Monday, October 11, 2010

Natural of the Week

Natural of the Week

Meet Mystic Fingers
Massage Therapist





How long have you been natural? First off Thank you for The interview. I have been Loc'd know for 11 years.

Did you have any support going natural? Yes People around me wanted me to do it Quickly, I wore Twists for awhile and decided to loc in 1999.

What made you want to loc? I was Pregnant at the time and wanted a a change all around Mentally, Spiritually, It was time and My hair wouldn't hold a press and curl and my twist were great. It was just Time.

What loc process did your loctician use? I Started my locks Myself i Used a comb and Product called Natures Blessings That i use Regularly and on Other people's hair. Loving a Product called LRC as well.




Maintenance of the locs...

How often do you get them retwisted? When I first started i would get them twisted every 2 weeks Now Every month I like the new growth to come so i can see how long they are getting.

How do you keep your scalp clean? I use sea breeze or a Fresh Rosemary and sage. I make it in a tea form and Use it like a Conditioning formula. Very refreshing!


What is the best thing about being loc'd?
I am free from all chemicals that get in to my scalp and the rest of my body, I can Play in the rain, and Be Me, All The time.

What advice do you have for an aspiring LOC STAR! If you decide To Loc Do It, Because you really want to Be You.Love you and Patience is the key.
Thank you Nyla.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Coil of the DAY?

Coil of the DAY?

Have you heard of the ZIP IT?
They can be purchased from Lowe's for under $5.00
Here is a video showing how it works?

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Natural of the Week

Natural of the Week

Meet Fee King

Personal Trainer 





1.How long have you been natural?
apprx:  8 years

2.Did you transtion? If so how long and why? 
Yes. I started out with long corn rows with hair added. I did it this way,because of the work I do and my lifestyle. I grew up, in Omaha, NE wearing various cornrow hair styles and have always LOVED braids. Also, they were really in style with women at the time.

3.Did you have any support going natural? or negative experiences when going natural?
I had no Negative experiences. I was totally supported and if I wasn't, who cares. I do what I like.

What does your sweetie think ?
I don't have a sweetie in particular, but I find white men and others are intrigued and curious; whereas some black men are enamored and beguiled. Other Black men sometimes question my current style, but for the most part EVERYONE compliments it, thinks it's brave, has a lot of energy and matches my personality. See...I drive a jeep and work as a personal trainer, actor, writer and outdoor fitcamp facilitator; so my hair goes along with who I am.

4.What is your regime?
With my hair?  I get it cornrowed and have curly hair added for texture, color and fullness at the crown.

5.What is your nightly routine? 
I wrap the sides of my hair (braids) in a scarf. I typically put shay butter and scentsational soaps body butter on my hair at night and in the morning. I then  add a little water and LRC leave in conditioner in the morning only.

6.What is your go to style? 
I like rocking my version of a mohawk. When I have an audition, I rock a curly natural style wig.

7. What is the best thing about being natural? 
You stop caring about what other people think. I love ALL hair:  curly, weaves, straight, braided, colored. It's a preference. I feel most beautiful when my hair is short, off of my face and curly...kinky. I think women who wear ALL of their own hair natural and cropped low are AMAZING and Confident!

8.What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner? 
Work on your inner self-development and then just do it.

Why did you want to be a Personal Trainer?
I LOVE how it makes me feel and know what it can do for other's lives; especially women. Women have taken on the weight of the world and the weight of their mates and kids. Fitness is the one thing I guarantee will help you recliam your power and have you looking and feeling Amazing while doing it. My motto is:  If you don't like what you see...Come see Fee. And ladies - Go get your Shit!

If you would like to discuss your certifications, please do so here.
certified through IFPA- bio attached.  Currently studying for my ISSA certification to have by the fall.


What do you think a Personal Trainers greatest responsibility is?
.  integrity
 If you can't get the job done, refer that person to someone who can. It's more than a job. It truly is a lifestyle.  Help your clients help themselves get RESULTS!  Transform their entire life..not just the exterior.

Do you have a standard routine that you assign to most clients? if not, how are your clients routines established?
No. I absolutley don't believe any two people have the same body, can be trained the same and looking for same results. Evferything we do, outside of the fitcamps, are customized to your needs, fitness level, budget, mental capacity, and age.

