Trudy Currie

Meet Trudy Currie from Sunrise, Florida.

Trudy's hair care regimen in her own words...
I wash my hair three times a week. 2 cowashes and 1 shampoo/cowash. I have not done a deep condition as of yet. I feel like I am still a newbie with my natural hair, therefore I am still learning what to do with my hair and the types of products to use. Usually when I do two strand twists on my hair I usually snip the ends myself if I see any unevenness. I have probably used a blow dryer 5 times on my hair from the time I went natural. And that is 5 times too many. I got terrified of what the heat would do to my hair if I continued. I promised myself I would not use heat of any kind on my hair… at all… anymore. I have never colored my hair and I never plan to do so. I heard so many horror stories of people dying or coloring their natural hair and soon after the hair begins to break and fall apart. I am afraid to do this. I just made a glycerin mix. This is to make your hair really soft and adds moisture. Ingredients: Vegetable glycerin, distilled water and a couple drops of essential oil, like Rosemary. I just started using it. Its great!! My favorite product of all time is the Shea Butter. My favorite style is my every day braid out style. With the length of my hair, this is what fits me right now.

Photo By...

Alejandro Photography

Link to Trudy...

www.modelmayhem.com/trucurrie

www.myspace.com/trumodeltru

Eujenya

Meet Eujenya from the Bronx.

Eujenya's hair care regimen...

I wash my hair twice a week. Too many people say, "I like your hair. Is it yours?" I say yes and they touch it. People's hands are dirty (lol). I deep condition my hair every 2 weeks, trim my hair every 6 months. I rarely use the flats irons or other heat tools I would have to say once every 2 months. I haven't colored my in an year. I have gone from black to brown to blonde within a month. It's not healthy at all. I use pure olive oil. The night before I wash my hair I let it sit, it makes my hair 100% softer.

Eujenya's favorite hair care products...
I would have to say Ganier Fructis ALL PRODUCTS and Emergency for a deep conditioner.

Eujenya's favorite salon...

Don't remember the name but its on E 174th and Bryant. (NYC)

Eujenya's favorite style...
I love my hair both ways: natural curls or straight.

Eujenya's links...

modelmayhem.com/eujenya
modeleujenya.blogspot.com
twitter.com/eujenya

Eujenya's photo by...

cfkphotography.com

Clo Caesar

Meet Clo Caesar from New York.

Clo Caesar on embracing her natural texture...
I got my first relaxer in the 5th grade, but when I was old enough, I grew it out. From that point on I've been relaxer-free, it has been approximately 15 years. At the time, I didn't know what a relaxer was. I only knew that it hurt a lot when my moms tried combing my hair! I was very tender-headed so when my mom asked me if I wanted a relaxer, I said, 'What is that?' She explained...'It will make your hair relaxed and easier to comb.' so I said 'Yeah! (I'll take one of those...maybe two. lol). Anyway, as I got older, I got a new relaxer every 10 weeks because I liked my hair better when it was 'frizzy' and in it's 'frenzy' state so to speak...So I moved to Atlanta, GA and saw so many people with beautiful and natural hair. I started growing my hair out almost immediately at that point. So I guess you can say I was inspired to do it, but at the same time I was already considering it.

Clo Caesar's hair care regimen...

I wash and condition every week. I trim my hair every few weeks. Right now I use Carol's Daugther Hair Milk and Black Vanilla Conditioner. I have not really settled on a favorite at this point, but this works for now. I buy products at the Carol's Daugter store in NYC, Target (for shampoo, conditioner, etc), and I used to like to go to ULTA when I lived in ATL.

Clo Caesar's favorite hairstyle...

Right now I am rocking a much shorter haircut. It suits me well I suppose because I get a lot of compliments! Folks think I am a reincarnation from the 70's or something.

Clo Caesar on personal style...

I am simple, elegant with a slight edge. My wardrobe essentials are shoes, basic white and black tees and dark wash jeans.

Clo Caesar's links ...
http://www.facebook.com/brwnskinlady
http://www.myspace.com/brwnskinlady
http://www.nycastings.com/clojo
http://portfolios.models.com/clojo/


Photo credits, respectively ...

