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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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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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Top Five Products for Natural Hair

jaelkirkwood — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:25:56 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

1) My all time favorite product is Liv by summit. This product is great for protective hair styles such as braids and two strand twists. Since that’s all I usually wear, this product is apart of my daily regimen. Liv will have your hair feeling as soft as it did when you were a little girl. My hair despises grease. Sometimes it’s difficult to find black products that won’t weight down my hair or leave an oily residue.

For example this past month I got my hair in box braids. The African women braiding my hair had a large jug of blue grease and after she finished my hair she greased my scalp. Let me tell you, I have never had an itchier scalp! It was horrible. I couldn’t wash it out since my braids were fresh. I had to just wait until it wore out. With Liv, I can use it as often as I’d like on both my hair and scalp.

Sally’s Beauty Supply describes Liv as the ideal daily conditioner for hair that is dry or brittle due to chemical processing, over-exposure to the sun, or excessive use of blow dryer, hot curlers, and other implements. They say this light, non-greasy formula is leaves hair soft, shiny and manageable.

It is extremely important to read the ingredients in the products you use. The ingredients listed in Liv are Water (Aqua), Petrolatum, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidium) , Beeswax, Cetyl Esters, Peg-75 Lanolin, Polisorbate-60, Sodium Borate, Sorbitol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance (perfume).

2) Product number two is IC Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum. This product has so many benefits! Not only does it protect your hair from heat treatments and styling, it also moisturizes you hair, leaves a great sheen, and smells incredible! I absolutely adore this product! I use it every single day without fail. Although I rarely use heat in my hair, living in a place where the sun is constantly blazing on my hair, it’s great for protection. Also because I wear a lot of twist outs I like my curls to have a shine to them. It makes my dark black hair shine in the sunlight. I would recommend this product to any one and everyone! This one that all hair types can use!

Sally’s describes this one saying, “Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum creates a barrier between heat appliances and your hair so you can style it without the fear of causing serious damage. It will add shine to your hair and moisturize it without leaving a greasy residue and heavy build up. Keep this serum next to your favorite heat styling appliance.” I have to agree completely!

Ingredients for this product include Cyclopentasiloxane , Dimethiconol , Cyclomethicone , Dimethicone , Cyclopentasiloxane , Dimethiconol , Dimethicone Crosspolymer , Amodimethicone , Phenyl Trimethicone , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract , Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate , Fragrance.

3) Silk Elements Mixed Silk Leave-In Conditioner is the third product I can’t go without! I never heard of this product until I was looking for a new leave-in one day with my grandmother. I simply asked one of the employees what her best recommendation would be. I didn’t know that one question would uproar a debate amongst the entire store. Suddenly every woman started telling me how fabulous this product was and how I have to try it! So I decided to give it a whirl and after the first use, I was hooked! This product had given my hair so much moisture! Although it worked great with my two strand twist, it worked wonders when I flat ironed my hair! I would definitely recommend using this product with styles using heat, blow dyers, flat irons, curling irons, ect.

“Silk Elements Mixed Silk Leave-in Conditioning Creme is specially formulated to leave curls bouncy, vibrant, and healthy-looking. Defines, tames, and hydrates natural curls and waves. Great as a daily detangling, shine enhancing and nourishing treatment that restores manageability and style.”, is how Sally’s is defining this product.

The ingredients are WATER ,AMODIMETHICONE ,WHEAT AMINO ACIDS ,STEARALKONIUM CHLORIDE ,GLYCERIN ,CETEARYL ALCOHOL ,POLYSORBATE 60 ,METHYL GLUCETH-20 ,GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE ,ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE ,HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE ,SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL ,CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS (SAFFLOWER) SEED OI ,OENOTHERA BIENNIS (EVENING PRIMROSE) OIL ,SILK AMINO ACIDS ,HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN ,DMDM HYDANTOIN ,METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE ,METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE ,YELLOW 5 ,YELLOW 6 ,FRAGRANCE ,ALPHA ISOMETHYL IONONE ,BENZYL BENZOATE ,BENZYL SALICYLATE ,CITRONELLOL ,HEXYL CINNAMAL ,LIMONENE ,LINALOOL.

