coming soon

sorry for lack of posts... but i have some good tips and reviews coming soon. including my new guide on using weaves/wigs to grow your hair.

ttyl

Solange Knowles: Free at Last, Free at Last, Thank God Almighty I am Free At Last

(solange twitter page, click to enlarge)

So I finally peeped Solanges twitter page... and can I just say again, that I heart her. Like really really heart her. I feeeeeeeeel this girl, like she doesn't even know. The reactions of people, the negative energy is just horrible and we must ask ourselves as people of color in America- when will we finally free ourselves from bondage.

Now I'm not preaching to say "everyone should wear natural hair, and weave and perm is the enemy" NO that is NOT what I am saying.... but we shouldn't be a slave to our hair and we should learn to love our hair in a way that's most conducive to our pockets and lifestyle.

Solange better WERK that cut!

Solanges New Hair Cut: "I Am Not My Hair" (Now if her sister would just follow in her footsteps, our world would be a better place :-)

Hey Guys... so as big topic today has been Solange's new do. I give two snaps for it- cuz I love it. Why you may ask? Well as I said earlier, "I applaud Solange. Her hair cut is daring, cute, and will inspire many girls- girls of color around the world. Most importantly these hairstyles push our men (and women) to re-think their "slave-mentality brain-washed" version of what beauty is and it will allow them to really embrace one of God's greatest gifts on earth- black women"

I checked around to see what some people had to say, and what a Takiya said from Fact, Fats, and Fries caught my attention:


"Yeah she cut off her "hair", I put hair in quotations bc nowadays that's a bit questionable. How long was hair to begin with???

What celebrity have you seen rocking their natural hair????

Even kim kardashian laces that ish up, and she's Armenian!!! That tells you this is is global!!! LOL!

I can't count one, can you???

Some peoples claim to fame is just what they can do with their do. A$$IE
What crazy design they can shave into their scalp. LA LA
What punk rock Mohawk they can rock with their ill fitting clothes. Rihanna

OKAY, we get it.

You're different....

I however, as of late, cut my lush locs short and their was much reason behind the end result.

To each is their own. Ya kno, and to each person they have their own reasons for a hairdo. Whether it's because it's the newest fad or because it's time to restart again.

We all have our own selfish reasons for styling ourselves which ever way that we do.

But the reason for the mid week break, seeing that I post like every other week is in regards to ignorance begetting ignorance.

Today would be the second time in 2009 when the blogsphere have missed the mark. (The first was with the Rihanna incident. See my other post for that one.)

Matter of fact, not the blogs but the comments that have been given.

It cuts real deep when women of African descent refer to Solange's new do as a field nigger effect.

Comments that insult natural beauty outside of weaves, fronts, and wigs.

This comes from a one time relaxer, twice a natural sister, neva rocking a weave working woman type gal, if you get my drift.

I have and will continue to pose the notion that African American women will always be a slave to their hair.

Will neva let their hair breathe without chemically altering it. Or find themselves looking in the mirror to look at the natural beauty without the lush extention they bought at Hair Stop on Washington St.

I'm assuming that most women who do weave up the hair is because their natural hair is to short to be considered beautiful, in their eyes as well as others.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the excuse you have for my previous statement is probably that, nah, my hair is long enough, it's just that I like to add a bit of thickness to my already "long" straggly hair.

Okay, now that we've established that your in denial, lets move on to the next excuse you conjured up.

It's easier to manage and it's more office appropriate.

Okay, much like the movie Bolier Room, I got a load of rebuttals for the wack a$$ excuses that you can give me.

I did not say you must come to work rocking a fro and an afro pick with tribal paint slathered on your face.

It does not make you look uncivilized or non-American. And as much as you like to continue to lie to your self, trust me your co-workers and human resource could care less. Those heffas are trying to keep their job and you're certainly not on their radar.

Well Miss X, you seem to have all the answers, we can't be as brave as you and machete our hair off.

Okay I didn't ask you to!!! All I want to get through that thick weave cap, is that YOU don't have the right or privileg to comment/ critique on a woman following the route less traveled.

I applaud anybody who goes a drift simply bc they've had enough with what society says we should be.

Don't you see it folks.

We're a country of money hungry consumers and where pumped with we aren't beautiful enough without long straight hair.

While we're chasing straight hair other countries chase curly texturized hair.

Nobody is perfect and we all have our own perception of perfection.

Just 'cause you're drinking the koolaid don't hate because I'm drink running water from a well.

And yes, I (heart) Solange's new hair buzz."

The American Parlor Store: The Best Hair and Skin Products

Introducing the American Parlor Store! After so many request we decided to create a store for our GREAT American Parlor Readers. Now you'll be able to get the best products... check it out here. We just added the basics for now, and we'll be adding to it as time goes on.

The American Parlor Store
The American Parlor Store

The store features all the best products for people of color:
healthy hair regimen,
healthy skin regimen,
oils, and more.

Hairspiration: Teyanna Taylor

Go big or go home.... that's the motto of TT's hair. I looooove curls like these, so cute, so lovely. These are some of my favorite Teyanna photos:

Photo of the Day: Vanessa and Angela Simmons

They always try new hair styles, whether its rocking their own hair in a bob or rocking long wavy weaves. Here's a cute picture I came across today:

Power: President Obama Has Hair Like Me

A young black boy was invited to the White House and asked President Obama if he could touch his hair to see if it was like his...


via black girl with long hair

L'Oreal is Racist.

Word on the street is mega beauty Giant- L'Oreal is blatantly racist. They consider black, Arab and Asian women unworthy of selling its shampoo, and are being sued in a French High Court.

