The N word and our children

The N word, not the word commonly used to describe skin, but the N word to describe the texture of a person's hair... NAPPY. I am beginning to loathe this vial and vicious word. It's connotation has such far reaching tentacles, that it attaches itself to us and does not let us go. In the Natural Hair Community, there is a debate that states the word Nappy is acceptable to use, while others hate the word and want to bury it alive. Well, I want to bury it alive! It is not so harsh when coming from other naturals who wear there hair in a natural state, but from those who choice to wear their hair pressed, it can be a harsh indication that straight is better. I can not say that I have never used the word... Perfection is not my name.. However, I am more conscious of using the word today than I was last year. I have heard people describe their daughters hair as nappy. Sad, but so true! At first glance of their hair, many would agree. However, I do not see napps, I see hair that is thick, extremely coily and kinked. It is hair that is not really embraced, cared for yes, but not embraced. I see hair that is being cared for like permed hair. Matter of fact, the issues is that many mothers who have straight hair will use products and tools on their baby girls hair as if their hair is straight. The use regular shampoo, small teeth combs, barrettes, rubber bands and ponytail holders, and grease for the scalp... ALL tools that will break the hair.

If you want to see a woman with thick, course hair, go to Youtube and type in natural hair. Then type in Rustic Beauty. She has a banging video collection that will encourage any woman or child with thick, course hair who does not believe that hair growth is possible

The Benefits of Apple Cidar Vinegar on the Hair

Oh, My ... I love Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). It is a sweet delight for the natural woman who wants a safe and effective cleanser for the hair. It also helps facilitate hair growth! Here are some time honored benefits of using ACV:

• Rinse the hair with ACV as it will balance the PH level of the hair, while effectively removing buildup from hair products and the environment.


• ACV also removes germs from the hair, which is a common reason for hair loss and dandruff.


• Rinsing with ACV will close the cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft. When the hair shaft is protected, you have more smoother hair that reflects light and easier to manage.


• ACV can also kill lice in the hair... it is safe and more natural alternative to commercial lice treatments.

I love ACV... over the weekend I made a special herbal infusion with ACV and herbs of nettle, capsicum and burdock. I am allowing the herbs growth properties to settle in the ACV so that I can use it is a rinse for me and Tay's hair!!!

PS.. Do not worry about the smell, it will dissipate once you rinse it from your scalp.

Ms. Badu: The Righteous Natural

I love Erykah Badu. I remember the first time I saw the video for On&On and it made me so happy to witness a female vocalist who had something meaningful to say in her music. I also loved Erykah's unique and bohemian meets rocker/alien look. Her hair, her swagger, that girl is BADD! She defies the standard of beauty set by female artist who rather wear revealing clothes and a bevy of lacefronts. Not Erykah, she wears her natural hair like the Proud Black Female that she is supposed too. Every video, every performance, you see the evolution of Erykah's music and personal style. Her latest album, the New Amerykah is a posed with political ruminations, personal storytelling, and an in-depth look at the impact of drugs, violence and hopelessness prevalent in the black community. Erykah, keep being you because you add so much depth to Amerykah!

Hair Basics 101

The structure of Hair is often ignored, unless you are a cosmetology student. For me, I really never felt the need to learn about the hair structure because I depended on others to take care of my hair. Well, since becoming natural, I understand that learning the basics of hair care is the foundation to which we must build our knowledge base.

• Hair is comprised of three structures- The Cuticle, the Cortex and the Medulla.


• Hair grows from a follicle or pore within the skin. The root of the hair is the papilla ( You will know if the hair is shedding when you see the white bulb at the end, which is the papilla).


• Hair is nourished by the sebaceous gland that oozes an oily, waxy substance called Sebum (our natural grease).


• Inside the scalp, the hair follicle is grown by blood that provides nutrients from our food. This is the reason why it is vital to eat vegetables, fruits and lean meats in abundance because if you eat only a few, the nutrients will flow to the organs that need the nutrients first and the only a small percentage or none at all will make it to your nails and hair.


• Keratin is the protein that hardens and pushes the hair out of the scalp.


