I will be putting my votes in this year for him and Jessica Sanchez. Who will you be voting for?

The winner of the Target gift card sponsored by Cara B Naturally is...

The back of my hair is twisted up as you can see in the video below. This is my finished look and I love it. It's probably one of the best styles that I have created. The Wonder Curl Butter than Love Pudding gave my hair some great definition and the whipped formula gave my thirsty ends much needed moisture.





At first I was nervous about my new hair color, but after looking at this picture I know that it was the right move. It complements my skin well and my eyebrows stand out more, they have an extra full look which is super awesome.

Everything that we put on our bodies matters and how long it takes for us to see those effects is irrelevant. Sadly relaxers are among the many products that we come in contact with that have been linked to cancer causing ingredients.

The best that we can do is drastically reduce our contact with these chemicals and opt for all natural ones when we can. Sometimes even finding true all natural products is pretty hard. Our deodorant, our lipsticks, our food almost anything that you can think of has been under fire at one point or another for the harmful agents that they contain.

By no means am I on a mission to convert every woman to natural hair; to each is own. The evidence that relaxers are unhealthy is readily available to anyone who wants the knowledge and it is up to the reader to decide for themselves what is best for their hair. 

Usually after a wash I have to deal with massive shrinkage and dry tight kinks. However last night just by switching over to cool rinsing for my shampoo and deep conditioning I saw a big difference in my hair. My hair was softer, retained more moisture, and was more manageable.

Last night this is what I used:

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo
BioInfusion Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment
Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque

After deep conditioning I put my hair in 4 big cornrows and before I braided each section I put an ample amount of Shea Moisture's Deep Treatment Masque on my hair. When I woke up I simply removed the braids, took a stretchy headband, and angled the ponytail to the side.

Especially now that my hair is color-treated I will be sure to deep condition once a week. I am so happy that now that I have discovered the joys of cold water rinses managing my hair after a wash will not be such a hassle anymore.

Many of us think water is drying to our hair but the water itself may not be the problem perhaps it is the temperature of your water. There is nothing better than a nice hot steamy shower, but when it comes to your hair, hot water shouldn't even come near it. 

March 12, 2011- My hair is natural, in the photo above it has been pressed, and I cut my hair short to even my hair out due to hair breakage. The breakage was a result of not implementing protective styling. The mid section of my hair was extremely shorter than the rest of my hair. If you see this, then you are experiencing breakage as well and most likely should consider a cut.

November 8, 2011- After doing some research and evaluating my hair care practices, I was able to recover my hair and now that I am comparing the photos the progress doesn't look too bad. What changed between then and now, definitely had to do more so with the care of my hair rather than the products that I use which is why I stress the importance of care, rather than  focusing too hard on which products to use.

My Three Big Changes

1.  My hair is usually in a protective style such as tuck and roll styles, cornrows, or twists.
2. Although from time to time I do press my hair, its not that often. Usually I avoid heat at all costs for as long as I can. Which means no blow drying of my hair ( I air dry) and If I press my hair I wait a few months to do it. When my hair was done in the above photo it had been 7 months since any heat was applied to my hair.
3. Trims even when it has been months since I have seen a hair dresser, I find a way to work in a trim, even if it is done by myself. I try to do this at least every 2 months, removing 1/2 to 1/4 of an inch off of my hair. Sharp hair cutting scissors only are used on my hair, dull blades may worsen your splits.

February 2012  - My hair in its natural state in a updo natural hair style


This is where I am at today, and I hope to show kinky coily queens everywhere that you can grow your hair long too. Nappy hair does not = bad hair. Healthy, moisturized hair is good hair regardless of your hair texture.

The history of black hair care started with the use of whatever was available to a booming billion dollar industry. Whether we choose to relax our hair or wear it natural the black hair care business is not going broke anytime soon.


There are so many luxuries that we are afforded today that we take for granted.

Today we use Afro picks, wide tooth combs, and retail combs, Slaves used kitchen forks.

We seal moisture in with olive oil, jojoba oil, and countless others, Slaves used bacon grease.

Now we use moisturizing shampoos and clarifying remedies, while Slaves had to resort to grits and charcoal.

Dr. Linda Amerson speaks with EUR WEB, about the hair care of our past, and the hair care of our present. Though our ancestors were deprived of their native combs and valued possessions they still found a way to be innovative.

Read  Dr. Amerson's interview at: http://www.eurweb.com/2011/02/the-history-of-black-hair-care-past-present/

For those who haven't had the opportunity to view 400 Years Without a Comb, this is a definite must see film. The film shows how we have evolved from being without the tools we used to care for our hair back in our homeland to where we are today.

"These little nappy headed hoes need a perminator", says rapstress Nicki Minaj and quite a few people are not too thrilled. As a Nicki fan myself, I found the lyrics ignorant but I still continued to bop my head to it as I drove blasting Did it on Em' on my way home from work. However, now that I heard for a second time that in her latest song Stupid Hoe, she dropped some ignorance on us again, its definitely not a good look.

In her song Stupid Hoe she says,

"Them nappy headed hoes but my kitchen good."

No Nicki, my kitchen is quite good without a perm.I don't have to put on pounds of makeup, wigs, or false eye lashes to feel beautiful. Hopefully, mothers out there are teaching their daughters the same, and showing them that don't have to follow your Barbie standard to be beautiful.

