Delighted Soul - 2020 - July & August

July & August 2020

DELIGHTED SOUL tHE

hair iSSUE

This issue is dedicated to breonna Taylor.

Letter from the Editor

Nothing warms my heart like seeing two women who’ve never met share compliments about each other’s hair. Our hair is not permanent nor can it fully sum up who we are, but our hair can help us build relationships, fill our time, make statements, and boost our confidence. Short, long, relaxed, natural, jet black, platinum blonde, and everything in between - we all have a hair story.

My hair is THICK. I remember in high school when a stylist left my relaxer on too long, which noticeably thinned my hair. My mom was so hurt (and still brings it up from time to time), but honestly, I remember looking forward to some extra room for my scalp to breathe. I used to get the worst headaches every time new growth came in - can any thick-haired friends relate? I regularly added color to my hair via rinses in college, and yes, I did go through a red phase. After college came the pixie cut, which I still look back and smile about.

I colored that cut too - purple this time - before I started transitioning to natural in 2016. I big chopped on November 30th and never looked back. People used to say, “Enjoy this time where you can moisturize and go, it’s different when you have to style it,” and they were 100% correct. I don’t think I ever fought my hair the way I sometimes have to now, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I’m proud of my hair and grateful that there are always opportunities for us to learn about our hair health and maintenance tips. Don’t get me started about my appreciation for protective styles because sometimes I just need that break. Obviously this issue is all about hair, and I hope you walk away loving yours even more!

Jasmine Powell

Table of Contents

2 Beyond Natural x Delighted Soul 3 The Second Time Around 7 Happily Ever Hairfter 8 Michelle’s Jewels 9 Go Sis, Go

TYLER HODGES’ JOURNEY

A FIRST LOOK WITH KRYSTAL HAWKINS & MICK’N ZENO

CHRISTYAN PENDER’S HAIR STORY

DEANNA KEENER’S HAIR STORY

WISDOM FROM MICHELLE POWELL

A magazine for young women in pursuit of deeper relationship with Jesus.

Go Sis, Go! CAREER PROFILE

Name Tyler Hodges (@beingtylerj) Hometown

Jacksonville, FL

Education High School: Stanton College Prep, 2010.

Undergraduate: Florida Atlantic University, Communication Studies - B.A., 2014 Graduate: Florida Atlantic University, Educational Leadership & Admin. - M.Ed., 2017 Graduate: Baylor University, Organizational Leadership - Ed.D., 2022 Professional Employer: Florida Atlantic University Position: Assistant Director, Residential Education How long? 1 year and 2 months

Employer: Vanderbilt University Position: Program Coordinator, Inclusion Initiatives & Cultural Competence How long? 2 years

Employer: Florida Atlantic University Position: Graduate Assistant How long? 2 years What do you

I love having the opportunity to work with entry level professionals who are love most about passionate about Higher Education. I also enjoy creating an experience of a lifetime for our your current first year students as they transition to college. It’s a purposeful job. job?

What is one of the most monumental experiences in your journey?

I would have to say my experience working at Vanderbilt University was life changing. I had the autonomy to really forge a path there for myself professionally and leave behind a legacy of programs and initiatives that will transcend with the department. I was proud of the work I accomplished and was even more proud of the woman I became as a result.

How do you avoid getting burned out?

My body has a funny way of letting me know when I am doing too much so I will intentionally take a Saturday off to be lazy, change my scenery or cook. My faith alleviates some of the burdens and stress that otherwise might weigh me down.

How do you

I believe in a work life flow, not necessarily balance. Everything has to make sense balance your and it’s OK if at one point one aspect requires more of my attention or time. I have had to work, church, learn to compartmentalize and plan ahead in order to honor the commitments in my life. and social responsibilities?

What is your ultimate career goal?

I dream of the day when I will be able to commit myself fully to my women empowerment organization, Sister Soul Glow. I would love to host retreats, travel the country for speaking engagements and write books.

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Beyond Natural x Delighted Soul BEYOND NATURAL

Let’s be real, having natural hair doesn’t come easy. And there aren’t many places that cater to the products and tools we need. For our brand, Beyond Natural, we want to do something different. We want to create an experience that promotes the Black community: the Black-owned hair brands, manufacturers, hair stylists, and customers looking for a safe space to love Black and natural hair. Our vision is simple. We want to redefine what it means for Black hair to be beautiful.

Beyond Natural will provide our community with a platform to access quality products to help maintain Black and natural, healthy hair. We aim to increase customer’s confidence by promoting hair care regimens and expounding on product ingredients that can be helpful or harmful to our tresses.

