The gorgeous R&B singer/songwriter, Leela James, is a true diva. She has a new album, My Soul, that was released in May 2010. Her sultry ballads and soulful lyrics have brought her much deserved acclaim around the world, but it’s her hair that won her iconic status in the curly world! Leela is one of the most down to earth celebs I’ve interviewed to date– she definitely keeps it real!
On her hair story…
I’ve never had a relaxer. I’ve pretty much worn my hair braided, pressed & curled, or in natural ‘out’ styles my entire life. If you were to bump into me on a regular day, I’d probably be in cornrows, box braids, plaits… you know, Poetic Justice–esque.
On her current routine…
I wash, condition, deep condition and style every couple of weeks. I’m not married to any particular line or brand of products- – I just use whatever is on hand. When I go to the salon, they use their products, and when I’m at home, I use whatever is in arm’s reach.
I usually wash and condition in the shower, but I’ve been known to flip my hair over into the kitchen sink too… old school style, LOL! It all depends on my mood.
I deep condition and apply hot oil treatments regularly. I recommend everyone do this, at least once a month.
On achieving her HUGE and Fierce ‘Fro…
On wash day, I apply a leave-in conditioner and create 5 or 6 braids or plaits. I braid on damp hair and allow it to air-dry. Once it’s fully dry, I take the braids down, comb them, and then tease it out using a pick or a wide tooth comb. Sometimes I’ll lightly blow it out with a dryer, but that’s really it! In between styling sessions, I dampen the hair, re-braid and repeat.
On achieving her chunkier, more defined styles…
It’s almost the same routine. The major difference is that I braid my wet hair (instead of damp), and take them down before they have time to fully dry and set. This creates a tighter curl pattern, but as you tease it out, it loosens up a bit.
When I’m on the road, it’s pretty much the same thing. I plait it up, or do nothing and go. I don’t really have a true routine. I’m really not fussy with this stuff and I’m very lazy when it comes to my hair.
On straight styles…
My mother presses my hair and she uses old school pomades and/or a light grease. Very simple. It’s fun to switch it up from time to time.
On protecting her hair at night…
Most nights I dampen it a bit with water, apply a little leave-in conditioner and re-braid. I sleep in a silk or satin scarf as well. Other nights, I don’t do anything!
On adding pieces for length and volume…
I do, occasionally. But a girl can’t disclose all of her secrets! Some things need to be left to curiosity. Plus, it ain’t none of y’alls business, LOL!
On being natural…
It’s easy and you don’t really have to worry about hardcore maintenance, like hot curling it every day, or trying to keep it straight.
On helping others embrace their natural hair…
I think it should be ‘to each his own’. I really do. Whatever you feel most comfortable doing…do just that. There is no right or wrong way to wear YOUR hair, or do you. If you want to wear your hair weaved up, if you want to wear your hair natural, if you want to cut it off or shave it bald…whatever! Do whatever you want to do, because there are no rules, it’s your head. Your hair is not who you are, it’s just a part of you. It should be looked at like an accessory, and I feel that sometimes, people make too much out of it. It’s just not that deep to me.
I do what I feel comfortable doing and that just happens to be ‘natural hair’. For some reason, my hair has become this thing that everybody thinks of as my signature trademark. But no! I’m just lazy, and this works for me. And at the end of the day, if I feel like switching it up and doing something totally different, if I want to wear my hair straight, that’s what I’m going to do! It just depends on how I’m feeling, and what I’m able to handle at the time.
On her inspiration for ‘My Soul’…
My inspiration is pretty much myself and my personal experiences leading up to the release of this album from the first album. I was involved in ‘My Soul’ from the beginning to the end, and the journey in transitioning from one label to another, and switching management, really played a factor in how I wanted to go about the whole recording process… the whole album.
Last time I went through a lot, and this go round, it was all me. These are my songs, my thoughts, my lyrics… all of the above! It’s coming from my soul…. nobody else’s but mine.