How often should people work out with you?
3-4 times a week
What if a potential client can only meet with you once each month? What would their routine consist of?
I would not train that person. It's a waist of their time and money. Results come from consistency and retention

Do you have a specific training philosphy?
.  You get what out of it what YOU put into it
.  We dont' "try"  we do. No straddling the fence
.  Your Nutrition and behavior changes will get you 85% of your results
.  I guarantee Results. If it's meant to be...it's up to Fee!

How do you envision growing Unique FEESIQUES?
through branding my company name with my company vision with my company standard of Success!
.  global services to include the following;
.  Wellness coaching and Nutritional services/products via Herbalife
.  Group training programs via DVD and on-line memberships
.  Inspirational speaking and on-site training services to empower women; particularly african-American women on how to empower, reclaim their lives and get what the deserve and need. Getting their shit

Is there anything that you would like to add.
Statistically - THEY are saying within 30 years, ALL african-American women will be obese. I plan to be alive in 30-years, that will NOT be my story. My goal and mission is to not allow that to be my sistahs stories.  Time to get our Shit - Success...Health...Integrity...Total Package Together

Friday, October 1, 2010

Why Do Natural Haired Women Co-WASH?

Why Do Natural Haired Women Co-WASH?

I went to so many sites and the the word CO-WASH kept sticking out like a sore thumb?



After GOOGLING the word CO-WASH, and coming up with nothing!  I was freaking out.  I then asked what is a co-wash.  The answer is simple...using conditioner as a shampoo.
Then, my next question was WHY?  Will my hair get clean?

Why??

The first question ...WHY???  Shampoos contain SULFATE

Someone else did the research..as copied from..http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/sodium-laureth-sulfate.html



Both Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and its close relative Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) arecommonly used in many soaps, shampoos, detergents, toothpastes and other products that we expect to "foam up". Both chemicals are very effective foaming agents, chemically known as surfactants.
Unfortunately, both sodium laureth sulfate and its cousin are also very dangerous, highly irritating chemicals. Far from giving "healthy shining hair" and "beautiful skin", soaps and shampoos containing sodium laureth sulfate can lead to direct damage to the hair follicle, skin damage, permanent eye damage in children and even liver toxicity


Using conditioner, you won't get any lather.  If lather is what you are used to then I suggest sulfate free shampoo.  There are several good ones out there.  Here is a list of as noted on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=126470927372244&topic=161

Will it get my hair clean?

I noticed a little build up with certain conditioners.  Remember- Natural Hair is not one size fits ALL!
The same conditioner that caused build-up for me may work for you!

I now use a sulfate free shampoo from Whole Foods or I make one with green tea and black soap.


Are you co-washing or not??

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Coming Back SOON!!!

Hey Coils!




I feel like I have neglected this blog and my followers.  Being the person that I am, I just had to tell you..I will be back soon.  Natural of the Week!, tips and much more!!!


The 911 What is Your Hair Emergency?  was such a success!  We had over 200+ natural women from various places in the US! 


As a result, the name has been trademarked by yours truly!!!  What does that mean?  Basically, it means that we plan to "BRING IT" next year!  


Get READY!!!!!!!  GET READYYYYY!!!!!!!!  


The Natural of the Week- will be back and in force on Monday!!  October 4, 2010!!  


Having friends is so important!  


This is what my friends and I are working on....More details coming soon!








Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Youtube Contest!

Hey COILS.

In an effort to get my OUT OF STATE coils involved in the 9-1-1 Event, Coily Encounters will have another contest ---TONIGHT!!!!

The contest tonight consists of a YOUTUBE scavenger hunt.  You must subscribe to the channel NYLA COILS .. It would be nice if you subscribed to the channels mentioned in the video.  

The first person to comment
on the NYLA COILS channel 
or inbox
or email COILYENCOUNTERS@GMAIL.COM 

with all 3 correct answers wins

Since, there was a delay in the contest last night, we will have a first and second place winner.  The first place winner will receive 5 products from our sponsors.  The second place winner will receive 3 products.