Meet the Owners Krystal Hawkins, 29 “I was 13 years old when I convinced my mom to give me a perm. It didn’t take long for my hair to break off, and that it did. It looked nothing like those Just For Me commercials, and I felt ugly. For so long I didn’t believe that my natural hair could be beautiful because I didn’t know anything about it. It wasn’t until I became an adult, when I took a leap of faith, started to experiment and learned that “naps” were actually curls ready to blossom.”

Krystal is a native of Dallas, Texas. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Advertising. She currently works in the advertising industry as a Brand Strategist.

Mick’n Zeno, 29 “I was 5 years old when my mom decided to perm my hair. She told me that my hair was so thick that her hands would cramp trying to comb it all. Because I was so young, I didn’t grow up learning about my natural hair texture. I viewed my natural roots as something that needed to be relaxed. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I developed the courage to grow my natural hair, chemical-free. This was not only the beginning of my natural hair journey, but a journey to self-love.”

Mick’n was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. She graduated from The University of Texas with a B.S. in Human Development & Family Sciences. She currently works in the pharmaceutical industry as Quality Trainer.

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WHEN DID YOU FIRST GO NATURAL? Krystal: I transitioned in summer 2014. I started out with a sew-in, then wore box braids for a year. God helped me repurpose the ‘Poetic Justice’ look for a very long time.

Mick’n: I started transitioning to natural during my sophomore year of college in 2010. The transition was about 6 months before I decided to do the Big Chop.

WHAT’S SOMETHING CHALLENGING ABOUT YOUR HAIR (I.E. THE NATURAL HAIR STRUGGLE)?

Krystal: Sometimes it feels like my hair has a mind of its own. Seriously. I have to try a new hair style about 2-3 times to finally get it right. Thank God for YouTube videos.

Mick’n: Wash days. My wash day has turned into a 2-day process. It’s a strain and I have to plan ahead. Taking care of my hair requires a lot of patience.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING NATURAL? Krystal: Being natural means being vulnerable. The first time I wore my curls, I was extremely self-conscious and I wasn’t comfortable. Now I can’t imagine being without my kinky, 4B/4C hair. It adds to my confidence and my personality. I feel more connected with what grows out of my head. My hair no longer feels foreign to me.

Mick’n: Being natural means being me. When I wear my 4A/4B hair out to work or out and about, I feel proud because my hair means more than just a beauty standard or trend. It’s a symbol of freedom. I also love the versatility of my hair. There are so many different styles to try, and now that the market for our hair has grown, there are tons of new products.

WHERE CAN WE FOLLOW YOU? You can follow us on IG – @beynaturalhair – for hair inspiration and hair tips!

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Natural Hair Care Tips and Styles The key to having healthy hair starts with your scalp.

Are you in tune with what your hair is telling you? Oftentimes we don’t pay attention to how our scalp feels, and as a result, our natural curls suffer. To understand your hair and determine whether your scalp is healthy, take notice of whether you have dandruff, dryness or itchiness.

That’s step one. If none of these things are an issue for you, that’s good, but what else is it doing? For example, does your hair feel brittle? Do you always seem to struggle with split ends? When combing or detangling your hair, do you have knots or a large amount of hair falling out?

If you fall into one or more of the above categories, take this as a learning lesson. No matter where we stand, our hair is always in need of some tender love and care! Consider using one or all of the following hair care tips below. And try to remain hopeful – soon enough you may notice better results in the way your hair looks and feels!

HAIR TIP #1: KNOW YOUR HAIR TYPE(S) Type 4 natural hair can be the most delicate natural texture because it has the fewest cuticle layers to protect it from dryness.Type 4 has three traditional types – 4A, 4B and 4C. These hair types classify as kinky, coily and/or curly.

You may have one or multiple hair types in your scalp. Regardless, the more you’re familiar with the types, the more you can prioritize moisture, avoid tangles and counteract shrinkage. Plus, you can avoid wasting time and coins on products that don’t benefit your specific hair needs.

4A Hair can have the circumference of a crochet needle. They are tightly coiled, sometimes with a visible S pattern.

(Image: NaturallyCurly.com)

4B Hair can be tighter, less defined, and close to the circumference of a pen. This type may also bend in sharp angles like the letter Z. (Image: NaturallyCurly.com)

4C Hair can be densely packed together with less definition and more shrinkage. The strands can be a combination of irregular bends similar to letter Z. 4C is usually more delicate, so it should be nurtured carefully in order to prevent breakage.

