"Oh No She Didn't!!!!"

Hey ladies and gents if you are reading this too. I know we have all seen someone or more than one person with questionable hair. It makes you want to say "ooooooh no she didn't" like I said when I saw the pic above...smh for real. I'd like to dicuss what makes up the total package. One must have the right mind, body, spirit and hair. HAIR is one of the most important things we must take into consideration when making sure we are put together nicely.

The first thing I do when I am getting ready for my day is figure out what kind of event I am going to. I will then decide what clothes and or accessories to go along with them. I most definitely have to make sure my "hurrrrr" is did. There is nothing like putting on a sharp business suit and then your hair looks like you haven't combed it in days. There is something wrong with that picture!!! I know we all have our chill days but even then your hair should be presentable.

With a positive mind, the body and spirit will follow suit. Remaining positive and optimistic about life will help you lead a much happier life. When your body is right....you just feel good. It is soooo important to eat healthy and to exercise. Most say it is easier said than done. If you eat healthy and exercise you will feel GOOD!! I've also learned that eating healthy also helps you grow healthy hair. Take a closer look at what you are eating and experiment to see any changes in your hair texture. I've read that drinking more water will help keep your body and your hair hydrated. Show your hair some love. If you don't believe me, try it and then tell me all about it. Once your feel good in your mind and body, your spirit will shine through and there will be no stopping YOU!!

Now.....I'm going to take a moment or two and be REAL. If you have a sistafriend who has come out the house and you know her outfit and or hair isn't right....TELL HER!! I have seen way too many ladies who have gone about their business....away from home and I look at their hair and say "oh noooo she didn't". Hair and the person's face is the first thing I see when I am looking around at people.

Once I see the hair I will then pay attention to what the person is wearing. Don't allow your first impression to be a bad one. Take a few moments to comb through your hair, curl it....heck even throw a piece in it. But please don't walk outside without the total package. P.S. friends don't let friends walk outside with messed up hair. If you don't tell your friends how much you love them, show them by helping them out. I hope this blog post has been beneficial to you. Please read, comment and share. Let me know what you think. Peace and blessings.

*This photo was taken from the link below*

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=ghetto+hair&hl=en&biw=1366&bih=596&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=e76RRR1v-vIMZM:&imgrefurl=http://www.nerdnirvana.org/2010/09/06/oreo-hair/&docid=cpK-5DyAocRQMM&w=540&h=720&ei=P5tMTtKjDejb0QHM0-T5Bg&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=72&page=1&tbnh=132&tbnw=113&start=0&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:0&tx=92&ty=51

My Natural Hair M.V.P.s

I have been asked to list and talk about my natural hair M.V.P.s (Most Valuable Products or Players). I must say that you must find products that work for you and your hair. Not all products will work the same on others. Just to give you some details about my hair. I am currently celebrating my 10th month of natural hair. My hair is colored which means it drys out quickly. I work outside in the sun so keeping it protected is an absolute must. When your hair is color treated it tends to dry out and becomes brittle if it isn't moisturized and conditioned properly.

I have done a little experimenting in these past 10 months and I think I have found the golden ticket. I don't use a whole lot of products and want to keep it as simple as possible. I have not chosen to use all natural hair products at this time. This may be something I look into a little further along in my natural hair journey.

The first two things I grab when I am about to do something to my hair is my handy dandy squirt water bottle and my wide toothed comb or afro pick. I can't get a comb through my hair without it being damp or wet. If I try to comb through it.....let's just say I may have a few teeth missing when I'm done battling with my curls. It is recommended that your hair be damp or wet to reduce breakage. Hair is most susceptible to damage when it is dry.