4) My fourth favorite product is one that my sister introduced to me. She’s relaxed so I hadn’t paid her products much attention, but this one stood out. I was visiting her for the weekend and had forgotten all my hair products at home. I was wearing two stand twist and planned to take it the next day for my birthday dinner. She was using Palmer’s Olive Oil Hair Conditioner Spray while flat ironing her hair. She told me I could use some so I sprayed it on top of my two strand twist and massaged it in. My twists had an instant sheen and the next day when I took them down they were full of moisture and still shined! This product is a must have for people that wear a lot of protective hair styles!

Palmer’s website says “Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Conditioning Spray Oil, a luxurious natural spray oil, helps condition hair and scalp with its special formulation of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Vitamin E. This easy to use spray oil is ideal for braids and weaves.” This spray can be used for several styles and naturals, transitioners, and relaxed women can use it!

Main ingredients include Carola Oil, Isopropyl, Myristate, Olea Europea Fruit Oil, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocyl, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Fragrance.

5) My fifth and final must have product is Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. Maybe you want to stop using that shampoo that strips you hair! This is the perfect option for you! The no tears formula is created to gently cleanse baby’s delicate scalps without harming them with rough chemicals. Why not treat yourself to that same care! I use this product when I’m not using my Suave naturals and when I feel my scalp is extremely dirty. After I use it, each strand of my hair feels purified. I highly recommend this product to anyone who’s hair is sensitive to shampoo like mine is.

The included ingredients are Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, PEG-150 Distearate, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-10, Tetrasodium EDTA, Quaternium-15, Citric Acid, Yellow 10 and Orange 4. May also contain: Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.

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To Chop or Not to Chop?

jaelkirkwood — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:15:55 +0000

To Chop or Not to Chop

One of the most emotional journeys a black woman can go through is a natural hair journey. As black women there are so many factors we must consider before letting go of the creamy crack! The fear of being the odd one out and not knowing how peers will react is a constant delay. A lot of permed women have not even seen their natural hair since childhood and have no idea how to care for it. But out of all these worries, the most common fear black woman face before doing their Big Chop or “BC” is the fear that their hair will not grow back. This fear has evolved from the myth that African American hair does not grow and if it somehow does, it grows extremely slow. This is why black woman would rather hold on to the patches of damaged dry hair, that is slowly falling out anyways, rather than just letting go and getting a clean shave. The hysterical part about this rumor and fear is that it is completely contrary to the truth.

June 3, 2010 is when I did my big chop. I walked right into a barber shop sat where the men sit and had all my hair shaved off down to a buzz. A few days later I was on a regular girls day out, sporting my new hair-do, going to get my eye brows threaded. When I arrived the Indian woman, who had been threading my brows for about four months, greeted me with a unique enthusiasm for my new look. As I sat in the chair and waited for her to begin, she told me how in her homeland, back in India, it was a ritual for the women to shave their heads. She said, “The women shave the young girls’ hair so it can come back in thicker and fuller. By the time the girls reach age nine or so, they have already had their heads shaved at least five times.”

What got my attention about this story was not the fact that shaven heads had benefits, but the fact that we were speaking of India. India, the same place African Americans get the best weaves! At that moment I thought to myself if they don’t even come out with that hair we crave so much, why are we buying it from them? Why not do what they are doing and have the same results growing from our very own scalps? I was so intrigued by the idea that African American women could have this long luxurious hair that we’ve longed for since our ancestors were brought to America.

After doing some research I learned that I wasn’t the only person with this information. Natural Hair had become a movement. Chris Rock’s Good Hair movie opened the eyes of millions of permed women when he traveled to Chennai, India to visit the place where a large portion of the best weaves come from.

While researching Chennai I learned that Chennai is home to many Hindu families. Hubpages.com tells us that Hindus believe being seen clean shaven, they are then perceived as being devout. The head shave is a symbol of total submission to God which is why it is usually performed in a temple. But as the Hindu people reach a more modern and liberal time, the motives of some people to their sacred traditions are not as genuine. With hair being a big contributor to the economy, some people shave their heads with the knowledge that the hair wil grow back a better grade. They are no fools, making sure to begin head shaving as soon as the female children reach a year’s age.

So my African American beauties, the trick is out of the bag. Head shaving is the first step to that gorgeous crown of glory. So to chop or not to chop? I say go for it!

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Fantastic Finds – Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Conditioner

Amina — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 02:04:57 +0000

The “Fantastic Finds” will be a post that relates to products and accessories that are located for great prices which means great deals will be shared! Every girl loves a good bargain right?

