Love Letter to my Hair

Dear Natural Hair: I am so madly in love with you! I am sitting here writing this love letter to you. I want to let you know that all I do is think of you. We met and as children, and rekindled our love just several years past. I am glad to say that I am more in love with you with you now, than I have ever been before. You make me complete . You make me whole. You were the missing key to my soul. Thank you for showing me how to love you and what true love REALLY is. Thank you for being so versatile and free. You helped to shape the "NATURAL" woman inside of me. Thank you for sticking with me through the good and the bad. People stop and stare and make sly remarks, but you allow me to walk free and walk upright with pride. I am so lucky to have you right by my Dear side. So,simply-thank you my love. thanks for the love. I love you back. I didn't know what I had til I gave up that crack. Love Always, Chas

Natural Hair Confessions

Can you keep a secret?? Shh, Don't tell nobody! here it is....This is the blog post I am dreading most. LOL. I am writing today about my natural hair confessions. Yes, I have flaws! We all do!! I stand before my peers today, and confess!

1.In the beginning........I knew nothing about hair, but I was styling daily...! 2.I still have products from when I was a permie(Mainly....Pink Oil Moisturizer). LOL. Need to donate or trash it, but I secretly use them from time to time...cause I want to use em up!!! I know it's bad,.....HELP! 3. Sometimes I do comb and brush my hair, but I make sure I am cautious. 4. I have NOT had my ends trimmed in over 2 years! Disclaimer: Me and my hair ARE NOT PERFECT. So don't judge. Whew........Now that's over...I feel better. You can scold me NOW.....In 3,2,1:( -------------------------------- What are your thoughts on my confessions? What are some of your hair confessions? Let a sistah know below............

Weave ...Me..... alone(Again)

Hey all, If you loyally follow this blog, you know that I work in the school District. Today, I had the privilege(total sarcasm) of seeing a 6th grader , all of maybe 11 -12 years old with a full head of weave.She must have gotten it done over the Thanksgiving break, because it looked fresh. It was curly, really cute, but black and blonde mixed. My heart went out to this poor child. I saw her talking to guys her age, and some girlfriends too! Here was my thought process: WOW! When did she get a perm? And why is she wearing weaves in elementary. Man, are they getting younger? Is that in dress code? LOL. SMH. Then I said to myself her mother and father had to give their ok, so what can I say. I do believe my mother relaxed my hair at a young age, but she did it to help manage it. I was still wearing cute kiddie styles in elementary. But who am I to judge?To each it's own. We are in the land of the free. Free to be and say who and what you want. Right? God Bless America!

As always, what are your thoughts on this post? Let a sistah know below..............................

Spotlight: Kimberly "Kimmie" P.(my friend, Hair Idol)

BlackSistah:So, to bring our story to the readers of this blog...How exactly are we acquainted?

KP:We've grew up together and have been long time friends for years. Since 7th grade I believe :-)

BlackSistah:How long have you been natural?

KP:To be honest I have lost count of the years. If I had to guesstimate I would stay close to 10 years now. (Maybe 8)

BlackSistah:What made you want to go natural?

KP:At the time I went natural it really wasn't what I consider to now be a "trend". So there really wasn't a specific person or hairstyle that made me want to do it. I just knew I was tired all the perms and wanted to do something different. So one day I vowed never to perm my hair again and haven't looked back since.

BlackSistah:How would you describe your hair journey thus far? What things do you love? What things do you hate?

KP:It has been an amazing journey of self discovery and freedom. One of the things I love most is the versatility that comes from being natural. I guess one of the biggest dislikes is the maintenance that can sometimes be a burden when going natural. It does require a little more TLC towards your curly hair VS. permed hair. The pay off is well worth it though.

BlackSistah:Do you have a regimen? If so, what is it? If not, how come?


KP:I don't have a regimen. Although there is definitely nothing wrong with having one. My schedule is very busy so even if I did have one I doubt I would stick to it lol. Just lots of co-washing and moisturizer for my hair type seems to do the trick.



BlackSistah:Did you BC or transition?