Check out the article posted on Black Girl w/ Long Hair:

L’Oréal, the French cosmetics giant, whose advertising campaigns proclaim “because you’re worth it,” was found guilty of racial discrimination for considering black, Arab and Asian women unworthy of selling its shampoo.

France’s highest court was told that the group had sought an all-white team of sales staff to promote Fructis Style, a haircare product made by Garnier, L’Oréal’s beauty division.

The word went out that Garnier’s hostesses should be BBR — “bleu, blanc, rouge” — the colours of the French flag. The expression is widely recognised in the French recruitment world as a code for white French people born to white French parents, a court was told, in effect excluding the four million or so members of ethnic minorities in France.

La Cour de Cassation, the equivalent of the US Supreme Court, said that the policy was illegal under French employment law, upholding a ruling given by the Paris Appeal Court in 2007.

The judgment was a significant blow to the image of the world’s biggest cosmetics group, which has spent millions of dollars in global advertising campaigns featuring stars such as Andie MacDowell, Eva Longoria, Penélope Cruz and Claudia Schiffer.

(L'Oreal's) image already suffered a battering when L’Oréal executives were forced to deny claims that they had lightened the singer Beyoncé Knowles’s skin for a campaign last year.


The ruling also hinted at widespread prejudice among French shoppers since L’Oréal believed that they were more likely to buy shampoo from white sales staff, the court was told.

The ruling will fuel anger among black and Arab French people, who complain that they face widespread discrimination when seeking employment.
source: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/consumer_goods/article6572173.ece

When will women of color — and especially black women — achieve "beauty equality"? Why are we considered less attractive and, in the "beauty" industry, less marketable than other women? This shit really really BOTHERS me!
What do you guys think of all this?

via Black Girl with Long Hair

5 Secrets to a Great Weave: Treat it Like Your Own Hair

1. Choose the Right Texture

Buying quality hair is absolutely essential, but it's not enough. Selecting a believable texture is critical. "Superstraight hair with nappy roots looks crazy," says celebrity stylist Porsche Waldo of Ebony Design in New York City (Faith Evans, Mya, JoJo). "I've coined the term 'Kunta meets Becky,' " says stylist Nelson Vercher of the Rita Hazan salon in New York City (Tamia, Phylicia Rashad, Britney Spears), who also wove our opening look. If the weave is bone straight and your visible hair is tightly coiled, or if the purchased hair looks like it would never have grown out of your scalp, it's wrong. Most important, the texture should be one that complements your complexion and features. It's not that you shouldn't rock straight styles; just choose hair that looks the way your own hair looks when straightened.

* Do show some scalp or your hairline so the look is more realistic. The weave and your hair should blend together beautifully. Buying human hair by the ounce, as opposed to in a pack, is the preference of top stylists. Eight to ten ounces of human hair can cost from $200 to $600.

2. Buy Human Hair

Most celebrity stylists say no to using synthetic hair. The consensus is that it looks like plastic. It also melts under heat, so forget about curling or straightening. "It just doesn't move like human hair," says Vercher. "Too many people are allergic to it," adds celeb stylist Yusef of Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa in New York City (Solange), who created the weaves on this page and the following two. But stylist to the stars Ursula Stephen (Rihanna, Keisha Cole) has a different point of view. "It really depends on what look you're going after. Sometimes synthetic hair can work, if you know how to flip it," she says. "I have some synthetic Afro-kinky hair that I put in often. I get tons of compliments when I wear it."

* Don't choose a weave that doesn't mesh with your lifestyle. If you work out a lot, try a texture and cut that needs little heat or manipulation.

3. Cut It Into Shape

What you do with your weave after it's in is just as crucial as choosing the right hair texture. Too much hair will look like a wig. "Every weave needs to be shaped according to head size and face shape," says Stephen. Yusef adds, "Razor-cut that weave; you've got to take some of the weight out of it." Natural, thinned ends are also much more believable than blunt, baby-doll ends. "If you don't have the weave shaped correctly, it won't fall naturally," says Vercher. Weavers who can cut are few and far between. Get your weave done by the best, then have it cut and thinned only by a stylist who's a whiz with the scissors.

* Do give your weave a full brush-through daily, in order to prevent tangling and matting.

* Don't flip your head upside down in the shower when washing your weave. This creates tangling.

4. Customize The Weft

Custom-blending the color and texture of each weft, also called a track, ensures a realistic weave. Top stylists swear by customized tracks, like the ones used to create every weave featured in this story. Since a variety of textures can make up a single head of hair, one secret to achieving a look that's close to what nature gave us is to blend wavy and curly or wavy and straight textures. Not only can the texture and color be varied, but the length as well. "By placing various lengths throughout the hair, I reduce bulk," says Vercher. "I still have to cut it, but I prefer to place shorter pieces on the top and longer ones on the bottom."

* Do try an alcohol-free mousse. Apply to wet hair before you blow-dry. This will hold the style in place without weighing the hair down.

5. Handle With Care

Treat your weave like you would your real hair. Don't be afraid of it. Wash it weekly and "Give it a good comb through, daily," says celebrity stylist Lawrence Davis (Tyra), who just won an Emmy for Outstanding Hair for The Tyra Banks Show. If you don't detangle daily, the hair sheds and gets tangled in the braid, causing unnecessary hair loss when you remove the track. Human hair wefts can last almost a year if you take care of them. Deep-condition like you would your own hair. Hot oil treatments and steam treatments maintain manageability. Also make sure your own hair dries properly after you wash and condition. If not, you could encourage mildew-not a healthy or pleasant-smelling scalp condition. Invest in a hooded dryer. Clip varying sections up so that the heat can get to your hair underneath. Once your hair is dry, style as usual.