• Once the hair leaves the scalp, it is DEAD ( this is why you can get your hair cut and not feel any pain)


• The GOAL IS TO PRESERVE THE HAIR!!!!

Stay tuned for more information so that you will be an informed about the Basics of Hair Care and Growth...

Plead the Blood:For Hair Sake

I am a Christian or I should say, I have a intimate relationship with Christ Jesus. My pastor has taught us to plead the blood of Jesus over our lives, as it gives us new life and sustains us. Well, we have to understand that healthy hair growth occurs when we have blood that is free from toxins and free radicals. Our blood is what carries the nutrients from the foods we eat to the cells in our bodies, which then goes to our epidermis and feeds our hair follicles. The blood circulates, stores, and produces the nutrients we need in order to grow our hair to lengths that we always imagined, but never thought possible. Many people believe that they can use products on their hair for growth without realizing that the real change must exist on the inside. Better food choices is very critical, but often overlooked.

I am gaining a wealth of knowledge about the foods that I eat and how they contribute to my overall health. I desire long, thick hair and understand it can not be bought in a jar or a gel or in a store ( Oh wait, it can be brought in a store). I must first eat a more plant based diet, incorporating lean proteins and fish and drink water, water and more water. I have never been a seafood person, but I like Salmon and Sushi ( go figure). I also take several vitamins, including Cod Liver oil, Iron, Biotin ( no breakouts thus far), Calcium, Vitamin D, and a Whole food Multivitamin. I feel energetic and alert. I also see a difference in the way in which my hair feels and the growth retention that I have.

The World Record

As I was dressing the kids this morning, I saw the Guinness World record for the longest dred locked hair go to Mrs. Asha Mandela. Mrs. Mandela is a native Jamaican and currently resides in Florida. Asha has been growing her natural hair for 21 years and has no immediate plans to cut.

Simply Amazing...Why do black women believe they can not grow long hair? The proof is in the fact that women who opt to wear their hair without chemicals can and will achieve hair growth and retention if they learn to care for their hair.

Saturday Morning Beauty Shop

Can you recall the Saturday mornings when your mom, older sister, auntie or Nana called you down the stairs to get your hair done? You could smell the hot comb as it sat on the stove, simmering just for you. I can recall those days like they were yesterday, mom sitting me in the kitchen chair while she arranged her instruments of torture, well, that was the way they appeared to me. The hard plastic black comb with three or more teeth missing. You know the one she used on your thick hair, that always broke in the midst of the excruciating de-tangeling session. The comb also doubled as a weapon to slap your fingers if you acted like you were tenderheaded. I always wondered why she never threw the comb away, but used it week after week, until it broke in half. Beside the comb was the thick blue grease or pressing creme. Then there was the old burnt towel, that was used to take some of the heat from the hot comb before it touched your head, but did not cool it enough to stop it from burning your scalp. Opps, the heat was from the grease or at least that is what was said after it touched your scalp. Finally, the stick of coco butter or petroleum jelly for those beautiful burnt marks on your forehead and ear tips. Yeah, I can still feel the thick slather of grease my mom slid down my scalp and it always felt cool. Oh, do you remember when your mom tried to cool the hot comb with her breathe, but it still seemed too hot. I reminisce not to bring back all of the horrors of the Saturday Morning beauty shop, but to say, those moments with mom, grandma, auntie or cousin so and so, allowed time for bonding. It was during those times when you understood that looking good was a long and painful process. I was recently surprised when a friend stated that her natural daughter had voiced some issues with her hair and wanted to wear it long and straight. After some investigation, I learned that her daughter just wanted to wear her hair out and it could be accomplished with a simple twist out. Well, my friend then stated that she did not do her daughter's hair and was somewhat hair phobic. I then explained that the style is easy and it will help to lengthen her hair. I also told her that she should learn or attempt to do her hair. In order for our daughters to love and embrace their hair, we have to run our fingers through it and let them know it is beautiful and just as God intended it to be. See those times when Mom hot combed my hair were torturous, but when she was done and smiled wide and said, "I love your hair", I was elated that I was beautiful to my momma. See Saturday mornings were not just about being burned, they were about quality time with mom, auntie, sister or play cousin down the street. Next time, your lil angel is between your legs about to get her hair done,or at the kitchen getting tortured, tell her she is beautiful and she is unique and special. Tell her just how beautiful and unique her natural is without subjecting it to heat. Just do not use that little comb with the missing teeth.

