lovelyti's hair journey and everyday blogs

dang girl where you been?

2012-09-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

Hey ladies, first let me start my saying wooooooow *in my flav voice*
it's been a long time since iv'e blogged on either of my blogs and I truly miss it.
I hope everyone reading this is doing well, and continuing on their healthy hair journey.
I wanted to blog several times, this summer but between working full time, modeling the boys
and starting a new relationship, I bearly had any time on my hands=(
everything seems to be calming down a bit, so I'm ready to get back in to the swing of things =)

So where do i start....well i did quite a few runway and hair shows this spring and summer
let me start by telling ya'll some of these hair shows were a trip, i had a blast but my hair went through a lot, with that being said I also learned alot as well.
what i couldn't believe was how many white folks were literately obsessed and loving my natural hair.

I had other white models tell me that they wish we could switch hair textures for one day lol.
i had white hair stylist, dang near argue over who would do my hair in several shows.
it amazed me how many other races were intrigued and genuinely loved my hair.
unfortunately we still face ridicule from Some people the balck community,
hence the Gabby Douglas situation....

if i can stress one thing to any black hair stylist PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE
learn to take care of and style natual hair clients.
other races are capitalizing on natural hair and learning how to take care of OUR
hair textures, one stylist told me he had to learn to do natural hair when he realized turning away black women was hurting his pockets. i felt where he was coming from, and he hooked my hair up!
he's about his money and what ever he needed to learn about black natural hair, he learned and learned fast, he is willing to take on any hair texture, hence why he is making great money at his salon.

In the month of june i did a hair show for mizani. it was an all day affair -____-
i wasn't feeling the twisting of my hair in a bunch of small twist, the stylist was kind of rough
and their products left a bunch of white residue in my hair. lets just say i washed it all out the very next day, the look just wasn't for me, but it was nice to see what i would have looked like with
sister locks lol.

I'm gonna post a few pics from a few hair shows that i did this summer. With the exception of
the miziani show, everyone who styled my hair was white and they all did a wonderful job
i was happy to see that they weren't scared to take on the challenge of my natural hair!
i made some great connections, this summer it felt good to get back on the runway after all theses
years =)

my mizani sister locks look

the stylist untwisting my hair, the audience was very intrigued lol=)

the back of my hair !


on stage modeling at the paul mitchell hair show.

after my fro was washed and condition they picked me to get styled in stage!


this is the back of my hair, a white stylist name justin styled it on stage in 10mins!

at home after a long day=)

this style lasted a week in a half i loved it!!

modeling at the Aveda hair show.


Rocking my afro for a 60's inspired look for a twin cities designer.

This was me 2mth ago i did some modeling for twin cities the buzz on channel 9!

A hair show i did for the urban garden in march!

I loved the hair and the funky make-up.

natural hair photoshoot

lovely hair growth products are finally on sale

2012-01-06T12:05:00.009-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

It's been a while, but if you're a facebook friend, a youtube subscriber or a twitter follower, then you know why I've been M.I.A. lots of things have been going on in my personal life,

but over all 2011 was a great year, and I hope and pray that 2012 will be just as blessed.

After 3 yrs of making products for family and friends and a few subscribers.

I have decided to make my products available to everyone.

I made 2 recent youtube videos about my hair products, and how i use them.

I will be posting the videos in this post. I'm also gonna share the product list

with you guys, since so many people have asked me where they can find it.

In the 2 weeks since I posted this video, I've sold more products then I anticipated=)

now I have only a few jars of shea butter and hair oil left, BUT I will be restocking soon!!

If you are interested, you can email me on youtube or at lovelyhairgrowth@gmail.com

make sure the tile says "PRODUCTS" because I get tons of emails,

and I don't want to miss anyone's order...I sell by first come, first service

I don't hold products for people sorry=)

here is the product info sheet:

All natural hair and body butters~ Consist of a shea butter base

with 12 different carrier oils: Almond, coconut, and jojoba are just 3 of the wonderful oils staples that I use.

I also infuse pure argan and emu oil in to my mixtures as well. All of my products have proven results in helping repair and keep skin healthy, along with growing and maintaining you're hair.

I have tried and tested these products on myself, family and friends, and I hope you enjoy

the holistic benefits of my products.

My Natural Hair Butter (4oz) $8 ~ consist of the shea butter base described above.

Along with a few essential oils. 2 of those oils are peppermint, tea-tree.

The fragrance used is a rose sent, the smell blends nice with

the potent smell of the tea tree and peppermint oils.

My Natural Shea Body butter $8 (4oz)~consist of the shea butter base described above.

But the best part is, you get to choose your very own fragrance.

Here is the list of the fragrances to choose from:

black raspberry vanilla~ *similar to bath and body works*

pure seduction~ *similar to victoria secrets body spray scent*

intuition for men~ *similar to Estée Lauder men's cologne*

peach zifandel, strawberry smoothy, cherry vanilla, strawberry jam,
fresh cut roses, melonberry, blueberry poundcake, raspberry blitz. Juicy Mulberry, Gardenia Flowers, Mango-Papaya sorbet, sweet Island Nectar

My All natural hair oil~ (2oz) $6 consist of 12 different carrier oils and a minimum of 4 essential oils, The fragrance is a rose scent as well.

Off the runway~All natural foot cream (4oz) $5: This natural foot lotion consist of a sweet rain fragrance, along with peppermint, tea-tree oil and a few drops of mixed carrier oil.

this foot lotion is very relaxing, you will feel a slight tingling as it helps to relax and sooth your feet. You can use it after a shower, before bed, or after a long day on your feet.

Medicinally, peppermint oil stimulates blood circulation and works as an antifungal and antiseptic. In addition to making your feet smell nice, peppermint lotion works to kill odor-causing bacteria as well.

My all natural body lotion (4oz) $5~ consist of a natural lotion base mixed with 12 carrier oils and your choice of the above fragrance.

all payments will be billed via paypal, the shipping cost will depend on the amount ordered.

