PROFILE | Jeon Adams of "Just Jeon"

Jeon Adams

Name: Jeon Adams
From: St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Owner of:  Just Jeon
Natural Since:  September 12th 2010

KiK:  Why did you go natural?
Jeon: I went natural because I didn’t like my hair, it was breaking, thin, and brown in colour overall I couldn’t maintain my hair because I was going to University at the time.

Jeon wearing braids extensions while transitioning to natural hair

KiK:  Did you transition or do the big chop?
Jeon: I actually did both transition for four months then did the big chop myself. Never visited a hairdresser since. ☺

Jeon after her big chop.

KiK:  How did your family and friends respond to your change?
Jeon: I was away from most of my family and friends so they were shocked by what I did. I didn’t plan on doing the big chop, after I took out my braids I couldn’t comb it and there was a good bit of new growth so I decided to cut it.

Jeon looks like the picture of a proud natural-haired Caribbean woman

KiK:  What is your natural hair regimen?
Jeon: Wash every two (2) weeks. Use natural oils (jojobo oil, olive oil, coconut oil). I keep them moisturized with a moisturizer and water using a spray bottle and cover each night with silk cap.

KiK:  I always have in a protective style mainly two strand twist and twist outs.
Jeon: When I wash my hair I air dry never use heat or blow dryer.

KiK:  What is your favourite hairstyle that we are most likely to see you in?
Jeon: Twist out

KiK:  What is your nightly hair routine to maintain your hair?
Jeon: Apply moisturizer and cover with a silk cap

Jeon is all business with accessories from her line in hand

KiK:  Tell us about Just Jeon.
Jeon: Just Jeon” is an accessory line that seeks to create unique pieces from items from nature and items found in and around your home.  Just Jeon’s creative pieces include clutches, handbags, veils, earrings, bows, bow ties and bracelets.

Models carrying Just Jeon handbags

Birthed out a love for crafts and fashion "Just Jeon" seeks to create pieces of Art from ordinary items that you can find in and around your home. "Just Jeon" was started on January 29, 2012.

Model carrying a Just Jeon handbag

KiK:  Why did you start it and how did the logo come about?
Jeon: I started Just Jeon because I wanted to showcase my personal style and creativity when it comes to fashion.

 I give the concept to my friend Adono Bramble a graphic designer of Kong Art Creationz and he did such a fantastic job!

Models wearing Just Jeon accessories

KiK:  Thanks for doing this interview Jeon! Where can we find your products?
Jeon: Facebook Page: “Just Jeon”

Transitioning Again: 0-5 Months Journey

Transition Start Date - May 1, 2013 (about 2 weeks post relaxer)

I've transitioned to natural or cut my hair off quite a few times in my life. I'm one of those people who are always craving change and love to use my hair as a creative outlet. Well, I planned to stay relaxed for a year but I didn't last. I had my last relaxer near May 1, 2013 and I thought, since I've pretty much mastered the art of transitioning, I'll share my journey with you.

2 Months Post Relaxer

At about two months post-relaxer, not much changes. I do however start to do more roller sets, bantu knot outs, twist-outs and braid-outs at night to keep my hair detangled and stretched at nights. The truth is, maintaining healthy relaxed hair is not much different from maintaining healthy natural hair. I would moisturise with a water based leave-in and seal the moisture in with a light oil at nights then prep my hair for the next day's style. I still deep condition every 1-2 weeks.

3 and 1/2 Months Post-relaxer - Transitioning Hairstyle

3 Months Post-relaxer - Transitioning Hairstyle

At 3 months post-relaxer, I started doing more updos. This was the peak of summer and they allowed me to keep cooler since my hair was away from my neck. I also experimented with braid-outs that allowed me to kind of have that big haired natural look that was something also fun for the summer. Braid-outs are a great way to mentally prepare you for the look of natural hair. Pictures of  a few of those styles are above.

Check out a video in about month 3 of my new hair journey where I spoke about my decision to transition.

At four months, I started to get bored with daily styling so I began doing styles that would last me 1-2 weeks like the one below.

Low -Manipulation Protective style on Transitioning Hair

I also got my hair done at the salon so that I just didn't have to deal with it. It have me a fun break from daily styling. If you ever begin to struggle on your natural hair journey, go to a salon until you feel like doing your hair again.

Braids Extensions at 5 months Transitioning to Natural Hair

Now, at 5 months, things are becoming a little more challenging. Daily manipulation is causing a little more stress on the line of demarcation (where the relaxed hair meets the natural new growth) so I get a little more breakage if I am not very gentle.  I therefore decided to play with a style using a new natural-looking type of hair. Because my real hair is almost arm pit length at this point, my braids are pretty long. We didn't cut artificial hair so I ended up with waist length hair! (lots of pics and tutorials coming soon).  Check out the type hair I used below.

