I remember who may natural hair idol was when I started looking for pictures on the web.
So in case you were wondering my hair crush would have to be Leela James, I give a detailed description on her later on in this article.
All I can say is that when I saw pictures of her long natural kinky hair I was convinced that this was exactly how I wanted to wear my hair.
The challenge I have is that my hair does not seem to grow as fast on the sides as it does on the top, I am always cutting the back to make my sides look longer.
This process is taking forever, so I decided to just let my hair grow the way it wants to and I will accept it in any shape of form.
Kinky Coily Hair Ideas
It is fun to be inspired and motivated from female celebrity singers and this time I thought I would cover some of the many famous faces that you have probably seen on television or heard their music on the radio.
Many of the artist I mention have been rocking the natural hair for many years, it just seemed to have taken awhile to become trendy for the mainstream.
I hope you enjoy my list of natural hair celebrities, it is not a full list, because I know there is many many more, that I have not covered in this article.
It is a sample and maybe it will inspire you during your natural hair journey.
Shingai Shonewa wears a heart shaped natural hair style
Many artists that are getting recognition are ones who have been in a niche specific music genre for years with a loyal following of fans. One of those is Shingai Shonewa she is the lead singer of the Noisettes. The vocalist is of British decent and she was trained at the School of Performing Arts Technology.
It did not take long for Shingai to make an impression in the music world her voice has been compared to Iggy Pop and Billie Holiday. I got a chance to listen to some of her songs and they are really upbeat and send you back in time. It is a really nice sound and I can say that she will be around a long time, especially if you are into the 60's scene.
Esperanza Spaulding inspired the Fro updo
Esperanza is a jazz bassist and singer and got much attention recently at the Grammys for winning the coveted Best New Artist category beating out Justin Bieber and rapper Drake. I actually watched the live streaming on Youtube and it was interesting and special.
Her career actually began in performance arts high school at age 14 when she switched from playing the Cello to the Bass. Doing gigs and playing live in clubs many have stated that she is a musical prodigy.
She was able to do many solo and collaborations with other well known artists with her jazz fusion style standing out. Her latest album entitled Radio Music Society which will feature popular dance music with a fusion flare.
Lauryn Hill Dreadlocks
You may remember her as being part of a group called Fugees a popular hip hop group of the 90's, climbing the R&B billboard charts. Later Lauryn's solo career lead to her winning many Grammy and album of the year performing with an acoustic guitar.
Even after 12 years since her successful hit album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" many artists look up to this talented singer and it has influence such musicians as Beyonce. Lauryn is still a sought after musician with record sales and tour dates.
I would say she is one of the first black female singers to make natural hair sexy with her dreadlocks and afro.
Indie Irie Natural Hair
One of my favorite R&B artists is Indie Irie, because I like her style, her flow is so right with her skills with the guitar. Many have said her songs are neo-soul which to me is the new soul music with such heartfelt songs and rhythmic vibes.
She has been nominated for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, R&B Best R&B Album and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
As a producer she is able to make a difference in the industry, bringing great music to the world. Her travels, activism and the multi-platinum artists continues to collaborate with other entertainers to leave music that is timeless.
I remember the first time I heard Badu I almost fell over with amazement her voice is beautiful and her songs have so much feeling and soul. She is known for her Hip Hop, R&B and Jazz as well as her eccentric style .
Much of her writing style is done on the road while she is touring, her very personal lyrics have much emotion and philosophy. Badu has a charity organization that helps inner city youth with dance, theater and visual arts.
As a Vegan and has collaborated with many top named artist such as Prince, Common, Andre 3000, Jill scott and many others in the neo soul genre.
Controversy usually follows many musical prodigies and Badu has had her many rumors and news reports regarding her behavior, its part of being a rock star these days.
Janelle Monae' Pompadour Hairstyle
The British sensation has a unique look that consists of wearing her natural hair in a quiff and a tuxedo, which is really cute on her small frame. She created her own look that is different than what you usually see in the entertainment industry, especially among young black female singers.
Monae' fashion has set a trend with her bow tie and white suit with her contemporary R&B album that won a Grammy nomination. She is signed to Bad Boy records and in only one year the new artist urban performances has risen on the Billboard charts.
I can see her being around for a long time and at the same time changing the way woman are seen in music, by setting a new standard of dress.