$5 for small shipments, and $10 and up for larger shipments. I use "if it fits, it ships" through usps.

feel free to contact me on youtube or at lovelyhairgrowth@gmail.com

Product video:

2 years of natural hair growth....and counting!!!

2011-10-09T12:18:00.008-04:00

Wow it's been a while since I posted on here,

so much has gone on with my hair that i don't know where to start=)

well i guess i can start by saying, it's the official 2 year anniversary

of when i cut off my relaxer and decided to go AU NATURAL.
I still remember feeling over whelmed scared and,

nervous of what others would think of me and my hair.
to go from straight midback length hair,

to a small ear length afro was CRAZYYYY.

I remember looking in the mirror after i cut off my hair,

and feeling that i looked like a little boy...

this was taken right after i cut and washed my hair....

After the initial shock of what i had done had wore off,

i felt good and I felt free, I was no longer a "slave" to my hair
i didn't have to keep my hair straightened 24/7,

and i could just let it be, that aspect alone made me feel great.

people ask me all the time, what i did to get my hair to grow back so fast?
i literally went from ear length hair, to APL hair in 2yrs.
the thing that helped me the most was letting my hair be and keeping it simple.
i found and made natural products that worked for MY HAIR, i also made sure to co wash my hair with filtered clean water...even though i washed my hair everyday to kept it clean,i made sure not to strip my hair of the nutrients that it needed.

I believe that everyone's hair journey means something different to them.
I am grateful for everything I've' learned over these past few years,

not only did i learn that black hair could grow and be healthy,
like any other race, this journey also taught me to find the beauty within my self...

for so long i hid behind hair weaves and relaxers, i hated my forehead and hair texture.

this wonderful journey taught me that i was OK, just the way God made me, I'm not "perfect"

nor am I "Beyonce pretty", but I'm ok in my own way.

this journey forced me to look in the mirror and except,

and love each flaw that i had or i thought i had...

if i could say 2 things about the 2 hair journeys that i went through, i would say this...
1. i found myself and i like the person, that i found underneath the hair weaves and relaxers...
2. the hair that i hated so much as a kid, is now my greatest asset=)

last but certainly not least...
thank you all for supporting and encouraging me as well,

you all saw things inside of me that i couldn't see myself.
i am forever grateful for every positive message,

words to encouragement and/or advice, that i received from

people all over the world.... man technology is a wonderful thing,

it brings the human aspect to a whole new level.
to know that the same issues i faced in a small town usa,

are some of the same issues, that so many young women went through,

growing up going simply amazes me...

so once again thank you for reaching out to me sharing your stories with me,

on here and on youtube, each email holds a special place in my heart.

ti

here are some random pics=)
finally getting used to my short hair lol.

this was my first time going out rocking my short hair=)

This was the one year after i cut my hair off...my I/T nerd look=)

this summer 2011...

This was taken last week...

this was taken thursday oct 6th 2011...i can now put my hair ponytail=D

2 years of natural hair growth....and counting=)

Hide Yo Weaves' cus they robbing everybody out here!

2011-06-10T21:50:00.008-04:00

I knew weaves were big business, but I had no idea that it was this big.
There is a crazy trend going on where folks are jacking super expensive hair weaves,
it's starting to become a big underground business smh.

Today the New York Times published an article about a disturbing new trend in the hair industry—human hair theft.

According to the article, over the past few months salons and beauty stores across the country have experienced a rash of thefts involving human hair extensions. In many of the robberies thieves bypassed seemingly valuable things such as flat screen TVs, cash registers, and digital cameras and went straight for the hair.

From Texas to Michigan to California and all parts in between, thieves have been breaking into stores and taking Remy hair, one of the most valuable types on the market.

“In addition to the $150,000 Houston robbery this month, thieves have recently taken $10,000 in hair from a San Diego shop; $85,000 from a business in Missouri City, Tex.; $10,000 from a shop in Dearborn, Mich.; and $60,000 from a business in San Leandro, Calif.”

Hair theft has become one of the easiest types of crimes to carry out. Not only do thieves rake in thousands of dollars worth of hair on each heist, but many are also able to quickly sell the hair on the street or on the Internet to turn a fast profit.

In recent months, the NY Times reports, packages of hair have been showing up on the streets of L.A., Houston, Philadelphia, and in the Bay Area and are selling for $25 per package as opposed to the retail price of $80 to $100.

Police suspect many of the thieves have been taken custom orders for the hair, and have even sold the stolen hair to stylists and customers.

“They’re selling it to stylists who work out of their house, they’re selling it on the street, they’re selling it out of the car,” said Ms. Amosu of My Trendy Place. “People who don’t want to pay the prices will buy it from the hustle man. It’s like the bootleg DVDs and the fake purses. But this is a quality product.”

Because of the profit margin involved in the stolen hair racket, police have seen an uptick in violence. One storeowner in Michigan was murdered and others have been assaulted.

The New York Times reports:

In Dearborn, Mich., Jay Shin, the owner of Sunrise Beauty Supply, was killed during a holdup on March 15 by gunmen who stole 80 packages of hair extensions worth about $10,000. Two young men have been arrested.

Assaults have been reported even when only a small amount of hair is involved. In West Palm Beach, Fla., a 16-year-old girl sprayed a clerk with pepper spray last year as she made off with extensions. And in Lawton, Okla., the police said a customer who ran out of a store with extensions tried to escape with the storeowner clinging to the hood of her car.

The violence has prompted many shop owners to hire security guards and install expensive alarm systems, but this has seemed to do little to deter thieves, many of whom approach salon owners they have robbed to try to sell them the stolen hair.

Stylists are rightly worried, not only about their inventory, but also for their safety. As the demands for hair extensions continue to grow, thieves will continue do just about anything to cash in.

This is a damn shame, but like anything eles i'm not shocked...

where there is a demand, there will always be a side hustle.
I would just hate to get 10 years in prison, because I stole a bunch of hair weave smdh!

here are 3 disturbing videos:

My commentary:

Locking Tim's hair

2011-05-25T23:02:00.006-04:00

I have been pretty busy locking and re-twisting a lot of hair lately,

word really spread plus i don't really charge too much,

I have done whole heads for $20 it's something

I don't mind doing if i have time on my hands lol.