The next two things I grab are my bottles of Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Carrot Oil Growth Serum (Triple Strength) and Protectiv Solution Anti-Breakage Phase Oil. These products are to be applied in small amounts to the scalp and hair while it is still wet. The carrot oil is filled with vitamins and proteins to help strengthen and grow hair longer from the roots to the tips. It also helps to restore damaged hair and helps protect hair from heat damage (i.e. hot irons, flat irons, curling irons, etc.). I apply this serum directly to my hair for extra conditioning and shine. I love the anti-breakage oil because it also helps strength hair, add moisture and shine and has a nice top that makes it easier to apply directly to the scalp. Just be careful not to open the cap all the way. The oil will come gushing out and you don't want your hair to be oily. Hair oils tend to soak through satin bonnets, scarves and leave stains on pillowcases. These products are okay to use everyday as needed. Run your fingers through your hair first to feel if extra moisture is needed.

I love Motions At Home Salon Care products. This brand was recommended to me by my first hair stylist and I have not been able to part from it. I still use Motions At Home Salon Care Oil Sheen & Conditioning Spray  and Motions At Home Salon Care Hair and Scalp Conditioner. I use the oil sheen just for added shine and conditioning. I use the hair and scalp conditioner as oil for my scalp when I put twists in my hair. It tends to stay on my scalp a little longer than the hair serums  and oils do.

Last but certainly not least my current hair colorist and stylist Vanessa Dicks told me about curling cremes. I purchased Miss Jessie's: Curly Meringue from Target. This curling creme is used to add a little more curl definition and it also smells GREAT! When I first got my hair chopped off my hair was not used to being in its natural state. I needed a little help to bring out my natural curl. I discovered as the months went by how curly my hair really is and I didn't need to use the curling creme any more. Only apply a small amount to your hair because it tends to cake up a little bit. You have to let your hair breathe. So try not to use so many products in it at one time. I wish you much luck on your natural hair journey. Let me know what products you use. I'd love any suggestions....they are definitely worth a try!!

Creamy Crack vs. Wack

Synopsis of "Good Hair"

As you may or may not have seen Chris Rock produced a documentary called "Good Hair". He traveled all over the country and even the world to find as much information he could about hair. Boy do I have a lot to tell you. I recommend everyone watch it and please tell me how you feel about it.

Chris Rock interviewed several celebrities throughout the documentary such as Ice-T, Nia Long, Raven Simone, Paul Mooney and many others. They told their hair stories and were asked a series of questions. What is good hair? Do you have a weave and where is the hair from? and so on. It was nice to see and hear the celebrities so open about their hair; even Ice-T (who was famous for rocking the Shirley Temple curls with no shame).

Paul Mooney says in the film "When your hair is relaxed, everyone is relaxed. When your hair is nappy, everyone ain't happy". This was sad to hear. Chris Rock interviewed a group of young ladies who said it would be easier to get a job because your hair is straightened rather than wear it in its natural nappy state. To one young lady nappy hair symbolizes the person is "unkept" and she would not be taken seriously for the position. We have been conditioned to believe that "creamy crack" also known as a relaxer is the better way to go.

I now say "HECK NO!!!!" He interviewed a scientist who showed us the harsh affects of lye. Lye is made out of sodium hydroxide which is a very corrosive substance. The scientist applied lye to a chicken breast with the skin still attached and this corrosive substance eat right down to the meat. Is this something you want to have on your head??? Imagine what this chemical is doing to your hair follicle. Every time it is applied it is stripping your hair of it's natural curl, texture, and character. Most common side affects are burns on the scalp (which may be severe), hair loss, hair thinning, and breakage. I have had burns on my scalp and breakage and I am so I know all about it.

Some women who were interviewed said they could never get off the "creamy crack" because they don't feel they could ever go back. Some think they can not deal with their hair in its natural state. They may believe it is more beautiful, or may have been brought up that way. There were little girls getting relaxers at the age of 3 and 4!!! I could not believe that. What do you tell your baby girl??? Oh I can't deal with your hair so we are going to put a corrosive substance in your hair to keep it straight. Of course she may not be able to understand but that is pretty much the reason.