* Don't forget your brows. Black brows and blond or red hair don't mix. Have your stylist lift your brow color to better coordinate with your hair color.

written by. Pamela Edwards for Essence.com

Your Best Produts Are in the Kitchen

Did you know that most of the best beauty beauty products... are in your kitchen. Yeah, that's right. I've always heard about the kitchen being one of the best places to get beauty supplies, but I never really considered it- until recently.


1. Olive Oil
2. Eggs
3. Mayo
4. Plastic Bag

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Yes this Is the same kind that you cook with.
This one of the best things for your hair because it gives it moisture. It's great to put in your hair by itself or to add to your favorite products. If your hair is extra dry and in need of moisture- do a hot oil treatment with olive oil.

Eggs
Your hair needs protein. Most protein treatments have a bit of egg in them. If your hair is brittle and damaged and breaking, crack an egg whip it up and place it throughout your hair- focusing on damage parts. For best results add olive oil, olive oil will make sure that the yolk doesn't make the hair too hard once it dries (its actually important that you add some oil). Leave on hair for 30 minutes or longer.

Mayo
This is a great thing to add to the eggs for moisture.

Plastic Bag
This isn't a product, but you can use these if you don't have a plastic cap to deep condition.

Too Boujee for the Beauty Supply Store

I was one of those people that was a little "too boujee" for the bss (beauty supply store). I don't mean boujee as in I wouldn't go in there, I mean of course I'd go their to get little stuff- like rubberbands and plastic caps oh and of course hair. But I would sort of toot my nose up at those buying actual hair products from there- shampoos, conditioners, etc. I, only bought my products from salons or specialty stores that were supposed to be for stylist.

But its interesting because most of the chicks I've read about with long pretty hair (went from short broken hair to long hair) use beauty supply store products.... and that's kind of crazy to me.

I remember reading about Elasta- I figured it had to be a salon product. But I called a few salons and they informed me they didn't carry it.... so where did I find it? yeah, you got it... the bss.

So I just say all this to say... all my boujee ladies and gents- who only rock salon products, give the beauty supply store a chance... I did and so far so good (plus the prices are waaaaaaaay better).


Update June 29th: Over the weekend I had to get a few products- some rollers, hair pins, and setting foam- naturally I opted for Nairobi wrap foam, but then I switched it for Mizani mousse. Buying that got me to thinking a bit more... There's usually a reason why certain things cost more- like a Walmart house brand versus a Neiman Marcus house brand... Old Navy vs Versace... the quality of the latter is always better- they use better materials and it will last alot longer. And as I glazed down on my "new crew" the other day I had to sorta shake my head. Though I may have saved alot of money, should I have really changed from my Mizani shampoos (avg 12 bucks a pop, 24 total) to a huge bottle of Creme of Nature (10 bucks) that will last me atleast the whole year? Who knows, I don't regret my buy because alot of the hair bloggers I admire swear by it, buuuut when the years over I think I'll replenish with my beloved Mizani or Nairobi.

And being too boujee for the beauty supply store is actually a good thing on certain levels. Now obviously in these economic times you should try to save money when you can. But at the same time buying these designer products usally mean you're buying them from local salons- and that's good because atleast you're keeping the money in the community. I have to say I absouletly hat ethe hold that Asians have on the black beauty market- its disgusting to me, and many of them are trying hard to keep people of color out by making it hard for us to get certain products at low prices. So for the fact alone I say choose the local salon over the mega beauty supplier even if you have to pay an extra 2 or 3 bucks.

My New Crew: My New Hair Routine

Check out close-ups of my new hair products, lol....

I seriously have never been so excited to get hair products in my life. Why was I so freaking happy? Because I did research. The best thing about the internet and blogs in particular is that it allows people to connect and get advice from other people- just like them. I web-surfed my bum off the other day figuring out what products to get, what to make my routine. I checked out many blogs and forums and I looked at peoples before and after pictures- I respected/reverenced more the girls who had broken short hair before and long thick full "you must got some indian in you" hair afterwards. And I also kept in mind which products and brands have worked best for me in the past (patene and mizani).

I had my list, yes list and headed to my favorite beauty supply store- the one where the asian owners are nice and have smartly hired amiable black women as staff (there's two chicks, they give advice and have tried alot of the products - weaves and all). Anyway so I go there pick up some things, then I go to another- the really big one that was like product heaven for someone on a mission to find particular products. I that one I found the main ones I was looking for, like the Elasta QPR. Oh, and I stopped at Walgreen in between to pick one product as well (the Neutrogena Triple Moisture).

And this is what I came home with (minus the Patene and Mizani- I already had those). I spent about $40 bucks, but it was cool- I was more than happy to.

1. Shampoo- Creme of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo
They say shampoo strips our hair (people of color) from its much needed moisture, so a moisturizing shampoo is a MUST, some people don't even use shampoos, instead they use a cheap conditioner as their shampoo (like Suave). I think I had planned on getting the detangling shampoo, but just ended up with this one instead.

2. Conditioner- AtOne Reconstructer Conditioner

3. Deep Conditioner- Elasta QP DPR-11 Deep Penetrating Reconstructor
Everyone swears by this stuff, so I HAD to get it--- it works so WELL, my hair was left SO soft after using it.

4. Deep Conditioner- Creme of Nature Nurturing and Strengthening Treatment
This came free with the Creme of Nature shampoo, yes that BIG jar came free, so it was a fluke that I purchased, but I later found out that one of the girl bloggers with great hair uses it, she actually replaced the Elasta DPR with this one....

5. Deep Conditioner- Patene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural Deep Conditioning Mask
I just so happened to see this when I was contemplating on whether or not to by more patene pro-v. It was so pretty-looking (the jar was) and most of them were gone, so went 'what the heck' and picked it up.