In this video i'm doing one of my family members' hair, his name is Tim...
I had also done a friend's head earlier, but he didn't want to be on camera lol.
Anyways I ended up putting Tim on camera since he wanted locks as well.
It's been about 3 weeks since i made this video, I saw him tues after the tornado hit our city.
his locks are just about ready to be washed and relocked.
I will be making another video, to show everyone how to wash baby locks,
I will also be re-twisting his hair as well.

Wiz Khalifa water marbling nails

2011-05-25T22:50:00.001-04:00

My first nail tutorial, hopefully there will be more to come=)

Carol's Daughter Spokesbeauties Introduce New Line

2011-05-25T22:35:00.003-04:00

Solange Knowles, Selita Ebanks and Cassie pose together at the Carol’s Daughter Spokesbeauty & Monoi Repairing Collection launch at Sephora on Tuesday (May 24) in New York City.

The first 250 people who purchased a Monoi repairing gift set had an opportunity to get their picture taken with the “spokesbeauties.” Monoi oil is a 2,000 year-old sacred, tahitian ingredient that undoes and prevents damage for fewer breaks, snaps and splits.

Solange, Selita and Cassie were announced as the faces of the Carol’s Daughter’s new polyethnic ad campaign back in April.

I finally realized that Solange rocks afro wigs....

this is her real hair in april either way she looks good.

Here is the product, I would love to try it...it's kind of pricey though=)

Here goes cassie on the Carol's Daughter' Ad.

healthy hair snacks

2011-04-22T22:04:00.004-04:00

Here goes a few great snacks, that can help maintain your hair from the inside out!!

Almonds

Even though almonds scare me....this small snack is packed with vitamin E,

which is great for circulation to the scalp.

Almond oil is extremely useful for treating all sorts of hair problems as well.

Almond oil helps as a cure for treating hair loss,

dandruff it also prevents graying of hair as well.

I don't eat Almonds or walnuts, the only nuts i can eat are peanuts.

with that being said sweet almond oil is the business, i use it quite frequently in my hair=)

Walnuts

Great source of vitamin E which improves blood circulation on the scalp.

Walnuts are source of zinc. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding.

Most nuts are good for skin. walnuts help to maintain a nourished and smooth complexion.

walnuts for hair include stronger hair, more conditioned and moisturized hair.

Also, walnuts contain micro nutrients which prevent hair loss from occurring.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are high in protein, biotin, potassium, zinc, iron, B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium and calcium. Hair is made of proteins so this tasty snack will strengthen your hair... even the BBQ'd flavor ones can benefit your hair. Don't feel to guilty if you would rather eat those, instead of the plain ones LOL.

Figs

Figs contain iron, magnesium, vitamins A, B & C, folic acid, zinc, sodium and potassium. They are 80% higher in potassium than bananas. Iv'e never had a fig in my life, the closest Iv'e come to a fig is bath & body works Brown Sugar & fig lotion lol. after researching their benefits i may have to eat one...I wonder how they taste?

Apricots

Apricots contains iron, essential for hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, pale skin, hair thinning, and undernourished hair.

I rearly if ever eat Apricots, but Apricot kernel oil is a staple of mine.

Apricot kernel oil helps in making the hair soft and shiny.

the oil moisturizes and nourishes the hair from root to tip.

Regular application of organic apricot kernel oil is known to promote hair growth too.

Bananas

Bannans contain an amino acid named tryptophan, it's an essential amino acid. This means the body needs it but can’t make it...so we have to eat it. bananas also contain natural oils that soften the hair when applied directly. Potassium adds softening properties to the hair shaft.

Anemia is deficiency of red blood cells that help to carry oxygen in the blood to various cells and tissues of the body. Deficiency of iron causes reduced production of hemoglobin and other important nutrients required for producing red blood cells. Thus, bananas being high in iron are some of the best foods to treat anemia.

Some More Banana Benefits

Eating banana benefits your brain by increasing your thinking ability and brainpower.

Bananas are best natural remedy for curing hangovers. Simply prepare a mixture of banana, yogurt and honey and have it to soothe the stomach after a hangover.

Bananas help to neutralize the acidic level in the stomach and hence, are best home remedies for treating ulcers and heartburn. They coat the intestine with a protective coating and act as natural antacid.

Researches have proved that eating banana benefits a person to quit smoking. Potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and B12, present in banana are useful substances that help in recovering from the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine.

Bananas are high in B-complex vitamins, which help to improve the functioning of the nervous system.

Eating banana reduces the risk of stroke by 40%.

Eating cooked flowers of bananas helps to alleviate the menstrual cramps and also controls excessive bleeding.

Rubbing the banana peels over the skin, helps in reducing the itching and swelling caused due to mosquito bites.

Tryptophan is an amino acid present in banana and helps to treat psychological problems like stress and depression.

The high amount of electrolytes present in banana helps in preventing dehydration.

I drink a strawberry and banana smoothie, almost every morning

I definitely notice a big difference, when i haven't had my smoothie =)

strawberries

In United States, strawberries are rated as one of the best foods for skin care and weight loss. Studies have shown that regular intake of strawberries can improve your skin and hair conditions. strawberries are rich in a number of vitamins, copper and manganese as well as Omega 3 essential fatty acids. this is great news, if your a vegan who doesn't eat salmon.

Nutrients found in strawberries include vitamin A, C, E and B6, fiber, potassium, folate and various antioxidants and flavonoids. all of these things help the circulation of blood to the scalp. Your immune system needs these fighters to protect against diseases related to heart and cancers.

Strawberries surpass super fruits like apples, oranges and bananas, in terms of providing the most nutrients.For example, comparing the vitamin C level in 100g of strawberries and 100g of oranges, strawberries exceed oranges by 10mg. Best of all, they are low in calories and absolutely fat-free!

Oranges

Oranges contain vitamin C, a necessary nutrient for your body to keeps the fibers that create each hair together. Plus, beta carotene, found in other orange fruits and veggies is needed for cells to grow.