In order to win - YOU MUST BE an OUT OF STATE COIL!
If a SC mailing address is provided you will automatically be disqualified and another winner will be chosen.

Also, you are ineligible to win if you have won a contest within the last 30 days.


Peace and Love to my COILS,

Marci 
aka

Nyla COILS




Thursday, August 26, 2010

Christmas in September????





Since, The Coils of Coily Encounters, have been so blessed by our sponsors  of the Natural Hair Event of South Carolina.


I am unleashing my fairy godmother!!!


 You know the:
9*1*1 -What is Your Hair Emergency?™ Event, to be held on 9-11-2010 at Motown on Main, Mauldin SC!


I wanted to bless someone like I have been blessed!


We will have 2 more contests:

One contest will be featured on the Coily Encounters Blog
...http://coilyencounters.blogspot.com/.
Coily Encounters will have another on theCoily Encounters YOUTUBE Channel- Nyla Coils.

One contest will be a goody box filled with samples from our sponsors of the event. MY OUT OF STATE COILS WILL GET INVOLVED!-  This contest is for OUT OF STATE COILS -ONLY!!!

The other contest will be
2 free tickets to the event!


Details coming on Monday Night after 8 PM!

Get connected to stay abreast of all upcoming events!  This event is the first of many things to come!!

The event on Motown on Main is for SC Natural Hair Women and Men!  

Monday, August 23, 2010

Natural of the Week

Natural of the Week...

Meet Lady J



How long have you been natural?
I started my locks with the Nuloc technique in December 2004. So almost I'm almost 6 years now.




Did you have any support going natural?
At first, no one really thought it was a good idea or that I would stick with it. My then boyfriend but now husband, hated locks and loved straight hair.



What made you want to loc?
I was tired of wearing weaves and extensions and spending hundreds. I wanted to wear my own hair and have it grow long with no perms or relaxers. BUT I wanted the convienence of get up and go, plus the versatilty of ponytails, curls, or updos. I felt I had a big forehead and short hair wouldnt work for me. I also said that if I did my locks thin enough it would be no different than wearing braids.

What loc process did your loctician use?
I used Nulocks or yarn braids that resembled locks. She braided the yarn in my hair and burnt the ends. I chose this method because I didnt want to cut off all my hair and start from scratch and if I changed my mind I could just take out the braids. As my hair grew, I twisted the new growth and cut off the nuloc.


Maintenance of the locs...

How often do you get them re-twisted? ___

I retwist my new growth every 2 weeks. I use the palm roll method.
_


How do you keep your scalp clean?
I wash and condition every week but when I first started I used an astringent spray "Refresh" I believe it was called.





What is the best thing about being loc'd?
Its so easy and its so versatile. So many different updos. I can use rollers or even bump my hair with a curling iron! I can dye it or cut it in a style when I get bored. I can even braid it back and wear a wig. I do my own hair so I dont have to make hair appointments and wait around all day. Its beautiful and its long and healthy. Its MY HAIR. Growing out my scalp and I love it.



What advice do you have for an aspiring LOCK star? 
Do not be discouraged by anyone. My husband had to get used to it BUT loves them now. Do you research there are hundreds of websites. Ask around to women you see looking good. They will love answering you. Keep them clean, lint free, moisturized, and groomed. Its one of the best things I' ve done for myself.



Monday, August 16, 2010

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT

Hey Coils!

I know you must have asked yourself by now, what does FIRE BURNING, OPERATOR and 911, have to do with Hair?


As a natural, we no longer experience the” FIRE BURNING”, of a relaxer!

On “9-11”, Coily Encounters will have “OPERATORS” present to assist you with the transition from relaxed to natural.  Meet us in Mauldin, SC for the PREMIER NATURAL HAIR EVENT OF UPSTATE, SC.
Come on out and celebrate with the COILS of COILY ENCOUNTERS!






The event is scheduled for September 11, 2010. It is entitled " 911- What is Your Hair Emergency? Providing E.M.S- Education Motivation Support" for those that are natural and those wanting to go.
The venue for our event is Motowne on Main located at 516 N Main St. Mauldin, SC. The time is from 2-6 PM!