Chrisette Michele Short Natural Haircut
This soul singer will get you so caught up in her voice which is so full of emotion, the talent she possesses can not be missed. Her big brown eyes and long range vocals will have you glad that you listen to R&B music.
The Grammy award winner has made waves in the industry with her own style and the old soul she brings takes you back in time. Chrisette has been featured on many other artists songs, and that is actually how I found her music.
I was listening to a popular pop record and her vocals was in the middle and I was wondering who this beautiful singer was. The collaboration between Rick Ross and Drake in 2010, helped bring attention to her newly release album "Let Freedom Reign" which showcases dance pop music.
Solange Tiny Weeny Afro
Beyonce's younger sister Solange made headlines when she cut her hair short, it looked like she was going natural with a tiny afro. It was met with criticism and I wonder if it is because society has gotten so used to seeing black females in the entertainment industry with long weaves and silky hair pieces.
I think it was brave of the songstress to try to step out of the mold and be an individual, but I am sure it is hard to do this when the pressure in media and television to portray a fantasy type appearance.
Solange is a DJ and performs at many of the popular celebrity night clubs, as an actress and model she is more than her sister B. Also a business woman with clothing ventures of the Dere'on brand.
Studying dance and theatre later managed by her father Matthew Knowles. Her next venture is promoting baby jamz a hip hop nursery rhyme toy, inspired by her son.
Marsha Ambrosius Curly Natural
One of the duo group called Floetry, a performance poetry that was very successful in London. Marsha has a natural talent that is unmatched in music today.
She can deliver music with such range from high to low in a new album called Late Nights and Early Mornings where she is pursuing her songwriting and production career.
Her new solo career gives her more opportunities to get into the producing records of other artists. It is amazing to see her perform live, in most cases artist sound better on the record but in her case she sounds better live.
The sound of her voice is so clear and the range is unbelievable, no recording studio can compete with her natural pipes.
Amel Larrieux long curly hairstyle
This artist debut in the 90's with the group Groove Theory, she looks similar to Sade and has some of the same smooth sounding qualities.
Her beauty is unmatched and has amassed a huge following of loyal fans.
She has put out several albums on her own independent label, where her influences come from soul, jazz, folk and gospel music.
Her style is very indie and can carry you through the day. Her vocals has been compared to Minnie Riperton.
The artist still tours and puts on sold out shows of her top rated songs from her third album Morning.
Goapele Natural Hair Braids
The south African soul singer whose music highlights the need for political and social change. She writes and records songs where she toured and performed her jazz and soul inspired songs that reached the billboard charts.
Most of her work has been as a solo artist in North America you can see her collaborating with several hip hop artists.
As a Human Rights Cultural Hero Goapele who participates in rallies for the communityof South Africa.
Her new album release milk and honey will have more of an old school feel by bringing up the pace to be more of an unexpected ride for her music fans.
Jill Scott Big Afro
The poet and actress has a captivating sound that will seduce you and mellow you out at the end of the day. I really enjoy watching her videos and she has such a pleasant smile that it draws you in and you can not help but become a loyal fan of her music.
Starting her career as a spoken word artist similar to the duo of Floetry, she was discovered by the roots in which she co-wrote the song You Got Me that won Eryka Badu a Grammy Nomination the chart success lead to more collaborations with popular musicians.
Jazz, neo-soul sounds can be heard in the poetry she puts to song, Jill has appeared in many film and television episodes as a guest star or actress. her foundation helps young minority students with financial assistance.
In her music she is able to connect with her listeners and leave an inspiration that will keep you guessing and wanting more.
Macy Gray Natural Hair
What I like about this soul singer songwriter is her unique voice that is reminiscent of Billie Holiday.
You have probably seen her in films and music videos. Her Grammy awards nomination and studio albums shows she will leave a legacy.
On the record label Epic Records where she produced music with the Black Eye Peas and the soundtrack for Rush Hour 2.
Her live concert performances are great to see, due to her eclectic style of outfits and hairstyles. The top 10 hits are not the only thing that Gray is known for she also has a Music Academy she opened to help underprivileged children.
Corinne Bailey Rae Soulful Natural
Thanks to one of the readers I am happy to announce the addition of Corinne Bailey Rae to the Female Artists with Natural Hair series.
