Black Hair Magazine for Natural and Relaxed African American Hair - blog. » Featured Post

Half Wigs for Protective Styling

Dena — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:33:31 +0000

Looking for a fresh and different look and keep your hair protected at the same time? Try a half wig! I discovered half wigs during my transitioning period, after searching for some quick ways to hide and protect my strands and look professional and polished. I actually went to my local BSS in search of something that I could attach to my ponytail such as a bun, and the half wigs caught my eye. They looked very natural and jazzy. The thing I like most about half wigs is that they are not something that you have to commit to for any longer than a day if you don’t want to. But if you find that you love it, you can wear it for as long as the half wig holds up!
The only drawback to wearing a half wig that I can point out is the need to keep the portion of your hair that is out either flat ironed or curled. Keep in mind, it is only a half wig. Now for those of you that are off of the heat wagon, you may solve this issue by covering up the portion of your hair that is out with a wide headband or a wrap.
I have just learned that through this transitioning journey, I have to be willing to be experimental, creative and daring!!
The half wig pictured here is by Outre

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What to Do with Fly-Away Hair in the Winter Months

Dena — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:04:51 +0000

What to Do with Fly-Away Hair in the Winter Months

It’s known as a bad hair day when your hair seems to be flying all over the place, and it seems to happen more frequently when the winter months roll in. An easy remedy would be to remove the static by wetting your hair until it is damp but not dripping. It’s not a foolproof plan but it will give you an hour or two of no fly-away hair strands. But who really has time to deal with damp hair before going out, not to mention on those frigid wintry days.

The long term solution is more effective and requires you to put the moisture back in your hair naturally. After all, you can’t go around with wet hair all the time. There are several ways of getting your hair to achieve normal moisture levels. One would be to use a humidifier in your home or bedroom. I rely on the use of my humidifier to combat dryness in my Southern home. It’s definitely worth the investment to ensure added moisture into the walls of your home, leading to frizz free hair.

Aloe Vera is a cheaper alternative, and very easy to use. All you need is the aloe Vera plant, leaf or extract. Rub it on your hair and allow it to dry. When you start combing your hair as it dries, use your fingers instead of a comb. Even a wide-toothed comb can create static especially if it is made of plastic or steel. The aloe Vera will help keep your hair strands strong and youthful. If you have limited amount of aloe Vera, then apply it on your hair tips and scalp. As you comb your hair, it will naturally spread to the rest of the areas. You may also massage it into your scalp in gentle motions, which is always relaxing and calming.

If you have heard of the Fenugreek herb, then you know it is used for hair care. It is used to help hair growth and reduce balding and hair loss. You have to purchase it in powder form and mix it with yogurt. It should become like a paste which you can apply to your hair. Leave it on for half an hour and then rinse. Your hair will be softer and show no sign of static or fly-away strands.Fenugreek can also be used with oil, lemon, lime, or white vinegar and will last about a week as a formula if kept inside your refrigerator. Grab some from the local health food store and keep it handy.

Instead of using shampoo every night, give your hair a break. Try shampooing your hair twice or three times a week instead. On the other days, you can just wet your hair to avoid an oily build-up. Commercial shampoos, even those that claim to replenish moisture can do the opposite if you use too much or too often. Cowashing is always an option, which serves the purpose of cleansing without stripping your hair of needed moisture. Make these changes and your beautiful natural or relaxed hair will remain glorious and healthy throughout the winter season.

relaxed hair flyaways

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I Decided to Go Natural Because…

Amina — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:21:46 +0000

This will be a recurring post that you will see from time to time that shares reasons why women much like you and me decided to go Natural. Quotes will come from real women, sharing real thoughts about their decisions to transition.

Motivation and inspiration may come of these posts. Maybe you will find a reason to make the switch. Perhaps you’ll see a reason to stay on track with your transition. Whatever the case may be, I’d like you to see that transitioning may be one of the best decisions that you make relative to your hair.