We will have:
Natural Hair Consultants
Vendors
SPECIAL ENTERTAINERS
Raffles
Door Prizes

A professional photographer will be on hand to record the details, as well as, several YOUTUBE "celebrities"!

Admission is $5.
Tickets may be purchased:
*email coilyencounters@gmail.com
*through eventbrite.. http://coilyencounters.eventbrite.com/
*at the door on the day of the event

Hope to see you there!

Regards,

Nyla Coils

*Most attendees will receive a natural hair sampler gift.
*Each ticket holder is automatically entered into COILY ENCOUNTER raffle*valued over $40.

PS- The Planning Committee of COILY ENCOUNTERS, means no disrespect to the family and friends of those who lost someone special on 9-11. In fact, one of our vendors was at the Pentagon on 911. We were just trying to create a positive memory for that date. God Bless!

Peace and Love to my COILS.

Nyla

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Natural of the Week

Natural of the Week

Meet Pam

Wife, Photgrapher, 
& Fellow Blogger





1.How long have you been natural?

Since September 2008

2.Did you transition? If so how long and why?

I started my transition in September 2008.  I tried keeping it braided so I would not have to do the BC.  That didn’t seem to work for me because as soon as I saw a few hairs popping out through the braids I was ready to take it down and have it re-braided.  This was just getting too costly and taking up a lot more of my time than I liked.  Besides that, I was having major breakage.  So one Saturday morning in February 2009, I called up the hairdresser, made an appointment for THAT day without any family members knowing.  When I got there she asked what I wanted done.  I told her to just cut it ALL off.  She thought I was joking and kept asking me if I were sure.  The picture below shows what I looked like when I got home.  J
 




3.Did you have any support going natural? or negative experiences when going natural?
If I had to name any one person as far as support, it would be my niece, Shauntae aka Shaun.  We would be up all times of the night experimenting with stuff in and on our hair.  She’s been natural for quite some time now (approx 5-7 years, I think).  She would be at her house, and I’d be at mine, but picture mail was flying back and forth all the time.   
I didn’t rely on others for the support because I knew going in, not everybody would “understand”, nor did they need to but it really is nice to have a support system.  A few years prior, I’d made a half-hearted attempt at going natural, but that only lasted a few months and I went back to MY comfort zone (my relaxer).  I cannot imagine myself with a relaxer ever again even though I had one for 25 years or more.  This time was a lot different.  I was bent, bound, and determined I was going to do it NO MATTER WHAT!!  
YouTube, Face Book, and other naturals I’ve met while on this journey have been my support system.  Honestly, I must say 97-98% of the experiences pertaining to natural hair I’ve encountered have been positive.
Shaun just asked me earlier this week if I think natural hair is just a fad.  My answer was no.  I think it’s here to stay.  For me, it’s been an awakening.  Hopefully that’s the affect it’s had on others and they will embrace their “COILY-ness”. 




4.What is your regimen?
Ok, this is my confession, what had happened was uhhhh….  I went through the product junkie phase, and I have plenty of evidence to show for it.  The basket on my bathroom sink as well as the cabinet underneath is proof.  (LOL!!)   BUT, I’ve recovered, somewhat, and it’s all pretty simple now.  Truly, simple is better!!  Every 7-10 days, I shampoo with “Say Yes To Carrots” Shampoo.  I detangle with either LeKair Cholesterol (only because of the product’s thickness) or with my normal conditioner (Mane and Tail).  I generally do leave conditioner in my hair.  It rally softens my hair tremendously and since it is so thick, the detangling process is nowhere near as time consuming as it once was.   
For the days in between shampoos, I usually co-wash or mist my hair.  My water bottle consists of with 95% water, BeeMine Hair Milk (a squirt or three), and Mane and Tail conditioner (a squirt or three).  This is my leave-in or mid-day refresher whenever it’s necessary, which is rare.   On occasion, I use the Bee Mine Luscious Crème for extra moisture.
So, after I’ve applied my products, I jump back in the shower, and do what I call the “puppy-dog” shake.  That’s when I swish my head back and forth like a little puppy dog that’s just gotten wet.  This actually lifts, and separates my curls/coils.  I keep my hands out of my hair while it is wet because if I don’t, it will frizz.  Naturals, I know that’s hard to do because we generally suffer from HIHS (Hands In Hair Syndrome).   
Now, I must add if there are any sponsors out there wanting a hair model for their products, let’s talk…


5.What is your nightly routine?
Satin bonnet, and night night!!  If I wear my hair really big on any particular day, I will tame her down before bedtime by putting (very loosely) a stretchy band so she will at least go under the bonnet. 

