Felicia Leatherwood, Celebrity Stylist
BNM, I attended the “Loving Your Hair with Natural Care” workshop at Karen’s Body Beautiful (Brooklyn, NY) facilitated by the natural celebrity hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood (Jill Scott, Brenda Russell, Tamiko Fraser (Maybelline Cover model), Cedric The Entertainer, Anthony Anderson and so on.
Tips for women loving their hair – 20’s through 50’s:
20’s – Physically and mentally know that ponytails are not our friends and they allow us to be non-responsive to our hair. Anything that pulls your hair is not good.
30’s - Start paying attention to the issue – it’s not the hair, its other things. Sit and be present; listen and identify the frustration (kids, bills, husband).
40’s- 50’s – You made it this far so you are doing something right. Love whatever state your hair is in now and meditate on what look you want to usher in for your “brand.”
Essential Products for Beautiful Hair:
LRC makes great products and an exceptional conditioner for co-washing; (when you don’t shampoo, however, use a conditioner to moisturize hair).
Also, great natural conditioners: Argan oil (Moroccan oil) and olive oil.
Cook fresh vegetables, eat protein and get your exercise in at least 4 times a week – this will impact your hair and skin in a major way. Trust me.
Contact me for additional suggestions and to book a workshop in your town, lovingyourhaircare@gmail.com
Every day look into your eyes/face and say “I love you” – talking to mind, body, spirit
When I spoke with Felicia recently about the BNM’s mission to renew and redefine their personal brand post childbirth here is what she said:
Q: What was the motivation behind the “Loving Your Hair With Natural Care,” workshops?
A: Real simple. Traveling and seeing how Black women from Africa, Paris, London have altered their hair to be “acceptable” and now their hair is damaged. I thought that Africans would have natural hair and that was not the case — we all want what the other has. It’s time for some education.
I operate from an organic state of being and use products that are not harmful to skin and body — more natural and sensitive to our hair based upon texture.
Q: Do you work with all types of textures?
A: Yes, but if you come to me with hair that is chemically enhanced I am going to talk you out of it.
With chemicals you never know what is causing the hair to do certain things like –hormones, stress, diet, and medication.
Q: What is the common thread with all the attendees?
A: Black women searching to find their identity through hair in a space not embraced by the media, partner, and self.
“Take not so perfect days” - waking up and allowing yourself to be imperfect. Let yourself go and focus on what is truly bothering you at the core. Remember, you are your worst enemy. Stop it.
Q: What is your website and how can people get in contact with you?
A: Website? Lovingyourhairwithnaturalcare.com; lovingyourhaircare@gmail.com (email directly); and Facebook.
Visit her site for additional information.
Post a comment and let me know what you think of Felicia’s tips. Are they helpful?
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Love this post, Felicia made some great points in the video
Felicia’s suggested mantra “I love you” is on point as it relates to our ENTIRE self: mind, body, spirit AND hair. Currently my hair is recovering from a very brutal color. Over the last several months, every inch that grew and inch broke off due to the harsh coloring process (I went honey blonde). Instead of cursing my hair (after all it was fine until I decided to color it), I named it Jasira-bold and courageous. So everyday I speak to it, massage it and luv it. I’ll let you know the results. LOL Thanks for the post.
I love this blog — thanks for keeping it real. My hair is truly a reflection of me and I am (trying) to love it each day.
Thanks so much for posting this! I recently made the big chop and am loving my natural texture.
Tai,
Thanks for the post — having natural hair is the best and a lot of work. It’s all about being a chemist with the potions.