5 Ways to Know If Your "Natural" Products Are Really Natural

{source: nowyouknowalicia}

via Chicago Tribune:

Here are some tips to breaking down those natural product labels:

Creme of Nature Expands Argan Collection, Introduces "Perfect Edges" Gel

{Source: Creme of Nature}

via Marketwatch.com:

Women looking to tame the edges of their relaxed or natural hair, achieve that perfectly-polished ponytail or create that attention-getting, high-impact pixie style need look no further: Creme of Nature®, a longstanding, leading ethnic hair care brand, is launching Perfect Edges(TM) with Argan Oil from Morocco, an Exotic Shine-infusing, edge control hair gel that also strengthens hair. The nutrient-rich styling product -- the company's latest addition to the Argan Oil line -- works for all hair types, whether relaxed or natural, and infuses hydration and Exotic Shine without leaving sticky residue. Perfect Edges, which retails for $4.99, arrives at mass retailers and in beauty supply stores this spring.

Featured Onyx Rose: Yolanda

New Book "Afros" Needs Your Support...Pledge Today!

Kickstarter.com:

This is a book that captures the spirit and essence of the Afro today as well as paying homage to the historic significance of natural hair iconic voyagers like Angela Davis, Jimi Hendrix and others. Over the course of a five year period photographer Michael July approached a wide variety of beautiful, creative and intelligent individuals from all walks of life and asked them would they be willing to participate as subject models for a coffee table book he was putting together entitled "Afros - A Celebration Of Natural Hair".

Sydney Teen Expelled Because of "Mop" Afro

{Student Billal Zraika. Source: Casey Weekly}

via Casey Weekly:

A Sydney teenager's father has gone to the NSW Supreme Court to try to stop a school from expelling his son because of his Afro hairstyle. Last April the Australian Islamic College at Rooty Hill ordered 14-year-old Billal Zraika to leave and not come back until he had cut his hair. The school then wrote saying the Afro was in breach of its appearance code and Billal would be suspended until he agreed to a trim. The teenager eventually agreed to a crew cut, but the NSW Supreme Court heard today that he was later expelled for again breaching the hair policy. The expulsion order was temporarily frozen when Billal's father, Mazen Zraika, applied to the court last year to reverse the decision. Billal is still attending the school. Justice Elizabeth Fullerton strongly urged Mr Zraika and the college to settle the matter outside court and adjourned the hearing for them to discuss it. "What kind of haircut does the boy have now - a short back and sides?" Justice Fullerton asked. When she was told Billal had an Afro again, she encouraged "the parties to come to some resolve". "It is in the interests of ensuring that the young gentleman can stay at school, mix with his peers and get a sound education. "No adolescent needs to be the subject of this degree of focus."

Men and Natural Hair: Are You Over It?

{Source: Natural Nigerian}

Now that the natural hair movement (or whatever you want to call it) is in full swing, it seems as though many women couldn't care less about what men have to say about natural hair...at all. Initially, some women weren't interested in men with negative natural hair perceptions, but now the animosity has extended to men who voice their love for natural hair as well. Apparently, as natural hair becomes more common, seemingly well-intentioned men are met with side-eyes and a "boy, please." I wonder why. I noticed this especially with a certain male Youtuber who occasionally makes videos pertaining to natural hair. Maybe natural hair is somewhat becoming the norm and women are tired of the attention, or maybe some of the attention, like the sudden media interest and exposure, is becoming too much; therefore, it seems insincere.

What do you think?

Are you tired of the attention-- especially from men? Or do you welcome it?

The Transformation of a Puff

Get Your Free Copy of the Ultimate Hair Care Guide

{Source: Geonz}

The following comprehensive hair care guide is created by Ishimma, a natural hair care line. The ultimate hair care guide includes:

• One Stop Location for Everything You Wanted to Know About Hair Care 
• What You Didn’t Know About Your Hair Products 
• Myth-busting on Hair Care and Hair Maintenance 
• Advice for Growing Long, Healthy Hair 
• and much more!

I read it, and it contains insightful, well-researched info that I'm sure you'll find very helpful!

Get your free guide at Ishimma: http://www.ishimma.com/hair-advisor/hair-guide/

Is Your Hair Real: Genuine curiosity or insensitive ignorance?

{Source: Naani}

via The McGill Daily:

As I pointed out to my sushi dinner buddy, questions that inquire about the biological validity of one’s hair are extremely gendered and racialized. That is to say, non-black women and both black and non-black men are never asked the question, “Is your hair real?” and, thus, are never asked to validate the natural “ownership” of their hair. The sheer thought of me posing this question to a non-black female or any man, for that matter, had my date in tears of laughter at its supposed absurdity, despite the fact that men and non-black women can and often do wear extensions, hairpieces, toupes, and wigs.

Update: twists, my regimen, & *gasp* The Brazilian Keratin Treatment

Off topic, but how beautiful is she?!

As many of you know, I got Senegalese twists about two months ago, and I took them out last week (I wish I could've kept them in longer, but it was time for them to go!) I enjoyed these twists A LOT, but I also missed my natural hair just as much. After seriously considering getting a professional trim, reading about all the benefits...blase, blase, I decided to take the plunge. I did some research on stylists in the area and had my hair professionally trimmed last Tuesday. Long story short, I should've used that money to buy another pair of good sheers and trimmed my hair myself. The stylist recommended that I try the Brazilian Keratin Treatment *insert side eye here* to make my hair more "manageable" and  "pretty." Sorry, but I don't have any issues managing my hair. Yes, sometimes it takes a substantial amount of maintenance and time, but I make it work for me. Plus, I'm not trying to trade in one set of harmful chemicals for another.

I recently realized that my hair was in its best condition this time last year. What was I doing then?

Featured Onyx Rose: Janae

Blossoming Onyx Rose: Corrie

Is Natural Hair a Sport? He Thinks So!

Biz Spotlight: Flowers from Fatima

Nicole Ari Parker Invents the "Save Your Do Wrap"

{Poised for Style}

via ESPN:

In 2009, comedian Chris Rock supposedly betrayed black women. Rock shed a fascinating, eye-opening and thoughtful spotlight on the extraordinary lengths that black women go through to maintain their hair in his controversial documentary "Good Hair."
Rock caught a lot of backlash -- especially from black women -- but the truth is, whether it is paid for, natural or chemically enhanced, black women don't play around when it comes to our hair.

Does Michelle Obama make you feel more comfortable being black?

{Source: Madame Noire}

via Chicago Sun Times:

It is a good time to be a black woman in America. 

Whether or not this assessment seems from the surprising popularity of the nation’s first black first lady, Michelle Obama, isn’t clear. 

But according to a recent nationwide survey by the Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation, 73 percent of black women and 71 percent of white women polled responded that they think it is a good time to be a black woman in America. 

 In a series published last month, the Washington Post and Kaiser Foundation sought to peel back the many dubious labels often ascribed to black women. 

 We’ve all heard them: “angry,” “strong,” “nagging” and “loose.”

Faux Bun and Bang Tutorial (Haute!)

Featured Onyx Rose: SheRea