Sweetest Girl Afro Kinky Braid Hair purchased at Kris Kut in Boulevard Centre, Kingston, Jamaica

Watch the video of me talking about this new hairstyle below.

So, the journey has been very smooth so far. Let's see what's in store for styling this hair and the challenges I experience in the months to come.

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Aquayla From Texas and Her Coloured Natural Hair

Aquayla with brightly coloured natural hair

Name:  Aquayla Gadsden

From:  Houston, TX

Natural Since:  April 5, 2012

Day Job:  Medical Transcriptionist (working from home)

Aquayla with brightly coloured natural hair in multiple tones

KiK: Why did you go natural? 

Aquayla: Well I guess in my own way I always wanted to go natural, but I never actually knew what natural was. I loved seeing girls with curly hair. My favorite was Freddi (Cree Summer) who played on “A Different World”. I didn’t realize that my hair could be curly too if I stopped putting relaxer it. LOL. One day I was on YouTube and I ran across a natural hair video, then I watched another, and another. I was inspired and excited. I transitioned and then did my big chop. The rest is history…

Cree Summer of "A Different World Cast"

KiK: How do you color your hair? 

Aquayla: I color my hair at home. I’ve been coloring my hair since right out of high school. If I’m using permanent colors, I’ll use Clairol’s Textures and Tones because its ammonia-free which is safer for the hair. If I’m taking my hair to a bright color, I usually have to bleach it first. I use a 30 volume bleach (usually the Manic Panic Lightening Kit). After I get it to a blonde, I’ll add a colorful rinse on it. My favorite are the brands Special Effects and Manic Panic. I also stay away from styling products that have color in it so it won’t react with or dull my bright-dyed color….this also includes brown clays.

Aquayla with brightly coloured natural hair in multiple tones

KiK: How often do you dye your hair? 

Aquayla: I don’t really have a set timeframe on when I color. I just do it when the mood hits me, when the season changes or if I’m sick of seeing black roots LOL. I try to give my roots AT LEAST a two month time frame before I bleach. So far in 2013, my hair started red; then I went dark purple; then I took the front and did purple roots with hot pink on the ends; then hot pink and black; then hot pink/turquoise/purple and black; then back to hot pink and purple; and now I’m back hot pink and black. Who knows what tomorrow will bring LOL.

Aquayla with blue-coloured natural hair

KiK: Wow. LOL. That's a lot. Coloring is said to be very damaging. How do you keep your hair healthy? 

Aquayla: It can be damaging if you don’t listen to your hair. I’m not a professional hair colorist, but I listen to my hair. If you’re not sure what to do, I recommend going to a stylist who specializes in hair color. For those who are color treated, they have to get a regimen especially for their color treated hair. I deep condition my hair every week. I do protein treatments every other week. I don’t let my hair get dry or brittle. I keep my ends trimmed. I moisturize and seal. I don’t bleach over hair that was previously bleached within a 6 month period. For the most part, I try to only bleach my roots. I change my colors by changing the rinses (temporary colour that washes out over time) instead of using permanents all the times. 

Aquayla with Natural Hair Dyed Red

KiK: A lot of people say that you texture changes when you start dyeing natural hair. Do you find that your texture/curls has loosened since you started coloring? 

Aquayla: The hair that I dyed with permanent dye hasn’t changed in texture. The hair that I have bleached is slightly looser. The difference is so slight that if I put my hair in a wash-n-go, it still shrinks the same length as my unbleached hair. I don’t go higher than a 30 volume of bleach to insure that I don’t loose my curl pattern. FYI:  If you’re bleaching and you see your hair starting to go straight, wash it out IMMEDIATELY.

KiK: What is the most important thing about natural hair that you wish someone could have told you in the beginning of your natural hair journey? 

Aquayla: I wish somebody would’ve told me no matter how many different products I buy, my hair wont look like hers, or hers, or hers. My hair is an individual with different textures, kinks and coils. Take your time to get to learn her and what she likes.

KiK:Thanks for the interview ! 

Keep up with Aquayla on Youtube at  youtube.com/user/QuayTheCanaryDiamond. Also follow me on Instagram at Quaythecanarydiamond.

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Monday Music | Janelle Monáe - Dance Apocalyptic

Janelle Monae in the music video, Dance Apocalytic

Ms. Monae has been a long-time style icon for many naturals. She is sporting a very new look in this recently released music video for Dance Apocalytic. Check it out below.

Janelle is widely known in the natural hair community for her awe-inspiring kinky curly natural hair and extravagant but wearable pompadour hairstyle. 

