Are You a Natural Hair Party Pooper?

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Ever since the Tangle Teezer became popular in the natural hair community I've noticed that there are people who really take the "fun" out of having a hair journey. A lot of us are prone to jumping on bandwagons and trying all the products that everyone is raving about. Some of these products work for the majority of people that try them, and some don't. What I don't like is someone reviewing a popular product that didn't work for them and then saying things like, "Don't believe the hype!" or "I knew it was too good to be true" as if those who love the product are crazy or senseless. This definitely does not apply only to the Tangle Teezer--I've seen these kinds of comments for many haircare lines and products. When it comes to product reviews, honesty is very important; if you don't like a certain product, then by all means say how you truly feel. However, just because something doesn't work for you doesn't mean that it won't be someone else's miracle worker, and doesn't mean that you should state your opinion in a way that discourages people from wanting to try the product for themselves.

While I understand that many of us are anti-product junkyism (is that a word?) and anti-bandwagons, we still have to keep in mind how much influence our reviews have. I don't care if you only have three hair products that you use; at one point or another everyone has read or watched a review and thought, "Ohh, I might try that!" Isn't that part of the natural hair experience--trying new things and finding out what works for you? I can't help but think about ladies transitioning/newly naturals who read/watch some of these reviews and are discouraged because of some people's blatant negativity. As silly as it might sound, I'm sure there are many people missing out on certain products because they took someone else's experience to heart. There needs to be a balance between giving truthful reviews and respecting other people's journeys.

Link of the Day: "Bronner Bros. Show Highlights Natural Hair"

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From cnn.com:

Defining what is considered "natural hair" can be tricky. Some say going natural is going relaxer-free. Some say it's not wearing any chemical hair products, even hair dyes. Others are more lenient with the definition of natural and include hairstyles that use some hair products as well as rollers or straightening irons.

Wigs, weaves and going natural have been a touchy subject for many black women. For decades, hair that was -- and some argue still is -- considered "acceptable" by society and in the workplace involved hair that was relaxed or permed, says Tasha Turner, beauty editor at Essence magazine.

"Natural hair is something we always have dealt with in mainstream society," she says.

The natural trend isn't new. For example, Turner says in the 1960s and '70s, the afro became a popular look for women. By the 1980s, braids were "in," as seen in rap videos and on hip-hop artists.

It was the 1980s when Alicia Garmon, a hairstylist in Georgia, studied hair at cosmetology school.

She noticed there weren't many options for women who wanted to wear their hair natural other than the typical afro or braids. She recalls there were only two pages in her textbooks that explored natural hairstyles for black women.

Since then, she has experimented as a stylist by working with natural hair, transforming locks -- both long and short, curly or wavy -- into dozens of creative styles.

Now, black women have natural hairstyle options that weren't available before, she says.

"The first thing they say is that they don't believe I can do something with their hair in their natural state, and they don't believe I can make their hair look attractive," Garmon says. "I definitely surprise them. In the end, I have pleased a lot of people."

Read more here.

Video: "The REAL Truth About Relaxers!"

What do you think?

Featured Onyx Rose: Jarmelia

OR: Where are you from?

Jarmelia: I'm from South Carolina.

Random fun fact about yourself?

Jarmelia: When I was in 9th grade my mama gave me an S-Curl. I used to lie and tell people that my hair was naturally a jheri curl...horrible right?

OR: What inspired you to go natural?

Jarmelia: My relaxed hair was breaking off really bad and was no longer relaxing. My hair was a mess! I would have broken hair all over my clothes. My scalp was so dry! I used to scratch the flakes out and watch them fall out of my head like snowflakes. After all of that drama, I decided to just quit the perm and go natural. I had no idea what "going natural" was, I had just decided to take better care of my hair and stop relaxing it.

OR: How long did you transition?/Describe your transitioning experience.

Jarmelia: I really don't know. I just cut off the straight ends over time and wore puffs and protective styles. I never did a BC, I just grew the relaxer out. I have been a true natural for about 2 1/2 years.

OR: How do you feel about the word "nappy?"

Jarmelia: If it's used in a context where someone is trying to put someone else down, I don't like it but, otherwise I don't really care about it. If someone wants to call their hair nappy, I don't care.

OR: What's one natural hair myth you wish would die?

