LuvMeNatural: I'm Back....

LuvMeNatural: I'm Back....

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.

THE POWER OF BLACK HAIR

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....

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

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!