I dare to say that she is better known for her hair and beauty than her music, but what do you think about Monae's new music video for Dance Apocalytic?

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Asherlee Naturals Hot Oil Treatment Review & Owner Interview

I received some products for review from Sherelle, owner of the Jamaican based company, Asherlee Naturals, and have been trying them out for the last few months. For this post, I will be reviewing the Aloe Vera & Honey Hot Oil Treatment.

The product label describes the hot oil treatment as a vitamin and protein enriched conditioner that moisturises. Uhm... too much protein actually makes hair brittle so that is a little confusing. Regardless, at the end of the day I am completely in love with this product.

I used the product as directed below.

Asherlee Naturals Hot Oil Treatment Information

PROS

• The Hot Oil Treatment is superbly moisturising. 
• The ingredients are all natural and the preservative listed in the ingredients (Optiphen Plus) is paraben and formaldehyde-free preservative.
• The packaging makes the product very easy to use. 
• The product is thick and doesn't have a ton of fillers.
• A little goes a long way so there is good value for money. 
• The product is affordable.
• I found that my hair is far less frizzy after using this product so I would say that it reduces frizz.
• Gives long-lasting effects and doesn't need to be used more that once or twice a month. 

CONS

• You may have a little trouble washing it out. I recommend using it as a pre-poo before a sulfate-free conditioning shampoo. 
• I don't recommend using more than once a month if you have problems with humidity and puffing of the hair because I would regard this as a humectant which means that it draws in moisture to the hair. 

Ingredients
LOVE, Herbal infused Sunflower oil, Olive oil, Coconut oil, Aloe Vera, Castor oil, Avocado oil, Honey, Essential oil (Tea tree, Lavender, Rosemary) and Optiphen plus.

Did you read the ingredients? They are ridiculously great. Essentially, this product is a hot oil moisture treatment infused with honey which is known for it's very moisturising humectant qualities.

Learn more about the Asherlee products by watching the video below.

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Tashella's "Afro-centric" Style

Tashella's natural hair in an Afro style

Name: Tashella Beckett
From: Forest City in  North Carolina, USA
Natural Since:  September 25, 2011
Occupation:  College Student


KiK:  Why did you go natural?
Tashella: I was experiencing a lot of hair damage from relaxers and I wanted to improve the health of my hair, so I decided to do the big chop instead.

Tashella's natural hair in an Afro hairstyle

KiK:  What is your hair regimen?
Tashella: I do not do much at all to my hair. I finger detangle, spritz with water daily, moisturize with my mixture of raw shea butter and olive oil, and I use Cantu Shea butter leave-in conditioner every three days.


KiK:  How do you "keepitkinky" and resist the urge of processing your hair?
Tashella: I think about the hair damage I experienced while processing my hair and the drastic improvement of the health of my hair after going natural. After becoming natural, I've learned that it's not just being "natural", but accepting and embracing who God created me to be. Kinky hair, big lips, and brown skin, are all features I was born with and altering them in my opinion, is not being true to who I really am... a black woman.

Tashella's curly afro

KiK:  A lot of people with your hair type struggle with detangling. Do you have any tricks to share?
Tashella: Yes! Make sure your hair is damp when detangling, and use your fingers. Combs cause breakage and its just an easy way to get over with detangling. Take your time. It's your hair and you want to do what is best for it.

Tashella's natural hair in her staple Afro style

KiK:  What is your main styling method and why?
Tashella: I love my afro, because you get to see it in its natural state, kinky and big. I do not like to use products that attempt to alter my natural fro, like gels, to give that "oh so desired look" (wavy hair).

Tashella, thanks for sharing your hair routine with the KiK readers. I hope that you continue to enjoy your hair as much as you do now.

Want to know more about Tashella? Connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LelTashea. 

Melani from Virginia

Melani Jones of iRock Natural showing off her natural hair

Name: Melani Jones
From: Virginia, United States
Of: iRock Natural™
Natural Since: May 29, 2010

Melani Jones of iRock Natural showing off her natural hair

KiK:  Why did you go natural?
Melani:  I was working out regularly and I was looking for an alternative to wearing my hair relaxed throughout all of my exercising. For me, it was easier to maintain my hair in its natural state.


KiK: Cool. So how would you describe your texture?
Melani:  I’d describe my texture as kinky and tightly coiled.  I do have some looser curls at the nape of my neck though.