6. Leave-In Conditioner- Elasta QP Leave-In H2

7. Leave-In Conditioner- Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk-Touch Leave-In Creme

8. Oil- Kemi Oyl

This one chick on a hair forum, with a bunch of pictures of her hair says this is the one oil she couldn't leave without. So I decided to buy it... first I couldn't find it, but it ended up being on the check-out counter.... 3 bucks for a tiny bottle of oil, its a bit pricey, but I've used it on my hair the past two days and it seems (only seems) to help my hair grow a bit and it keeps the hair nicely quenched.

My Shampoos and Conditioners:

My Deep Conditioners and Leave-Ins:

UPDATE: I am no longer using creme of nature. It is still a good product, but patene pro-v and mizani have the best shampoos. Also, shampoos are not that good for colored-american (black) hair, so its best to use a really good moisturizing shampoo when you do decide to shampoo.

Product Reviews: SoftSheen Carson Roots of Nature Remedies and Dr.Miracles Temple & Nape Gro Balm

SoftSheen Carson Roots of Nature Remedies:
Shea Butter Green Tea Stimulating Scalp Oil

This product is the replacement Dr.Miracles Stimulating Scalp Oil for some people. Though I like the smell many people feel like Dr.Miracles Gro Oil is TOO strong (my ex boyfriend was one of them). Well I feel that the Nature of Remedies Stimulating Oil will give you the same affect (smell free). It's light, easy to handle, and made my hair soft.

SoftSheen Carson Roots of Nature Remedies:
Shea Butter Green Tea Triple Repair Hairdress

This product made my mom really happy. Before I could even open it she decided to use it and the next day she couldn't stop talking about how it made her edges so flat. What she would do is put some on at night then put on her satin scarf. The next morning her edges were really flat. I decided to give the product a whirl and low and behold- she was right. This may sound crazy, but I sorta feel like this product makes my edges flat without me putting a scarf on. Either way it goes this is a solid product-- light, smells pretty good, and my mom loves it.

SoftSheen Carson Roots of Nature Remedies:
Shea Butter Green Tea Reconstructing Deep Treatment

This product I tried a few weeks ago... and the results were a bit fickle. At the time I didn't know the big differences between moisturizing and protein treatments and when and how to use them. So I used this after washing my hair I applied it through the scalp and on the edges then I mixed in a little of my Mizani treatment. I sat under the dryer and ended up sorta falling asleep... a few hours later, I woke up and rinsed it out. Then I put a little oil on my hair and let it air dry. My hair ended up feeling kind of dry. But I realized that its because this product is essentially a protein and its very important to condition or deep condition after a protein treatment, otherwise your hair will feel a bit dry and hard. Also I don't think I applied a leave-in afterward which is VERY important. So, I'll try this product again later and tell you what I think .

Dr.Miracles Temple & Nape Gro Balm

Hmmm.... I think it works. The key is to be consistent, apply everyday and take a picture before, then a week after and a week after til its all gone. I didn't do that, but I wish I would have. Like always, the product Felt like it was working....

Product Review: My Mizani Army- The Story: Shampoos and Conditioners

PURIPHYING Intense Cleansing Shampoo
BOTANIFYING Conditioning Shampoo (with botanicals)
FUFYL Conditioning Treatment
MOISTURFUSE Moisturizing Conditioner

I call the my Mizani Army because when I first began to grow my hair in high school, these are the products I chose to help me. My routine was washing every two weeks, wrap every night, apply Mizani overnight treatment every other night, and use Mizani Rose H2O and Organic Root Stimulator Carrot Oil Cream. I wasn't extra educated at the time about hair care products, but I had learned that the best was Mizani or Keracare and because Mizani seemed and smelled less chemical like I went with that. My hairdresser at the time was great with styling, but maybe not the best with actual hair care... I guess someone told her Design Essentials was the best, but I just didn't think so- so I brought my own stuff.

I decided to switch hair dressers because I just felt like the one I had wasn't growing my hair. So I took a risk, jumped shipped and began going to a man that had grew my aunts hair ridiculously long and thick. I won't go through all the details, but long story shirt- he was scissor happy and was cutting my hair waaaaaaay to much. Also he used Kercare Dry and Itchy Scalp.... which ended up.... wait for it.... wait for it.... effing up my hair. Yeah it did, it worked wonders for my aunt and sister, but it was my worst enemy.

Fast forward to college. I decided I want to grow my hair back out, so I went back to "my Mizani army"... and I wore weaves at times in between and went natural underneath (the weave). My hair GREW alot... I wore weaves almost full time for two years. You could say my hair went from
neck length to a little over shoulder length.... then I decided to perm and cut it for the whole Rihanna thing and, well that's a whole other story, that I'll share later (I wish I would have stayed natural though)

Anyway, I say all that to say even though I'm currently choosing to switch it up products. These 4 products did work for me, when I used them consistently.

When I first picked them, my thought process was- well I need 2 shampoos and 2 conditioners because that's what they used at the beautician. Then I figured I needed one shampoo to clean my hair and another one to restore moisture that the other shampoo may have stripped. Then I needed two good conditioners- one regular and one treatment.

More Info from the bottles:

Puriphying Shampoo- pH balanced shampoo that removes residue. Has hydrolyzed wheat protein.

Botanifying Shampoo- gentle shampoo with botanicals

Moisturfuse Conditioner- has moisturizers and proteins. Polyquatermium-37 and hydrolyzed wheat protein.

Fulfyl Treatment- has protein and moisturizers as well

My Notebook: Random Hair Advice (hair products, advice for hair care after swimming, and more).