Photo 1: Michael July - Photographer, Elle German - Makeup
Photo 2: MonikaM - Photographer, Look at My Shoes - Wardrobe, Michelle Sherahn- Makeup

RosieMae

Meet RosieMae a fashionista/ fashion designer from Chicago. She's always been natural.

RosieMae's hair care regimen...

I wash my hair every two weeks, condition daily and I only comb through it as needed. When I comb through my hair I use FX Curls Up curl reviving mousse... its awesome! I also like TRESemme Flawless Curls, Sebastian shimmer-complex (its a spritzer), Tigi Bed Head Curls Rock Shampoo and Conditioner.

RosieMae's hair care tips...
The less you do to it, the better it looks. Honestly spritzing it while it's damp with something like Sebastian's goes a long way and it's not heavy like gel. Eating well and exercising is another thing I enjoy. You are what you eat. I eat lots of vegetables and also run regularly.

RosieMae's on style...

Eclectic and crazy... I'll wear brights and neons one day and gothic blacks the next. I love mixing things up. You never know what to expect with me! In Chicago I shop at Goodwill, Family Thrift, Village Discount Outlet, Salvation Army, Ragstock, Beatnix, Urban Outfitters. In NYC, Patricia Field, Family Jewels, Cheap Jack's Vintage, and Peachfrog. I LOVE thrift stores! My favorite brands/ designers (besides my own line: Rosina~Mae :-)) are: Miss Sixty, Diesel, Guess?, G-Star, Lucky, French Connection, Evil Kitty, Heatherette, Zandra Rhodes, Matthew Williamson, Jill Stuart, and Betsey Johnson. I must have splatter painted and ripped up denim (that i did myself), colorful sneakers, long chains, tons of pairs of leggings and tights, 80's stretchy belts.

RosieMae's links...
www.rosinamae.com
(By this fall/ winter my collection should be in a local Chicago boutique!)

Photo's by... Razors Edge and M Spencer Photography, respectively.

Valleria Mya

Meet Valleria Mya, a model/actress from Boston.

Valleria Mya in her own words...
I have just learned to appreciate my natural curls in the past 2-3 years. I have always worn my hair curly on occasion but not until recently have I learned to appreciate it and wear it out more often. The modeling industry as made me appreciate my natural curls because it is something different and unique. I have received a lot of compliments especially from hairstylists and enjoyed working on my hair. It helped me gain confidence and appreciate my full inner and outer beauty. I wash my hair every 2-3 days depending on the weather. As humidity makes my hair harder to manage so I have to wash it more often when its hot and humid. I try not to use too much shampoo as it removes all the essential oils but use an immense amount of conditioner to get through the knots. I trim my hair once or twice a year. I prefer to use cream-based products on my hair. Cream- based products help define the curls and give it bounce. I always use leave in conditioner and use mousse on occasion if its humid or if I am going to a place where it will easily frizz up. Aveda Products are always great as they are mostly naturally based. I usually buy my products from CVS. My favorite way to wear my hair is out and curly! I can easily put it up if it gets in the way.

Valleria Mya's tips...
Do not dye your hair excessively. It will damage your hair and natural is always better. Try to use natural or organic products! Your hair will thank you! Brush your hair with a comb it will not make spilt ends as brushes create. I always comb it with conditioner in the shower. My hair is very difficult to comb out of the shower when it is drying up quickly.

Valleria Mya's links...
www.myspace.com/vmmiranda

Photo by Jim Williams

Tondi from Ohio

Meet Tondi (pronouced Tawn-DEE), a model and freelance illustrator.

She's been natural since...
July 2006

On deciding to go natural...

FRUSTRATION…Frustration with my hair was my MAIN motivation to just chop it all off. It was the most freeing thing I could have done for myself at that point in time.

Tondi's hair care regimen...

I wash my hair once a week and condition every day. I comb through my hair using a wide tooth comb using the conditioner to detangle. Then I go back through my hair using a wooden paddle brush- that not only helps my curl pattern, but it also massages and stimulates my scalp. Sometimes I will blow it dry and set the curls so it’s not wet all day (my hair holds water like a sponge), or I will just let it air dry. Then, occasionally, when I have photo shoots, I’ll blow out my curls, so it’s not straight, but it’s not curly, it’s just huge! Its sexy, I like it.