Melani's natural hair updo

KiK:  What is your regimen for taking care of your hair?
Melani:  I try to be a low-maintenance natural as much as possible. I do my wash routine weekly, unless my hair is in a protective style and I may go a week and a half without washing my hair.  My wash routine consists of: pre-poo, shampoo, condition, deep condition under my steamer, and then style. I like the LOC (liquid, oil, cream) method to moisturize my hair during the styling process. I like to keep my hair in protective styles as much as possible.  When my hair is in a protective style, I will use my spray water mixed with a few oils to keep my hair moisturized. I only apply heat to my hair once a year, normally during the winter.

Melani's natural hair updo

KiK:  So what are the main hair products in your arsenal at the moment?
Melani:  Shea Moisture Purification Masque is my ULTIMATE favorite pre-poo and deep conditioner.  I also like Coconut oil and Bee Mine Curly Butter in Island Mango Scent.  Those three are definite must-haves in my regimen.


KiK:  So what is your hairstyle of choice?
Melani:  My favorite hairstyle by far is the dry twist out. It gives my hair such volume and definition. I can really see the health and growth of my hair in a dry twist out.

KiK:  Have you been to the hairdresser regularly since being natural?
Melani:  When I first went natural, I was going to the hairdresser pretty much every 2-3 weeks. After that, I started doing my hair on my own. I did go recently in 2012, but I have since started doing my hair again on my own. The only reason I don’t go is because I enjoy doing my hair myself.  I take pride in knowing that I can properly care for and style my hair myself.

KiK:  When did iRock Natural begin and why?
Melani:  iRock Natural began on March 16, 2012.  The idea for the name came to me one day when I was driving home from work and I knew I had to do something with it. My parents have been in the t-shirt business for years so I already had that background knowledge.  I decided I wanted to do items to express my love of being natural and to also encourage those who were natural or considering being natural. I just wanted to use my creativity to add to the natural hair community.

KiK:  I see. So what is the mission of iRock Natural?
Melani:  The mission of iRock Natural is to encourage the love of and appreciation for natural hair.  When I state that, I don’t want to make it seem that natural hair is superior to other ways people choose to wear their hair.  I just love being natural and want to ROCK it the best way possible!

KiK:  Thanks for doing this interview! Where can we keep up with you online?
Melani:  The iRock Natural website can be found at www.iRockNatural.com or on Facebook at  www.Facebook.com/iRock Natural.  Thank you so much for the opportunity to be featured!

Latoya from Jamaica

Naturalista, Latoya, from Jamaica

Name: Latoya Deslandes
From: The beautiful island of Jamaica
Natural Since: I have been natural for most of my life. My hair was processed for one year from 2003-2004

Naturlista, Latoya, seems to be holding a jar of some potent sorrel. 

KiK: Why have you decided to wear your natural hair?

Latoya: I thought that processed hair was too boring and flat. The moment I processed my hair I knew I would be going back natural

KiK: Did you big chop or transition?

Latoya:I transitioned. I wanted to BC but didn’t want to cause some important people in my life any extra heartache lol. My hair was cut in a very short style before I started to go natural, so I didn’t have a whole lot of transitioning to do anyway.

Natural-haired Latoya form Jamaica

KiK: How do you maintain a professional appearance at work? Have you even had any challenges in a corporate workplace in Jamaica?

Latoya:  My many hairstyles all seem to be acceptable in the workplace. I thought that a twist-out would be a definite no-no, but was pleasantly surprised when I braved it once and received complements all day. I still would not brave it and wear chiney bumps or an afro though – at least not yet!

Naturalista, Latoya, from Jamaica

KiK:  What is your regimen?

Latoya: I do not have a set regimen at the moment. I wear mainly protective styles since that is more time efficient. I wash at least once a week whether I am wearing a protective style at the moment or not. I do hot oil treatments or deep condition when I feel the urge.

 

KiK: What are three products you need to help manage your hair? 

Latoya: I am no PJ (product junkie). I need very little. I use V05 Moisture Milks shampoo and conditioner, coconut oil and shea butter. Right now I am out of shea butter so I use whatever hair oil is in the house. My most favourite product isn’t really a product – it’s water! I love the fact that these work great for my hair, but don’t cause a dent in my budget.

Latoya wearing a cornrow natural hairstyle

KiK: How do you care your hair at night?

Latoya: I tie my hair with a silk scarf.

KiK: What are two dos and two don't for your hair?

Latoya: Do: Wear protective styles that are flexible.
Do: Only detangle when wet.
Don’t: Do small twists for the sole purpose of a twist-out. After investing all that time it doesn’t seem to be worth it.
Don’t: Detangle when I am tired or upset.

Latoya wearing Bhantu Knots/Chiney Bumps in Jamaica

KiK: Thanks for doing this interview. How can we keep up with your natural hair journey? Do you have a website or YouTube channel?
Latoya: Find me at: http://www.youtube.com/victoriouslat.