My Natural Hair Journey:

My natural hair journey began Jan.9, 2009. I laid in my bed that morning and felt like God was whispering in my ear, "Cut your hair". Yes, I actually heard God speak and no, I am not crazy or on any hallucinogenics. I immediately called my sistergirl and hairdresser, who obliged to my urgent and drastic request to chop my hair. I frantically dressed before I lost the nerve, kissed hubby and the kids and drove towards my freedom.

When I arrived at the Beauty shop, I was excited and somewhat fearful because I could not remember what my natural hair looked or felt like. See, I have had chemicals in my hair since the age of 6 and was a true advocate of relaxers whenever the dreaded roots started to show. Matter of fact, the only knowledge of caring for natural hair was with my Lil Mama's, and the countless websites and youtube videos. Initially, I wanted Locs, but soon realized that before I took that plunge, I first wanted to learn about being natural.

As Sistergirl took those shears and began to cut, I felt an overwhelming sense of peacefulness. The hair just kept falling and falling and I never shed a tear. It laid there in a sad pile, ready to be swept and thrown away. I believe at that time, I was in state of shock and to be honest, I just wanted to leave the shop before people had the opportunity to comment, " That girl just lost her everlasting mind".

When I got home, I understood the deep significance of my decision, but as I began to touch my new short crop, I was a little intimidated and felt a panic resound in my heart. "What would I do with my hair?", "What would people think about me?". While these endless thoughts flooded my mind, I just hung me head and sat with my husband, who's judgement and opinion I trust. He looked at me and said, " Baby you are beautiful and I love your hair". From that moment on, I embraced the beautiful natural hair that God gave me.

Be Inspired to Rock your Natural

Vitamins for Hair Growth: Biotin

What is Biotin:
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for energy production, the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Why is Biotin important to our hair?
As you know, amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Protein is important because our hair is comprised of a protein called Keratin, which hardens in our scalp and is pushed out of the hair follicle and produces what we see on our heads, the hair strand.

What foods contain Biotin?
Bananas, Carrots, Salmon, Liver (yuck), Cauliflower, Sardines ( double yucky), Carrots and Legumes.

Side Effects of Biotin:
You should consult your doctor if you have seizures. Biotin can also cause Acne and unwanted hair on other parts of your body to grow fast.


My personal experience with Biotin?
I began using Biotin every day as apart of my vitamin regimen. (March to June 2009). My hair and nails were growing very strong, I noticed results in two weeks. However, I soon stopped when I also noticed Acne. I used 2500mcg every day. I plan to re-start my Biotin again since I since adopted a much healthier lifestyle that includes, reduced sugar intake, no red meat and no soda's or sweet drinks, I also plan to use the vitamin twice a week instead of every day... I will post my results...

How to Shampoo and Condition Hair without Tears

Lil Mama's hates to get her hair washed. She runs, she hides, she fakes injury! I had to find a way to wash her natural hair, that did not involve both of us losing our mind. After various tears and mistrials, I finally perfected the tangle free, tear free washing method.

Step One: Take the hair while it is dry and make four sections. Two in front, two in the back. Separate the hair with a *nylon stocking (it does not pull out hair or moisture) or braid each section ( not tight)

Step Two: Take each section and gently feel for tangles. If you feel a tangle or knot, take some cheap, water based conditioner and add some waster. Apply it to your section of hair in downward motion. If you go from the ends to the root, you will make more tangles. After applying the conditioner, smooth down, go to the core of the tangle and gently separate he knot with your fingers ( DO NOT USE A COMB) . The idea is to save as many hairs as possible. It is also a good idea to use the conditioner /water mix if you have heavy buildup in the hair from products. I love to use Hello Hydration or VO5 for the mixture. After you rid the section from the tangle or knot and applied your conditioner mix, braid the hair and repeat on the other sections.