Favorite Products...
It’s a triple tie between Relaxed & Natural, Dove Shine Therapy, and Aussie (Dove Shine Therapy is in a slight lead just because my husband likes the smell) I like to switch it up though so my hair doesn’t get to used to one product and then it loses its magic.

Hair Secrets...
Ahh let’s see... moisture- natural hair is thirsty hair, so give it what it wants. Don’t be afraid to try new things- as your hair grows you hair regimen will change, the things you are used to doing for hair may not always work. You have to switch it up sometimes. Just show LOVE… it’s no secret

Favorite Hair Style...
I prefer BIG, GIANT, SEXY, HUGENESS

Tondi's Personal Style...
Zoe Kravitz meets Teyana Taylor and goes to lunch with Keri Hilson
The hippie in me always comes through in fashion choices… and I love to wear men’s clothing and make it sexy… and I’m always drawn to bright colors and bold prints.

Favorite Place to Shop for Clothes...
Bustown Modern (it’s an online store that sell amazing vintage- I am one of their models)

Tondi's Links...
herthoughtbubble.blogspot.com
myspace.com/tondirw
bustownmodern.com

Amazing Photos by...

Andrew Thomas Clifton — EvolutionVintage.com

repost, originally posted 6/23/09

Audrey from Cali

Meet Audrey De'shon a model from Cali who has been natural her whole life.

Audrey's regimen...
I wash my hair every other day

Favorite hair style...
I love to leave my hair down and curly

Personal Style...
Casual — I love ACCESSORIES! One of my favorite places to shop is FOREVER 21: great clothes at good prices.

Links...
Audrey's Myspace

repost, originally posted 6/22/09

The Style Sample: Tamia

Meet Digitial Media Adviser and Professional Ice Cream Taster, Tamia.

On going natural...

I chopped off my hair with a pair of scissors while standing in front of my bathroom mirror in July of 2005. I'd been experimenting with different curly styles (sadly enough, I was seriously considering a Jheri Curl) and decided I wanted to see what my own kinks and curls looked like. I remember being really excited and curious to see what grew out of my head!

The regimen...

I try to wash with a non-detergent shampoo once a week or so, and I wet and condition my hair whenever I feel it's necessary.

Favorite products...

I keep Elucence Moisture Balancing conditioner, Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding, and Qhemet Biologics Karkady Tea Replenishing Mist stocked at all times. I recently fell in love with Rene Furterer Karite Nutritive Concentrate--it only took three uses to see a difference in softness, sheen, and strength.

Hair tips...

I'd say moisturizing the ends every night, detangling with conditioner and a Denman brush, and eating lots of green veggies.

Favorite places to shop for hair...

I shop everywhere (that's my problem!), from Sephora to the NaturallyCurly Curl Mart. It depends on what I think my hair needs.

Favorite hairstyle...

That's like choosing a favorite child! Lately I've been favoring braids and assymetrical puffs.

On style...

The downtown version of uptown--elegant with an edge.

Favorite places to shop...

Online I usually wind up buying stuff from Shopbop, Yoox, or ASOS. In "real life" you can usually find me at Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, or any thrift store within a 30-mile radius.

Essential pieces in the wardrobe...

I love boy's oxford shirts, always wear earrings, and am obsessed with nude colored heels. I look for darn near every shoe I see in that burnished caramel color!

On her blog The Style Sample ...

The Style Sample combines fashion inspiration, style tips, and shoe porn for young professional women in a magazine-inspired layout.

Find her at TheStyleSample.com and www.StyleSampleMag.com

* Click items for more details.

repost, originally posted 6/12/09

Malika from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire (in England)

Meet Malika from England.

In her own words...
I use Herbal Essences on my hair for dry and damaged hair. I wash my hair with conditioner every day. My sister does hairdressing; she does my hair. I use a product called Sleek Wonder to tame it after washing it. Now and then I will put a treatment on my hair, leave on for a bit and then comb through and wash out. I never wear extensions. I used to straighten my hair until I saw the damage it caused. My favorite way to wear my hair is all out and wild or styled to the side and out. I always color my hair red. I love trying different kinds of reds in my hair. My favorite place to shop is River Island and Jane Norman.