Sometimes when I'm searching for some specific advice I'll end up finding ALOT of advice that'll probably be beneficial down the road... so I end up saving links. I do this alot and I figured I'll start sharing them with you all. I'll call it "My Notebook: Random Hair Advice" and it'll be a post full of links.

http://keepitsimplesista.blogspot.com/2009/06/after-swimming.html

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=292029&page=6

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/73979

http://members.fotki.com/ashleyhair/about/

http://www.sallybeauty.com/repair-creme/SBS-373740,default,pd.html

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080208210431AAYbR9i

ORS Olive Oil Lye Normal Strength

Mane Chic hair blog

http://www.buzzillions.com/4294966827_nz_hair_styling_product_reviews
mizani butters

On My Radar: Products to Use- Elasta QP DPR-11 & Neutrogena Triple Moisture

I just happened to be perusing through some youtube hair videos today and I've been inspired. I'm not sure if "inspired" is the word (somewhat dramatic), but you get my drift. This one chicks video and hair journey is great, I suggest all to check it out.

Then from hers I checked out others, then kept going and ended up googling certain products and etc etc... I just really wanted to organize my thoughts and what I have been finding so I decided to write a post. Here I go:


1. Elasta QP DPR-11
The women go wild- they worship it. Its supposedly a deep conditioner that many women swear by... it keeps the hair ultra moisturized, tangle free, etc etc. I decided I'm adding it to my hair routine... I heard its like $5- so I plan to go to JCPennys salon or the local beauty supply store and buy it tomorrow

2. Neutrogena Triple Moisture
This is an entire line of products and it seems most people have atleast one product from the line that they like

Okay, I think that's it for now... I'm about to wash my hair using Patene Pro-V and I'm going to deep condition or treat my hair with a new product I recently obtained: Roots of Nature Shea Butter Green Tea Reconstructing Deep Treatment... I'll tell you more about it later.

CHRIS ROCK: Black America and Good Hair-- BAD MOVIE.

UPDATE- THIS IS A HORRIBLE MOVIE THAT DEGRADES BLACK WOMEN. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS IN ANY WAY.

I saw this article on ematastemaker.com and HAD to repost... check it out:

Funny man & social commentator Chris Rock tackles the topic of hair in the soon to be released documentary Good Hair.

The film, which won a Special Jury Award for US Documentary at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, mixes the wisecrack humor of Rock with the hard-hitting reality that exist around hair in the Black community by “raising serious questions about identity and equality among black women who feel they need long, straight, silky hair to fit into white society” (Source).

Rock was inspired to make the documentary after his daughter Lola came to him crying, and asked, “Daddy how come I don’t have good hair.” This deeply emotional question prompted him “to search the ends of the earth and the depths of black culture to find out who had put that question into his little girl’s head” (Source)

Sundance describes the film as

An exposé of comic proportions that only Chris Rock could pull off, Good Hair visits hair salons and styling battles, scientific laboratories, and Indian temples to explore the way black hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of black people. Celebrities such as Ice-T, Kerry Washington, Nia Long, Paul Mooney, Raven Symone, Maya Angelou, and Reverend Al Sharpton all candidly offer their stories and observations to Rock while he struggles with the task of figuring out how to respond to his daughter’s question (Source).

But the film offers more than just a surface level look at the tradition of hair in the Black community.

It takes a look into the politics of hair and raises “serious questions about identity and equality among black women who feel they need long, straight, silky hair to fit into white society” (Source).

Executive Producer, Nelson George adds “It’s this whole thing about approval. That approval is not simply, ‘I want white people to love me.’ It’s like, ‘I need a job. I want to move forward, and if I have a hairstyle that is somewhat intimidating, that’s going to stop me from moving forward” (Source).

Stay tuned for official release dates of the film on HBO, DVD, and in theaters.

For more information on this film, check out the following sites:

• Chris Rock interview with Salon.com (1/24/09)
• Sundance Film Festival Movie Site
• Chris Rock Interview w/Rolling Out.com (Video)
• Official Chris Rock website
• Write-up on Documentary on Afro-Punk website (1/24/09)

My Epiphany: Chrisette Michele, I NEED Your Hair

Check out my beloved Chrisette Michele on her Ephinany cover. LOVVVE the hair.

Naturally Gorgeous: Beautiful Hair-Dos for Braids, Dreads, and Natural Hair

I love these....

Video of the Day: The Basic Black Male Haircuts: Fade - Ceaser

You may have to slow the video down, but this video has had alot of hits on youtube and you can see why- the man is a beast with the razor....

I'm going to start doing more videos- always searching for the best of course, but if you have or can recommend some good ones don't hesitate to send them my way!

The Breakdown of the Hair Types: 1, 2A 2B, 3A 3B 3C, 4A 4B

Soooo if you're familiar with the hair circuit then you may know what those numbers mean, but most likely- like most warm blooded Americans you don't. But basically I've been seeing "I'm 3b" "Whats you're type? I'm 2a" etc etc everywhere... so I googled it. And basically these number/letter combos describe the hair type ranging from "straight" to "kinky". And this is the part that makes me laugh straight is 1 and kinky is 4... cleaaaaaarly this description was created by whites or should I say European Americans or should I say Caucasians... well you get my point. Orrrr it could have been made-up by an uncle-tomish person of color, hmmm.... well, either way it goes its a bit stupid, but whatev. I personally would have figured that "kinky" or the most natural hair type would be 1, in fact, when I heard people discussing it I was under the impression that extremely curly/kinky hair would be 1 since it is seemingly the most natural... right? wouldn't you think that too?



Anyway, I found a break down on a website (blackwebform.wordpress.com), Check it out...

