Set me free!

Now we’ve all had an issue or two with our hair. Throughout the ages, women have always been challenged with the daunting task of taming our manes. And for the most part, we’ve been on the losing end; getting the proverbial “shaft” when it comes to our do’s. With the countless surpluses of products that line our shelves you’d think that we’d be claiming victory over our coiffure. Oh, but to the contrary. In fact, for most of us, we battle our hair each and every day, and when the dust settles we most often end up with an X in the loss column. So what do we do? Often times we just “waive the white flag” and succumb to defeat by wrapping-it up, wigging-it over, or we just wallow in our frustrations. Let’s face it; it’s a tough world out there. The “hair battle” lines have been drawn ladies, and we can’t afford any more casualties.

It’s time to take back our roots!!! Are yall with me? Let’s go!!!

Recently I was invited to attend an event presented by Natural Girls Rock aptly named “Natural is…The FREEDOM to be YOU!” at the trendy 595 North Event Venue and Lounge in downtown Atlanta. This event definitely lived up to its buzz, and featured plenty of excitement and a host of surprises.

 

Upon entering the event, which was jam packed, one couldn’t help but be amazed at all the beautiful and creative natural hair styles that all the divas were rockin.

From up-do’s to afros and kinks to curls, all natural hair types and textures were represented by the fabulous ladies in the room.

 

 

 

Hosted by YouTuber’s MsVCharles whose hair was simply gorgeous, and WhoisSugar who kept the crowd in stitches. Event goers enjoyed good food, great music, giveaways, swag bags, and lots of fun.  New York emcee Sha Stimuli, rocked the house with his creative rap flow, and the Guinness Book record holder for the largest afro, Aevin Dugas, amazed attendees with her jaw dropping mane.  Simply amazing! Now, I could never be sure, but I faintly recall hearing what sounded like Tamara Dobson’s tears hitting the floor as Ms. Dugas showed off her record breaking mane. (A lil Cleopatra Jones humor for my retro divas) 😛 

 

 

The event featured vendors offering everything from fabulous jewelry and accessories to a vast selection of natural hair, makeup and skin care products such as Taliah Waajid’s Black Earth Products, Koils by Nature, Pura Body Naturals, and the fabulous “mane-taming” CoCo Curls by Jeannell Darden (check out the CoCo Curls product review HERE).

Guests were treated to spoken word artists, and a host of inspirational and informative sessions from various panelists and motivational speakers, including a Q&A session with a panel of men who expressed their thoughts and perceptions regarding women’s hair, natural and otherwise. There was also a fashion show and free hair consultations by The Damn Salon, and makeup sessions by LAMIK cosmetics.

Check out some of the footage from this fab event:

 

But, the highlight of the event was celebrity natural hairstylist April B, who performed a LIVE big chop on the main stage. If you’ve never heard of a “big chop” it’s the process of cutting off the relaxed or permed ends of the hair when transitioning from chemically processed hair to natural hair. I must applaud and salute ANY diva who transitions to natural hair since few possess the courage AND bravery to cut off all of their hair (in some case to the root) to begin the process of re-growing and rejuvenating their hair from the root out. Bravo ladies!

 

TMarie Jones of Carisma Designs

Makeup artist Alex Butler looking fab

Bloggers "The Pursuit Of Nappyness" and TiaLou of "If I were a Brit Girl"

I had a wonderful time catching up with a few of my fellow divas TMarie of Charisma Designs, makeup artist Alexandria Butler, and TiaLou of If I were a Brit girl, as well as interacting with all the ladies as they each shared their own personal hairstories, from triumphs to the failures. It was definitely a “hair-raising” experience. 😉

Thanks to the fabulous Kelly J (Kurly Kelly)(and affectionately known as “Madam General” 😀 ), founder of Natural Girls Rock, for the gracious invite. Last summer I had the pleasure of attending my first Natural Girls Rock meetup where I first met Kelly, who encouraged the Naturalista’s to rock their natural do’s with confidence and swagger.

So, watch out world; Natural Girls Rock is rounding up the troops to wage war on the stereotypes and myths surrounding the “Naturalista” lifestyle. Because wearing your hair in its natural state is…well…an expression of your individual “freedom”, and you should ROCK IT! Natural Girls Rock empowers us with a sense of “independence” and “liberation” to regain our FREEDOM from relaxers, perms and other harsh chemicals. The FREEDOM to express our definitive uniqueness and style. The FREEDOM to be YOU! Natural Girls Rock is a movement that aims to promote and encourage women to wear their hair in its natural state, as well as provide them with a much needed ally in the war on hair.

Get em Girls!!!

 

Check out more photos from Natural Girls Rock presents: Natural is…The FREEDOM to be YOU!

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