LuvMeNatural

LuvMeNatural: The Science of Hair: The Cuticle

2011-07-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

LuvMeNatural: The Science of Hair: The Cuticle

The Science of Hair: The Cuticle

2011-07-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

The Cuticle is a part of the hair follicle and the most vital part of your hair since it affects the retention of your hair length. The purpose of the cuticle is to protect the cortex of your hair. The cortex is the inner part of the hair follicle and responsible for the hair's moisture content, elasticity,strength, and the color of hair. Yes, the cuticle has much to protect. Consequently, the cuticle itself is very fragile, yet we abuse it to the point of no return. We use small comb, metal hair clips, too much heat on a daily basis and wonder why our hair has remained the same length for years. We have to be kind to the cuticle. The cuticle is made up of several layers, like tiles on a roof. However, when we do the daily styling and manipulation of our hair, we chip and tear down the layers. When he layer is gone, we get frayed, weak split ends that can not be repaired. The only way to correct the damage is to trim the ends. This is why no amount of expensive products will help "fix" the hair.

So there you have it, be kind to the cuticle

Here are a few pointers:

Always use a conditioner in your hair after shampooing and focus the conditioner on your ends.

Stay away from too much heat, especially blow drying and hot curling

handle your hair with love, no rough pulling or handling

Stay away from Brushes. They chips the hair cuticle away and with added tension that comes from pony tails, many of use give ourselves traction alopecia.

The Science of Hair : Part I-PH Balance

2011-06-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

While many may discount the science of hair, it is your business to know the basics of hair and the science of achieving healthy hair. For beginners, lets start with the PH balance of hair. PH stands for the Potential of Hydrogen. Hair, which carriers a PH of 4.5 to 5.5. Any number between 0-6.5 is acidic, while any number between 7.5 to 14 is considered alkaline. Water, which is 7 is neutral. The trick to healthy hair and retention is to keep your products closest to the hair's PH, which is 4.5 to 5.5. Going below or beyond this range will surely make your hair more susceptible to breakage, which impedes healthy hair retention. When testing your hair products for their PH balance you can do call the hair care company and request the PH of their products (some companies print the PH balance on the actual shampoo or conditioners) or you can buy PH balance test stripes and become your very own amateur scientist!!! Either way, make it your business to know the PH in all of your hair care product.

To My Big Choppers

2011-06-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, I had to write this letter to Dom, Trina, and TJ. My newly natural sisters who defied all logic and did the BC (Big Chop for all you non-naturals). No words can describe the journey you have embarked on. You have looked in the mirror, better yet, in your soul and realized that your hair is your true Crown and Glory. Your excited, pleased and self assured that your unique and awesome. However, there a few words of wisdom that I must share with you because I love you all so much. We share a bond, a sisterhood forged by scissors, eco-styler and sulfate free shampoo.

1. Going Natural is not a trend, a popular hairstyle, but a life style change. Please, never go back to the creamy crack!!!

2. Never compare your hair with anyone else. Your hair is unique and never try to desire to have so and so's hair. What God gave you is special and you must learn to work with it.

3. Invest in a good hooded dryer. Deep conditioners are your best friend.

4. Develop a regime and keep it simple.

5. Become a Product Junkie. Experiment with different products and keep a journal of what worked and what did not work.

6. Take measurements of your hair, pictures for memories because the first year goes by fast.

7. Play in your hair... It is so much fun

8. Accessorize- earrings, scarves, hats, headbands, eye shadows and clips.

9. Start a business- make a blog, start YouTube videos, make hair accessories. Promote the beauty of Naturalism.

10. Stand tall and realize that your beautiful

A Natural You Should Know

2011-02-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

If you missed the Emmy's last week, the Best New Artist Award went to the beautiful Esperanza Spalding. Ms. Spalding is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, who album titled "Chamber Music Society" is a must have for all you music lovers. "Chamber Music Society" is a beautiful hypnotic infusion of classical music, with a pinch of funk, sprinkle of neo-soul, and a finish of jazz. Esperanza has the spirit of Billie Holiday and acumen of Stevie Wonder. If her music was not captivating enough, we must also pay homage to her boldness to rock an elegant Afro in front of millions. While she is the first woman to win best new artist for a jazz album in the Best New Artist category (she beat out Justin Beiber y'all), she may be the first and only woman of color to rock her natural with fierceness. Yes, I loved every moment of her humble acceptance speech and gracious apologies to Justin Beiber fans everywhere. If winning the coveted award was not enough, Justin Beiber telling her how much he loved her hair was shocking and confirmed what I already knew, Natural Hair is beautiful and our presence in the world is making others stand up and take notice that highly textured hair is not going away easily. Thank you Esperanza for rocking your fro for the world to see!!! If you have not had the opportunity to hear some of her music, go over to her website: http://www.esperanzaspalding.com/.

Meet the Cuticle

2011-02-17T18:52:00.000-08:00

In hair care, you will find no one more important than the cuticle. Because I want to educate the entire world on Afro-textured hair, I feel it is my duty to introduce to you the cuticle.

The Hair shaft has three parts: The cuticle, the cortex and Medulla.

The Cuticle is the first line of defense when it comes to retaining your hair's growth.

The Cuticle protects the cortex and the Medulla. You may ask, why does the cortex and Medulla need so much protection? Well, it is simple. The cortex and medulla are responsible for the hairs ability to hold moisture (porosity), elasticity, color, texture and strength of hair strand.

As you see the cuticle is a very busy man and without him we would be bald.

So when people ask you about your hair care, tell them that the cuticle is vital and the goal to hair retention is to keep the cuticle intact so that the cortex and medulla are safe from harm. How is this done?

