Tyra Banks talks GOOD HAIR!

This is a Tyra show that I cannot WAIT to see! Tyra Banks explores the topic of Good Hair in the African American community. Good Hair is usually the term used to describe hair that is not kinky or tightly coiled in texture and also described as hair that "you can get a comb through". Her guests include a mother who perms her 3-year old daughters hair.

I am very interested in this topic and more interested in what Tyra has to say about it since she wears weaves most of the time. Please note: I am certainly not opposed to weaves. Weaves are GREAT for protective styling, if done right, but some women wear weaves to conceal the hair they have underneath instead of using it as a protective style (we'll explore protective styles in a later post this week). I am sure Tyra uses weaves as a protective styling option as many celebs do because she is constantly getting her hair done and that can actually damage the natural hair. However, I cannot help but notice that you rarely if not EVER see her or any other weave rockin' celebs rocking their natural hair. Her commentary on this topic should be interesting, nonetheless.

Anyway, the show airs May 12, 2009. Check this link for more info!

Oils and Butters, Oh My!

If you're like me, your hair LOVES oils and butters! I simply can't get enough. Oils and butters are essential to my daily hair styling regime, especially in the colder months. However, not oils and are created equal.

Get to know some of the most common (and not so common) oils and determine what the best oils are for your mane! Here are my absolute favorites:

Sweet Almond oil-My hair drools for this oil, its my absolute favorite and the the one I use the most in my products. Its one of the most commonly used oils in the skin and beauty industry especially in body care, but also imparts an incredible shine and conditioning feel to the hair without being greasy or heavy. Add it to any hair care product and be amazed at the instant softness it provides your hair.

Castor oil-derived from castor bean, this oil works wonders on extra dry hair especially when added to conditioners. On the hair, castor oil will coat the hair shaft and smooth the cuticle layer, which helps protect the hair while sealing in moisture.

Jojoba oil- has often been crowned the "golden child of hair care." Jojoba oil definitely lives up to its name as it is one of lightest, non greasy oils that I have used and works great at combating itchy scalp, dandruff and brittle, while imparting a wonderful shine to the hair, without feeling heavy. This oil most closely resembles the natural oil that your skin produces, sebum, making it ideal for the hair and scalp. Although it can be more expensive than other oils, a little goes a very long way and the benefits are worth it.

Brocolli Seed oil-Not the most commonly used, but completely underrated! Brocolli seed oil is another light, non-greasy oil that seals the hair and makes it shiny. Many companies, including my company Donna Marie, are incorporating Brocolli Seed oil in their serums in place of silicones to improve the conditon of the hair while providing a shine that lasts all day.

Hempseed oil-Organic, unrefined, unsterilized, and unfumigated hemp seeds are rich source of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Essential Fatty Acids help maintain strong, healthy hair. This oils is excellent for use internally and externally due to its inherent richness in essential fatty acids and it has been shown to help stimulate hair growth.

Butters

Shea Butter-This very popular, thick, rich butter, derived from Shea Nut originating in Ghana is an excellent emollient for the hair and skin. It easily absorbs into the hair shaft, especially when heated and can be used alone as a great hair conditioners. Shea Butter can be easily mixed with Aloe Vera for excellent hair conditioning and replenshing the hair shaft as it is loaded with vitamins A and E.

Cocoa Butter-my favorite emollient! Of course Cocoa Butter is also excellent for the skin, but I love this even more for the hair. Its very concentrated (and smells delicious) and serves as a marvelous protectant for the hair shaft. Unlike the ever-so-popular Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter penetrates the hair much easier, especially when heated.

Mango Butter-obtained from the fruit seed of the Mango tree, this butter is just fabulous. Mango Butter instantly melts into the hair and absorbs into the hair shaft quickly, without leaving a greasy residue or film on the hair. This butter is perfect for doing twistouts as it leaves the hair soft effortlessly, although it can be greasy feeling on the hands initially, but not in the hair!

Kokum Butter-although this butter feels very hard and firm at room temperature, it melts readily and easily mixes with other butters. I love kokum butter for its molding and moisturizing properties when mixed with other butters. Kokum is not greasy and very similar to Cocoa butter in texture without the strong nutty smell.

Surprise! She's Natural!