Rachelle from the UK

Meet Rachelle a part time model and full time student studying Business and Law from England. Here are some excerpts from a little Mane & Chic Q & A.



On deciding to go natural...
I decided to stop with the relaxing of my hair due to the damage it was causing. I will never go back to relaxing or using electrical straighteners or curlers.

On her regimen...
I wash my hair daily or sometimes every 2 days. It depends on what my hair looks like when styling.


On her hair secrets...
Try not to use chemicals like colouring and relaxing so often they break and damage hair. Let your hair self dry, to prevent having to use heat. If you must use heat, use a heat protectant.

On her favorite hairstyle...
I love my hair best out big and curly, high up but still still big.



Rachelle's Portoflio
Photography by Jennifer Byron
Make up by Dani

repost, originally posted 6/17/09

Kalae

Meet singer/rapper/songwriter/radio personality Kalae.

Been natural since...

the womb.

Hair care regimen:

I condition my hair once a week-NO SHAMPOO! Shampoo has a lot of harsh chemicals that extract the oils from the scalp and hair! As african american women, we need those oils. SAY NO TO SHAMPOO! I put oil in my hair and sometimes an organic leave in conditioner.

Favorite Products:

I'm down with anything organic but read the labels hun cuz they can call it organic when only one ingredient is organic! Try: Intelligent Nutrients (They're certified by the USDA).

Hair tips:

• NO SHAMPOO
  
• Scalp stimulation-love your hair and show it that you care- MASSAGE YO HEAD FOOL!
  
• Get a trim every other month some places will do it for less than $10
  

Favorite place to get hair stuff:

I gotta be honest, I get my sh** from Barneys but I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND IT! Way over priced, you can go to Trader Joes or something and get some great organic products for cheap, sun.

Favorite hair style:

I like to braid the sides up funky and rock the frofoehawk :-)

Personal style:

Jimi Hendrix meets Kanye West -- fashionably eclectic. Must have a "Habibi" scarf, stunner shades and Dunk hi's!

Favorite places to shop:

I' m a window shopper. I go to all the cliché places but ladies heres a tip- DONT SLEEP ON THE MEN'S SECTION. It's usually cheaper since men dont shop as much! YAY!

Where you can find Kalae...

• myspace.com/kalaeallday
  
• twitter.com/kalaeallday
  
• on the youtube.com/user/kalaeallday
  
• kalaeallday.blogspot.com
  
• on the airwaves from 10-12pm tuesday nights: watch and chat on damatrixstudios.com
  

repost originally posted: 6/10/09

Marley Starr from Paris

Meet Marley Starr from Paris. She is a student studying for her masters in public health. She's also a world traveler.

On going natural...
I tried relaxing and straightening my hair often when I was younger but it never really lasted or looked that great. My curls always came back and I could tell that the products were breaking and drying up my hair, so I would leave my hair curly but tie it really tightly in a ponytail. Three years ago though, I got this special short, layered hair cut at Tonic hair salon in Montreal and I haven’t relaxed or straightened my hair since!

Marley's hair care regimen...
I condition my hair every day and shampoo it three times a week, I know some people say that its bad for your hair to wash it that often but if I don’t my curls get frizzy and unruly. I only started highlighting my hair in the past 4 years, but now I do touch ups and trim my hair about every 3 months and make sure to do some deep conditioner treatments once a month.

Marley's favorite hair products...

All I need is my Aveda Be Curly leave-in conditioner... it's been life-changing for my curls!

Marley's favorite hair style...
Down and out! I just put some leave-in conditioner, let it air dry… and voila, its great! I never used to like wearing it down because I found it so big and puffy. When I finally decided to wear it down, I was surprised when people complimented my hair all the time. Now I've really started to grow into it and love it!

Marley on style...
My style is casual chic and trendy gone global. My must-have pieces are a sundress, flats, black leggings, and of definitely my accessories from the countries I've visited!

Janiela

Meet Janiela a full time model/ actress who has been natural her whole life.

Janiela's hair care regimen...

I wash my hair about three times a week. I use special natural conditioners from the Dominican Republic. These conditioners are so natural some you can eat.