Raisins

Rich in iron, raisins help keep oxygen flowing in the blood. The hair follicle needs all the nutrients it can get from circulation of healthy blood to the scalp. raisins help to promote hair growth, all the while preventing hair loss.

Skim or soy milk/ frozen or regular low fat yogurt

Cow’s milk naturally contains vitamin A and B12. It also has biotin, a protein that will help strengthen your hair, which is made mostly of proteins. Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.

what are your favorite hair snacks?

new study says 30% of black women are permanently BALDING from hair weaves

2011-04-17T22:11:00.007-04:00

A recent study of middle aged black women reveals that nearly 30% have sustained permanent scalp and hair damage, possibly due to tight braids and weaves.

Black women often maintain these styles for long periods of time, and the stress they exert on the scalp can lead to the development of pus-filled bumps, says the lead researcher, Angela Kyei, M.D., a dermatologist and chief resident at the Cleveland Clinic’s Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute. “Over time, these bumps can develop bacteria” that can lead to scarring, she explains.

To make matters worse, women who are already losing their hair are more likely to get a weave or braids because they think they help disguise thinning hair.

The study stated Black women should consider refraining from using these hairstyles on young children, and they need to think about the consequences and damage that they’re doing to their hair.

This is a 3year old girl from the show "Toddlers and Tiaras" she is getting a
full sew-in...

I got my first sew-in at age nine, I'm not really sure why i think my aunt needed someone to practice on and my mom needed a break from braiding my own hair once a week.

It wasn't a Beyonce weave, it was shoulder length, silky straight, and jet black.
My aunt is a beast when it comes to braiding and sew ins, I've told ya'll this in the past...
I remember when I came to class with it in, everyone was shocked and awed,
people loved it...including my teacher at the time LOL. all the black girls were like OMG,
how did you do that? anyways long story short, after 2 weeks my mom took it out,
and i literally wanted to die smh.

My real hair was neck length at the time, but it was not silky straight, even with a perm in it...
it definitely was not as thick and "gorgeous"as I thought the weave was,
not to mention i got teased once everyone saw i was wearing my real hair again...
i remember people saying to me all day, "what happened to your hair?"
"i do not like your hair like this." "where is your long hair?"
talk about a self esteem crusher LOL!

The good thing is kids get over stuff pretty quickly, by the next day it was bridge under water.
my point for sharing this, is we need to teach young girls,
especially black girls how to love and embrace their own REAL hair...
weaves and constant hair braiding is not the answer.

when i wore my weave that was a rear thing and it was only for 2 weeks,
and i never got another sew in again until i was 16...now a days all i see are
young girls rocking everything from extensions, to glued in weaves,to sew-in's...
I don't know why, but it makes me sad.

maybe I have no room to talk because as ya'll know I have 2 boys,
so it's a little easier, i get they're frohawks cut once a month, and that is that.
sometimes i think if i had a little girl, would i let her get braids?
how far would i let her push her individuality...
I let my son's express themselves by getting designs on the side of their
frohawks,as long as it's age appropriate i do not mind.

Sometimes I think about stuff like this, when I see my nieces, little cousin's and my friends' daugthers, with a head full of hair weave. I always wonder if these hair styles will have a negative affect on them gowning up? meaning will these hair styles make them feel insecure once taken out of their hair? I also wonder if they will get caugth up in the same cycle that many of us women have been caught up in,
so many of us go to the shop every 2 weeks like clock work.

what do you guy think about this topic?
do you all let your young daughters get sew ins, glued weave jobs, or braids?
if you do, is it for convince? i think for my mom it was more of a convince thing.

I can count on one hand, how many times before the age of 16,
that i got braids or sew-in's. You couldn't have told my 9yr old self,
that one day I would be rocking a huge natural fro.
I would have been like YEAH RIGHT! LOL.

are little girls, growning up too fast?
Are they being set up from early ages,
to continue the cycle of weaves and braids?
Here is beautiful ten year old willow Smith,
with a face full of make up, her nails and hair
are done up as well....
leave your thoughts, and have a great week=)

Florida Woman Steals $1600 and Hides It in Her Weave

2011-04-15T23:23:00.002-04:00

Esther Armbrister a 20-year-old Miami woman turned her hairpiece into her personal piggy bank when she allegedly stole $1,600 out of a man's pocket and hid it in her glued-on

lace front wig...The crime happened at the Westin Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida over the weekend. Armbrister, who has been arrested seven times for prostitution, had hooked up with a man and returned to his room for some alone time when she found money in his shorts pockets.

The man, identified as a tourist from New York, told police he had a billfold with close to $2,000 in $100 and $20 bills. Armbrister stayed the night in the man's hotel room and attempted to leave the next morning when the man noticed his bankroll was missing. He confronted Armbrister about the money and searched all her belongings purse, pockets, and clothes, but never checked her hairpiece.

Police eventually intervened searched the woman's wig and found the missing money, Armbrister now allegedly faces charges for grand theft.

Well that's one way to really use your head LOL...

personally I don't feel bad for either party, they deserve each other.

he's probably married or has a girlfriend smh.

Tiny's new hair style

2011-04-15T23:04:00.004-04:00

Tiny tweet pic'd this picture today...

as you can see she has dyed her hair multiple shades of pinks.

it's very "high schoolish" to me, it looks like she was

experimenting with Kool-Aid packets=)

For the most part, I like the varying shades of pinks...

as we all know Tiny is balling and doesn't have to"work"

so she can run all over ATL with pink hair.

for the rest of us, ummm not so much lol.

Here goes Tiny's infamous tweet, letting us know she has money...smh

Teacher Posts Pics On Facebook To Make Fun Of 7Year Old's Jolly Rancher Hairstyle

2011-04-10T11:22:00.004-04:00

Lucinda Williams, claims her 7-year-old daughter, Ukailya Lofton begged her to tie Jolly Ranchers

onto the ends of her braids for picture day at school after she saw the style in a magazine...