Step Three: Wet the hair thoroughly. Take your Shampoo and dilute it with water. Shampoo is very drying to Afro American hair and contains ingredients that strip moisture, which is a NO NO and is the primary reason we have hair damage. Diluting it will make it more water based ( Our hair loves water). Take the Shampoo mixture, lather it in your hand and apply it to the scalp, not the hair. Take the pads of your fingers and gently message each braid ( do not scratch becuase this causes injury to the scalp). Do not worry about the hair itself, it will get clean from the suds washing out of your hair. After you shampoo the hair, rinse with warm water.

Step Four: After you rinse the shampoo out, take conditioner ( any will do) and apply it to the root of the hair and smooth down to the end of your braid with your hand. Then gently undo the braided hair section, One at a time, take a wide tooth comb and gently comb from the end, working your way up, until the entire section is saturated enough to have a comb go thru it. Rebraid, repeat the process until all four sections are combed out and then rebraided.

Finally: Rinse the conditioner out while the hair is still in the braids. You can rinse the hair out one section of the time. Cold water is the best because it seals the cuticle and that is essential for your hairs' health. After you are done getting the conditioner out, dry is with a T-Shirt. Please do not use a towel, as this will cause unnecessary hair damage to the ends and further strip moisture.. The goal is to retain growth and keep our Lil princess happy...

* Nylon is good for short hair that can not be braided

Love Your Natural: Interview

Meet Kyle, a brother with beautiful locs....

Name: Kyle Eldridge

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa

Occupation: Information Technology Specialist

How long have you had locs? 4 years

What made you decide to loc your hair?

I wanted something different for my hair and I always admired the way locs looked. They are unique.

What is your regimen for maintaining your locs?

I wash my locs. Every three weeks I get my locs retwisted, every other week I get a scalp cleansing that consist of Seabreeze on my scalp to keep it clean and free from dirt.

What products do you use on your locs?

I use Jamaica Mango spray oil, Isoplus molding creme for the retwisting. I also try to use products with natural ingredients.

Have you ever been discriminated against in the workplace because of your hair ?

No, I have never experienced any discrimination because I transitioned from braids to locs. It was gradual change and no one every said anything negative.

and Lastly, what is the best thing about being natural?

I am unique. I feel like a black man who is proud of my culture, proud of my heritage.

Here you have it, Kyle made a decision to loc his hair and it is beautiful... Thanks Kyle!!!!

Product Junkie Review: RenPure Organics

Product : Ren Pure Organics Conditioner

Price: 7.99 for 13.5oz

Bottle's Slogan: My Pretty hair is parched! Moisturizing conditioner. This formula contains Pomegranate Juice and Pomegranate Extract which helps restore normal moisture levels. It also contains Silk Protein which is used to repair damage and Olive Leaf Extracts which are used to smooth and repair split ends.

Where to purchase: Rite Aid

Ingredients: Silk Protein, pomegranate and olive oil- no sulfates, parabens, colors and dyes

I rate this product on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being- It stays in the store and 5 being a must have: a 3.5

I Co-washed Lil Mama's hair tonightand the conditioner was okay. Her hair had some slip (I could get a comb through it) and it smelled pleasant like citrus. The ingredients were great, but not all natural. I will use this conditioner again, possible with some Olive or grapeseed oil added in...

Please note that any product review that I do is based solely on my opinion, how it manages me and/or lil mama's hair, as well as the ingredients listed. Feel free to comment if you agree or disagree with the product review..

Disney's African American Princess-Tiana

I am so excited about the new Disney movie " The Princess and the Frog". A black princess for our Honey bears! Take a look at the beautiful princess dress that is available at the Disney Store.

Price: $ 89.99

Please leave a comment if you will purchase this item for the little princess in your life?

Mommy's Corner: A review of Good Hair

What can I say about " Good Hair"? I loved the topic and felt it opened up a spring board for some meaningful conversation within the African American community.

Here are some relevant points that I felt were positive:

• It showed the importance of Hair Saloons and Barbershops and their link to the black community- Even Obama knew that if wanted to get the African American vote he would have to frequent barbershops and Salons.



