Sale Alert!! Shea Moisture Products at Walgreens!

From March 27 - April 2nd you can get Shea Moisture Organic Hair Products buy 1 get 1 free! 

Check your zip code to see if your Walgreens carries the Shea Moisture line and if it is on sale.

Go to http://www.walgreens.com/ and click the "Weekly Ad" tab to see your local weekly flyer.

Happy shopping!

Perm Rod Set - Maintenance & Day 4 Hair

This is just a quick post to show how I am maintaining and refreshing my hair every day.



At night, I tie my hair down with a satin scarf.

My hair after I take the scarf off - whoo scary!  (That's my "I'm not so sure" face. LOL)

Helmet head....yep pretty much

Let's fix this -  I rub coconut oil on my hands and take the balls of my fingers and fluff my hair all over, lifting slightly as not to cause too much frizz.



Finished Results!

Have a great day everyone!

We Are Not Our Hair - Sandra Dubose-Gibson, Mrs. Black NC 2011

Credit: http://www.myalopeicaexperience.com/

I was so inspired after reading about this young woman, I just had to share it with the public.  Sandra Dubose-Gibson was named North Carolina's first bald beauty queen as the 2011 Mrs. Black North Carolina.  Mrs. Dubose-Gibson has Alopecia Universalis, which has caused her not only to be bald, but to lose hair all over her body.  Imagine learning at the age of 25 that you have alopecia and that your hair is going to fall out.  This is a time in a young woman's life where your appearance can be one of the biggest concerns of your life (second only to men, possibly).

For a few of the years following her 25th birthday, she wore a wig but in 2008 made her debut as a bald woman on her way to a bald photoshoot no less! Talk about courage.   Along her path of self rediscovery she has come to redefine what beauty is, turning what could be a devastating diagnosis for some into her purpose.  In 2009, she founded the Alopecia Community of the Triangle, a support group for those who have this disease.  Her mission extends beyond being just a spokesperson for those diagnosed with alopecia like herself.  In a statement she said, "My mission is to be the catlyst that enables women to heal the experiences that have eroded and challenged their self esteem.  I am here to help them see the beautiful human beings that they truly are and boldy celebrate that beauty and strength from the inside out.  Sandra has gone on to become a sought after public speaker, produce a documentary about alopecia, as well as record a song that speaks to the internal source of beauty.  This Saturday, March 26th, she was crowned as Mrs. Black North Carolina for 2011, the state's first bald beauty queen.  Outstanding!

As I read about her story it made me reflect back to the beginnings of my natural hair journey and how I too had to redefine beauty in order for me to even consider ending my routine 6 week relaxer visits.  Even though most people see me as this very confident woman, I had to conquer my own fears and deal with my own issues regarding what defined beauty to me.  Too often, we allow societal definitions of  body size/shape, skin color, hair texture and length create impossible measures which tear down our own value and self esteem.  Why do we as a society place more value on physical traits rather than non-tangible traits such as integrity, generosity, and honesty?  Have we forgotten that the physical is what we appear to be (temporarily because the physical will change with time) but our character is who we really are?

Since I did want to be comfortable with the woman in the mirror with her new hair, I turned my eyes to the Word of God for His truth.  The Bible told me that we were made in God's own image (Genesis 1:27).  How can there be anything wrong with someone made in the very image of God Himself?  How can we not love God's creation?  In Luke 12:7, the Word says that "And the very hairs on your head are all numbered; so don't be afraid, you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows."  God has so valued His children that He has taken the time to number every hair on our head.  Yet by allowing the opinions of society define our beauty and worth, we put God's opinion of us lower than the world's definintion.  I choose to agree with what God says about me and make this my confession to Him and the world.  "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.  I know that full well." (Psalm 139:14)   

Watch the video below to see Mrs. Dubose-Gibson embrace her baldness for the first time.  The lyrics to her song are posted below the video.  For more information about her please see her blog,  http://www.myalopeciaexperience.com/. 

