Beautiful

I have stumbled across some wonderful things today regarding black hair. On 8/24/09 my father would have been 63 years young - Lord knows how much I miss him. So when I stumbled upon the photo gallery of a father braiding his daughter's hair it really touched my heart. Even more beautiful is that the father is white and his adopted daughter is Ethiopian. I have a found memory of my dad trying to roll my hair on pink rollers when I was younger. I have no idea where my mother was, but she wasn't around lol. Needless to say, it was a mess, but he tried.

Enjoy - http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/living/braids/10.html

The NYT writes about black women and hair...

Good morning lovelies!  The NYT posted an article about black women and hair and it pretty good.  Chris Rock's new movie, "Good Hair", is really bringing the issue of black hair out in the open. 


I always find it interesting when people talk about "good hair".  I honestly hate the term and in the past have fell victim to using the term myself.  But it really doesn't make sense.  What makes someone's hair "better" than mine?  That is ridiculous.  Our hair textures and types are all different and beautiful.  Just because I can't wet my hair have it be curly and bouncy with no effort, doesn't mean that my hair is "bad" - just different.


The article also touches on hair coloring and if one is still "natural" if they color their hair.  We know this hits close to home.  I've never claimed to be chemical-free, but I do consider myself to still be natural as I don't alter the texture of my hair with a relaxer.  I love hair color and it is a way for me to express myself.  Right now, I am lovin' the red tones but maybe I want to go lighter, or darker.  Who knows - the options are endless!


But anyways - I am rambling.  Check out the article and let me know what you think!

Hair Rules products + Ingredients 101 on the Coil Reivew + Other Tidbits

Hi Lovelies!  I know, I know... I have been neglecting yall!  I am so sorry.  For those of you who sent GMAT prayers my way, THANK YOU.  I did pretty well, but am going to take it one more time, so thank you for hanging in there with me.

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Hair Rules products for "kinky" hair - both good and bad.  My aunt told me that Hair Rule products were featured on the Today show this morning, so I have been trying to find a clip of the segment, but I haven't had any luck.  I have been on the fence for months about whether or not I should buy them and try them out. We all know that my experience with the wash and go look, has left me pissed and lookin' like a poodle.  If you have used them, let me know your experience.  I might finally bite the bullet and give them a try.  The only thing that I am kind of weary about is that the second ingredient in the Kinky Curly Cream is mineral oil - yuck.  I try to stay away from products that contain mineral oil, but some of my favorite Miss Jessie's products contain mineral oil but they are near the bottom of the ingredient list.  Yall know I love products so I am very close to pushing the "buy" button so we shall see...

So the new name of my section on The Coil Review is "Ingredients 101".  Check out my July article on Aloe Vera.  Check back monthly for my new articles as well as all of the great information and resources on the website!
 
I have stopped being lazy and have finally 2-strand twisted my hair and it looks fabulous (if I might say so myself).  My roots are definitely coming in, but I am trying to hold out until I get them touched up again.

Summer = Time for Swagger

Swagger Like Us
By: Elisa Dobbins 
 
"Swagger" is an expression that has been introduced by Hip Hop and has been embraced by all. Swagger is the natural hustle encoded in each of us. Swagger is brazen confidence exhibited through one's persona, vibe and style. Swagger is natural, timeless and is not just a state of mind; it's a state of being.
 
Sometimes we don't explore our own personal swag out of fear of how people may react. Newsflash – stop making apologies for being yourself! We are all beautiful in such unique ways and these distinctions make our community so fabulous.
 
We all have swagger, but sometimes need an extra push in discovering it. So why not unleash your inner 'swag star'?

• Play with color: You will be amazed at how a change in color can give you that extra "umph". If you are hesitant of permanent hair color due to the chemicals or commitment, try semi-permanent or temporary rinses.  Red hues add a beautiful warm hue to dark hair and a funky, richness to medium brown tones.
• Switch it up: Change your hair style. Spend a day experimenting with new styles and new products.  Let your hair speak to you – you might be surprised as a new style is unleashed.
• Get inspired: Try collecting pictures of 'dos that you love and make an inspiration book of sorts.
• Be comfortable: if you know that you don't feel comfortable with your hair pulled back, don't do it!  Work within your comfort level.  You cannot be confident if you are uncomfortable.
• Rock it: Whatever your style is, rock it! If you feel fabulous, that feeling will follow you through the whole day.

Bottom line, take some time to explore what makes your style special and embrace it. Nothing is more beautiful than a confident woman that doesn't apologize for her swagger! Spring is finally here and your inner diva is itching to get out.  No one on the corner has swagger like you!

Courtesy of The Coil Review

Michelle Obama's Hair Stylist featured in the Washington Post

Hello lovelies!  The Washington Post is running a good article today about our First Lady's hair stylist, Johnny Wright.  Check it out.  I'll try to remember to upload pictures of my afro + scarf 'do when I get home.  If you are in DC, stay dry!

Talking Hair Relaxers in the Washington Post

Happy New Year!

The Washington Post has an article in the Health section about hair relaxers and the harmful chemicals in them - take a look.  I am amazed that black women experience a plethora of hair problems (i.e. hair loss, breakage, thinning, baldness), and some still continue to chemically relax their hair.

What do you think?