Chris Rock’s new documentary, “Good Hair,” finally hit theatres nationwide last weekend, so black women across the country are undoubtedly still discussing the politics of hair. I’ve experienced more than 20 years of hair reinventions, from the 14-inch, layered partial weave I sport today to the two big country plaits my Liberian mother braided into my hair when I was in elementary school. On other occasions, my cousin would make square parts all over my head and make single braids out of my very short, very coarse hair. You probably would’ve mistook me for one of Coolio’s children back then, but my childhood hairstyles never became the source of hot-button debate—my hair was never political. But for 4-year-old Zahara Jolie-Pitt, the adopted daughter of Brad and Angelina, her hair has become as political as the debate over healthcare. Read the full story

Okay sisters we know that gray hair is inevitable for most of us. But when it shows up is largely a result of the genetic lottery. If your silver streaks have cropped up before you’re ready to embrace them check out this new challenge from Clairol Professional which dares you to go “From Gray to Gorgeous”. Read the full story

So I had a new client come in this past week and wanted to debate the grease question. I personally and professionally say nay to grease, heavy pomades or the like. As far as I’m concerned, heavy greases are a thing of the past… Today, we should be concerned with a healthy scalp, not a greasy one. Not only does it weigh down your hair and forbid movement (yall know how I love movement) but more importantly, (I guess, lol) it clogs your follicles. Your scalp needs air just like you do. Heavy pomades suffocate. Read the full story

OK , Natural sista’s!! This one’s for you! You asked…

We all have choices. Whether we choose to live life with a relaxer or texturizer or go natural, it doesn’t determine who we are. It’s just how we like to see ourselves. So lets talk about those of us who choose to stick closer to our natural texture. So for those of you unsure, your hair is naturally curly. Tight or loose curls all curls need moisture! Moisture, moisture and more moisture. Moisture is our friend not humidity.

With that said, those of us with natural hair should not use detergents on it. At least not on a regular basis. Like our faces, natural hair needs fewer chemicals that dry out our natural oils. We should cleanse our hair as we cleanse our face. If you’re wearing your hair out and natural a few great cleansing products include Deva Curl No Poo (shampoo), Mixed Chicks Shampoo and Carol’s Daughter Khoret Amen Herbal Shampoo.  Great Detangling and deep conditioners include Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner and Alterna Hemp Organics Color Hold (hair that is colored also needs lots of moisture).  PLEASE NOTE LADIES.  ONLY COMB YOUR HAIR WHEN ITS WET AND UNDER WATER!
 
Now that we understand a little more about our natural hair, please now that a leave-in conditioner is the answer to some of your prayers.  My personal favorites; the Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner and TIGI Bed Head’s Ego Boost. All leave-in conditioners are made to leave moisture in the hair. The lighter leave-ins for the summer and the heavier in the winter. Like any heavy leave-in, you can dilute the product to work best for you.

In past post I’ve talked about ladies who chose to wear their hair relaxed and what they can do for their hair at night. Maintenance of our natural locks are just as easy and almost the same. At night, natural sisters please do use a satin bonnet or the satin pillowcases. Lock the moisture in your hair at night. In the morning try using Mixed Chicks Hair Silk or Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk.

I don’t make New Years resolutions. I actually have a slight fear of making plans more than a month ahead. The funny thing is that I almost always must have a plan, even if it’s thrown together at the 11th hour—an oxymoron I know, but it’s just one of those quirky things about me. So as the New Year approached and everyone began asking the inevitable question about resolutions, I decided to take a baby step in overcoming my fear of commitment and make one. Surprisingly, almost a full month in (not a long time, but a big step in my world), I have been able to stick to it.

The goal seems simple enough—pull off an entire year of being “on”. I’ll explain in a minute. I think my lack of effort in the glamour department had to do with the fact that for the most part I found 2008 to be a bit of a bore. I had so many high expectations for the year, but as things panned out and the year progressed, the excitement faded. No one really seemed to care much about anything (except the election of course!) and I think I allowed my appearance to reflect that. Don’t get me wrong I didn’t let my looks go completely to the wayside—I just got lazy.

By December I had a short list of items in my closet that required no ironing, matched with just about everything, and that with little effort and much comfort I could wear on a daily basis. I rotated them in two-week intervals and hoped that no one noticed. What I found was that my lack of effort in making wardrobe and makeup decisions, contributed to my overall humdrum feelings toward everything else around me.

So as the New Year approached, I resolved to not be lazy in 2009, at least not with my looks. It has meant getting up earlier to iron and spending a time rearranging my closet so that I can actually see all of the options that I have available. It is all in an effort to the make myself feel better, look the part at work, and take advantage of the wardrobe that I am trying to build up.

It’s the holidays!! Yippee!!! I love the holidays!! I have always been a fan, especially now as an adult. I love to dress up. I love to get sassy, classy or sexy. Once in a while, I’m even playful.

The conversation in my hair studio has holiday wrapped all around it. Holiday hair can be lots of fun!! You can do things you’ve always wanted to try out… Extra long and high ponies (cute and inexpensive), era hair, or long fabulous full hair. Read the full story

This may be shocking to some, old news to others…. Let’s talk about washing your hair. “Your hair grows better when it’s dirty.” Not true. As a matter of fact, it’s the exact opposite. Your hair grows quicker and will be healthier when your hair and scalp are clean.Your scalp needs air! Heavy oils and products can clog your hair follicles and cause blockage, causing the hair shaft to suffocate and not grow. Read the full story

Happy November! Most of you might not know that November is actually National Diabetes Awareness Month. Read the full story

Products are everywhere! Which ones work best for you? With all those products on the shelves, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and leave the store spending more than you wanted. And you might not be sure that the products you chose are going to work right for you. Experimenting is inevitabe (and necessary) to find the best ones. Well, I’ve tried quite a number of products and wanted to share with you some of my faves for different hair types at a variety of prices. Read the full story

Once every two to three years or so I get the urge to cut bangs. The problem is that after about a week my forhead starts breaking out and I can’t find a flattering way to brush them to the side. Also, if not done correctly, bangs have the potential to transport me back to my tweenage years, which as a working professional  I don’t really need to revisit.  So, as the urge to cut wells up once again I’m deciding to do a little research before my next salon visit. I need a style that says both autumn and ease. Bang styles can speak volumes about someone’s personality, but at that root of it there are some basic guidelines the must be followed. Read the full story