(Image: NaturallyCurly.com)

Always remember: knowing your curl type can be a blueprint for creating an effective hair care regimen. Your specific pattern can be spot-on to this, or slightly different! Either way it’s BEAUTIFUL.

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HAIR TIP #2: COME UP WITH AN EASY HAIR CARE REGIMEN Find a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain a healthy pH Balance.

A healthy scalp has a pH range from 4-5. The best way to balance this is to find a product that matches your target scalp pH. Clean your scalp with a clarifying shampoo 2-3 times/month and keep track of how often to avoid dryness. If you feel like the shampoo is harsh on your tresses, stop using it! Look for an alternative and use an Apple Cider Vinegar treatment to restore pH balance.

Moisturize and oil your scalp at least 3-4 times a week.

Funny enough, your hair loves to be catered to, just like other parts of your body. Be sure to give yourself scalp massages. You can spice it up by adding in an essential oil like tea tree or peppermint.

Try protective styling techniques to promote hair growth.

Protect those tresses by all means necessary. Consider wearing a silk cap at night and hair wraps by day. Also, get familiar with protective hairstyles, they can be a safe haven to growing out your natural hair. Braids, extensions, weaves, sew-ins – all of them, sis!

HAIR TIP #3: TRY A NEW STRETCHING METHOD The Bentonite Clay Mask Recipe The bentonite clay mask is one DIY technique used to help cleanse your hair, clear out impurities, add moisture and promote curl-definition by elongating your strands. The clay mask recipe can be used before a shampoo wash or before regularly conditioning your tresses for the week. Here is what you’ll need: Ingredients: 1/2 cup of Bentonite clay 1 tbsp Tea Tree Oil 1 tbsp Coconut Oil (liquid form) 1 tbsp Avocado Oil 6 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar 3 tbsp Water A spoon or a brush applicator A spray water bottle Mixing the Clay Mask:

Applying to Hair:

1. Add bentonite clay and the oils into a medium size bowl.

2. Add the apple cider vinegar, and watch the clay start to fizz.

3. To avoid lumps in the end, let the ingredients fizz for at (Image: The Healthy) least 15 seconds.

4. Add water and stir the mix until smooth like yogurt.

(This mask can get messy when applying, so be sure to wear something casual.)

1. Detangle and part your hair into 4 (or more) sections so you can easily apply the mix.

2. Dampen or wet each section of hair from root to end.

3. Apply the mask in each section, moving from root to end.

4. Consider using the water bottle in the process to spray sections that are complete. This will help keep your hair and the mask wet until you finish.

5. After all sections are complete, let the mask sit in your hair for at least 10-15 minutes.

6. Rinse out thoroughly. You can prevent residue from the mask by rinsing out in the shower or in a deep kitchen sink.

And that’s it! Once your mask is completely rinsed, you can follow up with a shampoo wash and your usual hair care regime.

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The Second Time Around Christyan Pender (@christyanreon)’s Hair Story

My natural hair journey began my freshman year of college. I had a relaxer and was use to receiving them regularly since I was six years old. During the school year, I went months without relaxed roots. I struggled with maintaining a decent hairstyle during basketball season and I had no clue how to take care of my hair. I began searching the internet for hairstyle ideas for “thick roots and relaxed ends”. Little did I know that hair phase was called Transitioning, which is the process of growing out your relaxed ends to become natural without having to do the big chop. I never saw my natural hair, but after watching so many women who looked like me transition to their natural hair, I became extremely curious about my own mane. I started wearing Bantu knot outs to create a sweatproof curly afro for the season. I continued to transition by wearing braids and I got my first sew-in at the end of my freshman year in 2011. After the summer, I decided to relax my hair and cut it into a pixie style, just to experience the cut before going fully natural. I transitioned from the pixie cut by wearing protective styles.

During the spring semester of my sophomore year in 2012, I big chopped after transitioning for about 7 months. Cutting my hair was THE MOST liberating experience. It gave me a sense of confidence I never had.

It also gave me the ability to see that hair or any other external characteristic does not determine your beauty or your worth regardless of what people say. It was such a bold decision for me personally because throughout high school, I was teased for having short, thin relaxed hair. So cutting my hair to a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) released me from caring about what others thought of me. My confidence was on 10!

I went natural during a time when natural hair was not the popular thing to do. I experimented with hair dye, braids, twist, and sew-ins as protective styles. I continued to grow my hair through protective styles until Spring 2019. Then after experiencing post-partum shedding, I did what I never thought I would… big chopped for a second time! That time was much like the first, very liberating but also emotional. I had grown an attachment to my hair. I reached my goal of mid-back length, but I realized after cutting my hair that my hair had unintentionally become an idol, so it had to go anyway lol. I’m honestly so glad I have a fresh start!

