British Curlies

British Style

Natural Hair Event in London

by Keisha Jo

I love my hair; it’s my glory so imagine how I felt in December 2008 when I was getting ready for work. My hair back then was relaxed to within an inch of my life. I could shake my hair and it would swing left and right and when I did that I felt so sexy.  I was styling it that day when I spotted a bald patch on my scalp and that niggling thought “Probably this relaxer isn’t good for me” popped into my head. My hair which was once bra strap length over time had become thinner and shorter and had broken off in various places. As I stood there looking in the mirror I realised that this was not sexy at all I looked like a mad woman and the relaxer needed to go. That was my light bulb moment and I never looked back. 

I put my hair in braids and transitioned until January this year when I started to wear my hair naturally. Although I had been relaxing for at least 10 years I was ready. During my transitioning year I scoured the internet and found out lots of information on natural hair. I had fallen in love with it and couldn’t wait to wear my own afro. 

When I was looking for information one thing I quickly found out was that most of the websites were US based. It was a bit frustrating as all the recommended salons or products were only available over there. This was when I decided to set up The Natural Lounge. It’s a website for UK Naturals. It contains profiles of real women in the UK who share their story and styling tips, it also has salon and product information so I hope it will be a resource for all naturals everywhere. 

One thing they do have in the US is fantastic events where lots of naturals meet up and talk. When looking at some of the photos of these events online I felt inspired and I have decided to organise one just like it myself.  It’s on October 2nd in Central London. I want to get women who wear their hair natural and those who are thinking about it together for a meet up.  It will be one of the first types of this event in the UK. 

On the day I have a raffle in support of Alopecia UK and BritishCurlies.co.uk are donating a fabulous gift basket.  I have popular YouTube Blogger Naturally Nubian giving us a talk entitled ‘Caring for your hair – the natural way’. Nicole Moore will read some extracts from her book ‘Hair Power Skin Revolution’ and I even have live music from a fellow UK Natural ‘Girl in a Thunderbolt’. 

I think it’s going to be a fantastic inspirational event and it will be great to have the opportunity to Network, share style ideas and experiences. I really hope you can make it, please visit my website for tickets and more information http://www.thenaturallounge.com/

The Natural Lounge Meet Up

Saturday 2nd October 2010

12-5pm

Traffic Bar

Victoria House 

1 Vernon Place

London

WC1A 2EP