I’m Beautiful” Song Lyrics

Featured on Project Liberation Soundtrack

Written and Performed By: Sandra Dubose-Gibson

Music produced by: Clayton Brock, Keith Carlyle and Rashaad Terrell

I used to think my beauty came from the outside
So the woman in my mirror I could not identify
I didn’t recognize my smile, my eyes, or personality
No regard for my intellect or the spirit in me
I admit that, I was wrong and my feelings had been hurt
But finally today I understand what I’m worth

And I’m beautiful
Inside and out- this is true Ooh- Ooh
I’m beautiful
With or without you, and so are you

The changes I’ve been through had an effect on me
Through the pain my eyes have opened and now I can really see
The real definition of me cannot be compromised
And my freedom came the day I realized
I admit that, I was wrong and my feelings had been hurt
But finally today, I understand what I’m worth

And I’m Beautiful
Inside and out- This is my truth Ooh- Ooh
I’m Beautiful
With or without you, and so are you

Take my advice my friend, don’t focus out- look in
No shortcuts to happiness, the work begins and it never ends
Then one day you will see my same reality
That after all of the pain and tears, there lies a beautiful me, A beautiful me……..

I’m Beautiful

This is my truth, this is my truth!

I’m Beautiful

With or without you, and so are you.

copyright 2008

Roller Set Take 2

Me and my long haired Chihuahua - Princess

This is just a short post to show my hair for this week.  It is another perm rod set.  I used more rollers than before to get more curls all over.  My plan is to tie my hair down with a satin scarf and hopefully the curls will maintain (fingers & toes crossed). 

Recognizable Natural - Kim Fields

We all lovingly remember Kim Fields in her roles of "Tootie" from the sitcom The Facts of Life and "Regine Hunter" on Living Single.  On Living Single, there were several things that embodied her character, her love of shopping, her desire to catch a man, her voluptuous bosom AND her every changing hair.  There were times during a show when she would change wigs several times to go with her outfit.  LOL  ( I loved those shows!)

In 1994, she started directing.  Her most recent credits are Tyler Perry's House of Payne and Meet the Browns as well as BET's Let's Stay Together.  She boldly declares herself as a born again Christian and was recently interviewed on Trinity Broadcasting Network on January 25, 2011, sharing her testimony.  She is married to Christopher Morgan and they have 1 son, Sabastian.

After "Living Single" ended, we saw Kim Fields in the public eye sporting her golden locks.  In late 2010, she decided to change back to a loose natural and change her color to more of a reddish blonde color. 

See her funky mohawk style in this excerpt from the 2010 Soul Train Awards last year.

Hair This Week - Week of March 20th

Well, last week I attempted a protective style that I just didn't like over time.  I wore it for 2 days.  Then I went back to a wash and go for the remainder of the week and rocked my puff for the weekend.

Twist out in the front

Mini french roll in the back



Flat twists...and acne...I thought that was over after I passed puberty!

Love my headband....got it from Target!

Wash & Go - I used ECOstyler with Argan Oil.

For the first time this week, I felt less adventurous about my hair. I didn't really want to do any new styles. It was the 3rd week where I wore mainly wash and go's and I really liked the look!  It only takes me 30 mins to do a wash and go in comparison to an hour for 2 strand twists.  If I do it early enough in the evening, I can air dry before bedtime.  I used Ecostyler with Argan Oil for the first time and I like how it stretches my curls over the Ecostyler with Olive Oil.  I used a water bottle with olive oil and jojoba oil mixed (about 50/50 mix oil to water) to keep it dripping wet while I applied the gel.  It still had hold but not as hard as when I've used it before.  (I still prefer my hair soft to the touch.)  I'm tiring of wash and go's so I have decided to do another style for this week.  Let's see how I conquer the challenge of maintaining it.



Interview with Taji Shabu - Natural Hair Stylist

During my transition from my relaxed hair to my big chop I chose Taji Shabu, a natural hairstylist in Raleigh, NC to be my stylist of choice.  I chose her not only because of her many years of experience and her expansive knowledge in natural hair care maintenance & styling but also because of her warm personality and passion for pleasing her customers.

I recently had an opportunity to interview her to get some tips regarding natural hair maintenance at home.

NN:  What are the mistakes that you see women with natural hair make when maintaining their hair?

