As little girls, we use mainstream media as a model for our own standards of beauty. When I hit puberty, my breasts quickly grew to the size of watermelons. Middle school boys would oggle my chest, which protruded through my too small uniform shirt. Although I admit that the attention was flattering at times, this was the beginning of my budding negative self-image. My boobs were big, my ass was flat, and I in no way fit the portrayal of beauty made popular by the stars.
Even as women, depictions of beauty that are perpetuated still have a tremendous effect on our self-esteem. Social media has prompted a mindset that encourages comparison and insecurity, and not even celebrities are exempt from this perpetual search for perfection.
Karrueche Tran recently sat down with Paper to discuss how her own insecurities almost led her as far as physical augmentation.
"I used to think I had to be thick and have big boobs. I thought about getting my boobs done, but I was like one: I don't know how my body's going to react to that, and two: why am I changing who I am because of other people's' comments?"
Preach.
Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival
In our millennial-centric world, surgery is said to be the key to insecurity. Artists like K. Michelle and Get Bodied By J have been transparent about their experience with butt injections, which eventually led to hospitalization and painful coveries.
Thanks to the honesty of these women and stars like Karrueche, little girls and women can find peace in knowing that our bodies are beautiful naturally. Karrueche said:
"I can represent other girls out there and make them feel confident, which is hard in this world where everyone just wants to be thicc. I had to learn to deal with everything, or else I'd be in a corner crying somewhere."
Once you can break free of who other people think you should be, you can be who you truly are. Karrueche found power in self-love, which ultimately led to self-discovery. During that self-discovery, she found her passion in acting.
The second season of Claws premiered and proved that Karrueche is a force to be reckoned with in the film industry, but the vibrant confidence she has onscreen wasn't always a reality for Karrueche. She told Stylecaster:
"I felt ashamed and embarrassed, like people weren't taking me seriously because I didn't have this substantial résumé. Like I didn't qualify to call myself an actor."
"What I had to realize is everybody has their own story and just because I didn't grow up in theater or on Broadway or as a child actor doesn't mean I can't do this."
Karrueche had to realize that not everybody will see your vision. The Claws actress turned her self-doubt into self-confidence, and now she's at the top of her game. And she didn't have to be "thicc" to do it.
"Just a few years ago it was an idea. Acting was something I was intrigued by, but I didn't know if this could actually be a career for me, and now here I am. I can just continue to go up."
Check out the interview in full by clicking here.
Featured image by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival
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Let’s start with some pro tips from Breanna Knights, a Brooklyn-based stylist with over a decade of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, specializing in goddess braids. She takes pride in maintaining the beauty and longevity of her clients' goddess braids, focusing on ensuring their scalp and curls remain healthy and hydrated.
Knights’ expertise extends to understanding the tension level, hydration needs, and proper cleansing techniques for goddess braids.
Hydration Is Key:
Moisture is essential for maintaining the integrity of your goddess braids. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or moisturizing spray to hydrate your scalp and braids. Pay attention to the ends of the braids, as they tend to be the driest part. Avoid heavy products that can weigh down the braids and cause buildup.
“To maintain neatness and longevity for goddess braid styles, I recommend treating the goddess hair just as you would your natural curls," Knights tells us. "This consists of putting up your hair at night in a bonnet. I also encourage using mousse or a bottle of water mixed with conditioner to make the curls bounce back. These two options depend on if the curls are a synthetic blend, or if it’s 100% human hair."
When it comes to keeping the goddess curls refreshed and hydrated, Knights’ favorite mousse brands include:
Bumble and bumble's Bb Curl Mousse
Bumble and bumble
Bumble and bumble's Bb Curl Mousse is a lightweight mousse that enhances curls with a blend of oils and butters, providing long-lasting volume, and bounce without stiffness.
The Vigorol Mousse Olive Oil
Amazon
The Vigorol Mousse Olive Oil is a fave amongst the girlies. Reviewers say, “Product works well taming frizzy curls as well smoothing natural hair, human hair, and synthetic crochet or individual braided hair. Adds shine without looking or feeling greasy.”
Knights also recommends using Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment mixed with water in a spray bottle. “These products are sure to bring curls back to life," she adds.
If you’re looking for particular techniques or tricks to alleviate tension or discomfort often associated with wearing goddess braids, Knights shares that knotless goddess braids are usually done with less tension at the scalp, rather than traditional braids. “I highly suggest gauging tightness throughout your braiding session with your stylist. Should your braids end up too tight, one of my favorite go-to's is the Bumble and bumble’s Hairdresser's Invisible Oil. It provides a cool sensation on the scalp, without over saturating the scalp with oil,” Knights says.
The stylist also suggests a spray bottle with water to relieve tension. Additionally, less styling in the first few days of installing the braids to avoid scalp irritation.
Gentle Cleansing:
One topic that can be confusing when committing to goddess braids is the washing process. Should I wash my braids? How often should I wash them? We had all the questions, and Knights came with the tea. “Everyone’s wash [day] routine is different. To each client’s discernment, by weeks 3-4, if your scalp is itchy or shows signs of dandruff, it would be safe to wash your braids.
"I highly recommend paying more attention to the scalp rather than the braids itself. Keeping the braids up in a bun while saturating the scalp will keep the curls from matting and tangling during the wash process. After washing the scalp I recommend reapplying mousse and tying the hair down with a scarf to help tame any frizz that may occur after washing.”
Protect Your Crown:
One of the biggest keys to the longevity of goddess braids is having a braid bonnet and shower cap to ensure that the braids are dry. Invest in a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to protect your goddess braids while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to frizz and flyaways. Additionally, tying your braids with a silk scarf can help preserve their shape and prevent them from unraveling.
“Combing through the loose curls with your fingers and having a routine to ensure that the hair isn't matting or entangling into one another can help with longevity as well," Knights shares. "The same way you’d care for your curls after a successful wash day would also promote the longevity for any 'goddess' style!”
Courtesy
Regular Touch-ups:
As your natural hair grows, your goddess braids may begin to loosen or develop new growth around the edges. Schedule regular touch-up appointments with your hairstylist to re-braid the edges and ensure a seamless look. Avoid leaving braids in for too long, as this can cause tension on the scalp and lead to breakage.
Minimize Manipulation:
While it's tempting to constantly touch and style your goddess braids, excessive manipulation can lead to frizz and premature loosening. Limit the use of styling tools and refrain from pulling or tugging on the braids. Embrace the natural beauty of your braids and allow them to flourish with minimal interference.
Nourish from Within:
Maintaining healthy hair starts from within. Ensure you're consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and hydration to promote hair growth and vitality. Incorporate foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of water into your daily routine for optimal hair health.
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