Weaves, wigs and pieces were talked about as well. Chris Rock flew to India, which is the biggest hair market. When I say hair market, I mean where the hair is exported from to make the human hair weaves, wigs and pieces. Hair is worth more than gold in India. There is a religious ceremony called "tonsure". While women are sleep their hair is shaved off and given as a sacrifice. The hair is then taken, washed, thoroughly combed through and packaged properly to be shipped and sold in America.

Chris Rock traveled to several different hair salons to ask African American women about their weaves and I was blown away. Some weaves can cost from $1,000 to $3,500 or more. Some stylists offer payment plans. You can start paying on a weave in small increments and once it is completely paid for, then you may have one put in. This is ridiculous. Some women use their money for hair before paying bills.

Chris Rock also traveled to some of the leading African American hair companies such as Dudley Beauty Corp, LLC. Greensboro, Carolina is where this company has its headquarters. Dudley not only makes all its products and sells them but they also have a beauty school. They take much pride in having everything African American owned and sold.

The Bronner Brothers Convention is a huge hair show in Atlanta, Georgia and Chris Rock interviewed the leading contestants and took us along their journey of preparation for the competition. There is so much that goes on there. The competition is one of the biggest part of the show but there were also hundreds of companies their to sell products. Asian companies were the majority of all companies represented.

After watching this film, I have confirmed my decision to stay natural. It is healthier, more financially appropriate for myself and also allows me to appreciate my culture and ethnicity more. My final note to you is to be confident no matter what. Don't let your hair define who you are a person and individual. Please do not let it get in the way of your bills and responsibilities. Learn about your hair and what is best for it and watch this film!!!!

Hair Stories/Journeys

We all have a story to tell. We have had trials and tribulations with our hair. I can remember being scared of the old-fashioned hot combs my mom used to use to straighten my hair. Or my first time at the beauty salon. I sat for 9 hours!!! just to get African braids. I would love to hear all of your hair stories and journeys to how you used to wear your hair up til now. Do you plan on drastically changing your hair in the future? Write on my sistas!

Curl Definition

"Gurl how did you get your hurrr to curl like that??????"


It is simple, I use a spray bottle filled with water and let the water bring out my natural curl. I have enjoyed seeing my hair from loose curls to tight curls. It all depends on how much I play around with it. When I shampoo and condition my hair, it tends to have a looser curl. I use Fantasia Frizz Buster Serum to eliminate the frizzies or fly aways I may have. This serum also conditions it and gives it a nice shine. After about a day or so and sleeping in my bonnet the curls don't look as nice. I then use grease and make sure I put it on my scalp and hair and use my spray bottle to revive the curls. By this time my curls are tighter and have a different texture.


Another product I use for curl definition is Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue. This product is known to be "the best darn curl cremes period." And ladies let me tell you it works!!! It is also helps that this creme smells fantastic and will have the fellas wanting to put their hands all  in your hair! This creme can be used on natural curls, twists, and so many other hair styles. I recommend this product but don't use it too often. If I use it more than once a week my hair tends to feel a little too heavy with a lot of different products in it.


While I was in transition to having natural hair I used rubber curling rods. Every hair store sells them in many different diameters. The smaller they are in diameter, the tighter the curls will be. I used a wrapping mousse to give myself a wet set. All you need to do is separate your hair in sections and use the mousse to wrap your hair. Let your hair air dry over night. In the morning take all the rods out and spray an oil sheen for a nice shine. Use a comb with a pick on the end or a comb used for volume to pick the curls out. You may also just use your fingers to achieve they style you would like. What do you use to define your curls???

These are how the curling rods are used. You may part your hair as desired.

Big Hair NO NOs!!!!!

I know everyone has seen a huge hair NO NO!!