Let’s Get Into It: I Decided to Go Natural Because…

“Tired of spending all of that time that it takes to get my hair done.” -Ices.princess

“Because I needed to be myself. I have to say its a really big mental change. To go against the grain and be you is hella brave!”- SashaBreal

“After reading how relaxers really can do some damage to the hair I decided to love the hair God gave me. I asked myself how can I keep putting myself through this torture (relaxers really burn my scalp). Once I really figured out why I was relaxing my hair (conforming to European ideals of beauty) I said no more.” -NicDel85

“Going natural is my ultimate goal. I have seen women that have natural hair that looks just as good and sometimes even better than any relaxer. That’s what I’m aiming for.” -Evanny

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Is Transitioning to Natural Hair Worth It?

Amina — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:52:48 +0000

Is transitioning to natural hair really worth it? I say – YES! Reflecting back on my journey of transitioning to natural hair was the best decision I could have made. Although there may be times of discontent and discouragement, in the end, natural hair is beautiful. Most of all it is beautifully yours!

Natural Hair is Versatility.

Natural Hair is Beauty.

Natural Hair is YOU AND I; it is US.

Here are excerpts from Women of the BHP Forum as to why they decided to go Natural…

“I decided to go natural when my hairline fell out about 1 and a half years ago.” -Mahogany

“I went natural because straight hair cramped my style. I have a bold personality that some say commands attention, but my hair was just so flyaway and thin.” -Vermelha

“I went natural only because a texturizer was not working for me”-Mikajin

“I decided to go natural because I wanted to be free. Being natural is so relaxing and free” – Swestbrook

I Decided to Go Natural Because… This will be a recurring post that you will see...

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Perfect Little Stocking Stuffers for Product Junkies!

Dena — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:46:15 +0000

What better way to spread some holiday cheer than making your loved ones beautiful! You’ll be sure to please your favorite divas with some fabulous beauty products, that can be found at most drug stores and or department stores.

Hair Accessories, clips, and bling!

Cheap conditioners (ideal for co-washes)

Oils of any variety–Argan, Castor, and Olive Oil are among favorites.

Earrings are always acceptable for beauty lovers!

The Tangle Teezer is a hot item among naturals!

Small flat irons are a hot commodity and would be sure to put a smile on her face!

Be sure to stay tuned for part two of Stocking Stuffers!

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How to Avoid the Dizzy Effects from Too Many Hair Galleries to View

Dena — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:17:14 +0000

How to Avoid the Dizzy Effects from Too Many Hair Galleries to View

Are you in search of a new look? Granted, hair galleries, especially the online hair galleries, hold a lot of promise and appeal for their wide varieties of style available in the comfort of your own home. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get cross-eyed going over the hundreds of unrelated photos, so you need to create a system of homing in on the right sites, instead ending up using a random “eenie-meenie-miny-moe” method. From the point of view of hairstyles, eenie meenie is never a good idea.

First, have some idea what you want – shorter or just a trim; layers or curls? There must be someone whose hairstyle you adore. Talk to that person and ask what the pitfalls of that particular hair style are. It’ll help you decide. As you discuss the merits of that style, you could take notice of their hair color, hair texture and skin tone, as well as the length and shape of their face. If there are any similarities to your own and it looks do-able, then you should go online and try looking for that particular style in hair galleries.

Next, print the photos you are attracted to. Lay them out in a line. You’ll notice a trend in the hairstyles you have selected from the hair galleries, and here’s one of your most important clues. If you have been honest with what you want in your new hairstyle, then this is your dream hair and it’s time to turn it into a reality.

Third, pick the three best printouts and tuck them in safely in your bag or pocket. You will need them to show to the stylist. For now, your next move would be to find the right stylist. The internet can be a good assistant. You could even check on those online hair galleries for some clues as to where to go, who to see; you can also always call a friend for a recommendation.

Don’t be afraid to ask about the price. Many feel intimidated about being heard asking that all-important question of cost. You shouldn’t be embarrassed. And what you should be aware of is that many salons make you feel that way on purpose. It helps turn you into a big spender. It’s very easy to get carried away inside a salon; if you’re on a budget, get a price or find another place.

Fourth, show your stylist the print-outs and discuss how to get the look you want. Don’t feel rushed (again, another salon trick to get you done and out so that the seat becomes available.) On the other hand, don’t abuse your time with the stylist either. There are probably others waiting for attention.

Finally, sit back and relax. It’s pampering time and there will be opportunities to either rue your choice or delight on how it all worked out. Hair will grow back and then you’ll face another round with the online hair galleries but this time, you’ll have a better idea of the lay of the land, so to speak.

