Power & Influence of the Natural Hair Movement

Did you know that YOU are changing how hair care products are being marketed recently? Yes. YOU-the one who decided to accept the way your hair grows out of your scalp-yeah, YOU. Have you perused through your local hair care retailer to see numerous product lines (once marketed to women with chemically-treated afro/ethnic hair), now expanding to include products to style afro/ethnic hair in it's natural texture (e.g., Aphogee)? It is unprecedented to be able to walk into your corner drug store or pharmacy and find a multitude of products specifically designed to further enhance and beautify your hair. Anyone who was hesitant to take the natural plunge, now has the tools and resources readily available. It's incredible. And all you had to do was make the (sometimes brave) decision to wear your hair just how it is.

I wonder what other change you could influence by deciding how (and on what) you are going to spend your money???? Hmmm....

It doesn't stop there...just go to YouTube and search 'natural hair, 3/4/a-c, or anything related to natural beauty'. You will find tubers who show everything from how to care for and style one's own natural hair,  to DIY natural hair care products. You've (in some way) helped to create a rich and supportive community. A community who strives to promote individuality and esteem, without demeaning others whom have not yet made the decision to follow suit. 

Who knows, I may try my hand at creating a tutorial, vlog, etc.  

;-)

By the way, I saw some very interesting footage come across one of my social media feeds...Have you seen the Huffington Post-Black Voices feature on Anthony Dickie's hair regimen method? Did I totally miss this?

Anthony Dickie, sir, please clone yourself! Thank you.

I never thought to do this, but I may give it a try. Have you tried this technique? What techniques do you use to spruce your look?

Let the Makeovers BEGIN!!

It's time. Time for us to take a long, hard look at ourselves. Evaluate. Decide now what it is you will change about you. Then, tell me. And I will do whatever I can to help you achieve your goals. NVidel's last post featured a photo shoot with 6RobinsPhotography. I had the pleasure of helping to makeover a group of exciting teens.

Take a look at what the team pulled together!

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...

I'll Do It...Don't Come Any Closer!

After conditioning my hair, it appears that some protective styling may be best for me now. I can tell my hair is growing, but I've been doing a lot with it and it's in need of a break. I've been polling my friends and associates to see what their thoughts on braiding my hair were. Some encouraged the idea, supporting it with the season, my increased level of activity and practicality. Others shrieked at the notion. "It's not very professional!" Huh? Did they forget that I had locs and held down a thriving professional career for over seven years? There are ways to style the hair so that it is still clean and presentable...duh. Another mentioned that braids were out of style...So you mean to tell me that one of the oldest styles in our civilization is now outdated?

Get outta here...

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).

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!