I have seen lacefront wigs gone wrong. My eyes have laid on "railroad track" weaves and misplaced and maintained hair pieces. There is nothing wrong with wearing weaves, wigs or hair pieces. But PLEASE wear them right! Once you step out of the door you should be fabulous from head to toe. When I see someone, whether it is a complete stranger or someone I know, I look at their hair first. If you like to add hair to your own make sure it is presentable. It is not very attractive to look like you just slept on your hair and just decided to walk out the house. Please throughouly comb through your hair even if it is not your own.

If you wear a wig, make sure you take it off at night and comb through it as needed.  That means if the hair is tangled up from the roots to the end, it needs a good comb through. Wigs can use a little sprucing up from time to time. You may use oil sheen to give it a nice shine. If it is a human hair wig you may treat it as if it is your own hair. Most wigs and hair pieces come with washing and care instructions. Nine times out of ten, if you follow them, your hair will last a lot longer.

For the "rail-road track" weaves there is an easy solution to that. If you are not a professional or do not know how to put in a weave....let a professional DO IT! Hair stylists go through school specifically to help your hair look its very best. If you have a good hair stylist, he or she will hide the tracks to make your weave look as natural as possible. You do not want to walk around advertising that your hair is not you own unless that is your goal.

If you like to wear hair pieces it is important to choose a style that compliments your style and your face structure. I will post links and more information to help you learn about your face structure and the hair styles that may compliment it. I want your hair to look its very best. I can't stand to see my sistas with messed up hair.

Click the following links for more information:

http://www.visual-makeover.com/face.htm
http://beauty.about.com/od/hairbasics/a/flattering.htm
http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/the-right-hairstyle-for-your-face-shape

Are You Ready For Battle???

What do you use to help maintain your hair?


It is very important that you use the proper combs and brushes when styling your hair. If you know your hair is thicker than the Amazon rain forest and you use a comb that was 4 for $1....."Houston we have a problem!!!". You hair will break the teeth off the comb and you won't be able to do anything with that. You can not use a busted comb when you need to get through the kinks and tangles in your hair. I recommend Annie combs and brushes. If you have thick hair I recommend the wider toothed combs to get the big kinks and out and then switch to a finer toothed comb. If you have natural hair I recommend using a spray bottle filled with water (or mixture of water and leave in conditioner). This will make it a little easier to get the comb through it.


Annie also has several types of brushes from soft to hard bristles. If you have thicker hair it is best to use the harder bristled brushes. If you have thinner hair, I would recommend the softer bristled brush. Experiment with the different brushes and combs to see what works best for you.

Hair Photo Albums!!

As you may or may not know I also have my camera ready when I do my hair or someone else's. I have links posted below of my facebook page hair photo albums. Please share and comment. If you have photos please feel free to post them. I always need some inspiration.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=1318382880&aid=2064053

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2003110&id=1318382880

Winter Hair Care

Ladies it is very important to make sure our hair is throughouly moisturized during the harsh winter weather. This goes for relaxed and natural hair. If you find your hair to be brittle or dryer than usual that is a good sign that your hair is dry. Cold weather dries out our hair and skin and we must replenish it frequently to maintain healthy hair. I have used Motions At Home Salon Care products for several years now. This brand was suggested by my hair stylist and I have had much success with all the products. I currently use the Hair and Scalp Conditioner to apply to my hair and scalp. It is a very thin grease so it should be applied once or twice a week depending on your own hair condition. If you see dandruff you may want to apply grease more frequently and or use a shampoo or conditioner that targets it directly.


Do you wear a hat outside? If not, I would suggest that you do so if you are outside longer than just walking from a store to your car. Even if the winds aren't very high you should still protect your head with a hat or hood. Do you cover your hair at night? If you do what do you use? I personally wear a satin bonnet at night. It keeps my hair protected if I may sleep wildly during the night. It also prevents the grease and or products from rubbing onto my pillows. The products I use would not do me any good if I find huge stains of absorption in my pillows and sheets. It's your turn....tell me your secrets.