Being Sexy While Pregnant: Are There Limits?
Turn down the sexy for what?
A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy, but does that mean she should cover up more, and reserve her sexy until after she's given birth?
Although Beyoncé remained covered and most about showing her bump throughout her first pregnancy with Blue Ivy, the expecting mom has been showing us more of her sexier side while carrying twins. And of course the Internet trolls and critics have been questioning whether or not it's too much.
Back in her 2014 documentary, Beyoncé opened up about how motherhood and the power behind it has added more to her fierce confidence:
"Just because you become a mother, doesn't mean you lose who you are... I know that finding my sensuality getting back into my body, being proud of growing up -- it was important to me that I expressed that in this music because I know that there are so many women that feel the same thing after they give birth. You can have your child, and you can still have fun, and still be sexy and still have dreams for yourself!"
[Tweet "Just because you become a mother, doesn't mean you lose who you are - Beyonce"]
Even singer Ciara recorded the whole track B.M.F (Bad Mother-F**Ker) boasting about being the baddest after "pushing out a 9 lb, 10 oz. baby!". She too started a huge internet debate with her most recent maternity shoot that involved baby Future and her husband Russell Wilson.
This is all nothing new though, celebrities have been showing off their sexy pregnant side for years! Now that social media is involved, shoots and photos have opened up the debate on what actions are deemed inappropriate for a pregnant woman-- pending the question should women push "pause" on their sexiness while being pregnant? Or is there no such thing and all women are created equal in their sexual being?
Last year, Blac Chyna had not one but TWO nude pregnancy shoots hit the internet which were the cause of a lot of chatter. She wasn't the only one, reality tv star and fashion designer Angela Simmons, who had a little boy, also posed in a sexy pregnancy shoot.
When Coco Austin, wife of rapper and actor Ice-T was pregnant, she flicked it up and showed off her tiny baby bump... and her lady lumps while six-and-a-half months pregnant with their first child. Never one to cower from a thong bikini or full-blown nudity, she showed off her toned belly, while also making sure to get a few flicks of the money shot -- her backside in a g-string.
As far as the skin meter goes, certain celebrities give more than expected. But as stated, many of them aren't too far off from the implied nudity shots that expectant mothers have taken in the past. Chyna's soon to be sisters-in-law Kim and Kourtney Kardashian have bared their bods and bumps for everything from magazine covers to social media.
Actresses Nia Long and Tia Mowry-Hardrict have graced the covers and pages of Ebony and People magazine, while nude with wombs, and there was no denying the beauty and glow that came from these gorgeous mothers to be. Not to mention, all of the aforementioned were with child in their later 30's (and even 40s with Nia) which, based on the stigmas and statistics against older women's abilities to conceive, is quite commendable and a feat all its own. So kudos to all the mothers out there, especially those defeating the odds!
In a nutshell, feeling sexy, confident and beautiful should not cease due to pregnancy, and some expecting moms feel their sexiest during this time. Tamera Mowry-Housely once told people magazine:
"I always feel sexier when I'm pregnant, maybe it's a mixture of hormones, but I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to give birth."
Phenomenal women we are.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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It’s almost that time when the girlies are gonna be hopping in the chair to get the most popular style of the warmer seasons: goddess braids. Goddess braids are not just a hairstyle; they're a statement of elegance, power, and divine beauty. Whether you've recently adorned yourself with these stunning braids or are considering them, one thing remains certain: maintaining them is key to preserving their splendor. In this guide, we'll delve into the art of maintaining goddess braids, ensuring they remain flawless for longer periods.
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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