Jarmelia: I have quite a few! Lol! If I have to pick just one, I guess it would be that some think that if you're natural you are going against the grain or "society." So not true, I just wanted healthy hair. Period.

OR: In your opinion, is having natural hair a trend? Is it a movement?

Jarmelia: To some it may be a movement and to others it may be a trend. To me, it's just my hair. I don't need to proclaim to the world that I'm going to rock my hair, I just do it.

OR: Spill the beans...tell us your top 3 natural hair tips.

Jarmelia:

Moisturize: Use water and water based conditioners. Learn the difference between a sealant and a moisturizer.

Pay attention to your hair: You can't do what everyone else is doing, you have to do what works for your hair.

Keep it simple: Find out what works and stick with it.

OR: What advice do you have for those thinking about transitioning?

Jarmelia: Buns are probably going to become your best friend! Invest in some headbands, gel and water to slick down the new growth.

Check out Jarmelia on her blog and on Twitter!

Single-Strand Knots: Not as Bad as We Think?

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I saw this video of African Export (love her!), and she talks about retaining length and single-strand knots. In her opinion, single-strand knots aren't a huge issue:

"I just kind of leave them there and if my ends start to feel dry and detangling becomes difficult, I will dust my ends periodically. It might be once a year, it might be twice, it really just depends on how I feel about my hair at that time."

I'm the type of person who should walk around with some shears in my purse because once I find some single-strand knots, all that's on my mind is getting rid of them. I would love to just be like 'whatever' and let the knots be, but it doesn't seem like having knots in your hair is a natural thing...I could be wrong. 

What do you think?

Featured Onyx Rose: Jamaican Model, Nerissa Irving

OR: Your locs are incredibly long and beautiful. How long have you been growing them and what is your regimen?


Nerissa: I've been growing my locs for 23 years. I have to schedule a whole weekend to the grooming of my hair:

-Shampoo my hair twice
-Leave-in conditioner for 20 minutes
- Rinse, then I do a hot oil treatment
-I don't twist my roots unless I'm doing a very detailed hair or beauty shoot

OR: Have you ever felt pressure from the modeling industry to conform to mainstream society's beliefs of what "beauty" is?

Nerissa: Pressure? No, but I've been asked to cut my hair. That suggestion went through one ear and out the other. I love the way I am. I won't change for anyone.


OR: One of the mission statements of your online magazine, Kamoy Magazine, is to "strive to reshape global viewpoints on natural beauty." What motivates you to do this?

Nerissa: Everyone is so into this one look they call "beauty." Long weaves, long perms, European features on black and brown women. The world is full of so many types of beauty. It's not fair that they leave out the natural sistas; where do we stand out in the bunch? Can we get some praise too? That's what Kamoy will do for us. Kamoy will give us the opportunity to shine and let people know that we are the most beautiful people in the world. Being natural doesn't just mean hair; it stands for knowing your self worth, having a fit and healthy body, [being] educated on what's going on out there in the world, and knowing your history. Natural is a way of life, a movement. Live it, teach it, eat it, lol :)

OR: What do you love about your locs?

Nerissa: I love the personality my hair has. Some days it wants to be down and flowing, and some days it wants to be in an elegant crown. My hair is so versatile...I just love that it is all mine and it's growing out of my own head, lol.


OR: It seems like natural hair is becoming more widely accepted in the media and modeling industry. Why do you think it has taken this long for the acceptance?

Nerissa: I think people are becoming more aware of how important it is to accept yourself the way you truly are. How can you really teach someone to love themselves if every part of your body is plastic? Education is the answer. People are reading more. Educating your mind will bring a change to the world.


OR: You are a "natural living enthusiast." What do you do to maintain a healthy lifestyle and how do you incorporate your natural living into your haircare?

Nerissa: Exercise and eating the right foods is the key. If you eat bad, you will look bad. If you eat good, you will look good...that's my motto. My hair is healthy because I am healthy.


OR: What advice do you have for those who are hesitant to "go natural," because they are afraid of what their family and other people might think?

Nerissa: Sometimes you have to be selfish. You can't live your life trying to please everyone. Do what's best for you. If you want to have hair on your head at the age of 80... natural is the way to go :)

OR: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

Nerissa: Look out for my novel, a coffee table book, workout DVD, and Kamoy Magazine. Also, always check the Kamoy Facebook for castings, submissions, etc. Kamoy wants to give everyone the opportunity to shine.

