Hello ladies! I have officially BC’d for the third time! The first time happened in November 2007. I was in the process of making a Two-Year Anniversary video. I’ll continue working on it and post it promptly.
A few days again (on Christmas Eve), in a fit of rage with a pinch of insanity I picked up the scissors AGAIN. I have about 1/4 an inch of hair and will upload pictures once I get it tapped up and looking right. For some reason, this BC feels so much different from before, probably because I’m not “freeing” myself from a relaxer. Either way, I guess it’s time to redocument my journey. Also, I plan to take a picture of myself everyday for a year…we’ll see how that goes.
Yesterday I got an opportunity to go to attend a Miss Jessie’s event and learned tons of information.
Trimming is equally important for natural hair. But we already knew that one, right?
It’s time for a trim when one side of your hair (or afro) is lighter in colour than the other side. I tried this against a lighted backdrop and I was good to go. :)
It’s time for a trim when it’s hard to comb through your ends. If you’re experiencing more tangling at the ends than normal, get out your hair scissors. You’ll also learn to feel when it’s time for a trim. If your ends feel rough, you know what to do.
When twisting your hair, air drying the style will result in MORE VOLUME! If you prefer a sleeker definition, sit under a hooded dryer for 30 minutes and you’re guaranteed more hold. I’ve learned that styling products make a difference as well.
If you want to make a twist out or coil style look older, take off your shower cap in the last 5 minutes of your shower and let the steam do some work. Some styles look better when they’re older so I agree with this tip.
Yesterday was very informative and encouraging. Any thoughts?
What do men want already? For goodness’ sake! I’ve realizing that (black) men are just as affected by media as women are. Black men want to rub their fingers through a woman’s hair because (according to media), it’s a sign of intimacy. Well if he loves you, let him coil your curls and GET OVER IT.
I was forwarded this video on YouTube titled “Too Many Weaves” whose lyrics include: “…I want to put my fingers through your hair but I don’t want to lose them…“, “...that’s why I’m into Asian chicks…” and similar. Okay, so what gives? Beautiful transcends culture in my opinion so how many weaves does it take?
I know I shouldn’t listen to these fools but the video is sadly humorous. I fear that people will take the natural/hair movement as a joke. Please don’t skank to this song to hard, it presents a bigger problem.
Hey Beautifuls! Sorry about playing ghost for a full year. Major life changes. :)
Alrighty, we all know there is clearly a global natural hair movement. It appears that a good portion of women are going natural…or at least educating themselves on alternative ways to wear their hair sans the relaxers.
Although the movie “Good Hair” is not showing near me (yet), it has raised my curiosity. The movie sparked an interesting level of controversy displayed in talk shows (such as Oprah and Tyra), has prompted Tyra to reveal her real (and freshly relaxed might I add) hair, and has created translated Barbara Walters’ words about black women and hair into a death wish. Why all the drama?
I absolutely agree that everyone should be allowed to wear their hair in its natural state. Yes, I’ve heard the excuse that “natural hair isn’t for everyone” but if people are comfortable in their own skin (or curls), why not let it be just that? Equally, if women are comfortable dosing their scalps with caustic chemicals, after they have thoroughly educated themselves, is that so wrong?
I’ve heard that the movie’s primary focus is economical and filled with comic relief to lighten the seriousness of the topic. In all fairness, I haven’t seen it and can’t judge its breadth or ability to help a world of women go/stay natural. If you have seen the movie or know an answer to any of my questions, please give me a word! Closure is needed.
Hey you guys! My sister’s thinking about going natural! Can you believe it??!!
Her reason: she’s tired of the chemicals and being Mrs. Scabby Scalp. Below is her current hair length.
Unfortunately, she’s suffering from hair anxiety and fear about being “too nappy to be natural.” This fear primarily cames from my mother who told her that she wouldn’t look good with natural hair. My mother said the same thing to me. She’s such a hair hater.
