A Natural You Should Know

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/.

I am so Obsessed

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....

Confessions of a former Product Junkie (PJ)

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.

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