Favorite products...

I like to use Organic Root Stimulator olive oil sheen spray, Inter Cellular hair polisher and Queen Helene sculpturing gel and glaze. I hope all that name dropping gets me some free samples!

Hair tips...

I always condition my hair no matter what. I get it trimmed regularly to give my curls shape and try to always use alcohol-free products.

Favorite hair style...

I love to wear my hair natural loose and wild

On style...
I am Kate Moss meets Sarah Jessica Parker. I love shopping in Bloomingdale's, H&M, Levis, Salvation Army, Beacons Closet, Top Shop and other neighborhood shops. I must have a fitted blazer because it dresses up a t-shirt and jeans instantly, a pair of comfy black pumps 4 inches or higher, a perfect pair of skinny jeans with at least 2% lycra please, and a colorful over sized purse you know for my portfolio and stuff.

Link to Janiela on Myspace

Naclaysia

Meet Naclaysia from North Hollywood.

On going natural...
In 2000, I went on a family vacation to South America, just after I graduated high school and while I was down there, I cut off all of my hair. I got rid of all the damage, and let it start over. I've never really been one to do anything to my hair, I've always been rather low maintainance, played sports year round for several years.

On her hair care regimen...
I wash 2-3 times a week, but if I jump in the pool, I wash my hair right afterwards.

Favorite hair products...
I use a lot of Optimum Care products, a product called Frizz Buster. If I want my curls to really hold their shape while being soft, Garnier Fructis has a product called Curl Sculpting Gel. It's a cream gel that leaves my curls bouncy and soft.

Hair secrets...
I eat A LOT of fruits and vegetables and fresh garlic. I cook a lot, and I make healthy veggie filled meals. It seems to be working, my hair grows and my nails are well... hard as nails ;)

Favorite place to buy hair products...
Sally's, I can always find what I need and it's inexpensive.

Favorite hair style...
Since I work in a restaurant I usually have my hair pulled back, but on my days off I just hop out of the shower and let my hair do what it does best.

On style...
I like to look in the little boutiques, you always find great clothes for amazing deals, and the shop keepers are always sweet and helpful. I must have stillettos, stillettos, stillettos, and breezy sundresses.

Lexi from Bowie

Meet from Bowie, Maryland. She's been natural since birth.

Lexi's hair care regimen...
My hair is really thick and curly but it tends to retain moisture and absorbs nutrients well so I wash my hair every 2 weeks using Pantene Pro-v for natural and relaxed hair. I always use a deep conditioner of some sort: hair mayonnaise, hot oil treatment, Pantene Pro-v (for natural hair again) breakage defense conditioner. Sometimes, when I have the luxury of time, I make a hair mask out of eggs. The protein is excellent - less split ends! When I want my hair trimmed, I have an excellent hairdresser I go to who is not too expensive.

Lexi's favorite products...
Pantene Pro-V line for women of color. Garnier Fructis Curl Construct Mousse. Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Frizz Ease and Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. I don't like my hair feeling heavy.

Lexi's hair secrets...
As I mentioned above — EGGS. Use as many as you think is necessary (depending on your length) and whip 'em up to the consistency you're comfortable with and just leave it in for awhile — but not long enough to where you feel sticky and gross. It helps with split ends and detangling. Don't wash your hair TOO often. You will rob it of its nutrients and you become more easily prone to split ends, etc. Find what system works for YOU. We may all be curly and fabulous, but we're all still different. I've found that I can just wash and put a few drops of anti-frizz in my hair and I'm good to go. Doesn't mean that'll work for you!

Favorite hair style...
WASH AND GO! I love that I'm just able to get in the shower, wash my hair, maybe throw on some anti-frizz to keep it neat, and it literally dries curly! If I'm feeling frisky, I just use my hands to separate the curls myself for more volume.

On style...
I embrace it all. I'm Rhianna meets Carrie Bradshaw meets a hippie meets etc. If I feel it, I wear it! I still shop at junior stores! (blush) Wet Seal, Forever 21 and H&M. Bebe is my all time favorite though — it's the only store that has dresses that caters to my body type (top heavy, real skinny down bottom). The shoes are to DIE for. That's my go to store for dressy, chic, whatever. I also shop at American Eagle for casual stuff. My must-haves are hoodies and cardigans. I get cold easily. A belt to turn a t-shirt into a dress. You'd be surprised how adding a belt can make an outfit "just right." Flip Flops, I'm Jamaican and I'm used to the beach and the heat, I hate closed in shoes. My feet feel trapped! Heels, I ALWAYS have heels. For everything and everywhere!