1. Always choose a shampoo that has a pH between 5-6

2. Always use conditioner after shampooing the hair

3. Never comb your hair while it is dry ( especially if your natural)

4. Never brush your hair with a hard bristle brush

5. Avoid too tight braids and styles that put to much weight on the hair follicle

6. Wear your hair in protective styles to avoid too much manipulation from combs, your hands, brushes and the everyday elements ( wind, sun, pollution).

Follow these simple steps and I promise you, that you will see more hair retention!!!!

I am so Obsessed

2011-02-17T18:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have to tell you that I am soooooooo obsessed with Hi im currentlyobsessed.tumblr.com. Just google it and you will see the most gorgeous natural women from all shades of the color spectrum to the various types of kinky, curly and wavy hair types. I luv being natural....

LuvMeNatural: I'm Back....

2011-02-17T18:15:00.000-08:00

LuvMeNatural: I'm Back....

Confessions of a former Product Junkie (PJ)

2011-02-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

When I began this natural journey in 2009, I was astonished and amazed at the amount of knowledge that was in cyber space. Blogs, Youtube videos and websites touted and pushed endless products that I should try in order to make my hair healthy. Two years later, my closets are full of endless bottles of shampoo's, conditioners, oils, deep conditioners, moisturizers and my own concoctions. Some are still full, while others are down to the last drop. I refuse to throw them away, even if I never use it again. Why you may ask? Because it is something exciting about opening up your closet and seeing bottles of hair care products at your disposal. Like your own Sally's beauty supply store. While it is fun to see, you then realize that you are a certified Product Junkie or PJ. You buy because so and so said that it made their hair feel like butter. But, when you tried this miracle product, it made your hair stiffer than hay. No fun. I say all this because I want you all to know that less is more when it comes to natural hair. It is fun to buy the latest products, but if you have found your perfect combinations of products, stick with them. I heard one of my favorite you tube Naturalista say that the way to retain healthy hair is to keep a simple and consistent regime. Yes, you will need to stay out of the shampoo isle for a few months, but i tell you in the end it will be well worth it. My own hair has thanked me for sticking to a few tried and true products. I have retained length and minimized my split ends. Therefore, consistency and simplicity is the key that unlocks healthy hair.

THE POWER OF BLACK HAIR

2010-10-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

I walked into the store and they just kept staring at me. I felt an surge of anger rise in me as they followed me like I was about to steal some cheap glasses on the display case. Where was I? In the local hair store found in every neighborhood. I loathed the fact that I even have to go in these places to get my hair care products, even more because the store is owned and operated by people of a different persuasion. That means it is a non-black establishment. Let me say this, I AM NOT A RACIST. I love people of all races and ethnicity's. I am a woman of color and understand that I have several blood lines running thru my veins. Regardless of this fact, I have major issues with supporting other races while they get rich off of our money. Yes, I am speaking about non-blacks, who own and operate hair stores. A interesting fact that should not go unnoticed is that the hair care industry is a 87 million dollar business ( that's major $$$). Black people, who make up 20% of the population, buy more than half of the hair care products in the hair stores. Yes, we buy more than 50 % of hair care products and most of our hair is still damaged ( A future post about hair care ingredients will open your eyes to why our hair is so damaged). Sadly, this fact played a major role in me going natural. In my own way, I am lashing out at the establishment that has hindered our people from moving forward. Meanwhile, our communities are falling apart, we have a high unemployment rates and our children do not have the resources to get a decent education. It would be nice if we could own and operate our own hair stores and recycle that money into our communities, but we do not have the willingness nor the strength to demand this injustice to be made right. Instead, we continue to shop at these stores, while the owners sit behind the counter and look down on us (literally and physically). We are so giddy with excitement while prancing around, trying on Tara weaves and wigs, looking at the lead filled jewelry, while the young sales girl is praying she makes a sale. It is so sad and we only have ourselves to blame. Listen, I would not be so upset if the money was being funneled back into our community, but it is not being used to build up our communities or evoke change in the lives of our youth. Instead, it is being used to send their children to college, their families to better neighborhoods and used to purchase their new laundromats and corner stores. But change begins with one person and if your up to the challenge, you can be that one person who make a ripple effect. There is a good documentary by Aron Ranen on the web that is a absolute must see. I suggest that you wake up and smell the power of black hair.

I'm Back....

2010-10-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

I am back. Yes, I took a few months from this blogging thing. Let me catch you up on my recent going ons. I got pregnant, yes, it was quite a surprise. Ronald "lil boggie" Sigler was born August 3, 2010 at 2:39pm. He was 9lbs and 1oz. He came out fighting, so I know he is going to have a strong-willed spirit. He is also creative, I can see it in his eyes. As you can see, I am in love with him. The next thing that occurred was that I began to pick up on streamlining my hair product line. Yes, I have more formulas and great ideas, that I pray will happen in the next few years. Trying to start a natural hair product line is demanding, if not challenging. I have to research, test and it is quite expensive to purchase the ingredients, but God is good and I am trusting him to do great things in my family's life, as well as in my business. I also been doing my studying so that I can help you all achieve your healthy head of hair. Yes, I have some valuable information that will help you all grow and maintain your natural hair. I am excited to begin my series on 'Healthy Hair" and I hope that you too will enjoy and be enriched by the series.

Stay tuned....

The N word and our children

2009-12-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-14T09:16:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-30T19:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-09T18:55:00.000-08:00

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:

2009-11-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T18:38:00.000-08:00

Vitamins for Hair Growth: Biotin

2009-11-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-03T06:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-10-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

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)