 TS:  What I’ve seen with women who do a big chop or a semi-big chop is that they tend to wash their hair every day, causing it hair to dry out.   I would recommend that if you feel the need to add water to your hair daily, use a water, glycerin, castor oil & essential oil mix spray or let the shower mist to dampen your hair.   With women who have opted for a longer transition (a year or more), I’ve seen damage done to the hair with the use of  tools that were used when they were relaxed (ex. Small tooth combs) or using products better suited for relaxed hair.  I’ve also seen newly natural women complain of dry hair when it’s really not.  Curly hair has a different feel and texture than straight hair.  Dry hair is crunchy or brittle.  I’ve also seen them confuse the lack of “shine” with dryness.  Some don’t understand that curly hair absorbs light rather than reflect light like straight hair which gives the appearance of shine.

 

NN:  Any must have products that you believe women with natural hair should have in their arsenal? 

TS:  What I believe is less is more.  You need a good SLS free shampoo, a high slip conditioner, an oil, & a good leave in conditioner.   The rest are just styling products.  Some of my favorite oils are coconut, avocado and Moroccan Argon oil.   A good starter shampoo is Dr. Bronner’s Castile Peppermint.  Herbal Essences Hello Hydration is a good conditioner for co-washing.  Kinky Curly Knot Today is a preferred leave in.  I also don’t mind endorsing a few product lines.  A product line that I like is Ohm Body.  It’s sold online and the website is  www.goingohm.com.  Blended Beauty is also an excellent line and  there are also  products for children. The website is http://www.blendedbeauty.com/ .  Silk Shake is a favorite for everyday use for a daily moisturizer.  

NN:  What advice would you give newly naturals on not becoming a product junkie?

TS:  Whether a product is sold locally or on the internet, try to get samples sizes (2 oz.) first before you buy the full sized (8 oz or greater) container.   If you have friends who are going natural around the same time you are, buy products together and share them instead of buying alone.  Lastly, utilize product swaps through your local natural hair meetups.  If there are hair shows in your area, you can get the free product samples from there.

NN:  What words of encouragement can you share to those who are nervous about embracing their natural hair or are already natural and feeling frustrated about caring for their hair?

TS:  Sometimes people get caught up in the natural hair movement or because it’s in style.  There’s nothing wrong with that but what I choose to focus on #1 is it’s healthier for your hair.  Removing the chemicals from your hair and scalp is just flat out healthier for your hair and scalp.  Let that be your main reason for going natural.  In addition to the words that I use I also arm them with images.  Not everyone has a supportive environment that will like their decision.  I can’t change for them the reactions that people may have (i.e. spouses, individuals at work).  But what I can do is provide them with beautiful images of different natural hair textures & styles.    I often refer customers to http://www.blackwomennaturalhairstyles.com/ .  This website features professional and candid shots of various natural hairstyles.  I have also organized all the natural hair magazines I have into a huge binder that I show patrons. I find that sometimes images are more powerful than words when it comes to changing women's perceptions of beauty as it relates to their hair.

NN: So share with us what things are on the horizon for Taji's Natural Hair Styling? 

 TS: My new salon is opening up on April 2, 2011 & my goal is to be the best natural hair styling salon in the Triangle area.  My new location will be 2200 E. Millbrook Rd.  Ste. 122, Raleigh, NC.  I plan to provide extra perks to my customers to enhance their salon experience such as massaging shampoo chairs.   My sister Mabinti and I will be adding on options to the list of services that address scalp issues.  I like to compare the scalp to soil; without healthy soil, the plants aren’t healthy.  Similarly I believe, without a healthy scalp, your hair won’t be healthy.  We will be partnering to develop treatments  that address these issues. We also will be adding coloring options: traditional & henna, as well as another natural color option.

Taji has been natural all of her life and has more than 13 years of natural hair care experience.  She is constantly expanding her knowledge and list of services so that she can provide the most comprehensive and up to date hair care experience.  She has experience in all stages of natural hair whether transitioning, big chop/twa, locks, or established natural hair with sustained length.  See her expansive gallery of past clients to see her work.  Her website is http://www.tajishabu.com/.