Photo by Timelessimag Photo

Norine of Amsterdam

Meet Norine, a model and psychologist that works for a youth care organization. She's been natural most of her life, but relaxed a couple of times as a teen. As for why she went natural, Norine says, "I didn't like the breakage after relaxing my hair, so I decided to leave it natural. My hair became much healthier and better looking. It also saved me a lot of money."

Norine's favorite products...
M.O.M. by African Royale, the Care Free Curl products by Soft Sheen and Pure Coconut Oil shampoo and conditioner by Inecto

Norine's hair tips...
Don't use any chemicals on your hair, moisturize and condition it well and trim once in a while.

Photo by Peter Orre

Janice Rosario

Meet dancer, model, choreographer Janice Rosario. She's has been natural her whole life.

On being natural...

I am a dancer and I work out so it was pointless having my hair straighten because I would just sweat it out everyday. I have also noticed that I stand out a lot more when I have my hair curly because most people have straight hair and in my line of business it's always best to be different.

Her hair care regimen...

I wash my hair once a week. I condition it every other day to keep the curls fresh. I get a trim once every 2 months. I have my hair colored once every 2.5 months with organic hair color.

Favorite hair products...

The entire John Frieda Frizz-ease collection

Tips...

Do not shampoo everyday (it's not healthy), eat healthy (you are what you eat) & do not color your hair too frequently

Favorite salon/stylist...

The only person I trust with my hair is my stylist Romel from www.iiehairspa.com. I live in Manhattan, but travel 30min to New Jersey to see him because he is the only stylist I have come across that knows how to deal with curly hair.

Favorite hair style...

Out and wild

Janice's links...

A solo choregraphed by Janice.

Provocative Complexions Gogo Dance Company

Photo by Tony Gale

Jay Marie from Oregon

Meet Jay Marie from Beaverton, Oregon. She wore her hair in a natural state until she was 12 years old. "I permed it and absolutely hated it, so ever since then, I have been natural", says Jay Marie.

Jay Marie on why she went natural...

What made me decide to go natural was me just becoming more comfortable with myself and after I conformed to the straight hair that everyone has, I did not like being the same. Different and unique is where I feel most comfortable.

Her hair care regimen...

I condition every day, shampoo once or twice a week. I'm trying to let my hair grow out, so I have not cut it for sometime now.

Favorite hair products...

I use dove shampoo and conditioner and I use this hair lotion which is alot like gel and wait for my hair to dry and crunch out the gel and I'm out the door.

Favorite hair style...

My favorite way to wear my hair is down, possibly straightening my bang or pulling it back in a head band. It's simple quick and easy. I usually just let it air dry so my hair doesn't frizz due to the heat, then blow dry it A LITTLE so I dont have wet hair, then use a straightener to flatten the curls a little so that my hair isn't out-of-control-huge to the point where I can't maintain it.

On style...

A hooper (basketball player) + Kanye West and Rhianna or someone who makes sweats and simple clothing look abnormally normal and unique.

Favorite place to shop...

TOP SECRET Anywhere that you can buy things that no body has, not expensive designer stuff all the time, but pieces you can put together to create as your own.

Wardrobe must-haves...

Vans, sweats, dark jeans, plain tee and accessories because they make a simple outfit.

Photo by Paige Craig Photography

Maritza

Meet Maritza Rodridguez a full time student and model who has been natural her whole life. Here's what Martitza had to say about her hair care regimen: "I wash my hair once a week. My hair is easier to mange and it looks much nicer. I also wet it daily and put in a leave-in conditoner". Maritza's favorite products are from Aveda and Davines. Her favorite way to wear her hair is "big and crazy". As for her style, Maritza says she is "Badu meets Rhianna with a little bit of FIERCENess". Her favorite places to shop are "the city ( any little store), Forever-21, American Apparel and street fairs.