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So you may have seen ppl referring to their 4a or 3b hair and thought what in the world are they talking about. The classification comes from hair stylist and guru Andre Walker. Here some information regarding the hair types that I found at www.naturallycurly.com

Break down of Hair Types 1-4b

Type 1: Straight hair

Type 2: Wavy hair

Type 2 hair falls into the great divide between Type 1, straight hair, and Type 3, curly hair. A relatively unusual type, wavy hair tends to be coarse, with a definite “S” pattern to it. By that I mean the wave forms throughout the hair in the shape of the letter “S”. Your hair is wavy, or Type 2, if it curves in the “S” shape while laying flat against the scalp, instead of standing away from the head the way curly hair does. Supermodel Yasmeen Ghauri, actress/model Isabella Rosellini and actress Jennifer Aniston of Friends (the one who sparked a craze for the ubiquitous “Friends haircut” of the mid-1990s) are all Type 2s. Type 2s are often confused with Type 3s because it is easy to get curly hair to lay flat and look wavy. But don’t be fooled: you can’t get Type 2 hair to look like Type 3 without a lot of work. Why? The hallmark of wavy hair is that it sticks close to the head: even if you cut it in layers, it won’t bounce up. There are three Type 2 subtypes: A, fine and thin; B, medium-textured; and C, thick and coarse. Type 2A is very easy to handle, pliantly blowing out into a straighter style or taking on curlier looks with relative ease. Types 2B and 2C are a little more resistant to styling and have a tendency to frizz

Examples

Tips: This hair type needs lighter products that enhance curls. Let hair air dry or use a diffuser. Use duckbill clips on the crown of your head to lift top curls as needed. Once your curls are dry, rub a little pomade into the palm of your hands and smooth over your hair. Please do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase is recommended to reduce tangles.

Type 3: Curly hair

With curly hair, there is a definite loopy “S” pattern. Pluck out a hair, stretch it out. Notice the curvy lines. Looks like s stretched-out Slinky, doesn’t it? Most people think curly hair is coarse, but actually it is usually baby soft and very fine in texture – there’s just a lot of it. Because the cuticle layers don’t like as flat, curly hair isn’t as shiny as straight or wavy hair. The hair doesn’t have a very smooth surface, so light doesn’t reflect off of it as much. When curly hair is wet, is usually straightens out. As it dries, it absorbs the water and contracts to its curliest state. Those of you with Type 3 hair know all too well that humidity makes curly hair even curlier, or even frizzier.

If you’re a Type 3, your hair has a lot of body and is easily styled in its natural state, or it can be easily straightened with a blow-dryer into a smoother style. Healthy Type 3 hair is shiny, with soft, smooth curls and strong elasticity. The curls are well-defined and springy: pull out a strand of hair and stretch it; it won’t snap in two. Damaged Type 3 hair is usually frizzy, dull, hard and dry to the touch, with fuzzy, ill-defined curls.

There are two subtypes of curly hair. Type 3A, hair that is very loosely curled like Julia Robert’s or Susan Sarandon’s is usually very shiny with big curls. The shorter the hair, the straighter it gets. The longer the hair the more defined the curl. Type 3B, on the other hand, is hair with a medium amount of curl, ranging from bouncy ringlets – think of Shirley Temple – to tight corkscrews – think of actress Cree Summer of television’s Sweet Justice of jazz singer Cleo Laine. It’s not unusual to find both subtypes coexisting on the same head. In fact, curly hair usually consists of a combination of textures, with the crown being the curliest part.

Examples

Tips for 3a hair: This hair type needs light moisture and products that define the curls. Let hair air dry or use a diffuser. Use duckbill clips at the crown of your head to lift top curls as needed. Once curls are dry, rub a little pomade into the palm of your hands and smooth over your hair. Please do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase is recommended to reduce tangles.

Tips for 3b hair : This hair type needs extra moisture and products that define curls and fight frizz. Let hair air dry or use a diffuser. Use duckbill clips at the crown of your head to lift top curls as needed. Once curls are dry, rub a little pomade into the palm of your hands and smooth over your hair. Please do not brush or comb your dry curls. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase is recommended to reduce tangles.

Naturallycurly.com readers have suggested a third Type 3 subtype: 3c.

Type 3C, is hair with tight curls in corkscrews. The curls can be either kinky, or very tightly curled, with lots and lots of strands densely packed together. Some people refer to this as “big hair.” Getting this type of hair to blowdry straight is more challenging than for 3A or 3B, but it usually can be done. This includes those with very tight curls but finer hair, as well as coarser hair. 3C has really really tight curls, like pencil or straw circumference. 3B is like sidewalk chalk or salt shaker circumference, and 4A is like coffee stirrer circumference.

Tips: This hair type needs extra moisture and tender-loving care because it can be fragile. Let the hair air dry and do not use a brush or comb. To refresh bed head or fight fuzzy hair line, use a moisturizing hairdress like Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme or Jane Carter Solution Nourish & Shine.

Type 4: Kinky hair

If your hair falls into the Type 4 category, then it is kinky, or very tightly curled. Generally, Type 4 hair is very wiry, very tightly coiled and very, very fragile. Like Type 3 hair, Type 4 hair appears to be coarse, but it is actually quite fine, with lots and lots of this strands densely packed together. Healthy Type 4 hair won’t shine, but it will have sheen. It will be soft to the touch and will pass the strand test with ease. It will feel more silky than it will look shiny. Oprah, Whoopi Goldberg and the actress Angela Bassett are all Type 4s.

Type 4 hairs looks tough and durable, but looks can be deceiving. If you have Type 4 hair, you already know that it is the most fragile hair around. Why? Type 4 hair has fewer cuticle layers than any other hair type, which means that it has less natural protection from the damage you inflict by combing, brushing, curling, blow-drying and straightening it. The more cuticle layers in a single strand of hair, the more protection it has from damage. Each time you damage your hair — fire up the curling iron, fry it with chemicals – you break down a cuticle layer, robbing your hair of much-needed moisture. I cannot emphasize this enough. It’s like taking a wire and bending it again and again. Eventually, it’s going to snap and break.