The album is in stores, but you can also get it online (Itunes). Hit me up on Facebook and follow me on Twitter! I’m on the road getting ready to do some tour dates over seas as well as some here in the States. So come check me out… and FOCUS ON MY MUSIC, NOT MY HAIR, how ’bout that?!
I like this interview, Leela was real! I have been natural for five years. During the first two years, I was so excited to have my hair natural after having it relaxed for 6 years, I was trying out different products, different styles and spending lots of hours on my hair. Right now, I am at the point where I dont care much for it like I did a few years ago. I do not want to spend too much time on my hair any longer. I have gone simple with the products I use, its healthy and growing.
I understand where Leela is coming from when she says that people make a big deal out of natural hair. I feel that when you have had natural hair for a long time, in her case, all her life, it doesnt define who you are. Like it does for many people who transition from relaxers to being natural. I love my natural hair, and I was once very excited about it. But when you have it for ten years, It no longer defines who you are. Its just another addition to your beauty. This is what Jill Scott had to go through when she stopped being natural. It is whatever makes you happy at the moment. If tomorrow anyone with natural hair decides to cut their hair, relax it, texturize it, lock it. It should not be anyone's problem because it is THEIR HAIR.
For those of you looking for the right products to use on your hair, what works for someone else might not work for you, so you have to experiment to find out what works for you. Do not be mad at Leela if she did not mention what products she uses, those products might not work on your hair either way. If you just went NATURAL and really need help managing your hair, there are a lot of youtube videos with natural hair sistas that could be of help. Dont rely only on "natural hair" celebrities to tell you how to take care of your hair.
LOL @ her extensions comment!
I love this womans hair. I saw her in a photo a couple years ago and I thought "wow." Fake or whatever it looks great on her. She was real during her interview and that's fine, to each his/her own. Her voice is awesome. I would love to see her perform live.
LOL, I'm the same way! I'm NOT giving up my beauty secrets! I worked, did trial and error and found what works for me. I didn't sit around following every product on blogs and Youtube. And I don't use "natural" products either. Do what works for you. Besides, eventually you have to switch products so your hair doesn't get "used to it."
I never heard Janelle Monae talk about how she does her hair, yet I managed to do the same style myself (which sucks cause people will always make reference to her if I wear my hair like that, I'm am NOT a "stan,"lol).
I can't believe these comments! Many natural women found what works for them, their not gonna wanna talk about it all day long.
I wear wigs as well, I'm not gonna make a bunch of Youtube videos about it. I don't want anyone to have anything similar to me. That's just my personal preference.
okay first of all I didn't perceive her as having an attitude. she was honest about what worked for her, she told the basic products she uses (probably just buys them from wherever) & I thought she was very honest about everything. If she doesn't want to say she wears a weave then she doesn't have too. One more thing: this website is meant to be support for all naturals…she's been one her whole life so she probably doesn't understand the obsession that former relaxed girls felt or feel when changing back to themselves. Once you're comfortable with your routines and styles I promise you'll be less likely to stalk the natural hair sites and stalk products. Occasional looks to find a new style or to try a new product but this is a site for those that never had the privilege of learning how to deal with their natural hair due to relaxers. Let's not take her answers the wrong way, she took the time out of her day to answer questions and she only mentioned her new album ONE TIME so it's not like she just came on here solely for that purpose. 🙂 if you didn't like it then who cares keep it moving!!!
Excuse the typos…don't need y'all to draw out ur pistols on that either;-)
P.s. my natural hair is on my shoulders, i dont use anything in it that i cant buy from the grocery store, I STILL WEAR WEAVE, and I still hate fake nails, but LOVE ME SUM NAIL POLISH! Lol!