#sideeye what magazine was this hot mess of a hair sytle in...

The child's computer teacher took a picture of the hairdo because she "claimed" that her boyfriend wouldn't believe it.

She then posted the pics on her Facebook page with the caption: ‘Right! This is for picture day.'

Negative comments were posted and the news got back to Lucinda.

Ukailya responded in an interview, "My mama told me [the teacher] put it on Facebook and then I felt sad."

Williams received an apology but wants to take it further to get the teacher suspended. She remarked,

"What bothers me is that she still hasn't apologized to my baby. No child should have to go to school to be bullied by their teacher."
Chicago Public Schools said the teacher showed poor judgement posting photos of the student and she agreed.
They are now investigating to see if any policies were violated but Lucinda is speaking to her lawyers and is readying a lawsuit against the school system....

watch the news video...

oh this style is not new, these guys were posted on the net last year,

wearing jolly ranchers in their hair lol.
that mom knows damn well she didn't see the style in a hair magazine,

she saw he style on Media Take out LOL.

The teacher was all the way out of pocket for posting this child's picture on facebook.

with that being said, what are your thoughts? do you think the mom was in the wrong

for doing her child's hair like this, in the first place?

would you let you daughter rock jolly ranchers in her hair?

my commentary:

2011 spring/summer hair trends

2011-04-08T23:13:00.016-04:00

There are a lot of big hair trends this summer, everything from free flowing natural hair to shorty sexy relaxed bobs. super short hair cuts are also in this sumer.

These sexy hair cuts can be seen in all different angles, shapes and sizes.

Honey and copper highlights are very popular hair trends this summer as well.

highlights are great for warming up your complexion.

Other trends include bantu knots, tight curly styles, waves, and sleek ponytails.

Another new trend that's hitting the streets, are wild colored weaves. Now this is nothing new, but it's a trends that is increasing with popularity, thanks for artists like Nicki Minaj and Rihanna. Bright colors such as reds, blues and greens are being worn by both relaxed and natural haired women. Two toned colored hair is also very popular...
Where i'm out and about, I always see young chicks rocking black microbraids

in the front of their hair, then near the back it's either hot pink or hot red.

a chick with white braids in the back of her head before.

Even though I sometimes clown colored hair on youtube, it doesn't really bother me.

but I do feel like it should be age appropriate, I think teens look the best with these styles.

When I see people over the age of 28 with bright neon hair,

I feel like their hair screams yes "i'm unemployed for the time being" lol I'm just saying...

Older celebs can get away with it, because they have money and they are paid to entertain.
when regular people try to emulate Celebs, it doesn't come off as flawlessly.
hence the pictures below....

Another so called "trend" that is going around, are all the people who are choosing to go natural. I don't see why natural hair is being considered a trend by many people,

IMO you choose to relax, but your born natural...so I don't see how this is a trend??

either way be prepared to see a lot of big afros, twa and twist out.

Bre Scullark cut her hair last summer, but I'm just now seeing the pics.

the picture below was her REAL hair, before she did the B.C.

She is simply stunning either way.

Rihanna recently decided to get rid of her massive weave,

and just dye her real hair red, I'm feeling it.

I truly love Michelle's new look, short hair looks great on her.

Kelis decided to dye her hair red as well, color is really in this year.

I have seen many celebs rocking the pixie hairstyle,
Kandi pulls it off flawlessly.

As you see color is Nicki Minaj's thing...

no matter if you hate her or love her,

you can't deny that people are following her trend.

In every hood, there's a chick running around

with black and pink hair, thinking she's the baddest barbie on the block LOL.

Have a great weekend!

The natural hair nazi vs The relaxer renegades

2011-03-28T18:52:00.012-04:00

Solange Knowles arrives at the 2011 Victoria’s Secret SWIM Collection Pink Carpet Event hosted by VS Angels at Club L on March 30, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
I'm loving her afro, I give her props all day... it's hard to shave your hair off,
then have the entire world talk smack about you, including ex boyfriend.
solange is doing her thing =)

Iv'e always wanted to touch on this topic please read:

when I made the choice to go natural it was an agonizing decision but deep down,
I knew it would be best for my overall health.
when I cut my hair off in 2009, I never reached a "new" level of consciousness
nor did I feel like, i was better then all of those "other girls" who still relaxed their hair.

I was never given a rule book on what it is to be natural, no one ever broke it down to me so maybe ya'll can help me out...

I have heard folks say, they don't count girls with 2-3c hair natural,
cus they have "good hair" and it's easier to manage so they don't count.
I have heard the same about bi-racial women, not being able to claim that their hair is natural because they have white ancestry.

I heard people say that they only consider true naturals
to be women who have kinky 4a-4c hair
because all of the other hair types are easier to manage.
i have heard ladies say if you wear a weave as a protective style,
they don't consider you a true natural either.
once you go natural you MUST ALWAYS wear your OWN real hair.
Iv'e also seen natural women get mad at other naturals,
for straightening their hair, or getting Dominican blow outs O_0

I also had a few women clown me, because I chose to transition instead of just shaving off my hair, I guess i was considered a punk for doing so lol. I feel regardless if you transition or shave your head...isn't the end result all that matters? why would this even be an issues for some women *shrugs* at the end of the day i felt comfortable transitioning,I made it work for me, and the end result is that i now have a head full of healthy natural hair.

well all of these so called rules, have me confused as hell... how can you dictate or tell someone what they are? I always thought going natural was having natural hair, meaning that you do not use any chemical in your hair... I notice a lot of "natural hair nazis" tend to excuse hair dyes,but bash the hell out of relaxers?
ummm isn't that a chemical, and a very harsh one as well?
don't' get me started on natural hair nazi's who dye the tips of their locks blond,
but look down on silky straight weave...umm most black people do not have blond hair,
so what does that say about you?

Now I'm not trying to be a b*tch or throw shade, but i am sooooooo tired of
the natural vs relaxer debate, it's so 2008 lol.
we have so many bigger issues that are effecting the black community,
it's truly sad that we are still bickering over good hair vs bad hair,
relaxed tresses or natural tresses...it's a shame. #pleasestopitalready!!

