If a tree falls in the middle of the woods but nobody was there to post it on Instagram, did it really even happen? The same can be said about relationships in the digital age, where the general belief is if a relationship is truly thriving, that should be reflected on said couple's social media pages. So much so, that making it official isn't really official unless it comes via announcement or change of relationship status on Facebook. Although I have also fallen victim to this way of thinking many times, I know that what's understood doesn't have to be explained, and if the love is real, it doesn't necessarily have to be put on Instagram.
Selita Ebanks and her sports manager bae turned fiance Brian Amlani recently took to social media to announce the next step in a relationship that no one really even knew was happening before February of this year (trust me, I've lurked and haven't found evidence). In a post on Instagram last month, Brian wrote:
"Falling in Love with you was easy... deciding we should Spend the rest of our lives together was even easier... I love you @selitaebanks! Thank you to all my friends and family that supported our special day! #FutureMrsAmlani"
The couple recently shared their fabulous engagement photos on Instagram and the internet is swooning. Selita quoted Charles Wiles in a caption that read:
"Before that day I met you I didn't know what true love meant, but angels are for loving and you are heaven sent"
Yasss, sis! You better know what true love means.
As celebrities, there's only so much of your life that you can actually keep private. Lord knows balancing a personal and professional life is hard enough without everybody knowing your business, but Selita and her ex-baller bae Brian are proof that you can keep your relationship under wraps and still be crazy in love.
Here are a few other celebrities that make it a point to keep the media out their business (and their love lives):
Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha
Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
I aspire to one day have the level of unapologetic discretion that Kerry Washington and her husband, former NFL player Nnamdi have created both in their marriage and their personal lives. The couple was married in a secret ceremony in Idaho in 2013 and have since had two (rarely seen) children. Their level of secrecy is so next level, that she concealed her second pregnancy during an entire season of Scandal like "What baby bump?!" In a 2015 interview with Marie Claire, Kerry opened up about why she's so private when it comes to her personal life:
"Earlier in my career I was much more super-sharey. There were moments when I wanted to process things that were happening to me more privately, and I didn't have the space to do it, because once you let people in, they're in and you don't get to say, 'Oh, I want this for myself.'"
Solange and Alan Ferguson
Josh Brasted/Getty Images
Although Solange and her husband, music video director Alan Ferguson nearly broke the internet in 2014 with their bomb wedding photos, the couple has always kept a very low profile. The couple, who was introduced by Janelle Monae years prior, had an intimate wedding in New Orleans and has been going strong ever since. Alan doesn't even have social media, so the couple has been very successful in keeping their relationship private.
Issa Rae And Louis Diame
Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Essence
Issa Rae recently had rumors swirling when she showed up on the cover of ESSENCE with a rock on her finger that we couldn't help but notice. Issa's co-stars may have confirmed that her longtime boyfriend, Louis Diame, popped the question, but both Issa and Louis have kept their lips sealed. According to Issa, she gets input on everything in her life from her writing to her lifestyle. One thing she doesn't need is our opinion on who she's in love with. She told Vogue:
"I don't want any input. As a writer, you put everything on the table. I'll take input on kids if I'm going to have kids. How do I not kill the kids? Work? Give me the input. Any other aspect of my life? Give me the input. But who I'm f*cking? No, I don't need input. I'm good."
Featured image by Harmony Gerber/Getty Images.
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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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