Back in the Day: Popular Hair Products

Growing up I remember there were certain product lines that my mom always used:

 Creme of Nature Shampoo

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Sadly, this was one of the only pictures that I could find of the older line.

Queen Helene Cholesterol

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I remember my mom loading this stuff on my hair and making me wear a shower cap for 30 minutes. Never really understood what the purpose was...until now of course.

Blue Magic Hair Dress Grease

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This was probably my #1 enemy. I don't remember my mom using an actual moisturizer, so basically this was my grease and "moisturizer." Lightly greasing my scalp wasn't enough either...it was a must for my scalp and forehead to be shining like the sun. Speaking of the sun...something about heat and grease made my scalp itch like crazy. And the smell? Ugh.

What products did your moms, grandmas, aunts, etc use on your hair when you were a child?

Video: Why Are Natural Hairstyles Professionally Controversial?

 

Featured Onyx Rose: LaTonya

OR: Where are you from?

LaTonya: North Carolina

OR: Random fun fact about yourself? 

LaTonya: Mom of 2, wife of 9 ½ years, and Pre-k teacher.

OR: What inspired you to go natural? 

LaTonya: My youngest daughter, she began having questions about hair and wanted her hair like mine and her sister, but I actually wanted my hair like hers. Now she always tells me, "Mommy you’re beautiful."

OR: How long did you transition?/Describe your transitioning experience. 

LaTonya: I transitioned for about 8 months. Transitioning was hard for me because it was two textures and I was running short on styles. One morning I woke up went into the bathroom and begun chopping.

OR: How do you feel about the word "nappy?" 

LaTonya: I actually have no feelings for the word. I think it was meant to be negative but like everything, as a black culture we dealt with the word and can now make it a positive “napptural.”

OR: What's one natural hair myth you wish would die? 

LaTonya: That natural hair is bad hair or that it’s not cared for. 

OR: In your opinion, is having natural hair a trend? Is it a movement? 

LaTonya: Honestly at first I thought the natural hair among young women was a trend, but now I see it as a movement. We are learning to care for our hair in its natural state. We are beginning to love ourself in the manner that we were created, not how media creates us to be.

OR: Spill the beans...tell us your top 3 natural hair tips. 

LaTonya: At this point I have no tips that I didn’t learn from someone before me and I’m still in that experimental stage. I like to test new products, test new styles. 

OR: What advice do you have for those thinking about transitioning? 

LaTonya: Don’t think about it just do it; it’s one decision you won’t regret. 

OR: Where can people find you online? 

LaTonya:  

Blog

Save the Date: 'Fro Fashion Week!

'Fro Fashion Week starts next Friday (February 18) in Atlanta, Georgia! I've never been so excited for an event that I won't be able to attend :-(

From Frofashionweek.com:

'Fro Fashion Week is a two day exclusive conference that will be held twice a year (Spring & Fall) to set the trends in the natural hair care, beauty and fashion industries. It will serve as the pinnacle event that brings together industry experts, designers, natural hair care bloggers, hair care product manufacturers and distributors and most importantly consumers, in one inclusive setting to test, discuss, blog, and purchase the industry's hottest trends.'

There is a $125 registration free for attending both days (which I think is WELL worth it). With this fee you receive:

• Access to ALL workshops & seminars (guaranteed reserved seating)
• Access to the 'Fro Fashion Show 
• Access to the 'Fronista Mix and Mingle Party 
• Access to the Pajama Spa Party  * for our guests that will be arriving Thursday ( 2/17) afternoon.*
• Access to "The Runway Shopping Arena" 
• Access to the Beauty & Bloggers lounge 
• Guaranteed Swag bag -chic conference bag filled with sponsored products from: Curls, Design Essentials Naturals, Jessicurl, Organic Root Stimulator, Sofn'free & more) 
• 2 provided meals

For those who can only attend one day there is a $75 registration fee which includes:

• Access to ALL workshops & seminars for that day
• Access to "The Runway Shopping Arena" 
• Access to the Beauty & Bloggers lounge 
• *Swag bag -chic conference bag filled with sponsored products from: Curls, SheaMoistureDesign Essentials Naturals, Jessicurl, Organic Root Stimulator, Sofn'free & more) *Pre ticket sales (online) ONLY