In my opinion, anyone who does not put chemicals in their hair is natural,
regardless of their race, skin tone, or hair texture.
I don’t understand why people act like, when a black woman goes natural she’s suddenly some super conscious black queen of the earth, moon and stars...even though I'm a vegetarian that had nothing to do with me being natural, that was for weight loss and health benefits.

I’m not a fan of acrylic nails, due to the horrible chemicals in them. I've only had my nails done 5 times in my entire life, each time i went to a nail shop i felt like throwing up and passing out from the chemicals...I don't see how my home girls do it every 2 weeks,but to each it's own, it's not my place to knock them for rocking fake nails.

when i was 17, i rocked a pair of hazel contacts for a few months, i wouldn't do it now unless it's for a youtube skit or something, with that being said i wouldn't knock any sister who wanted to walk around with blue eyes...i may not find it attractive, but at the end of the day
that's on her not me.

Natural hair TO ME simply means, I’m going to wear my hair without a perm in it.
i will I flat iron my hair, if i feel like it. I don't dye it, but if i ever want too then that is between me and my hair...
Just because someone chooses NOT to get a perm doesn’t mean that she doesn’t care about beauty or style. I love modeling, photography and having my own sense of style.
I also love setting my own trends, and not looking to emulate anything hollywood perpetuates.

Black folks love to make silly pointless arguments regarding hair, and skintone.
I really wish we could move past this issue. Just because I wear an afro doesn’t make me some meditating, peta loving vegetarian, LOL as everyone knows on twitter, facebook, and youtube I hate @peta and I believe they banned me
for calling them out on twitter, but I digress LOL.

My style isn’t going to change for anyone on youtube or in the real world.
I’m still gonna rock my skinny jeans, polish my nails electric blue,
rock my crazy tee shirts, or sexy tops and be me=)
I’m just not gonna get a perm, while doing so...with that being said
that doesn't make me better or worse then the next chick.

I think some people need to get over themselves OK your AU NATURAL....and??
or you have long mid-back length relaxed hair SO WHAT?? I've been there done that=D
so instead of being mean,insulting, and condescending what are you going to do to uplift your relaxed and or natural sisters?

I've always gotten people to convert to natural hair, by being an example and being nice. I always try to answer any questions and make them feel comfortable, by letting them know that how and when they choose to go natural, is their business not mine or anyone on any hair board.I believe when it comes to your looks, you have to be comfortable with yourself.It's not fair to push your own agenda on someone else.

with that being said I hope some day soon, natural girls on the Internet will still embrace and be there for their relaxed sisters, and I hope relaxed sister can stop clowning natural haired women at any given opportunity...hence when Solange's pics came out on Friday, a lot of folks on the net clowned her afro, and said beyonce looked better and took better care of her hair,or should I say her weave smh.

So how do you feel, about natural hair nazis and Relaxer Renegades?
I just coined the term relaxer renegade y'all heard it here first!!
so what do you think of this natural vs relax debate, that is STILL
brewing on all over the Internet?

P.S if the shoes doesn't fit then there is no need to get offended by my post.
if it don't apply, let it fly...with that being said,
please feel free to share and Rt this post=)
have a great weekend!!

Split-Ender

2011-03-28T00:40:00.007-04:00

So recently I found out, about a new gadget called the split ender, the item came out 2010,
but since i'm not a fan of cutting or trimming my hair, i never knew about it=)

people constantly ask me, how am i able to grow my hair with out trimming it

every few months... once again the answer is this:

TRIMMING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HAIR GROWTH...

no i'm not yelling=) i'm just trying to stress the point, I will always stand by this statement.

IMO trimming is the biggest scam in the hair industry, sylists train folks to believe that they need a trim to keep their hair growing and healthy.

can you say Cha Ching!!! that's guaranteed money in the bank.

I have friends who are stylists and they have confirmed to me that trimming is a huge hustle, there is no reason that someone needs a trim every month, but every month faithful cliental line up for their monthly trims like sheep.
To me trims are great if you wear your hair out constantly, but trims are meant to make your hair look neat or help if you have split ends. Please keep in mind that everyone's hair is different....some can go years with out trimming, and their hair still grows regardless. others may need to trim frequently, because their hair is constantly snagging/splitting this can be caused by clothing and or lack of proper hair care. I do not believe that anyone truly needs a monthly trim, hair only grows 1 inch per month. if you trim monthly, then you are constantly cutting off any progress.

My last trim was nov 2008, when i made my "black hair journey trim video." in oct 2009, i cut off all my hair after a year long transition. that was the last time, i had a pair of scissors in my hair... I haven't cut or trimmed since then.
Personally i think the key to handling split ends, is maintaining your hair/ends in the first place. everything you do or don't do, plays a big part in your hair growth. to me simplicity is the key, that is what worked for me in 2006 when i first started my journey, and it's still working for me till this day.

The best way to prevent split ends, is to add moisture to your hair, and seal it in using shea butter or some type of oil, i prefer castor oil at night cus it's thicker. i always make sure to mist my hair with water at night, i own a few different spray bottles they are all filled with filtered water and various other things.
i make a lot of my own leave in conditioner sprays, liquid aloe vera is my best friend this month. ya'll know i have to switch things up all the time, if not i will get bored with my hair. making your hair fun and trying different things,
will keep you on your toes. treat your hair as you would your body, don't treat it like a chore.

when our bodies crave food or water, we eat and drink and we delight in it...well at least i do.
i treat my hair the same, i make sure to co-wash it, and feed it twice a day with oil or butter. then i give it water when it looks/feels thirsty...I know it sound weird but i feel like i am "one" with my hair. I'm sure some of ya'll are reading this, and giving me the side eye lol *shrugs* it's hard to explain, but treat your hair like your body listen to what it needs.
it's not about being a product junkie, and buying every little thing on the market,
it's also about finding small simple steps, to help better maintain your hair.