Next up in my "Surprise She's Natural" segment is OPRAH WINFREY! If you watch her show you already know she's natural because she made this public to all of her viewers. However, some people made the mistake in saying the Oprah stated that she " has never worn a weave". Oprah said in response to questions on Twitter that day about how nice her weave looks on the show, "No, I am not wearing a weave". In fact, she talked about her weave on a previous show. She just wanted her viewers to know that currently the hair that she is sporting is 100% hers.

Either way, her Lady O's natural dome is Fab!

*SIDE BAR: I don't know if her hair is chemically processed in any way, but it appears to be natural hair blown out to me*

Here is a clip from her show where she talks about Rocking her Natural!

Hair Forums!

If you are a transitioner or just obsessed with hair like me, hair forums can be a GREAT source of information. You can learn about products, ingredients and styles that are excellent for all hair types.

Although some sites can be "Gossip Havens", there are a few jewels in the rough that I like to browse often for accurate information about hair and a peaceful friendly atmosphere.

Afrobella-a new addition to the afrobella site. It just launched about a week ago and already has my attention. Very inviting.

Naturally Curly- Another excellent source for information about all things curly.

Long Hair Care Forum-If you want information about growing your hair long, no matter your hait type, this is the place to be!

Black Hair Media-Great source of information about all things hair, especially extensions!

Can you think of any others?

Going Natural=Better Health?

Fox News Chicago presented an interesting segment on black women and exercise. The notion that black women are less inclined to workout when their hair is relaxed vs natural was explored in this segment, and for many this notion was a reality. Some women stated they work out more now that they have the made the transition from relaxed to natural hair. The reporter, Robin Robinson, rocked her relaxed hair in a natural style for the day, apologetically, to see if wearing your hair in a natural style would create less maintenance on the hair, therefore enhancing the overall workout experience.

Has going natural enhanced your workout experience? Do you frequent the gym more now that you are natural? Personally, I think it was just as easy going to the gym with relaxed hair because all I had to do was blow dry my hair, wrap it and slightly bump it with a curler the next day. The video asserts that women with relaxed hair do not want to entertain the idea of visiting the gym for fear of sweating out the perm or their hair reverting to "kinks" but with a relaxer, your hair does not revert back to kinks. I do understand not wanting to sweat out your style especially for those who do not know how to style their hair themselves.

Tell me what you think...

Check out this segment here---> Great Hair Style or exercise

Surprise! She's Natural!

If you have cable and you watch VH1, then you probably know Tiffany Pollard, aka Miss New York who brought the drama to Flavor of Love and launched her own show I Love New York. You may remember her potty mouth and bold attitude, but there's one accessory that is unforgettable-HER WEAVE! She appears to love those full head weaves that don't even leave you questioning its authenticity!

However, underneath all of that weave, you would never guess that she has a full head of healthy, natural hair! Now if only she would just rock her natural and leave the weaves alone....

Miss New York with a weave



Miss New York Rocking her Natural!


Tiffany Pollard, your natural hair is FAB!! Rock it!

What do you think?

Natural Hair Doesn't Look Good on Everybody

BEGIN RANT...

Huh? Really? If you are confused by the title, please join the club! How on earth can the hair God gave you, "not look good"? After hearing countless people tell me "You look nice with natural hair, but not me." or "Natural hair only looks right on certain people." or "You have a better grade of hair and that's why you can wear your hair in natural styles.", I just want to SCREAM!!! Come on people! The hair God blessed you with is GOOD ENOUGH! "Good hair" is healthy hair and has NOTHING to do with the texture or size of your curls. Whether you are a 2a or a 6Z, you hair can thrive with the right style and proper care. We really need to learn self-acceptance and realize that beauty comes in a variety and is not represented by one look or appeal.

More importantly, we need to learn how to do our own hair! If naturals knew how to take care of their hair and how to achieve a nice style, many of those comments would cease! I am motivated to teach women how to do it themselves. This is my project for the summer especially now that I have a new, Youtube compatible video cam, so look out!

In the meantime, if you are having trouble styling your hair? Check out the GAZILLION other Youtube videos and blogs that show actual tutorials on countless natural hair styles and product usage for natural hair.

Okay, rant over!

I'm back! Stay tuned!