Many women with Type 4 hair rely on chemical relaxers to make hair easier to control. In its natural states, sometimes Type 4 hair doesn’t grow very long because every time you comb it, it breaks. (Of course, if you have dreadlocks and never comb them or keep them braided, your hair can and does grow quite long.)

There are two subtypes of Type 4 hair: Type 4A, tightly coiled hair that, when stretched, has an “S” pattern, much like curly hair; and Type 4B, which has a “Z” pattern, less of a defined curl pattern (instead of curling or coiling, the hair bends in sharp angles like the letter “Z”). Type 4A tends to have more moisture than Type 4B, which will have a wiry texture. But what if your hair has been chemically straightened? How can you tell which subtype you belong to if your hair is relaxed? You’ll need at least one inch of new growth to tell. Pull at the roots. If you can see a definite curl pattern, then it’s an A, if not, then it’s a B.

Addendum:

NaturallyCurly.com type 4 readers have found the above description limiting, and somewhat misleading. We offer the following addendum:

Type 4 hair can range from fine/thin to wiry/coarse strand texture. Generally, this hair is densely packed to give the appearance of very thick but fragile hair. 4a hair has a clearly visible curl and wave pattern that ranges from pen size curls to pen spring size coils. 4b hair has a tighter wave pattern and kinks of various size. This texture does not exhibit the shine or silkiness of looser type curls, but instead has sheen, and a soft, almost cotton-like feel. As with other types of curly hair, showing the true length can be an extra challenge, as the hair may grow “up” or “out” before starting to hang down. In its unlocked/unbraided state, type 4 hair is known to shrink up to 75% of the actual hair length. With the proper care and technique, type 4 hair is indeed resilient, manageable, durable, growable and easy to control.

Examples

Tips: This hair type needs extra moisture and tender care to prevent breakage. Let the hair air dry and do not brush or comb. To refresh bed head or fight fuzzy hair line, use a moisturizing hairdress like Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme or Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade.

Please note that the products are the recommendation of naturallycurly.com and not myself.

Also if you wandering what happened to hair type 1, its straight. They felt that, was pretty much all the info you would need, mind you they do specialize in products for those with curly hair, so I understand the lack of info and product recommendations.

Ursula Stephen CHANGED Your Life: New Image Beauty Expert

Rihanna and Ursula Stephen

So you may ask... who's the mastermind behind these Rhianna cuts and hair dos, whoever it is she has single-handly changed fashion and style worldwide.... her name is Ursula Stephen! And she is THEEEEEEEE New Image Beauty Expert.

Oh my goodness there are so many things I can say, but I will just keep it short- Ursula is an icon! Ohhhhhhh my goodness Rihanna is nothing without those cuts dahling.... (well not in a mean way I adore Rihanna, but I'm just trying to make a point).

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Check out this interview I snagged from Ursula's website via Clutch Magazine.

Q: When did you begin your craft of hairstyling?

Well my high school was a beauty school- - so technically and officially I started doing hair my freshman year. It was called “Sarah J. Hale”, located in Brooklyn. It saved my life and open many doors for me.

Q: How did you get into doing hair for celebrities?

It was definitely a word of mouth situation. I had a couple of clients that worked at record labels or were in the business in some way. They basically put me on.

Q: You’re the stylist behind Rihanna’s infamous bob. Why did you decide to do something that drastic with her hair?

Because I’m drastic! LOL. Rihanna wanted a new look. And I was tired of all these artist looking the same, that’s so boring. I feel that back in the day artist took more chances with their look and I missed that. So, I decided to do the opposite. Everyone was doing long and brown, so I did short and black. I’m always changing my look so that also inspired her. Basically giving her that confidence.

Q: There have been debates about who rocked the bob first. Was there anyone in particular whose hairstyle inspired the look you gave Rihanna?

Debates?? I inspired her Bob. I’m all about a great cut and that’s been my trademark for as long as I can remember.

Q: Summer is fast and coming. What advice would you give to Clutch readers looking for a shorter look for the season? Can shorter styles look good on anyone?

Shorter styles can look great on everyone. My advice is don’t necessarily follow the trend. Find the look thats right for you. It’s like jeans low-rise… it’s not for everyone!!

Q: You’re known for your expertise in “new image” hair makeovers. Do you have to do something completely daring to someone’s hair to create a new image?

How subtle can a new look be? Well you really don’t have to do something daring, it can be as subtle as cutting a bang or changing the side that you usually part your hair. Doing something opposite than what you usually do is a makeover in itself.

Q: What products would you recommend for us ladies whom have become attached to our flat irons?

(I carry mine in a holster at the hip!) Well one of my favorite products is FHI Hot Sauce. It’s a great product that restores moisture and protects hair against damaging effects of heat without weighing the hair down and smells really good too!

Q: My hair looks like a dried-out lion’s mane when I wear it naturally curly. Is there anything I could do or use in my hair to tame the beast on my head?

The trick to taming curly hair is applying product to the hair when it is still wet. And the best products are leave - in conditioners. One of my favorite products are TIGI Bedhead leave - in conditioner (for curls) and another is Atone with Nature. I like leave - in’s that cling to the hair without weighing it down. And these two are great for that — just the right amount of muscle.

Someone should tell our beloved Ri-Ri,
"Without Ursula, you are nothing!"
(squint their eyes, smirk, and sloooowly walk away)

Q: What hairstyles can we expect to see for Spring/Summer? Are bangs still popular, can we anticipate seeing more sleek middle parts?

Short hair will still be popular this summer. With combinations of heavy blunt bangs (old school), sexy side swept bangs. I also see middle parts coming back in a big way, but shoulder length nothing too long.

Q: Where else can we see your hairstyling finesse? Who are you currently styling?