Here is the product description:
As Seen On TV Talavera Split Ender Cordless Split End Trimmer
Neatly Trims only the split-end tips of your hair
Never changes your hair style
New Micro-Trim - system technology
Trims your split ends away

Free Bonus: 4 in 1 Styling Comb
Quick Style Sectioning Clip

Features:
Hair receptacle Hair plate
Handle lock
Hair plate lever
Receptacle release
Directional switch
Battery door

From what iv'e seen on youtube and read online it works for the most part.

in my opinion it looks extremely bulky, and i can just see myself slicing my ear LOL.

i'm clumsy iv'e burned my ear lord knows how many times as a kid, so this will not work.

i would rather search and destroy but to each it's own.

So has anyone tried this? did you like it, did it work?

What's your favorite way, to get rid of spilt ends,

and how often do you all trim?

Solange tweet's about her natural hair growth

2011-03-19T00:28:00.001-04:00

Solange took to twitter, to let everyone know

that her hair has grown ALOT... I'm loving the fro!

Raven Symone goes au natural

2011-03-11T20:55:00.001-05:00

My girl Raven Symone has not only removed the weave from her head,
but she is now rocking her own natural hair!

She attended Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine.
Raven has lost a lot of weight in the past few months and now that she is natural she looks even better.
i’m loving the look, go Raven we see you boo!!

She rocked this weave at the 2011 BET Awards…
I hated this weave on her, it reminded me of the lion
from the lion the witch and the wardrobe lol
she really looks stunning with her new do=)

2011 hair update

2011-03-06T18:21:00.005-05:00

People had been emailing me a lot,
wanting to know why I have been wearing weaves lately.

Well I decided to do a small hair update for youtube, I hope ya'll enjoy it.

It still amazes me how much my hair, has grown in such a short period of time.

I thought I would have a small afro forever, time and patience are truly a virtue,

If I can do it, you can too!! I'm on my own hair boot camp, so far so good=D

check out the vid=)

Tiffany Pollard aka New York Is Natural Sista

2011-01-31T20:15:00.001-05:00

A lot of people didn't know untill now that Tiffany Pollard aka New York is all natural.
The only reason I know this is her mom, Sister Patterson wrote me on youtube a year ago,
she told me her and new york had natural hair. she wanted to know my hair care regimen.
Sister Patterson was super sweet and was nothing like she was on i love New York,

she was really cool and down to earth.
I for one, am happy to see Tiffany embracing her nartual hair in public,
she looks stunning, and totally different from that crazy New York persona of hers.

check her out:

"I'm so excited to reveal my natural look," she said during the shoot. "I have a great photographer on hand...you guys have to let me know how you're feeling me."

5th Grade Girl Kicked Out Of Class Because Her Hair Was Too Wild

2011-01-31T20:14:00.001-05:00

School administrators in Edenton say 10 year old Jakyra Kearse’s red and blue mohawk was too distracting to other students. On Wednesday, the 10 year old arrived to school sporting the new hairdo. That morning she was taken out of her regular 5th grade class and put in a smaller room so that other students could focus.

“I went into the small group room and that’s for bad people because I was a distraction to everybody,” said Kearse. “There was a lot of laughter as I understand it at the time, numerous distractions of what was going on,” said Allan Smith superintendent of Edenton-Chowan Schools. Her mother, Ruby, is a former hairdresser who gave her daughter the look. She says her daughter has worn dyed hair before without any problems.

5th grader said she was inspired to get the look by pop star Willow Smith. “Sometimes I be thinking of Willow Smith and her video and I wanna be like that sometimes” Ms. Kearse told 13News Thursday morning that her daughter is back in her regular classroom today with the same hairstyle. She said that school officials said that students just need time to adjust.

She said she doesn’t understand why the school didn’t just do that in the first place and she’s frustrated at what happened Wednesday. Kearse is not facing any disciplinary action. She has been allowed back into her regular classroom. School officials say other students are adjusting from their initial reaction and the hair is becoming less of a distraction.

only in the south... LOL J/K

Natural hair care and lace front wigs

2010-12-23T21:20:00.005-05:00

It's been a few years since I ordered a lace front wig,

but with the weather being so cold in MN, they are my new best friends LOL.

I ordered a kinky curly lace wig 2weeks ago, it finally came in the mail.

In my latest video, I'm showing my subs how they can rock wigs

as protective styles, all the while still taking proper care

of their own hair underneath.

enjoy=)

New pics of Naomi Campbell hairline...

2010-12-23T21:08:00.003-05:00

Naomi Campbell still ain't giving her hair line a break,

she is still rocking sew-in's that are obviously putting

a great deal of stress on her hair line. This picture hit the net today,

it looks like her hairline, is holding on for dear life =(

Tmz took these pics, they are going in on her hairline...smh

http://www.tmz.com/2010/12/23/naomi-campbell-hair-weave-miami-supermodel/

24k Gold Pomade for hair?

2010-12-17T22:23:00.006-05:00

Oribe's 24k Gold Pomade hit the streets last year,

and it seems to be really catching on now.

Beyonce was recently photoed rocking Oribe's 24k,

you can see the metallic gold shimmer, in her lace front...

Oribe 24k Gold Pomade, is a pomade that has 24k gold flakes in it.

This glitzy pomade runs for $49. Now I must admit the packaging is flawless,

but I have no intrest in spending $49 + tax on some pomade.

I don't understand the point of the gold flakes?

besides shimmer and bragging that you have 24k Gold flakes in your hair,

Gold does absolutely nothing for your hair...

if anything I can see it causing damage to natural hair.

From the description on the website, it says you may

have to wash it out twice, with shampoo.

Doing this means, that a lot of oil and moisture,

will be stripped from your hair shaft...

share your thoughts on this product...

have you tried it? is it worth the hefty price tag?

here is the description:

Sleek back your hair with super-rich gold highlights for instant lustrous glamour.

Excellent for use on pleasure craft, in convertibles or anywhere a little seduction is needed.
Smooth onto wet or dry hair and style sexily. Add string bikini and dark glasses.
Warning: Might shine your clothes, too. Undress with care.

