{Scrts Xpsd} Kristal @BEadifullYOUniq

Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am not easily star struck, angered or excited. However, when I came across Kristal's Twitter, I was shocked, amazed and inspired. Kristal has been natural for seven and half years and is currently on the brink of reaching waist length hair. Initially it was the length of her natural hair journey that sparked my interested, however, after perusing her page for nearly 3 hours, I learned that she practices a very simple regimen when managing her tresses. Ladies (and gentlemen) she is proof that it doesn't take complicated regimens to achieve long, healthy hair!

Think back to the year 2004 and then think about how many women were going natural. Kirstal admits that no one in her circle or any of her family members were natural. She began this journey solo after stumbling accross nappturality.com. Along the way, she has learned that you must detangle from tip to root, cover your hair each night, and maintain a moisturizing routine. In addition to managing her own tresses, Kristal is teaching herself how to cornrow as a protective style for her daughter's hair.  

As if life isn't busy enough, Kristal creates BEadifullyYOUniq Accessories. Each piece is created to glorify God and his greatness! "How beautiful, how wonderful, how unique God has so carefully created each and every part of our being. We each are beautifully unique."

Catch up with Kristal via twitter, facebook, youtube, her blog, or her etsy shop!!

To read more about Kristal's story

{Scrts Xpsd} Landa @CurlyandLovely

Landa has a story in which many naturals can relate, we’ve tried to “go natural” a few times around, however, end up reverting back to using relaxers due to frustration and lack of support. We battle with burns, breakage, and scalp issues and ignore the fact that our hair and scalp don’t respond well to the chemicals. Landa decided she wanted a change. Today, having spent close to four years teetering in and out of her natural hair journey, Landa has taken a more proactive approach in managing her hair since receiving a “trim” in December of 2010.

So, what is Landa currently LoveN about her #natural hair:
1. No pain!!!! No chemical burns, no "new-growth struggle", no burning hair!
2. The creative freedom that I have with my hair.
3. The yummy products and the excuse to play in the kitchen and make my own!
4. How great my natural hair looks on my and how it compliments who I am
5. The money I have saved! I still go to the salon but I'm able to maintain my hair in between visits.
6. My curls! I LOVE my curl pattern! Some people struggle with defining their curls. Mine pop on their own!
7. My hair is VERY soft and doesn’t tangle up WIN & WIN!!!!!

Her hair is not the only thing she is taking more seriously! She is in the midst of revamping her entire lifestyle, mind, body and hair! Landa is an executive chef and thus food is definitely on her list of passions! In efforts to live a more healthy lifestyle, she sponsors fitness Give-aways on her blog. Her current Give-away Contest: GET RIGHT! Is sponsored by Mingz Eclectic Creations and Miss Hippie Girl Creations. Ladies, please enter her give-away by sharing your plans to GET your diet and fitness plan RIGHT!

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{Scrts Xpsd} Vee @DuchessWright

Being one of my favorite bloggers and twollowers, Veronica shows the world the transformation of a tomboy turned pretty girl. Whether you are interested in make-up, natural hair or losing weight, Vee’s youtube channel VeeRockinPretty has got you covered. Recently she added a little spice to her tresses by dying them an auburn red color. To combat the dryness that is associated with coloring, Vee deep conditions after every wash. She also rocks her mane in protective styles to include twist, twist outs and on “bad hair” days, what she calls a “Roll, Tuck and Pin!” Vee writes...

"The number one thing I'm LoveN about my #naturalhair is knowing that my curls are something to be proud of. When I first went natural, I was afraid to wear it in its natural state for fear of what others might say. Now, I walk with my big ole fro or bushy, twirly curls and my head held high. Going natural has helped me to realize that it's okay to stand out even more than I did before. First, I was "the tall girl". Now, I'm "the tall girl with the big hair" and I love it!"

And don’t we love it, too! Vee, thank you so much for sharing your story with LNW readers! I am sure that many of us can relate with being apprehensive to wear our hair in its natural state. But oh, the joy of how emancipated we felt when we decided to finally rock it! Although managing our hair can be quite the feat, thanks for reminding us that being gentle and consistent will yield strong, healthy hair!

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{Scrts Xpsd} Ariel @Ms_Aricakes

Ariel is no newbie to the natural hair world! She began her second journey two summers ago when she walked into CVS to purchase a pair of hair scissors: she big chopped on July 9th, 2009! She attributes her commitment this time around to the online natural hair community that is rich in content and support. Another major motivation, interning at NaturallyCurly.com! **fist pump...you go girl!!**  If you catch her on the street in Austin, more than likely she'll be rocking two strand twists or an updo. Ariel writes...

"The number 1 thing I'm LoveN about my #naturalhair is the fact that it's uniquely me and helps me to further express who I am as a person! Love your natural hair. Embrace it because it makes you beautiful and is proof that God didn't make any mistake when He created you from head to toe."

Ariel, thank you so much for sharing your story with LNW readers! Detangling is definitely a secret to retaining length! Considering our hair tends to be kinky, curly and/or coily, its no surprise that our hair strands prefer to be wound around each other. If we do not intervene by detangling, our strands can become matted which leads to split ends, fairy knots and the works! Thanks for reminding us that detangling is essential when maintaining natural hair!

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{Secrets Xposed} Elle @LNaturalChica