KP:I wasn't bold enough to do the chop. I admire everyone that does though. Its very beautiful on African American women. I transitioned, hiding my hair with twist, micro braids, wigs, etc.

BlackSistah:Who inspires the natural you?


KP:I don't know if I have a "natural" inspiration. If I had to pick one Erykah Badu is an amazing person. I love everything she stands for. Lauryn Hill is another.

BlackSistah:What advice do you have for new naturals?


KP:Have patience. Give your hair time to restore itself back to its natural form without all the chemicals. Also give yourself time to rediscover and become comfortable with the "real" you. It didn't happen for me overnight but as the years have gone by I have grown to love my hair (and myself) more everyday.



BlackSistah:What other things should we know about you?

KP:I'm an entrepreneur. I own a clothing store in Dallas,TX. called "La Diva Fashions". I support all black own beauty supply stores (or any black owned businesses) and others should too if they are in your area. If you have ever wondered why there are not more Black owned Beauty Supply Stores please read the following article and start supporting our people !!! http://www.the-savvy-sista.com/2011/05/think-on-this-why-koreans-dominate.html
It is long time we take back this Billion Dollar industry that is funded by us 99.99%

BlackSistah:What ways can we stay in contact?

KP: Feel free to reach out to me on Facebook under "Kimberly Person" or shoot me an email anytime to kimberlyperson112@yahoo.com Now, can you see why I had to do this post? She inspires me with her Gorgeous crown of hair! She HONESTLY was the one I saw on Dallas streets rocking her natural hair @ a very young age. Her confidence consumed me, and gave me the boost of confidence to go natural. Thanks again Kimmie for agreeing to do this post. I love you, my Beautiful, natural friend. NOTE: All photos are owned by Kimmie P.*DO NOT USE UNLESS PERMITTED.

Reasons why

So, why do BlackSistah write this blog? What is it's purpose? And... What's this whole natural hair craze about?

Well, the answers are simple. I, BlackSistah, of BSBlogs write this blog in hopes to inspire, educate, and encourage other naturals. I hope to inspire natural kids, women, and men to take a lot at the beauty within before they indulge into Society's standard of beauty. I hope to educate others by simply reviewing products, demonstrating hair how-tos, and teaching hair knowledge. I do it for my people, I do it for myself, I do it just because its a expressive outlet for me. I not only get to talk about hair that I love with Black people, whom I love, but I get to write. Writing happens to be my BIGGEST passion! This whole natural hair craze is not a fad, nor a way of thinking-It is a WAY OF LIFE, AND A LIFESTYLE. We, as naturals are not here to look down on anyone. We do not promote hate or negativity. We overcome Black hair stereotypes and emerge VICTORIOUS to stand and say: We think Creamy Crack is WHACK!!!( That's all. But in that same breath we also say that as a freed people one has the right to express themselves any way they feel! This applies to life, sexual creed, etc.Do what you wanna do and be who you want to be!!!! I love being natural. I love the natural community for embracing me, my blog, for coming together to unite and educate blacks as a whole. This is something positive that uplifts communities and brings a sense of pride to one's own self! Natural hair to me promotes inner beauty, self-pride, self-esteem, and plain ole strength. It takes a strong person to go natural. You have good hair days, bad hair days, nasty comments, and nasty stares!You have to be tough as nails to deal with hair dramas, woes, and hateful people >This is on top of just living life.But in the end knowing you are a self-educated, beautiful, natural women, man or child makes it all worth it. So I say:"Do you and Do it naturally!!!!" And as always: What are your thoughts on tonight's post? Did you agree? Did you disagree? Let a sistah know below...................................

Spotlight: Sunshine of Sunshine'sNatural and Loving It!!!

BlackSistah: Is Sunshine your real name? What's the story behind it?

Sunshine:Yes, SunShine is my real name. My real nick name that is. My great grandmother Mama Sarah named me that when I was a baby and it just stuck! I used it throughout life and even while in college too. I don't think anyone knew that my first name was Shauna lol. So, when I first started my Facebook page and put Shauna ppl were like who? So, I changed it to SunShine and now all my friends and family can find me lol lol .I thought about changing it to SunShine when I was 18 to be my legal name, but my mom liked the name she gave me and that would have made me feel bad. So, the nick name stayed and of course for work and government purposes Shauna is used there!