I went to Youtube and was pleasantly surprised at the beautiful soulful voice of Corinne Jacqueline Bailey a British singer songwriter and guitarist from Leeds, who released her debut album in February 2006.
Her success continues as she was named the No.1 predicted breakthrough act of the BBC poll of music critics becoming the fourth female British act in history to have her first album debut at number one.
It gets better she also was nominated for Grammy Awards and BRIT Awards, and has won two MOBO Awards and an Album Of The Year Grammy and Best Contemporary Jazz Album.
I can see that she has what it takes to be around for years to come if her selling 4 million records, with just two albums, worldwide is any proof. It is my honor to include Bailey Rae who has been nominated for the 2010 Mercury Prize for Album of the Year for The Sea.
Natural Hair Inspirations
As you can see from the list of black female musicians many singers are celebrating their natural locks, it may be easy to take on an individual look in the entertainment industry because it is crucial to stand out an be heard.
I just wanted to highlight the many role models that natural hair girls can use to stay motivated and hopefully it will help on those days when you do not want to do another braid out, twist out or co-wash.
It does take commitment and dedication to rock natural hair and even through the good and the bad, having a head of glory is worth all the effort.
Going Natural Transitioning from Relaxed Hair Without Cutting
Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is a process that allows you to maintain the length in your hair while it grows.
Some transitioning methods and going natural advice will help you maintain healthy hair while reducing unnecessary breakage.
African American hairstyles transitioning allows you to lessen the need to do the BC or big chop. How long you decide to transition and what products will help with keeping your hair moisturized is things you will need to consider when you start your natural hair journey.
Relaxers also known as creamy crack can cause so much damage to women of color that the idea of continuing on a course of hair abuse is now leading napptural women to go natural. It is an emotional journey that many have experienced.
Hair forums and discussion boards are available to help with the transition period as well as giving the needed support to all you curly heads out there.
In black hair the curl pattern will be more noticeable once it reaches some length, so be patient because it does take time.
Find products that cater to your natural hair, start experimenting with various products to see what will work best for you. Everyone's hair is different and what may work for you may not work for someone else.
Transitioning Information
Aevin Dugas holds the world record for the woman with the largest Afro. | Source
How long should I transition?
The length of time that you transition depends on the person, some have opted to transition for up to a year or more, while others do the big chop right away, and others keep their ends trimmed slowly reducing relaxed ends as their natural hair grows out.
Its important to note that the point where the natural hair and the relaxed hair meet is really fragile, so in order to minimize breakage you will need to treat all your hair as if it is natural, this means to avoid pressing out your new growth to blend in with your relaxed ends.
It is important that if you decide to transition for 6 months or longer that you will need to start moisturizing and taking care of all your hair as if it is all natural, use products that will help in the process.
How to Straighten Natural Hair without a Relaxer
Once you have some length to your natural hair you will want to blow it out and straighten it at least one time each year to do a length check.
The easiest way to do this is to wash your hair detangle and either blow dry your hair with a comb attachment on your hairdryer or use the no tension method where you just dry your hair by stretching it as you put the dryer close to your natural hair.
I like to stretch my hair with braidouts and twistouts, it usually takes a few days but it saves on me having to put too much heat on my hair.
Once you hair is stretched you can use the heat training method with a flat iron, keep the heat temperature at a moderate degrees and then you can achieve the look of a relaxer without the damage.
transitioning from relaxed to natural hair without the big chop
So many ask the question is it possible to grow ones hair out without cutting off the permed hair.
The reason this is such an issue is because if you have grown your hair long past your shoulders to do the big chop would be traumatic at best, not only for you but everyone in your life.
People get used to seeing you with long hair so suddenly have a twa just may be too much for most to bear so can you still be natural with permed ends?
Some have succeeded with the no chop method in which you stop relaxing your hair and you maintain your new growth in a long term transition.
Unfortunately there are no products that will take the relaxer out of your hair, so you will have to just wait patiently as your hair grows.
It starts by learning how to develop a healthy hair care regimen. The two things that will become your friend is deep conditioning and protective hair styles.
Your goal should be to grow long and healthy hair, no matter if you are maintaining relaxed hair or natural hair.
You will eventually have to start trimming the ends of your hair as your new growth gets longer. If you do not want to wear short hair then you will need to commit to a long term transition process.
