True is Naturally Glam!

Published

10 years ago

March 4, 2014

Were you a slow transitioner or a Big Chopper & why? (tell us your natural hair journey)

I was a slow transitioner. Momentarily, I considered the big chop, but, decided to just transition. My journey was interesting. I was already thinking about going natural, when the last two relaxers used burned like mad and I could not figure out why. I had begun using kid relaxers to get away from a high volume of chemicals, but found no difference. Almost as soon as I applied it, I had to hurry and wash it out. The chemicals left such a burn mark and the sensation in my scalp kept me so uncomfortable all night. This was the turning point to going natural. There was no way that I would subject myself to this again. Fortunately, I had performed loads of research on natural hair and transitioning, so, I was very o.k. with it.

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Had you always embraced your texture?

I can not say that I ever really knew my texture before becoming natural. I pressed my hair up to around my sophomore year of college before relaxing. However, I can now say, yes indeed, I embrace and love my texture!!!!!!! It is so versatile, I am in love.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? How did they react to the new you? What was your response to them?

Well, a couple of family members are adjusting and giving compliments. They were use to my hair being straight and in clean line styles. In the beginning, I was testing the waters with various styles and at times, shall I say, some of my styles needed a little work. I did my best to rock natural styles. Overall, my family was/is supportive. My niece Essence was natural long before me. She has been supportive from day one. Oh wow, my cousin Jackie, who is like my sister is so excited for me. She is natural and we talk natural hair all the time.

My friends love it, they often ask questions and a couple are considering going natural.

My response, pretty much was that I am just me, still me, no more chemicals. I really want to embrace me for real from head to toe. I am enjoying this.

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)

My hair is highly porous, yet, can be very dry. It takes quite a while for it to dry. If I do bantu knots, it can take up to three days. I always let styles air dry. So, I must be ready to rock the bantu knots as they are or put them under a hat prior to taking them down, both work. The way that I would describe my hair is soft with medium thickness.

What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? favorite products! Deets!

I co-wash my hair every (2) weeks with Herbal Essence Fructis Conditioner. There are times that I co-wash once a week. When the weather becomes warm, it is once a week. Every time that I wash my hair, I condition with extra virgin olive oil and Herbal Essence Fructis then rinse. Other times, I will do a hot oil treatment with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. Whenever my hair is washed, I put it in a style. I may re-style a week old, pin up twist out into a high puff.

I credit you Nikki, for my use of Henna. When I was transitioning your information on Henna was so informative. I continued to read and consider it and one day, did it. My hair enjoys henna and it is a great conditioner as well. My hair has grown and thickened; henna played a part in it. I try to henna once a month.

Lately, after co-washing, I put not too much Herbal Essence Fructis in my hair and style along with Cantu Shea Butter Curling Cream, Eco Styler Gel (Argon Oil) and extra virgin olive oil. My hair is about 80% dry when styling.

How do you maintain your hair at night?

I get my little applicator bottle of extra virgin olive oil, run it through my scalp and massage. Some nights, a spritz of water mixed with a small amount of conditioner and argon oil. There are times, I re-twist some areas and put on a satin or silk scarf. It is usually in a pin up style. Therefore, the scarf goes around not all over.

How do you maintain healthy length?

I truly believe that my length is maintained through keeping my scalp healthy, using henna, dusting the ends from time to time, not often at all and keeping my hair moisturized.

What’s the best thing about being curly?

Getting to know and love another part of me. When I transitioned, there was an overall change, a new way of thinking, feeling and being. It is like self discovery. This is the only way that I can describe the best thing for me about being natural. Of course, various styles and seeing my hair wavy and curly is awesome.

Where can folks find you on the web?
Inspirational blog at trueyouness.blogspot.com
New inspirational Youtube Channel – True Youness
Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/TrueYouness
Twitter – https://twitter.com/trueyouness

Interview

Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

Published

3 mins ago

April 25, 2024

TGR Media

The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape

KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.

KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.

The New York City Metamorphosis

Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.

Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.

The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment

Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.

She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.

As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.

Audio

Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single “Green A Go”

Published

49 mins ago

April 25, 2024

Nancy B

Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single titled “Green A Go.” Listen below via Spotify or on any music platform. You can also follow him on IG.

Artist

Derek2ILL Slays In “Magic Box” Ft. Biggz x Zero 610

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2024

MJ HipHop

Derek2Ill is busting out the hinges of a “Magic Box.” The new single, presented by Digital Dynasty Music Group features Biggz and comes with production by Zero 610. Listeners will get minutes of in-your-face bars that will keep whack rappers on the sidelines. Classic cuts and scratches heighten the duo’s performance and message. Stream “Magic Box” and connect with the Bethlehem artist below.