Well as you know Rihanna is one of my main clients, Michelle Williams — we just shot her music video. I also do lots of beauty stories with Essence and makeovers.

Q: What’s the most rewarding and challenging aspect of your career as a celebrity hairstylist?

As its always been making people feel good about themselves. Seeing that smile as though a miracle has just happened!! And also having my work broadcasted for the world to see:)

Q: Lastly, what tricks do you live by? What are your personal trade secrets?

Well I can’t tell u everything, [LOL] but heres a good one. Lipgloss on fly aways!

Where does Ri Ri find these people? She has the best wardrobe stylist, best hairstylist... I mean c'mon how lucky can you get (as far as imaging goes).

http://www.ursulastephen.com/home.html
http://www.ursulastephen.com/home.html
http://www.ursulastephen.com/home.html

I looooooove this woman. visit her site. adore her. worship her, lol!

Yesss Found It: Natural Product to Make Permed Hair- Curly. Miss Jessie's Quick Curls

Now THIS is what I'm talking about. After further going through Miss Jessies products I found this:


And its SOLD OUT. SMH! Not cool Miss Jessie, NOT cool at all. Lol, I'm about to send an email inquiring about when they will have more because this is what I was looking for. And at $9? I'm not mad... that is if it will make my hair curly. I really really hope they replenish within the week, if so, I will purchase and let you all know how it goes.... if you have used it, please let me know how it is. I'm sorta anxious about this product.... hurry Miss Jessie! Get in that kitchen and whip up another batch!


PRODUCT REVIEW: Update June 29, 2009:

This product is an EPIC FAILURE. I tried it twice on a section of my permed hair- once with it airdrying, another using the blowdryer... both times- no curls. My hair type (what they call 4a/b, what I call 1a/b) I think this product is for girls with straight hair like asians, some european-americans, some hispanics, and women with 3 a/b hair or lower.

Hair Creams to Create Curls, From Kinky to Curly within Minutes: Miss Jessie's Hair Cream and Kinky-Curly

I've always indirectly searched for a cream to make my hair curly... you know more curly. Why? You may ask, well two main reasons:

1. sometimes I just feel like having really easy immediately cute hairstyle that I pretty much have to do NOTHING to- you know just get up and go. Braids are cool, but sometimes I want something a bit looser and I feel if I could make my hair very curly I could have this look.

2. because I've wanted to try the sorta curly weave and I want it to blend in perfectly. So I figure it wold blend best if I made my hair the same texture as the weave naturally instead of curling it every morning

I don't know how well this product works, perse, but many many women SWEAR by it--- Miss Jessie's Original Hair Cream. She has an array of products that seem to almost instantly make your hair curly... the only problem is, is that I don't know how well it works on permed hair. But it works WONDERS on natural hair.... I personally feel EVERY girl with natural hair should go into one of Miss Jessies locations and get her treatment. It seems to make the hair grow while looking fabuously healthy and beautiful.

Check out some of these before/after pictures. After seeing them I'm a little upset I permed my natural hair... longstory short I wore weave for about 2 years and wore my hair natural underneath... it grew sooooo much, "my afro" was huge- when pulled straight my hair was about mid back. Though my hair prefers a natural state I permed it because it was too much to deal with, buuuut I really sorta regret it after seeing these pictures....







It looks like her hair grew 5 inches huh? Its amazing.


This is about how my hair looked after I took my weave out (after abotu two years of wearing it... I would wear it for about 2 months, take it out, get cornrolls for about a week or so, then put it back in) My hair thrives in its natural state, but it was too much for me to deal with, so I had to perm it, but I wouldn't have if I would have known about this product.

This has to be one of the best "before after"

She has hair like Oprah :-)

Is it just me or does it really feel like someone is playing a trick on us? Lol, no but seriously, thats EXACTLY how I feel after viewing this. I keep thinking--- this can't really be real. Check out the gallery of transitions of women undergoing the curly process here. And the women above are before/after, check them out here.

I absolutely adore the packaging. Classic and timeless.

And I love Miss Jessie's FAQs page, I've been reading it for the past few minutes and was tickled when I got to this:

"ITS HARD TO BELIEVE THOSE 'NATURAL' BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS ARE REAL. ARE YOU SURE YOU'RE NOT USING SILKENERS™ ON EVERYONE TO ACHIEVE THOSE CURLY LOOKS?

YES WE'RE SURE. WE ARE ABLE TO ACHIEVE CURL VIA CHEMICAL OR NON CHEMICAL METHODS. PLEASE GO ON THE BEFORE AND AFTER PAGE. THERE ARE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SERVICES THAT INDIVIDUAL RECEIVED.

I'VE BEEN ON YOUR BEFORE AND AFTER PAGE. ARE THOSE CURLY AFTER PICTURES WEAVES?

NO. WE DO VERY LITTLE WEAVE WORK."

Talk about taking the words or the question rather, right out of my mouth, lol! I was thinking some of these pictures MUST be weave. Let me just go on the record saying "I love you Miss Jessie, and I can't wait until your products make it to salons and chinese-owned beauty supply stores everywhere".

To PURCHASE these Miss Jessie's products visit the online store OR simply visit a retailer near you. Oh and if you do purchase pleeeeeeeeeease come back and tell me how you liked it.



Now I've heard from people like Miss Afrobella that Miss Jessie's products are just too much (too expensive)... I can understand. So another equally as great, but less expensive product is Kinky-Curly. I sort of see these two as rivals, I haven't used either of them, but I want to! Purchase Kinky-Curly here. This line has supposedly been used by The Real Housewives of Atlanta-- which is pretty cool. I sent them a message on their myspace asking which product is best for permed/straight/relaxed hair, so we'll see what type of response I get.