What was more entertaining about this interview was most of the comments! It reminds me of that time in the late 90s when E badu admitted that those locks were faux, n everyone flipped! Granted, this is a site for women of natural hair. I read PLENTY OF STORIES where women admitted to wearing fake hair to break from their natural hair or retain growth, and play with desired styles and textures, so they'll know where to start once they're ready to jump back in the journey. THIS IS NOT A CRIME!! and she probably had some tude because she's prob always hounded about the authenticity, regimes, and so forth about her hair. No she didn't have to do the interview, but no, she also didn't have to tell us what products, combs and brushes or shears she uses either! She is an artist, first and foremost a person that is entitled to an opinion. We as fans need to stop putting artists on pedestals and be quick to kick them down when they fart too loud. Leela is a music artist. Not a natural hair advocate!!!! If ur a fan, BE A FAN OF HER MUSIC. I think Beyonce is cool, do I want to see her dancing around in her panties every damn time I turn on the t.v.? NO!!! so I just catch her on the radio, will neva buy a ticket or watch a world premiere ….and that's my opinion. I hate fake nails!!!! I like natural nails. But once you slap some polish on them (horrible chemicals!) There not natural anymore, right??? Just like Polish, weave is just an accessory used to enhance your beauty or achieve a desired look. At the end of the day!!! Natural or not…ITS JUST HAIR, LADIES. LOOSEN UP UR TWISTS, COMB SUM KINKS OUT!!! this site is so much better than this. If you didn't like it, on to the next. Cuz I bet three things. 1. Leeks prob STILL has beautiful hair. 2. She's stiill gonna wear weave. 3. And she's prob STILL paid…whether you buy ano CD, concert ticket, or buy ano magazine with her on the cover.
LoL..Boy that interview was a bit of a mess. I can understand her wanting to be known for her music and not the image. But I"m sorry, when you make your hair your Largest accessory? You are going to get questions about it. Her hair is the biggest part of her image, it really stands out? And if it's not all hers, then why make it any bigger as to draw even more Natural Hair attention to yourself? It could be that she doesn't like being questioned about her hair being fake? Also I've noticed that women who have been natural all their lives, don't see it as being that big a deal as us?
What is all the fuss about? Please give her a break. In my opinion, she wasn't rude. Life is not all about hair. There are more serious issues out there to place so much emphasis on hair. She gave a detailed description of her routine. What more do you guys want? I am a natural but the way most naturals take this whole natural hair issue is becoming annoyingly unhealthy. Just like Christians criticizing other Christians for differences in approach to DAILY life yet we all proclaim we believe in God and Jesus Christ. Please it is just hair! Leela is beautiful -Fake or Not- CN thanks for the interview. I loved it! Sistas please try not to be so JEALOUS.
I think people are being to hard on this girl. She sounds pretty straight forward. There maybe some reasons for not mentioning specific products and she may have a personal stylist hence the vagueness about her routine. Extensions, wigs, and weaves merely enhance personal beauty and in the entertainment business many people do the same. Let's not be snarky about this talented lady. Peace & Blessings!
I was shocked to see Leela James on here for natural hair. Her hair is…well naturally fake. And so is she…FAKE! Very rude in person and not approachable. So with that said…I just refuse to give into the whole natural hair thing or the belief that her hair is natural. Cuz she is a all around FAKER!
And she does belong on this site…
Caring about our natural hair is not all about hair care products. How about grooming and accessorizing the hair? those are just as important.
What image do we want to project of ourselves when we go out in the eyes of the world!?
Oprah Winfrey has natural hair. Should she not be here too because she wears wigs on her show!??
People stop being defensive! You're behaving as badly as the people you think is judging you based on your hair.
She's got an attitude or she is evasive? She is a celebrity and a woman. Why you want everyone to tell you they wear Shea butter?
Find what works for your hair and you'll grow it faster than caring about what everyone else is doing. I stopped searching because I know what works for me.
Leela James is great whether or not there is natural hair under there. She keeps a groomed and vibrant look that is very afro-centric. She is a hot Black chick who is not trying to look white.