I won't lie I still will bump a Nicki track, because I don't have to like her as a person, but her mentality says that she has fallen for the brainwashing that our ancestors had to endure many moons ago.

What in the world would make someone think that it is okay to go up to someone that you never met before and grab their hair. It is an invasion of personal space, and for people who don't see it that way or can't understand the concept you must be an ignoramus. After reading this article via CNN some women have harsh feelings about those who come up with out any warning and touch their hair.

Los Angelista says no you cant touch my hair,"Because my black ancestors may have been your ancestors' property, and had to smile while they got touched in ways they didn't want to, but I am not YOUR property and never will be so you'd best move your hand away from me." and her response is entitled.

It's hard to understand why someone would not get why walking up and gawking at someone's hair is offensive, but put simply it is an invasion of privacy. In the past I have had someone touch my dreadlocks without warning (when I use to have them), and tell me that my hair reminded them of yarn.

 Now me, I actually found it quite funny, being that some of us do rock our yarn braids, but the next person she tries this on might not take it so lightly. Hands off, respect peoples privacy and do not touch people's hair that you do not know. Curious, try asking instead, or better yet do some research if you are that interested.

I find it admirable, that he is in support of his sweetie's goals of becoming the next big pop sensation. When you don't have a partner that doesn't have enthuisiam for your hopes and dreams its tears a hole in you like nothing you have ever felt. Its good to hear that Amber has found love and has a partner with her every step of the way.

Need a little help stretching out those kinks? Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque helps to extend my hair while giving my thirsty roots that moisture it craves.

Quick Tips for Color Treated Hair

1. Minimize your sulfate shampoo time and up your co-washing 
2. Never, ever wash your hair before you do a dye job
3. When you touch up your color, your application should be focused on your roots and then work your way down to your ends
4. Keep your hair moisturized by using a water based product, a creamier product, and then seal in the moisture with an oil 

Usually I am more of a co-washer, but last night I decided to use Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo. After my shampoo last night my scalp felt refreshed, my hair was soft, light, and fluffy. I was trying to avoid washing my hair until the weekend but, my hair just couldn't go one other day without being washed.

Now, I did wash my hair last week, but my hair was getting weigh down from product build up so even though I didn't want to, it was time for a wash. To my surprise my was last night wasn't so bad because I used my technique that helps me to cut down on time and it keeps the tangles out of my hair.

My hair is almost always in some sort of protective style, so when I wash my hair instead of taking my cornrows or twists out I leave them in. This prevents my hair from getting tangled when I wash it and when I want to take out my plaits out its easier to do because they are moist.


Washing my hair with Shea Moisture Shampoo, was far from my typical experience. Usually after a wash before I detangle, my hair is matted and tight to the scalp. While I still did have some of this going on, it wasn't nearly as bad. What made me absolutely elated was that my hair had some poof to it which I love. I can't stand flat hair. I was able to do a big braid out style so overall I was pleased with my hair's moisture and volume after my wash. Looking for a shampoo that won't dry your hair out? This is a great buy.

Rochelle Ritchie  reporter from WPTV in West Palm Beach, Florida made serious waves last year when she made a big chop. She discussed how she went from living in weaves and wigs for the camera to wanting healthier natural hair. With her own natural hair journey as inspiration, she decided to do a story on the increase of the number of women in the black community going natural.

While the creamy crack may be working for some people, this news feature highlighted how many women end up suffering from permanent hair loss or Alopecia as a result of chemical burns from relaxers. It also displayed pictures of real women who suffered from thinning hair lines from the constant braiding and weaving of the hair. For women who may be dealing with unhealthy or breaking hair this story must have been a huge eye opener and perhaps a motivator.

Staceyann Chin welcomes a beautiful baby girl into the world Zuri- Siale. Reading about her journey via the Huffington Post and Facebook has definitely been thought provoking. Now her beautiful miracle is here and I am glad that she can experience the gift of family. Ever since reading her book The Other Side of Paradise and listening to her dope poetry on Def Poetry Jam, I have become a big fan.


For my Daughter



~Staceyann Chin~


Congratulations! 

During your travels you want to be ready and up for anything. You don't want your hair getting of the way of splashing around in the pool or indulging in a relaxing hot tub with bubbles dancing across your back. Which is one of the many benefits of natural hair, you can get your hair wet or sweaty without the worry that your hair will be totally ruined. During my travels here are some styles and natural hair care tips that have made things more convenient and stylish for me.

For us kinkier ( 4b/4c) gals the go to styles for travels are (or at least for me):

Box braids/Yarn Braids
Two strand twists
Kinky Twists
Cornrows
Bantu Knots

Why?


They are great protective hair styles
You don't have to worry about messing in your hair for your trip, keep it simple.
Frizz and dryness can be easily controlled
If you desire a curly style, you can take them out for a nice braid out or twist out

Products for travel

Right now for my New Orleans trip I am enjoying Jane Carter Solution's traveling kit. I like this because to my knowledge few natural hair product companies are doing this. This makes my packing time easier because I don't have to worry about going to Walmart, purchasing the travel size bottles, and squeezing my hair products into them.

The kit comes with almost every hair item you could possibly need: sculpting foam, conditioner, shampoo, curl defining creme, moisturizing hair butters, and one my favorites her leave-in-conditioner. I was especially pleased with the curl defining creme's work, it gave my twist out marvelous definition.

After Using Jane Carter's Curl Defining Creme