Upload your favortie pictures in the bhp photo galleries here http://gallery.blackhairplanet.com

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Back to the BASICS – Natural Hair Regimen

Amina — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:35:53 +0000

So I have been natural since the summer/fall of 2009 and over the time that has elapsed, I have tried many different methods, products, regimens, etc. A couple of times throughout my journey, I got off track. My hair was not as much of a priority as life’s daily activities were. I was neglecting my hair a bit, but upon reflection I have come to realize that my most basic and repetitive routines/regimens are the most beneficial to my hair. Hence, it is time to get Back to the Basics! Through it all I have found that having a basic routine overall is better for my hair than anything else.

I look at what I did when my hair was/is flourishing the most: gentle handling, weekly co-washes, weekly deep conditions, 4x weekly – daily oiling (EVCO, EVOO, or Castor oil), and stretching my hair prior to styling in order to minimize knots and tangles.

The type of regimen that I described above is the type of Basic Routine that I have often moved away from, but have always found success when I went back to it. Can you recall the routine that you had with your hair that was most beneficial? Have you decided to go back to it? If not, maybe you should!

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The Spectrum of Natural Beauty

Amina — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:00:27 +0000

Natural beauty and natural hair in particular comes in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and forms. Some of us may get caught up in the curl patterns, the waves, the length, etc. of our hair. We may get so caught up in fact, that we lose sight of the true beauty that each of us possesses. The full potential of our beauty may be overlooked and undervalued until we actually learn to appreciate it for what it is.

For instance, I used to have a slight obsession with curl definition when styling my hair. Never did I step out without a freshly twisted, knotted, or braided pattern in my hair. Then over time, I realized that my hair had grown and needed more attention…with more attention came more time. The conclusion came that I would be better off letting my hair do its own thing. I embrace my coils and wear more puffy ponies in confidence, rather than fretting over the frizz and fuzz. I have beautiful friends that have done the same. Below is a pic of myself and my good friend Shannon who shed her 16 inches of hair to don her natural cropped cut that I think totally compliments her features. More coming on her story soon, hopefully

Moral of the story – please embrace your natural hair, your natural beauty, and love it for what it is…not what you can transform it into!

natural beauty

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10 Hair Products for Below 10 Bucks that Get Results!!

Dena — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:55:48 +0000

Ok, so we’re either right in the middle or coming out of a recession. Who can really tell? Either way it goes, penny pinching can’t hurt anyone these days. Statistics show that even through a recession, women still continue to spend a portion of their income on beautifying themselves. Who can blame us, who wants to look and feel like you’re penny pinching? If you’re anything like me, you invest in quality products for your tresses, because spending more money means better quality, right? I’ve found that to be absolutely true with some things, however with hair care products, there are quite a few exceptions. Here’s a list of 10 of the best hair products that cost under 10 bucks and can be found at Sally’s or local drugstores!!

1. Aussie Moist Conditioner- about $6 Amazing smell and super at moisturizing hair!!
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil-$6-10. Its moisturizing components and excellent thickening abilities make this the best oil for black hair on the market, and it’s natural!! How amazing is that?
3. One and Only Argan Oil-about $10 at Sally’s. Who can argue the benefits of the Moroccan Argan Oil? So smooth, silky, and the greatest smell known to man. This stuff will make your hair shine like gold!!
4. Suave Professional Conditoners-about $2. Helps fight frizzy and dry hair.
5. Olive Oil Replenishing Pak-$2 a pack. I can’t rave enough about the conditioning qualities of this little yellow pack. It does a brilliant job of correcting dry and damaged hair.
6. Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave In Cream-About $7–Leaves hair feeling super smooth, conditioned and manageable.
7. Shea Moisture Organic Curl Enhancing Smoothie-about$10-makes hair smooth and shiny for days!
8.Dove Daily Moisture Therapy 2 In 1 Shampoo & Conditioner-about $8. Great for leaving hair soft and silky. Great combo of shampoo and conditioner.
9. Aloe Vera Gel- $4-$8 Detangles, moisturizes, and encourages growth.
10. Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo about$5–Effectively conditions leaving hair super manageable.
These products have BHP’s official stamp of approval…

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Natural Hair Encouragement & Tribute to Evelynn M. Hammonds

jaelkirkwood — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:37:52 +0000

The other day as I was filling out scholarship applications, I stumbled upon something that shocked and inspired me. I had been contemplating on which college to attend for a while now and I finally decided to reach out to my family and friends for advice. I posted my concern on Facebook and within a few minutes the comments began to pour in. One of which was from my uncle, telling me that I should attend Harvard. He was one of the several that had told me Harvard was the place for me. Many had even told me that I “look” like Harvard.