Now it’s Summer 2020, I am one year post-big chop, and I am so happy I have started my journey again.

I often get asked how I grow my hair fast, long, and healthy, so I want to share some tips that have helped me on both journeys:

1.

Sulfates and Parabens are not your friends.

2.

Shampoo your scalp and condition the shaft of your hair.

3.

Moisturize and seal, meaning moisturize your hair with a leave-in conditioning cream, then

follow with an oil. Coconut oil is my favorite but there are also other great oils such as avocado

oil, and olive oil.

4.

Natural hair is naturally dry so we have to make sure we add in additional moisture to keep our

hair from breaking.

5.

Protective styles, protective styles, protective styles! I know we love to show our beautiful curls,

but our hair grows when it’s put away. Buns, weaves, braids and twists are great for protecting

your hair! Make sure there’s moisture even when your hair is protected! Hair breaks when it rubs

on your shoulders and/or clothing, which is why a lot of women can not grow their hair past shoulder length.

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Trim you ends regularly but not frequently. It depends on your hair. If you trim too often you are

cutting the growth you worked so hard for. If you don’t trim enough, your hair will continue to

split up the hair shaft, which stunts growth and causes split ends.

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Lastly, aloe vera is a hidden gem. Add fresh aloe vera from the plant to your scalp, leave in for

about 30-45 minutes then rinse. Repeat once a month, and you will see great results!

All in all, black hair does grow. Natural hair does grow. We all have different journeys and experiences. However you choose to rock your hair, don’t ever forget you’re beautiful!

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” - 1 Peter 3:3-4

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Happily Ever Hairfter Deanna Keener (@xoxo_deannaa)’s Hair Story

All about hair means all about me! Anyone who knows me knows that I love everything hair. From the styles to the dyes to the cute little accessories, my hair is something I am very passionate about; it is an outward expression of who I am. My hair and I have been through a lot together, but our journey truly began back in 2012 during my sophomore year of high school. One Saturday, on an early summer afternoon, I impulsively decided to take my father’s clippers and shave my head. I’d had enough. I was tired of my insecurities and fears holding me back from doing something I really wanted to do. This might sound like a total cliché, but I wanted to feel liberated! And that is exactly how I felt after, but let’s dive deeper into my relationship with my hair. Shout out to my sister for coming up with such a creative way for me to discuss my hair. She thought it would be fun to interview me about my ongoing hair journey!

Can you briefly describe the start of your hair journey?

Well, I was a natural hair chick all the way up until I was about ten or eleven years old. I was given the option to receive my first relaxer by my mother. I was a pretty tender-headed little girl and my mother became tired of trying to deal with my hair. I had a lot of it and it was very thick. I remember at that age, I didn’t appreciate my kinky curls and wanted only the straightest of hair. My mother made sure that I was sure about my decision before painting the thick white chemical onto my black tresses. I was beyond happy with the relaxer and continued to receive them throughout my early years. In high school, I began to experiment with hair extensions.

I really loved how I looked with long hair, but I became dependent on it. I equated my hair to my self-worth. I did not see myself as pretty or desirable when I had my natural hair. That’s was when I knew I needed to change.

When you first cut your hair, did you have the intention to stay short?

I did not actually! When I first caught a glimpse of my new self, I freaked! I had black locks that fell on my shoulders for so many years and then just like that, they were gone. Initially, I was devasted and desperately wanted the hair on my parents’ bathroom floor to just magically reattach to my head. After the shock settled and I wore my new do for a couple weeks (oh, my confidence didn’t just occur overnight), I began to love my TWA (that’s natural hair talk for teeny weeny afro!)

High school can be a scary environment to try something this bold.

Short natural hair was not really a trend yet.

How did you deal with harsh comments?

I would just like to note that when I first entered my school, the hallways were empty. It was exactly what I wanted. One of my classmates, a nice girl named Jordan, who I considered to be one of the popular girls, was at her locker and was the very first person outside my family to compliment my hair. She noticed it immediately and smiled saying that it was cute on me. So, while I did receive some nasty comments about my hair, I tried to remember the nice ones. You combat negativity with positivity. You fight hate with love. Once when someone made a rude comment about my hair, I just laughed it off and talked about how much my new look was contributing to my newfound confidence. It also helped to remember not only who I was, but whose I was. I found comfort in knowing that God made no mistakes in creating me because I am beautiful and loved and made in His image. Facing those comments knowing that helped me tremendously.