So my question to you all is, who is most affected by your natural hair? Is it your parents (mom, pops), significant other (boyfriend, husband), your friends (girlfriends) or other (co-workers, classmates, the world)?
Although its been a year, it appears that my mother is most affected by natural hair, not just mine.
I’m all about saving money where I can and I realize that there are excellent imitators are there for products and supplies. But are there really?
Annie’s, who makes hair supplies for African-Americans, makes a hair brush remarkably similar to the Denman brush! They are much cheaper in cost and are sold in two different sizes. I bought one recently and I was shocked at the quality of the bristles! However, after about four uses, I did sense some random sliding of the base of the brush. Awkward…
I want to know how you feel about it so…I’M GIVING AWAY FIVE FOR FREE!!
Please, (1) comment to this blog and (2) forward your correct name and address to naturallyfamous@gmail.com. I will reply with a confirmation and put your free regular sized brush in the mail in 24 hours! Please note that this will be regular US post. I’d love to hear your comments about the Annie’s Denman Brush Wannabe.
Thanks!
UPDATE: NO MORE BRUSHES!!
I’d like to tell everyone thank you who participated and I hope you enjoy your brush!
I’m back and unfortunately the website’s progress is not where it should be. Meanwhile, I’ll continue to post entries.
Here’s a quick update. I’ve set an appointment with the hairdresser but not for a relaxer, just to get it straightened and trimmed. I haven’t had a trim since I BC’d back in Nov. 2007. Can you believe its almost 1 year?! My ends are shoddy and there’s absolutely no treatment in the world that will remedy them. I simply need a trim.
The hairdresser is planning to use the Pravana’s Keratin Fusion straightening method. I’m in the process of doing my research but I’m not too sure how I feel about adding chemicals to straighten my hair, even if temporary. The hairdresser has natural hair as well, locs to be exact so I doubt she’ll do anything crazy to my hair.
My appointment is not until Oct. 18th (yes, I’m that busy I had to book it three weeks from now). I’m taking before and after pics so get ready!
With natural hair, its important to maintain a proper pH balance of 4.5 to 5.5 (for your hair). pH is a medical term that describes the balance of your system and it refers to the condition of metabolic changes. Your pH balance is also affected by the types of food you eat. A woman’s body should maintain a pH balance that averages to 6.5 (but no more than 7.5). Drinking purified water will neutralize your pH balance.
Just like your skin, your hair’s pH balance is affected by numerous factors, particularly the products you use. This is why its important to switch up some of your products after 90 to 180 days because your hair becomes tolerant. Tolerant hair = dull, dry look and feel. Neutralizing products (I’ve only seen shampoos sold as such) are your friend!
Many products have their pH number on the bottom of the bottle. If not, you should try to determine whether the product is alkaline or acidic. You can test your hair product’s pH balance by purchasing a testing kit at Walmart (for about $10.00) or any local pool supply store. You can also test your pH balance by testing your saliva or (dare I type it?) urine. Eww!
Hair’s a little inspiration in case you’re down in the dumps.
Having natural hair is probably the hardest thing you’ll ever go through but its possible and the rewards are great. You have to do your part. If you’re at the point of succumbing to the creamy crack, don’t.
When you find your hair overly dry and brittle, stop yourself from acting emotional.
Take a moment to review and evaluate your products and their ingredients. Find the culprit(s) and toss it (them).
Change your regime. What works for one person may not necessarily work for you. Yet, if you’re taking advice from another, make sure that that person has a similar (if not the same) hair type. Your hair texture is your texture. When I first went natural, I found myself taking advice from someone with 3A hair. Her products nor advice worked on my 4B kinks. A certain conditioner or gel may enhance your hair texture but don’t expect a total reformation. It only goes so far.
Take the time needed. Having natural hair is time consuming (more than I expected) but taking the proper time to do weekend deep treatments is needed.
Stay consistent. Please be consistent and persistent.
As long as you stay diligent, the rewards will be great. Give your hair the due diligence it deserves. This advice goes beyond natural hair. DON’T STOP! Run the race!
