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. 

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.

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! 

This song is one of hate and its lyrics certainly don't beat around the bush with this. To hate a group so much that you have to make song about your prejudice means that group has some sort of significance or power over your life.  Hate takes energy out of you, so for someone to go that hard something is behind it, perhaps jealously.

Brazilian Woman

What I can't wrap my fingers around is how many of the Brazilian people look black themselves, yet some are so full of hate toward black people. Oh, and if you ever dare call them black they throw hissy fits, this especially frustrates me when it is clear they have some sort of African ancestry going on. When I hear ignorance such as this, it automatically makes me think they are just haters because their hair can't do all the cool tricks my can.

It can appear short and coily when I want it to
Braided and glorious
Curly shiny ringlets
Fluffy, big, and bold
and if I so desire
it can be worn pressed,
straightened, and silky

Anyone ignorant enough to make a song about another peoples hair is nothing short of a hater, they are probably mad because they feel their own style is limited.

The man behind the racism, Tiririca

This story gave me chills but it touched my heart mostly because she was able to find something that is rare, "unconditional love".

"He's better because he's real, because he exists, because he wants more than just the idea of me. He wants me."~ Janet Mock

Read:  IT HAPPENED TO ME: I TOLD MY BOYFRIEND I WAS BORN A BOY

Janet Mock is one of the many LGBT heros out there encouraging youth and people everywhere to be comfortable being themselves. Revealing her story is courageous on her part especially since our world is unfortunately just filled with ignorance. However, according to Janet she has received positive support and feedback after sharing her story which is incredible.


Sometimes, it just takes one person to make that big step and show everyone, that there is nothing wrong with being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender. Love is love and for those who are lucky enough to experience it, they should be allowed to do so freely without other peoples opinions or input.