I give her credit for not looking like Beyonce… monster straight weaves… I love her music but, let's face it, her look is fabricated not unique. She is a beautiful woman who looks like everybody else except…
Liking the interview on haircare or not, Leyla's style captures the exotic beauty of one descended from Africa… and proud of her heritage.
I am crazy about her hair. Very exotic. Very wild. Very us… Kinda tired of every Blacks having straight weave, straight wigs and bleached skin.
I'm don't usually comment on the "On the Couch" posts, I'm just so happy these people agree to the interviews, but I had to let this interview sit and come back today and reread it. My first reaction was like most people her, totally and completely unimpressed. But, on a second read you see that she answered honestly enough I think and she did touch on her regimen. Some people really don't have a favorite product. Also, it could be the fact that she has never been relaxed so her hair is as it has always been and is just not that big a deal. So, I would recommend a second read to all those a little disapointed and see if on second glance your not more satisfied with what she has to say.
her hair is fake…i have the same weave!
I think sometimes it's hard to get the context of words when they are written. I've seen her interview in person (on TV of course) and she seemed very down to earth.
I think her attitude stems from trying to hide something. I wanted to enjoy the interview but by the time I finished I was like, "excuuuuuussseeee me!". I said, maybe I'm being too sensitive. Let me read the other comments before I make a rash judgment and see if I'm the only one who felt this way and I wasn't. If it's a weave, then help us out. You know how many girls would love to get one of those while they're transitioning?!? Help a sista out! 🙂 lol It doesn't really matter in the big scheme of things…..just my little observation 🙂 Thanks Nikki. You're the best…siempre!
This is anon July 20, @ 1:34:
I just reread the interview to make sure that I hadn't missed something… I mean Leela pretty much gave us a play-by-play of her routine… down to the number of plaits she puts in her hair. Some women just don't fuss over products…
I didn't find LeeLa's responses offensive in the least bit. I thought she was actually pretty forthcoming. She did admit that she occasionally wears pieces, which I think is a bold move for a celeb to make. She could have denied it, (which she would certainly have been justified in doing b/c it isn't our business) but instead she shed a little bit of the mystique surrounding her image. I think we should be grateful to her for revealing that little snippet, b/c knowing that she does wear pieces on occasion will prevent many of us from succumbing to hair envy or having unrealistic expectations about hair growth. Also, I don't see any problem with her saying that she doesn't really use any specific products. That's actually quite similar to what Esperanza Spalding said about Shampoos, I think.
I'm not necessarily a fan of her music just yet (what I've heard is OK), but I can understand her frustrations with being known as the girl with the big afro. Other natural celebs have also expressed a desire to be seen for more than what grows from their scalps (See India Aire). I'm sure JLo gets tired of people asking her about her butt (although presumably JLo isn't giving interviews to butt-themed magazines, either). It's also possible that LeeLa doesn't really identify as being a "natural" in the way that others do. She may not see herself as being apart of a community (one that may be offended by her lack of enthusiasm for discussion of natural hair). Anyway, I, like Nikki, found LeeLa's responses to be pretty down-to-earth and real. I appreciated her advice about "doing you" becaust that is a value that can get lost in our efforts to build this online natural community. And I think LeeLa's response is understandable when you consider the fact that she has become largely identifiable by a characteristic that she hasn't internalized as being apart of HER identity (think about biracial or multiracial persons who are expected to represent one of their races, to the exclusion of the others… Jessica Alba has been known to get a little irritated at the media's description of her as a "Latina" actress because she is actually of mixed ancestry and grew up in CA where many people have Latino heritage. Alba just sees herself as an all-American girl!). Finally, LeeLa may be somewhat defensive because of negative comments like the ones expressed here (although you are certainly entitled to hold them and to voice them!). I think alot of natural celebs (I think Tracie Thoms alluded to this) become disallusioned with being natural hair heroines because the second they do something "unnatural" they receive alot of backlash. It's alot of pressure that's all I'm saying… So let's try and sympathize with her a little!