• The film showed the absurdity of Relaxers- ladies (and men) if it can disintegrate a soda can, what do you think it will do to your hair?



• Chris Rock captured the sad and tragic development of Indian Women cutting their hair in a temple so that Indian Remy can be sold in your local Korean beauty store.



• The elaborate Hair show that was ... you just have to see it to believe it.



• The crazy amount of money that some women will pay for fake hair. A $1000.00, you have got to be kidding me.

What the film lacked was:

• A wide representation of Natural women who have made a conscious decision to wear their hair as it grows from their scalp.



• A closer look at the Korean take -over of manufacturing and distribution of black hair care products.



• Why black women want to embrace a Eurocentric standard of beauty, even if it is unattainable.

Anyways, with all that being said, the scene that made me cringe was when the six year old was getting a perm in her hair. Sad, but we do not understand the physical and psycho-social implications that occurs when we neglect our baby girl's hair and opt to perm it to make it "more manageable". In later post, I plan to do a series about what hair is, what products to avoid, basic hair care for your little one, and how to make hair grow, whether relaxed, natural or pressed.

Lastly, my mom (who is always opinionated) was shocked about the money that flows to the Korean merchants, the cost of weaves ( she has never wore a weave) and the Indian women in the temples. Yet, I do not think that my mom fully understands natural hair, as she stated to me after the movie " You should be happy you have good hair and it is not Nappy" OUCH. My mom also said "It looks unprofessional for black men to wear dreds" Double OUCH. Since she feels that way, I plan to invite my brother in Christ to post some pictures of his beautiful locs, and yes, he is a professional man.....

What is Good Hair?

After hearing fair reviews about Chris Rocks " Good Hair", I am going to the movies tomorrow with my mother to see it. I am very excited about the film, although I have heard countless reviews about the movie already. I am mostly excited because my mom, who still wears relaxers aka "Creamy Crack" in her wavy hair, will be able to see the actual damage relaxers can do to a head of hair. I am trying to persuade my mom to go natural because she has beautiful hair. However, her hair is thinning and has been damaged from her regular mishandling of home box relaxers. I plan to do a review of the movie, as well as post about my mother's reaction. Maybe this can fully persuade her to go Natptural. Wish me luck!!!

Be Inspired to take the journey

Inspiration

"Your hair looks good natural because you have curls, see I have napps and it would not look good on me".

I hear this sentiment on a regular basis. It is easy to admire some one else hair, but to truly embrace the journey, you have to love what God gave you. Yes, my hair is beautiful because I accept it, flaws and all. I am a 4b/c, my hair is thick and course, some may even say it is nappy! It does not hang like Lil Mama's 3c/4a hair. But I do not care cause I love my napps. For all you women who think you can not go natural, feast your eyes on these beautiful napturals!!!

LuvMeNatural: A mom and daughters natural hair journey

Welcome to LuvMeNatural: A Mother and Daughter's Natural Hair Journey

For me, the journey to natural really began when Taylor AKA Lil Mama's was born, even though I did not know it at the time. After I counted ten fingers and ten toes, I looked at her hair. Yes, I wanted to see if she had "good hair". After months passed and her hair remained soft and curly, I sighed relief and mentally made plans to put a relaxer in her hair when she turned ten years old. I thought this was the only way ladies. However, as the months went on, I was amazed at the curls that grew on her hair. Beautiful and healthy was the only way to describe them. It was at this point that I really began to wonder about my own natural hair. I thought about locs at first because I knew that most women and men could grow their hair long. After a year of research, hair raising experiments and losing damaged hair, I knew I wanted to be free from the lye, forever. One morning I just woke up and had an epiphany ( I will talk about this later), called my sistergirl, who is also a hairdresser and told her I wanted to BIG CHOP. From the moment my hair hit the floor, I felt liberated and free. I felt BEAUTIFUL. Not only did I learn to embrace my kinky hair, but I gained so much knowledge to help maintain Lil Mamas hair.

Picture above of Lil Mama's at five months-March 2007 ( please ignore the date on the photo)