What was one surprise that came from cutting your hair?

That I actually did the chop again! Yup, that’s right. When I first cut my hair in 2012, I initially just wanted to start fresh and grow my hair back out. And I did just that. All throughout high school and part of my freshman year of college, I let my hair grow back to shoulder length. Then I remembered the liberation I felt when I grabbed my dad’s clippers and when I started to love my hair at the shorter length. I wanted that feeling again. Before my second chop, I remember looking back at those high school days where I really loved my hair, but most importantly, the new me that came out of it. Facing my fears then made me feel empowered. I never thought cutting my hair would give me that feeling. So, I guess that’s two surprises. Ha!

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What is one aspect of your natural hair that you love?

This is easy, it’s definitely the versatility and the practicality! I can do so much with my natural hair and not have to worry about a thing. I am pretty active; I love to run outdoors when I have the chance. Before, I would worry about sweating my press out or having that chemical smell come from my head while I ran.

Wearing a hat was never a simple task, I would always have to wrap it first, which takes time. Now, I can pop on a hat and run with no worries. I can also come home and wash my hair without worrying about it taking me all day. I know you’ve heard of a wash n’ go, right? They’re amazing! And like I said before, my hair has become an outward expression of who I am, so you know what that means…colors! I love playing with hair dyes and it would be pretty difficult to maintain my now signature blue color if my hair were relaxed.

What would you say to anyone thinking about changing their hair?

Honestly just go for it, especially if it is something you’re afraid to do. Conquer your fears! Remember, the Lord did not give us the spirit of fear. I know some might think a hair change is not be a big deal, but if you are attached to it and let it define you like I did, it could be a healthy change for you. We live in a world that, more often than not, correlates value with aesthetics, especially with women. In the words of the beautiful, inspirational India Arie, “I am not my hair.” This can go beyond hair as well. If you feel like you are hindered by societal beauty norms correlating with hair, makeup, weight, or even something as simple as wardrobe, then shake it up and make a change!

Michelle's Jewels

Words of Wisdom from Mother-In-Chief Michelle Powell

Covering: Something laid over or wrapped around a thing, especially for concealment, protection, or warmth.

Fleeting: Passing swiftly; vanishing quickly

“I Am Not My Hair” is a song by Indie Arie. Her anthem lets us know that we can choose to wear our hair in so many different ways, but our hair does not define us. We can wear our hair natural, pressed, relaxed, kinky, wavy, straight, dreadlocked, braided, plaited, cornrowed, twisted, or dyed, fried, and laid to the side. We can wear our hair long, medium, or short. We can wear weave or a wig in different styles, lengths, and textures to get the look we desire instantly. We also can protect and grow our own hair while wearing weaves, and wigs, but know that when either is not worn properly, it can damage our own hair.

The Bible tells us, “But if a woman has long hair; it is her covering” (1 Corinthians 11:15). If you have long hair or bought your long hair, it is your covering. Many women do not have long hair for covering. Medications, stress, signs of balding, damaged hair, convenience styling, and quick styling are some of the reasons why women choose to wear very short low fade or bald fade hairstyles. The options for short hair coverings are weaves, wigs, scarves, or hats. Every hairstyle does not work for everybody, so choose the hairstyle that you desire and is beautiful to you.Wear it freely.

When it comes to Black hair there is a lot of controversy related to styles and textures within our race about how we should wear our hair. Additionally, many non-Black professionals with hiring and decisionmaking power have made decisions of whether to hire Black people based on hair choices. Natural hair is now being protected by the Crown Act in some states in order to protect women and men who desire to wear their natural hair in their work environment without facing discrimination or penalization.

Hair is meant to be styled to the individual’s liking. Many women choose to wear their hair according to what is popular, trending, or what makes them feel beautiful. Hair is a part of a woman’s daily beauty routine, and regular hair care is very important to us. Whether relaxed or natural, we take time to wash, deep condition, trim and treat our hair. Proverbs 31:30 informs us well that charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. No matter how much money we spend on our hair, it is fleeting. As we age, our hair texture and color changes -- it is fleeting. We spend so much time caring for the beauty in our hair, and beauty of our appearance, but it is fleeting. However you rock your hair today, love it. Tomorrow our beauty and hair may begin to fade, so enjoy your beauty today.

Do you want to share feedback or see a specific topic covered in the future? Let me know! jas@delightedsoulmag.com

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