Sorry for the long response and for any typos!
If you want to see Leela James live, she is performing in NYC on 8/4 at Gramercy Theatre. Tickets are available at http://www.livenation.com/event/000044A6E97F88F0?artistid=976352&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=202. Hope to see you there!
Just Googled "Leela James interview" and up popped this interview. What was she thinking? PR is so important… then again let's just keep it real Leela and see where it takes you. Peace!
Maybe her responses came off harsher than intended print. (???) Maybe she was trying a little tongue-in-cheek or dry humor that didn't translate well. (???) Maybe it would have come off better hearing her actual tone or voice. Maybe she was having a bad day. This is why we have to be careful with print communication in cyber space, which last forever. All the emoticons and smiley faces 🙂 in the world can't take the edge off certain hard print responses.(Trying real hard to give the sistah the benefit of the doubt.) BUT the checkmate-who-she-think-she-is responses were too funny!! Thanks for the great laugh y'all. Everybody keeping it real FO SHO. LOL Nikki you did your job as usual. Thx for the effort.
i agree with the notion that she seemed very defensive about her hair. even if its not all hers its still hers cuz she owns it. but i def would have liked to know her regimen or at least something she does that she feels works for her hair. especially sinced she has always been natural, i thought she would have some sort of regimen that she stands behind. oh well. nikki i think you did a wonderful job in booking her! i still like her music i just wont admire her for her hair anymore
Ok I rarely post but i had to comment on this…that chic was RUDE! Flat out!…um was she not informed that this is a natural hair website? ok we understand your low maintenance and don't really care about your hair but Leela that attitude was just plain nasty. It's almost like she was telling us to f*** off! is it a sin to wanna know her hair regimen ? she probably has 2 inches of broke off hair under that wig or weave or whatever…maybe that's why she seems so angry?? lol
After this i will def not check out her music..she needs to fix her nasty attitude..smmfh
She is a poser, plain and simple. It also looks like she had that nose nipped and tucked.
*I know that sounded nasty but, I couldnt help it*
She wasnt very informative, she didnt mention any product names, etc. She doesnt seem like she cares about it, because all she will do is weave it up anyway.
Yes Nikki, she is a true diva..lol
I don't think that is her hair, she tries too hard with the baby hairs to me..I liked her but she turned me off with this interview..I think she was too defensive about her hair for it to be real. If she has been natural her whole life..there HAS TO BE something she uses as a tried and true product that works for her..she did not give us anything and I'm disappointed..I like the hair
I think she could've talked a little more about her hair, but it's not Nikki's fault the interview wasn't all that great. I saw a couple of comments stating that Leela didn't discuss her routine, but she did; it just seems really low maintainence (wash, condition, deep condition). I think she said she didn't have a true routine. Some people don't do lots of stuff with their hair. Maybe she didn't mention any products because she doesn't have any staples, just uses what's around. But if her hair is mostly or all weave, does it matter what products she uses?
Oh yeah I would also like to say her hair is beautiful.
I agree with everyone. If she thought that we focused too much on hair she shouldn't have done the interview. I really didnt know who she was and now I do. But, I would never check her our on facebook, twitter, etc or down load any of her music. She lost a potential fan. She must not have understood how many people check out this site. I will tell a friend and so on and so on….
I am boycotting Leela – what a horrible interview for a HAIR BLOG.
I would take lil Jaden Pinkett Smith over her any day! He's more mature.
I had a huge smile also. Couldnt wait for this interview. Plug ur hair on Curly Nikki. Plug ur album on the radio station, cause were not trying 2 hear it.
Wow! The huge smile that I had at the beginning of this interview was gone by the time I was finished reading it. She came across as fake, rude and disrespectful to Curly Nikki and her fans.
