ABOUT

Black Girl with Long Hair is an ever-growing community of black, Latina and multi-racial women who choose to wear their hair naturally — with minimal or no use of chemicals, heat, weave or extensions.

We discuss everything from styling and upkeep to the social implications of going natural. At the heart of BGLH are interviews with everyday (and some not-so-everyday) people who embrace the beauty of natural hair.

The BGLH Team

Leila Noelliste is the blogger behind BGLH. A 2006 graduate of Wheaton College (IL), she made an impromptu decision to start BGLH during a lunch break in April 2008.

A former newspaper reporter, her work has been published by The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Defender and The Associated Press. Her personal reflections on life and faith have been published in Relevant Magazine.

Shari Neal designed everything you see here — the logo, the website, everything. When she’s not busy being one of the dopest graphic designers in the game, she works as an interactive developer in downtown Chicago.

Check out Shari’s website HERE.

Erin is BGLH’s newest addition assisting with planning and executing local events. She also works as a graphic designer, vintage buyer and art curator in Chicago and is a generally cool person.

Check out Erin’s website HERE.

Chicago Mailing List

BGLH is based in Chicago. To be notified of BGLH events in the Chicagoland area sign up for the Chicago mailing list. Email blackgirllonghair@gmail.com and put “Chicago Mailing List” in the header.