Evening Activity:Friday 2/18-Access to the 'Fro Fashion Show
                            OR
Saturday 2/19-Access to the 'Fronista Mix and Mingle Party


Expect an abundance of keynote speakers and a blogger discussion panel including Nikole Crowe of Moptop Maven, Angel of K is for Kinky, Sharina Hill of ThirstyRoots.com, Tarin Boone of Naturallymemedia.com, and more! Sponsors include Naturallycurly.com, The Coil Review, Nappturalite Radio, Kinky-Curly, Organic Root Stimulator, Shea Moisture, CURLS and many more.

This is only a brief overview of what to expect. For more information click here.

I hope at least some of you are able to attend this event. It looks like it will be very fun and informative...can't wait to see pictures and hear everyone's feedback.

Link of the Day: "Dos and Don'ts of Hunting for a Hairstylist"

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From washingtonpost.com:

For women with natural or uniquely textured hair, the key is to find an educated stylist whose top priority is healthy hair.

"You want to find someone who specializes in African American hair; that person can work at a Caucasian salon or an African American one," says Turner. "You want someone who does scalp analysis, someone who can prescribe a specific treatment for you. They should touch your hair, look at your scalp." Turner gives rave reviews to Avlon's KeraCare Natural Textures line, noting that the products are ideal for women who twist their hair or want to restore a curl pattern.

Grante notes that a stylist should ask specific questions about how you wear your hair currently and how you plan to style it in the future, since this information will determine the stylist's approach and the tools and products used. For straightened styles, Grante suggests Kerastase's Oleo-Relax line; for natural styles, try the Oleo-Curl options.

Read more here.

Frequently Asked Questions...with Answers

There are a lot of frequently asked questions about natural hair care, so I decided to start making posts addressing these topics. Look out for more in the future.

What are sisterlocks?

 

From Cultured Locs:

Sisterlocks are tiny uniform locks that are the result of a precision parting grid, and the use of a specialized tool that places the hair into its locking formation. The Sisterlocks method does not require the use of waxes or jells. The small size and parting grid form a lock that is easily styled.

 What is co-washing?

 Co-washing is "washing" your hair with conditioner as you would with shampoo. Many naturals prefer this method because it provides extra moisture for their hair and conditioner doesn't contain nearly as much sulfates as shampoo. You don't have to co-wash though. Not everyone likes it and your hair can still thrive without it.

Is there such a thing as too much moisture?

Yes! Just like you can experience protein overload, you can experience moisture overload. You might be thinking, "Well, it's moisture, natural hair NEEDS it. How bad can it be?" but too much moisture can lead to breakage. You know you're using too much moisture when your hair feels "mushy," limp, or stretches excessively before it finally breaks.  Even though naturals don't need as much protein as relaxed ladies, it still needs to be a part of your regimen. This can include occasionally using a protein conditioner/deep conditioner, protein leave-in conditioner, or protein treatments.

What can I use to thicken my hair/edges?

• Castor oil is great for thickening hair. Jamaican Black Castor oil works well also and some swear that it thickens better than regular castor oil, but from my experience they are basically the same.
• Keep your ends in check. Split, broken ends can eventually thin your hair out if they're not trimmed when they need to be.
• Limit heat usage. Excessive heat can also cause split ends, breakage, and ultimately thin hair.
• Look for products that contain "panthenol" (typically found in moisturizing deep conditioners) as an ingredient. Panthenol consists of vitamin B which allows for great moisture, thickness, and growth.
• Products such as MTG, Nu-Gro, and biotin are also said to promote thickness. 

  Do I have to straighten with heat to trim my ends?

No. Although some prefer to blow dry or flat iron their hair before they trim, it's not necessary. Using the twist method works just as well. I can tell when I need a trim because the ends of my twists don't twist properly and are dry/brittle. When I notice this I just take my shears and cut off the scraggly ends and my hair looks and feels so much better.

Youtube Tutorial:

I'm Back!

I apologize for not posting regularly...I've been busy with school and life in general, but I'm back and ready to blog again! Thanks for your patience...you ladies are the best (but you already knew that).

P.S. if there are any posts that you would like to see, please let me know in a comment below or email me at onyxroseblogspot@yahoo.com