Miss Jessies rapid recovery treatment is a deep conditioner that with give you healthy, shiny hair results. To grow longer hair you will need to stop breakage that occurs from using hair products such as combs, brushes, hair accessories.
Protect your hair with satin covered hair rollers, wide tooth combs and satin pillowcase and scarves.
Essential oils and moisturizing gels and creams is what you need to apply to your hair on a daily basis around the temples, hairline and ends of your hair.
It is recommended to try to get the right PH balance in your hair by using aloe vera gel, coconut oil and a cream based leave in conditioner on the hair.
The key is to keep the ends from drying out and breaking off.
You have been natural for several years or most of your life and you may have been natural in the past but for whatever reason you have decided you want to go natural again in 2012.
What transitioning methods should I use?
During the transition process of growing out your relaxer you will need to find good natural hairstyles to wear that way you can allow you hair time to rest while it is growing out.
You are entering a whole new world with your hair and it is one that is less traveled by many black women and napptural women who want to gain healthier longer hair.
So the first thing to do is to look at the product labels, read ingredients on hair care products, make a list of moisture retaining ingredients
So that you can purchase products that will maintain your curl definition, provide softness and manageability as well as retain moisture for added length.
Some of the most popular products include Karens body beautiful, elucence moisture balancing conditioner and shampoo, unrefined shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, coconut milk, carrot oil.
Essential oils and moisturizing gels and creams is what you need to apply to your hair on a daily basis around the temples, hairline and ends of your hair.
It is recommended to try to get the right PH balance in your hair by using aloe vera gel, coconut oil and a cream based leave in conditioner on the hair.
The key is to keep the ends from drying out and breaking off.
You have been natural for several years or most of your life and you may have been natural in the past but for whatever reason you have decided you want to go natural again in 2012.
What transitioning methods should I use?
During the transition process of growing out your relaxer you will need to find good natural hairstyles to wear that way you can allow you hair time to rest while it is growing out.
Some of the best natural hairstyles for transitioning is two strand twists, flat braids, and banti knots.
Using protective styles require that you change up and have variety, due to added stress your hair will receive if you stick with just one protective style method.
So if you find that you like to wear twists, wear them for a month and then the next month pick a different transitioning method for your hair.
Braid outs is also recommended to use while transitioning.
Natural hair is stronger than permed hair but it is also can be fragile, fine and course so it needs to be handled with gentle care.
Going Natural without cutting hair
I get so many emails from woman who want to go natural but they do not want to cut their hair or do the big chop, what they will eventually find is that they will have to cut off the ends of their hair as it grows to avoid damage and breakage.
Once hair has been relaxed it is no longer healthy, it will be weak and not as strong as your new growth, also the curl pattern you seek will be unattainable as long as you keep your straight ends.
Regrow Hair Tips
Some hair growth options include being able to transition without much hair breakage, but if you do incur hair loss some simple solutions would be to use natural home remedies to grow healthier hair.
End hair loss naturally
A natural topical treatment that accelerates hair growth without any unwanted side effects, you will be able to regrow thick natural hair with saw palmetto, nettle, capsicum, ginger and camellia.
Coconut milk and oil is also natural and moisturizing to the scalp and hair, rosemary leaves in water and castor oil provide the needed nourishment.
Perfect 10 Haircolor
Dying your hair when it is natural is easier if you pick a color that matches your current hair, simply because if you bleach it or use high definition colors it will disturb your curl pattern and most times it will relax the curl to the point that it will not return to its kinky state,
which is not a good look especially in the front of your forehead when you need to wear an afro or blow out and kinky twists, sticking with a dark brown, black or even a reddish brown will give your hair some shine and healthy pickup.
Best Hairstyles for Transitioning From Relaxed Hair
As you go through your natural hair journey you will find that some styles work better than others, some of the more popular protective hair styles are kinky strand twists.
Remember the size of the kinky twists is what you want to keep at a small to medium size because if they are too big they will drop and not stay very long as your hair starts to grow out.
One method that I use to keep my twists neat is shea butter. I have found that the thickness of the shea butter helps maintain my natural hair and keeps it in place even after a few weeks in the same hair style.
If you decide to wash your hair and keep your twists you may want to re-apply the shea butter along with a leave-in conditioner while your hair is still damp. To save time you can re-twist at the root of your new growth and secure with bobby pins.