Shampoo thoroughly (maybe even twice).
50 ml / 1.7 fl.o

http://oribe.com/index.php/products/25

Brazilian Blowout Banned in Canada...is the U.S next?

2010-11-09T08:48:00.015-05:00

If you like to rock silky straight strands, but hate the heat from a dominican blowout,

then you're probably familiar with the latest craze in hair-straightening,

it's called The Brazilian Blowout.

It's been out for 2-3years This hot new treatment claims to smooths kinks and frizz with a solution containing protein-rich keratin.

Well in recent news Canada banned the products used in the Brazilian Blowout,

after testing revealed the product contained unacceptable levels of formaldehyde.

Brazilian Blowout Hair Formula Contains Formaldehyde

In cosmetics, the allowable level of formaldehyde is 0.2 percent. When Health Canada tested Brazilian Blowout, it was discovered the formaldehyde level was 12 percent.

Please keep in mind that this is the same chemical that is used to embalm

our bodies after death...

Formaldehyde is often used in cosmetics as a preservative, But it is an irritant and has been linked to causing cancer in humans. Health Canada suspects the reactions consumers had to Brazilian Blowout were a result of the formaldehyde being aerosolized in the blow dry and flat iron process of the hair treatment.

Health Canada urges all consumers who have had any reaction to Brazilian Blowout to immediately seek medical attention. Symptoms of reaction from the formaldehyde include: burning eyes, throat and nose and breathing troubles.

Stylists using the Brazilian Blowout hair product were ordered by

Health Canada to immediately stop using and advertising the product.

Now lets move to the Good Ol' U S of A...

The New York Times, wrote an intriguing piece stating the same thing,

that Canada found weeks ago. They are stating that an occupational health agency in Oregon, found significantly high levels of formaldehyde in the Brazilian Blowout solution here in the US as well. The agency conducted tests after several stylists issued complaints about "nosebleeds, breathing problems and eye irritation" after they had applied the Brazilian Blowout treatment.

In response to the recent findings, salons like Sally Hershberger in L.A. and New York and Manhattan's John Barrett Salon have banned the Brazilian Blowout. While other salons can't afford to lose such a profit-making treatment.

The treatment runs between $200-$500, a few salons are now offering industrial-strength respirators to stylists and clients, or administering the treatment

outdoors on patios and terraces.... #sideeye

Many other salons believe the formaldehyde scare is an overreaction.

"I say, you put Botox in your face, lead in your lipstick, and you smoke," said Neil Weisberg, co-owner of the Neil George salon, in an interview with The New York Times. "Pick your poison."

I personally don't think it should be that serious, why are we on a such quest for super straight hair, to the point that we will let anyone put anything in our hair with out question?

Now don't get me wrong it's nice to change up your look, and blow your hair out,

hell Iv'e done it a few times, but come on why are we risking breathing in cancer causing agents in the quest of beauty? not to mention some women are also risking possible hair loss.

I feel bad for the stylist because they are sitting around in that poisonous environment day in day out, and many are begin forced to do it because it's their job.

I understand that there are dangerous chemical in relaxers and in certain make-up products,

but again I always come back to the question, why are we willing to risk our lives for what "others" deem as beautiful... I'm not knocking anyone who gets this treatment i'm just posing a questions to you all.

These chemicals seem to be causing a lot of internal damage, I would hate to see anyone get deathly ill behind something as simple as wanting straight hair....

what are your thoughts on this whole treatment? please leave a comment.

Here goes a recent report done by abc...

you'll notice in this video everyone is now wearing gas mask...

in the prior video no one was, it makes you really think...

dreadlocks

2010-10-25T00:01:00.006-04:00

Earlier this week my little nephew Tre hit me up while i was at work,
he was real upset because the locks that he paid for 2 months ago
looked a hot mess, he begged me to come over and redo them.

I didn't think it was that bad so i took my time lol,
well i went over there saturday and I was in shock when he pulled off his
hat..all i could do was stare and ask what the hell the lady did too him.

he said the lady charged him $80 to lock up his hair then told him he had to go 6 months
WITHOUT washing his hair...#wherethedothatat??
I was pissed about it, I felt like this chick scammed him.
his locks were not only matted and dirty but they weren't even
in a uniformed pattern like he originally wanted.

I told him he is never to go longer then 2 weeks with out washing his hair,
as you can tell he doens't watch my hair videos lol.
anyways i made him go upstairs and wash and condition his hair.
Everyone who knows me, knows I refuse to play around in dirty hair.
After he washed it he said his scalp and hair felt so much better.

After that we began twisting his hair, it took a little over 2hours but the results were nice
he really liked it, it felt good to see my nephew happy =)

Some Info regarding dreadlocks

Dreadlocks have been around since the dawn of time. Ancient Egyptians wore them, ancient Asian emperor's wore them, cavemen wore them, even John the Baptist and Samson wore them.

The first writing we have about dreadlocks is in the Veda scriptures of India, the earliest piece is dated to 1800 BC. But many peoples and tribes have worn dreadlocks the Germanic tribes, the Greeks,Samson and other Nazarites, John the Baptist, the Pacific peoples, and the Naga Indians also wore dreadlocks. King Tut himself had dreadlocks, and they are still intact to this day. The Mau Mau tribe wore dreadlocks to intimidate the colonizers of Kenya in east Africa. Even Caesar claimed that the Celts wore dreadlocks by describing them as having "hair like snakes".

The actual word dreadlocks comes from Jamaica, made up in the early movement of the Rastaman, dreadlocks came from the word dread for the meaning of fear and horror.

This man has neglected/free forming locks.

A common misconception is that dreadlocks are dirty
and so are the people who wear them, this is far from the truth!
Dreadlocks are only dirty if you don't take care of them,
not washing dreadlocks is the best way to ruin your dreadlocks.
You should wash your Locks at least once a week.

Dreads come in many different sizes and lengths

These are my favorite types of locks on men

on women I love sister locks they are big in NC, and they are very versatile.
it's a long process but the end results are wonderful.

Here goes the video of me twisting his hair.