Famous Last Words...

"...If it needs to be, go ahead and cut it." Famous last words of one woman's effort to grow out her hair. After a solid year and a half; with a few intermittent hair trimmings and long-term maintenance styles, it was time. It was time to let go of the quest to prove to myself that my hair can grow. That has been proven. I was able to achieve shoulder-length hair. My hair growth quest cannot forfeit the need to maintain a healthy head of hair, however. I have not been as diligent about seeing my professional hair-care provider. Frankly, it showed. I could also feel the damage of neglect. My new mission is getting rid of dead weight: physical, emotional and personal. I am recommitting myself to letting go of all things and people that no longer want me to hold on. Release. My hair included. Those ends were dead -- very dead. Denial had set in, and this was yet another area that I've had to come to terms with an ugly and inconvenient reality. The truth is, holding on to what isn't healthy only reaps perpetual damage; eventually extending to the root. It's best to just face the facts, accept the consequential, and cut unneeded ties. Remember to cut at the healthiest point, and even better if you get an edgy/cute outcome/desired finish. You've likely guessed, this entry is more than just about hair. And since I aspire to become the premier go-to for all things image, I have to start with me. I.MUST.BE the brand. I will continue praying, evaluating (and reevaluating) until I am where I believe I should be. So, here we go...

It's ALL GOOD - I Couldn't Agree More!

Just sharing a web video of one gentleman's take on "Good Hair." By now, most of us have heard the term - widely used in the African American community - to differentiate hair types. The problem with the term is that it suggests that there is something inherently "wrong" with hair types that don't fall into the "Good Hair" category. In case you don't already know, or are still breaking the mind-set: the BEST hair is the healthy kind that grows out of your scalp, sheds naturally and regrows. No matter how you accessorize or treat your hair, make sure it's always protected and restored to the healthiest state possible (nothing against my natural hair journeyers). He puts it best in the last few seconds of the video, by encouraging us all to take care of our GOOD HAIR - it's ALL GOOD and I couldn't agree more!

Take a look:

 

What EVERY Creative Person Must be Reminded Of...

I was in a Twitter-surfing mood the other day and came across one of my favorite photographers (Jasmine Star's) twitter page. I was introduced to her work by my photographer (Tosha Francis). Side note: there's more favor shown when you appreciate the work of others who love your craft - I've definitely observed that. Anyway, Jasmine's timeline is usually entertaining, and she occasionally posts a tweet that pauses my thinking. The reason why this particular tweet resonated with me is because of what I've been experiencing doing hair and makeup lately. I am not downing my work, but - like most artists - when I review the finished product I want to either do it again or "touch something up." To my chagrin, my client either loves what has been created for him/her, or does not have time for [seemingly] minor modifications. However, it frustrates me... I thought I was alone; that I was going through a rough patch in what I love to do. Well, I may be wrong.

Thanks Jasmine for putting this out there.

Protective Maintenance

It's a tough job, but someone has got to do it...my previous blog (entered nearly a month ago) declared the stance I was taking against what I had been advised by some - NOT to braid my hair. Though all the reasons varied, they were thoroughly considered. As some of you may have guessed, I went ahead and braided my hair. With temperature indexes reaching +120 degrees here in DC, I was especially thankful for my braided hair. The DC humidity would have shrunken the "S-T-R-E-T-C-H" I touted earlier (that would not have been pretty). I've also been very busy (on the makeup front) working weddings and other special events, so it's been a help not to have to worry too much about my hair. I have been worrying about the hair of my clients --I have been spreading the protective love. Yep! Weaves and braids. When styling hair, I like to share some of my regimen (for protective maintenance) with clients. So, it's only fair that I share the same information with my readers...

S-T-R-E-T-C-H...The Plot Thickens!!

OohWee! I don't know how much longer I can stretch my next relaxer. My last texlax application was June 1st, and I think my hair is starting to get used to my most recent regimen - a good problem, I guess. It's really starting to grow in thicker than usual. I'm trying to push my next texlax application to August 30th (which would be 90 days)...but I don't know. I am scheduled for a deep conditioning tonight. I'll be using Shu Uemura's Muroto Volume, which works to add volume to the hair.

Hair-ducation: Hair Growth Support

On my quest to learn more about growing healthy hair, I've stumbled upon a universe of information. I will attempt to share the information specific to growing and maintaining healthy hair between visits/consultations with your professional hair care provider. I should provide some overview first.

The Hair Growth Cycle
Each hair on our heads has its own cycle. The cycle mainly has three phases: Growth-Transition, Rest/Sleep and Re-growth/Shed. The cycle can last anywhere from two to six years. Obviously, each hair starts growing at different times; otherwise, we would all loose a head-full of hair simultaneously (thank goodness that's not the case).

What Qualifies You?

Yeah...somebody did ask me that after I shopped for and dressed her sister. I suppose her sister's satisfaction wasn't enough of an explanation. If I were as presumptuous as she seemed, I'd probably tell her to ask my clients, instead I told her the following story.

The story about how I knew I loved to prepare "looks" for other people...

Well, first let me say that it's fun to me. I also believe that I have a knack for most things aesthetic. During my sophomore year in college, my cousin and I went shopping for "night-on-the-town" outfits - known then (to us) as "club gear." After perusing the halls of a popular the retail outlet mall, we came across one of my favorite stores for the hip and fashion-forward twenty-something woman. I pulled a couple of separates together and asked my cousin to get a fitting room so she could try them on. Knowing what I was up to, she was hesitant - almost refused my prodding, but eventually gave in. She stepped out of the dressing room to model the outfits pulled together for her...

My Personal Hair Growth Challenge...

For most of my life, I have had the hardest time growing my hair out. I would try protective hairstyles (e.g., braids, weaves, etc.), but [maybe] weeks after I removed the style and paid for my hair to get some TLC (i.e., deep conditioned, trimmed), it would either stop growing or start breaking. My stylist (at the time) would wonder with me as to what the issue could be. We both resolved that that's just how my hair was. But, not so...

It's All About Gratitude!

To all of the high school classmates and neighborhood friends who trusted me to master the art of weaving, braiding and natural hair care, using them as my personal guinea pigs; I say thank you.

And to all of my friends, associates, and innocent stranger-made-friends who would listen to my (solicited and unsolicited) critiques and reviews on what would work best for the event and with one's personal style - I owe you all many thanks!

In the winter of 2003 - during a graduate school winter break, I would make another investment in myself by becoming a makeup artistry student. Everyday I had class, I would leave and beg my friends and family to let me "do their face," snap a photo and keep it in my portfolio.

To all of my professional services mentors and friends who pushed me to push myself...there really are no words...I'll just say THANK YOU!

I never thought the love and support shown over the years would still be what keeps me going, but it does. Just when I consider transitioning on to something "new," I get a phone call, email, or text asking if my calendar is open for another event...what can I say other than: thank you!

Each and every one of you is so brave (not only to trust me, but to trust in what I researched, tested, and learned); to trust in making mistakes, falling and getting back up to try it again - but better the next time. These are merely words. I wish I could open my heart, pour my tears and leave them on this screen to truly express what I'm feeling. YOU ARE THE BEST - and you know who you are!!

We've done it! Many of you have encouraged me to get a Web-presence...As some of you know, I've been hesitant because I wanted to get everything just right. Well, now realizing that perfection can't be obtained on the first attempt, I'm starting with this blog. Who knows? It may be all I need! No matter where the skills, talents, and drive take me, I will ALWAYS be grateful to God for you and for what you have poured into my life's experience and what you have allowed me to pour into yours. I love you, and there's really not much you can do about it!