6.What is your go to style?
Wash and go’s just work for me!!  My sister will braid it across the front from time to time, but I don’t do too many of the twist sets, etc…  I will have it pressed about twice a year and that’s generally to get a really good hair cut and to do a length check.  And I can NOT leave out the PUFF.  That is a lifesaver for sure!! 


7. What is the best thing about being natural?
It’s just so versatile.  It can be straight, curly, braided, twisted, wrapped, all in the same week, and I don’t have to go to a hair dresser to do it!
And, I absolutely love the fact that I don’t need an umbrella.  Half the time I’d get caught in the inside with the umbrella outside in the car anyway but now, I can and do just walk in the rain.  It’s just a sense of freedom that I did not have before. 


8. What advice do you have for an aspiring natural? transitioner?
My advice would be to just do what works for you.  There’s no cookie cutter pattern in this journey, and everything that works for me will not work for you vice versa.  Learn your own hair by experimenting.  And most of all enjoy your journey.  No one natural has all the answers.  Everybody has an opinion but none of it is the “gospel”, it’s just that, opinion.  I’ve been told I shouldn’t press it, and I shouldn’t do XYZ, yadda yadda yadda.  I wear it straight, wear it curly, twisted, braided, you name it.  I’ll even break out the afro every once in a while.  I have fun with mine and my advice would be for you to do the same.  After all, it’s just hair.  



Monday, August 9, 2010

Good Hair Day...Bad Hair Day

Since going natural...I haven't had that many BAD hair days.


Recently, I did have one that is memorable. I have 2 sisters, Jada and Simone, they tend to tell me like it is. They know that I am sensitive and they DON'T CARE! lol




I got my hair braided in an almost HAWK.. Thinking I was looking all cute, I went to my sister's house, (Jada), who informed me that I looked like BIG RED of the 5 Heartbeats, when he was dangling the guy outside the window.


Coil of the day?
Have you had a someone tell you..You are having a bad hair day, that you thought was CUTE?

Natural of the Week



Natural of the Week


 Meet Nichole

A Mother, A Daughter, A Wife, 
A Sister and The Best Friend you could ever ask for!


1.How long have you been natural?
I will be celebrating my one year nappiversary on September 1st!


2.Did you transtion? If so how long and why?
I transitioned for TWO months! I wanted to go for at least six months but I couldnt deal with the two textures! Plus, I was ready to just do it!!



3.Did you have any support going natural? or negative experiences when going natural?

I had soo much support! Two of my biggest supporters were my mother (whos been natural my whole life) and my husband, who has questioned why I was constantly relaxing since we were dating. I had a few nay sayers, including my brother, but since its grown out (and I put him in his place)hes been cool!


4.What is your regimine?
I still struggle with creating a "concrete" regimine! Im still trying to find the right products yo use on my hair! I do wash (with a sulfate free shampoo) twice a month. I pre-poo, co-wash, deep condition, seal moisture with one of my MANY oil concoctions, and moisturize, moisturize, MOISTURIZE with shea butter!! My hair is soo dry Im afraid if I dont constantly moisturize my hair will revolt and fall out! I tell myself "hair is like a plant, it needs moisture (water) to grow", so I am religous about wetting my hair 3-4 times a week! I also henna and indigo every month or so, and do a bentonite clay treatment when I can remember!



5.What is your nightly routine?

Since my hair looks a HOT MESS if I dont retwist or rebraid EVERY night, redo whatever style I rocked that day. Im blessed to have ALL of my pillows in satin pillowcases so if I ever "misplace" on of my satin bonnets Im ok!


6.What is your go to style?
Either two-strand twistouts or braidouts. Im really loving the braidouts right now..my hair HATES wash-n-gos! :(


7. What is the best thing about being natural?
The fact that my hair doesnt look like ANYONE ELSES!! Its also WAY cheaper to care for and maintain (and yes, Im a PJ!) and lastly, I feel like for the first time in my life I can be myself! I can get my hair wet, let whomever touch it and best of all, not be locked into the weekly beautyshop oblivion!