Today I found a product that I just HAD to have. My beloved Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Conditioner was at TJ Maxx in a 33.5oz pump bottle! The price of the large size was only a bit more than the standard size – $12.99! I started to buy all 4 of the bottles and clear off the shelf, but I’m sure this bottle will get me through the summer and then some!

I would definitely recommend TJ Maxx, Ross, or Marshall’s for your beauty brands; my hair and my wallet are both sure to be rewarded for this Fantastic Find!

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Hairstyle of the Week

Amina — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:14:59 +0000

This is the latest form of my hair, a stretched bantu knot out. I achieved this look to my dismay through a blow dry (I had to otherwise it would not have been dry overnight for work). I think it’s the closest I will get to a “wrap” in a while, as I do not plan on straightening it for a minute. My afro texture was not as prominent thoiugh due to the dryer, it felt awkward actually

Feel free to comment!

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SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Conditioning Curl & Style Milk

Amina — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:30:19 +0000

SheaMoisture Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk - pic courtesy of Sheamoisture blog

My hair has found the new love of its life – Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Conditioning Curl & Style Milk! This product is a mixture of plenty of things that my hair likes. The best thing about it is that it does all of the work alone and doesn’t need other products to maximize its results! If you like what you read below, dare to try it! Its only $9.99 at your local Target. It’s definitely worth its price!

Here’s the Scoop:

Adds shine

Strengthens (with the infusion of silk protein)

Leave-in, styling product, locks in moisture all by its lonesome

Quick Note (may be a con to some):

Best when used on wet/damp hair. My hair prefers this product after it is freshly washed, or spritzed with distilled water or aloe vera gel. My hair did not do well with this product as a refresher on dry hair.

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How Our Diets Affect Our Hair

Alesha — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 19:23:00 +0000

Raise your hand if you’re struggling to keep your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier or diet. Don’t worry—you’re not alone!

As you waver between steaming those veggies and grabbing a handful of fries, you not only have your body to think about—also consider that what you eat affects your hair. When you take in food, you take in the nutrients it has to offer. These nutrients are delivered to your hair, skin, and nails. Eating junk food isn’t going to provide important nutrients that hair thrives off of; therefore, hair can become dry or prone to breakage. Remember that healthy hair care isn’t just about the “Holy Grail” of conditioners, but it’s also about what you put into your body.

So what can you do to internally promote hair health? First off, remember to drink water and remain hydrated. Dehydration often displays itself with dry skin and brittle hair. Next, eat foods rich in iron and protein. Examples are salmon, dark green vegetables, and beans. Iron and protein are extremely important for stronger and longer hair. Your tresses are already made of keratin infused protein, and iron helps deliver oxygen throughout your body. It’s no wonder that people who eat plenty of food with these key ingredients tend to have a healthy mane.

Of course you don’t have to become a health fanatic in order to have shiny and strong hair, but it will help to incorporate more protein and iron-rich meals into your daily diet. Seek the advice of your physician if you plan to take supplements, and especially if you notice excessive shedding or hair loss.

Here’s to healthy hair growing!

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Natural Hairstyles 2011

Amina — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:31:21 +0000

Natural hairstyles in 2011 will continue to be innovative and interesting. I forecast captivating natural hairstyles that shall draw the attention of naturals and relaxed heads alike.

The TWA:

More and more are still going natural, but not all ladies rocking the TWA are newly natural. I’m beginning to notice the TWA on ladies everywhere. Many will boast about the low-maintenance. Career women to artsy, stylish students find comfort and flare in the tailored TWA! Go ahead Girls!

Cute, Curly Styles

Cute, simple, curly styles are beautiful. They are effortless, yet the style can make anyone look like a million bucks! Try out a cute twist out, coil out, bantu knot out, or roller set to achieve a lovely curly coily style this season!

Mohawks

Whether the mohawks are braided, shaved on the sides, sculpted, or pinned up, the rocker chic look that ladies have bee sporting from the runways to the streets will definitely be a big hit yet again in 2011!

Dreads/SisterLocs

Some of the most elegant and unique hairstyles in 2011 will be made out of dreads and locs. The locs can be as versatile as natural hair itself.

Big Hair

Big, voluminous hair never goes out of style! Plenty of these styles will be spotted out and about.

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