I don't think most people are defensive about their hair. I think when people come to these natural hair sites they are looking to celebrate their own journey, share their experiences, learn new things, and be inspired. I don't believe the notion that people think their hair is "who they are"…they just like to have their hair on point just like some like their outfit or shoes on point. So why don't we hear "i am not my clothes" "i am not my shoes". Whether you choose to "slave" over your hair or not is totally up to you. what you call slaving another would call pampering herself.
**This is from someone who's also easy breezy when it comes to her hair (lol)
wow…leela james. i'm really disappointed in your responses. i could care less whether the hair on your head is yours or not, but being this is a natural hair care forum, i think you owed it to its readers and your fans to not only share your haircare routine, but some of the products you use as well.
i won't hold it against you…we all have bad days, but how we handle them really defines our character. you just lost one…
While I do think she wears some weave, so what. I think all too often people can become too defensive about hair and unfortunately with all the positivity I read about when it comes to natural hair, there are too many people who take their hair too seriously. I can understand her saying it's more about my music not my hair.
For instance, I love my hair and finding new ways to take care of it, but I refuse to be a slave to it. With my attitude towards it, I probably come across nonchalant and mainly because it's a part of me NOT who I am. Maybe she thinks the same way.
I understand Leela 100%. She would rather be noted for her music and not her aesthetics, however, when you're rocking a huge kinky afro, those in the natural world are going to admire and compliment your hair because that is what they see first, before they hear your music. If she feels like TOO much focus is being applied to her looks, she shouldn't have agreed to do the interview for a natural hair blog…I'm sure "curly"nikki, gave it away.
I felt like I HAD to comment as well…
I agree with MissCurly
WHOA… who did she think she was being interviewed by, seriously.
Att-i-TUDE is vivid honey and very unnecessary. Nikki shouldn't be blamed for anyones self-conscious answers but us CN readers expected more.
It truly came off as her just wanting to plug in her album. Get it in where she could fit it in. Whatever…
Maybe she's not natural after all, maybe she is, maybe she has a headful of heat damage under that head full of weave lol. On another note thanks CN for the interview, we just saw her in a different light that's all.
I also hope that up next we get Tracee Ellis Ross, Rachel True, Corrine Bailey Rae, Janelle Monae, Nneka, Amel Larrieux,I wouldn't mind Solange and I wouldn't mind the Coconut Twins either.
A beautiful woman on the outside.
The rest….as my other favourite blogger Afrobella says "Beauty is as beauty does".
Not the best PR for Ms James…. Does she really expect ppl to "check out her site" after answers like this? No, there are so much more beautiful (inside and outside) singers/actresses out there, I do not have to bother with a woman who speaks like this. Nikki, thanks for sharing. I hope she wasn`t too rude in personal…
I can't believe this woman, this is a natural hair forum. How can someone be so nonchalant about something if they have a passion for it. So that makes you wonder, Why did she do this interview anyway? Great job Nikki and thank you for all you do. Good luck with the little one.
I felt the need to post my two cents on the interview 🙂
I honestly was a bit suprised at how bla (if that's a word lol) the interview was. She was just basically like yea my hair is natural, all of it aint mine though, dont worry about what I use to style my hair ANYWAY go buy my album!
That kind of attitude may work for Essence in fact I read a similar article with her in that magazine and her attitude about her hair was the same. However this is a natural hair blog so of course we expect a little more detail about her HAIR.
I agree with Star about the list of celebs to interview. Definitely cosign on Tracee Ross and Rachel True I think they are natural hair inspirations to us all. I'm DYING to know their routines.
Anyways Nikki still love ya and the blog! You have nothing to do with other peoples responses to questions.
Unfortunately,some celebs are difficult to interview.We all appericate the time and dedication you put into CN for the readers.Thanks for information, and we look forward to more natural hair celebrity interviews.
