm hair is the water” 
ridiculous, I know, coming from a island where it is hot 365 days a year, and I was fine with it until I had my kids and then I moved to the state and I gained a couple of pounds, plus I didn't have those famous Dominican stylists to do my hair..Relaxed hair + sweat= NO HAIR..  ! But Natural hair love exercise!;  in fact:
 Exercise Reduces Cortisone
Regular cardiovascular and aerobic exercise can promote hair growth. when you are stressed, it's possible for your hair to thin or fall out. This is because your body produces more cortisone. This hormone causes hair follicles to stop growing, which can result in thinning of the hair. Exercise can reduce the amount of cortisone present in the body. Lower levels of the cortisone hormone will help hair grow faster and fuller.

Exercise Increases Serotonin
Exercising can increase serotonin levels in the brain, keeping us feeling happy and balanced. Increasing serotonin in the body can help improve the way we deal with stress, and lower the presence of the cortisone hormone in the body. When the body is under extreme stress, the entire body is affected, including the hair follicles. Exercise can help reduce stress and promote hair growth at the same time.

Exercise Reduces DHT
Jogging and playing recreational sports like soccer, football or baseball can help regulate hormones and reduce DHT formation, DHT -- dihydrotestosterone -- is passed down genetically and causes balding in men. Overexercising, like extreme bodybuilding, can have the opposite effect and produce more DHT, but doing moderate exercise three to five times a week can actually reduce the amount of DHT produced by the body. Regular exercise also improves blood circulation, slows down the aging process and increases stamina.

Just make sure  co-wash or wash your hair after sweat because it can dry your hair, I usually co-wash 2-3 times a week on the day that I sweat the most and apply oil and a moisturize condition to my ends every day and Shampoo once a week  follow by a Deep Condition

Natural hair not only has gave me the Hair that i meant to have, but a healthier me. I become a more fun MOM and a active, confidence Woman..


You may like:
http://www.dailycurlz.com/2011/05/foods-for-healthy-hair.html
http://www.dailycurlz.com/2011/05/vitamins-that-your-hair-need.html