8.What advice do you have for an aspiring natural/transitioner?
That the natural hair journey is full of peaks and valleys and you have to stick it out! Also, dont concern yourself too much with hair texture..God makes NO mistakes and your texture is your birthright so wear it PROUD and ignore all the haters!! :)



Monday, August 2, 2010

Meet Lenora...Natural of the Week

Meet Lenora the LOC STAR!!







I secretly want locs.  In the past, I have gone back and forth about it.  I like sisterlocs and find myself watching Youtube videos about how to style locs.  This interview with Lenora was such a good experience for me.  Be Inspired.....

Lenora can be found on YouTube...



How long have you been natural?
I've been natural since 1999. My bestfriend told me she was going natural and I was like "what does that mean?" sad i know. Anyway she came home from college and had a lil fro and I was like "ooohhh I like". It had never crossed my mind that wearing my hair natural was an option because I'd had a perm since I could remember.... So I just decided to chop all my hair off in 99'. I went back to a perm for about 8 or 9 months since that time but i kept missing my naps so I went back to them.

Did you have any support going natural?

Yes and no. I had support from my close girlfriends but my family was not trying to hear it. LOL But I didn't care I just did what I wanted to do anyway. Now some of those same family members are natural...umm hmmm..

What made you want to loc?

I've always liked locs. Everytime I saw pics of Lauryn Hill I would almost drool over her hair. Having had every natural hair style I could think of and going through the big chop several times I decided to give locs a try. I LOVE them!

What loc process did your loctician use?
I started and maintain my locs myself. I started my locs with two-strand-twists. I did my research to see the size of twists should be because I wanted medium/large size locs and just sat down one day and did it.

Maintenance of the locs...
I wash my locs every week or every other week. I've used various haircare lines but I find that some of the generic brands work just fine. Save your money ladies/gents! Currently I'm using Suave's clarifying shampoo and a regular moisturizing shampoo. 
I use Oyin's Honey-Hemp conditioner about once a month, and I also do Apple-Cider-Vinegar (ACV) rinses. ACV rinses are a great way to get rid of build-up. I keep a spray bottle mixed with water, Infusium, rosemary essential oil, tea tree oil, some vanilla oil for fragrance, vitamin-E oil, and spritz my hair/scalp with it daily. 
I've also tried different loc gels. Taliah Wajheed's Lock It Up! gel works really good, but I've started making my own. I mix aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, avocado oil, safflower oil, almond oil. I got a tip to add honey to the mix to get a better hold so I'm going to try that next time I retwist.

How often do you re-twist? 
I retwist my locs using the palm-rolling method once a month, maybe twice. I wanted my locs to be thicker and I don't like them super-neat so I don't retwist that often. The less stress on my roots the better. In the beginning I retwisted more often and interlocked the locs where my hair was softer/straighter to prevent the stray hairs from joining with other locs. But now that they are fairly mature once a month works good for me.

How do you keep your scalp clean?
Just my regular washes and ACV rinses. I don't put alot of products in my hair so I haven't had a problem with build-up or dandruff.
What is the best thing about being loc'd?
I made one year loc'd in May so I would definitely say the journey is the best part. I used to think it was so cliche' but I really have learned alot about myself during this process. I'm much more patient. Learning what's best for hair/locs (water, less chemicals, natural products) has also inspired me to live a healthier lifestyle. Plus locs are cool! 

What advice do you have for an aspiring LOC STAR!
It's hair..if you twist it up and decide you're not ready..then no worries just wait.
If you are gonna go for it though my best advice is to keep your hands out of your head. Don't over manipulate. Do your research to see which loc style is better for you (traditional, sister/brother/locs, braidlocs, etc) and just watch your hair go through the process. It's pretty cool. Know that there are bumps in the road, there is a "frizzy stage" that cannot be tamed, times when you'll feel like nothing's changing (but trust it is), and times you might miss your other hair (i still miss my fro sometimes). But just enjoy the process, all of it, and DOCUMENT your journey!