I had been shrugging off the advice for some time so I finally decided to look into it. I logged onto Harvard’s website and began researching, trying to see if it truly was the best fit for me. Then I came across the page that had information on the dean of the college. Before I could even continue my prediction of what he would look like popped into my head. It was a middle aged male, maybe late 40’s, Caucasian of course, and not easy on the eyes. The vivid image that clouded in my mind was quickly interrupted when my mouse clicked the page and I saw a beautiful African American woman with dreds. I was taken back! Immediately, I was inspired!

Her name is Dean Evelynn M. Hammonds. She is not only the dean of Harvard College but she is also the Barbara Gutmann Rosenkrantz Professor of History of Science, African, and of African American Studies. Receiving the Outstanding Women Award from the YWCA Cambridge, she has shown she is both a leader at Havard and a role model to the community.

Havard’s website tells us that Dean Hammonds received her B.S in Physics from Spelman College, her bachelors in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, a master in Physics from MIT, and a PH.D in the History of Science from Harvard.

The reason I felt this was so important to share is because here we have a black women leading one of the most admired colleges in the country. There she stands with her natural hair and her brown skin as an example to young black girls around the world. She has paved a way for girls just like me, to follow.

It is so important for us as black women to lift each other up which is why I had to share my testimony with you all and I pray that all the young girls reading this pay close attention. I know sometimes I feel like life is turning me into another statistic, a so-called “typical” black girl, but it’s up to me to beat the odds. I only recently learned how to be comfortable in my own skin, how to love my curly hair, dark brown eyes, and small chest. I was teased so long for these things that have now become my best assets.

As a little girl I was often called names such as flat chested, twig, or even anorexic. I binged daily as a desperate plead to God that I’d somehow gain weight, but it never happened. I thought my body was the problem, but it wasn’t. The issue was me not treasuring myself. It took me up until my freshman year of high school to truly appreciate my petite frame.

Growing up, I was the only black child in my school classrooms up until Junior High. My mom had locked mine and all my sisters’ hair as her own way of protecting us from teasing. She knew dreds grew quickly and didn’t want us to face all the challenges that came along with relaxers and the longing for long hair that she experienced as a child. Well as you could guess the children at school had never seen brown skin let alone dred locks. Anytime my mom would plat my hair in braids and tie a knot at the end in order to create a crimped look for the next day, the kids would call my hair spaghetti and meat balls. Finally after years of answering the same ignorant “black hair” questions daily and dealing with people rubbing their hands through my hair on a regular, I was fed up. I cut my dreds and boomeranged from style to style. I had every look imaginable, from weaves, to relaxers, to braids, every style, and every length. June 3, 2010, I finally embraced who I was. I cut all my hair off and went natural.

It has taken me seventeen years to accept who I am. By the grace of God I landed on my feet and learned my purpose. I am fearfully and wonderfully made by the creator of the universe. I have jet black extremely curly hair that shrinks up at the first sight of water. I proudly wear a size one in jeans and no, I will never be a D cup or completely fill out a pair of jeans. I have large dark brown eyes and although they took sometime to grow into, they are gorgeous!

Tahlia Brookins was a contestant on America’s Next Top Model, cycle 12. She was also a burn survivor and she strutted every scar on her body like they were accessories. She inspired me to embrace the scar I got from surgery as an infant across my stomach. Don’t let what other people say stop you from becoming the person God intends you to be. No body is perfect and everybody has insecurities. So the next time you feel down about yourself think about the little girl that feels the same way you do. You can be the person to inspire her to love herself just by you embracing your own flaws.

So thank you Dean Evelynn M. Hammonds for embracing all that you are and showcasing it as a light to all the young African American girls out there with a dream, especially me!

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