Hey! Hi Nikki! I haven't post on here in awhile but I do find myself browsing on here aleast once or twice a day! I love this site so much & I just want to thank CN for all the wonderful work you do,pls keep it up! Well about this interview….it was ok but I must say that Leela wasn't very informative & I found that disappointing! I mean after all, this is a natural hair site & this is what we do, we share our regimens & pride in our natural fab manes!I mean really she couldn't tell us a few products she uses that are @ hand in her home!@Hayden I agree there may be some insecurity on her part because of the mass of weave on her head that she may not feel %100 natural! In those pics that definitely doesn't look like all her hair & just because one may wear natural kinky weave doesn't mean that they're truly a natural!Don't know maybe she adds the weave because her hair may be short or thin. May I pls make some suggesstionson of some TRUE FAB celebs rockin it natural such as…Tracee Ellis Ross(Joan from the show Girlfriends,luv her)Rachel True(Mona from the show Half n Half,luv her), Corrine Bailey Ray,Erykah Badu,Jill Scott,Lauryn Hill & Trisha R. Thomas(author of the book series Nappily Ever After)! These are the few I can name right now that are on my mind, but I know there's more & I'm not sure you did some of these ladies already! Also it might be cool 2 do an interview w/some male celebs like Dwelle(neosoul artist luuvvv him). He has gorgeous natural hair & I would like to get his perspective on women w/natural hair! I think he's a fan for women wearing naturals because in his new vid he has a gorgeous woman in there with beautiful natural hair! Thanks CN & as usual you guys are greatly appreciated!
I agree with most of the above posters. Anonymous 1114, you hit the jackpot! Who the hell even knows who she is BUT US?! We're her fans, and after that interview, she probably lost a few. Thanks Nikki for bring us another celebrity idol. It's interesting to see their different perspectives. In Leela's case, I think she was just self-conscious.
Rain K.- Delaware
That's not her hair, but I still liked reading the interview. She definitely has some 'tude-age going, but everyone isn't as hung up on hair as we are. I still admire her for wearing a kinky weave, no one else is doing it. And I agree, it's not CNs fault.
ummmmmmm…..ok. Maybe she shouldn't do interviews that focus on hair. she seemed flat out annoyed that she had to talk about her hair. How rude to her fans who expressed excitement when hearing about her being interviewed by Nikki!
She missed the boat entirely. Her answers were bordering on rude. If I was CN I would've walked away! I highly doubt it's her hair, she seemed to be telling us that we need to get a life. If all of that was her hair she would've been more forthcoming. Thanks Nikki for working with what you were given. I wasn't a Leela fan before and I definitely am not now.
That hair is not hers. Sorry.
ITA with Judith. But anonymous 10:42, you can't fault Nikki. IT's her job to bring us the interview, she can't stop or prevent any negativity or attitude. I think Leela has a weave and she's insecure. No matter what though she is very pretty and so is her hair. Thanks CN for yet another awesome interview!
This interview wasn't very good IMO. The 'tude and general answers to the questions were not doing it for me. Like someone said previously, was she even clued in to the fact that she was interviewing for a natural hair blog??
Yeah I must state that i didn't care for this interview as much as the others that i've read. I agree with the last poster about the attitude kinda coming through and such, but overall it was a decent interview rating (B).
did she understand she was being interviewed by a site that focuses on natural hair? lol, if not then I'll ignore the attitude I was starting to sense by the end. I love her album cover and chunky braidout in the middle picture. She's definitely great hair inspiration whether or not she wants to be, and real or fake!
I like Leela but I have to see some scalp before I become a believer…too many "natural" posers.
Awesome interview, LOVE HER!
I love her music and her hair, fake or not. thanks for another great interview! pssst… Corrine should be next!
Focus on my music not my hair- well excuse me! I agree with a lot she said. We do make hair into a big deal. It dictated my life until recently, and now I'm too trying to look at it as just an accessory, as opposed to who or what I am.
I wonder how much weave she uses though.
I love Leela! Thanks for the interview Curly Nikki.