BlackSistah: How long have you been natural?

Sunshine:Well, I'm 33 years old and out of those years I was not natural for about 7 of them! This time around I am going on being natural for 3 years and that's without any heat or color!




BlackSistah: What made you go natural?

Sunshine:What made me go back to being natural was when I changed my lifestyle after my mom passed away with breast cancer. I just wanted to be a more healthier me. I have been vegetarian for almost 6 years! So, it was only right!





BlackSistah: Why is Sunshine Natural &Loving It?

Sunshine:I am loving the relationship I have with my hair lol and sharing how I have felt along this journey has helped me to meet some outstanding women, you included! I love my hair, I love the freedom of being me, and I love being natural!


BlackSistah: What product do you consider a staple of yours?

Sunshine:Shea Moisture is definitely a mainstay! I use many of their products which I will share during the next question. I also use Deep SOULutions by Natural Girls Rock and many essential oils. Those oils are; Coconut oil, Olive oil, Jojoba oil, Sunflower oil, Grapeseed oil, I also use Castor oil on occasion.

BlackSistah: Do you have a hair care regimen? Why or why not? And If so, would you be willing to share it?


Sunshine:My regimen is sort of long, but mostly I wash my hair every 4 to 6 weeks or co~wash when needed. I use Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Conditioner and Shampoo, the Deep Treatment Masque, Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Styling Milk for styling, and also treat my scalp with the Thickening Moisture Mist. I seal in these products with the essential oils I mentioned and with a Shea Butter Mix product called Twisty Locs from HPO Spa Treatments. Oh! I absolutely love my Huetiful Hair Steamer! I used is when I am conditioning my hair!





BlackSistah: What's the natural scene like in your state?


Sunshine:When I am out and about I see many naturals. When I am on SN& LI! I see STL naturals too. I am going to start doing meetups real soon, so that we can all meet and support each other.

BlackSistah: What tips would you offer to someone who may read this and is considering going natural?

Sunshine:Love Yourself, Embrace Your Curls, and spread some SunShine! That's my motto, because it will not always be easy or start off easy. It can if you OWN It! I say to rock your natural hair like you would with a whole head of weave! Be confident and make sure that you research! Use products that people are using that have similar hair characteristics. This will help you cut down on being a product junky. If you find something that works stick with it! BAM!



BlackSistah: 5 words that best describe you and your personality?

Sunshine:SunShiny, Confident, Empathetic, Supportive, and Educated





BlackSistah: Anything else you'd like to share with my readers? Anything we should know about the Sunshine in our lives?

Sunshine:lol...well let's see. Oh! I have my very own natural tee line located at http://naturalandlovingit.spreadshirt.com My favorite color is green, I hate onions, and love reality TV! Are y'all watching America's Next Top Model? lol I am! I am also becoming a Doctor of Education. Stay tuned! On a more serious note, I am humbled by the overwhelming response I have gotten on the http://sunshinesnaturalandlovingit.com/ where you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook. I am so happy to have so many beautiful people to share this journey with. Thank you so much Chastity for giving me this opportunity. Love you always!
xoxo


Thanks again to Sunshine for bringing her natural rays of Sunshine to us.

Catch her on Facebook @ sunshinesnaturalandlovingit!!
Website:http://www.sunshinesnaturalandlovingit.com
Her t-shirts: http://www.naturalandlovingit.spreadshirt.com

Note:All photos courtesy of Sunshine@Sunshine'snaturalandlovingit.com

Weave....Me....Alone

So, do you even realize the staggering number of young adult girls in High school with weaves? I do. I work in a school District here in Dallas, and the statistics are staggeringly overwhelming. I can honestly say that my jaw almost hit the ground when I walked into school today. Like, seriously, I sat in class and counted. Fore this issue had been pressing upon me and my thoughts.Now, I have more Hispanic students in class than anything, but out of the 5 black girls I had for 4 long class periods, all were wearing a weave! I then began to look and think outside of the box, and began to count the ones walking by and the ones during lunches....HERE ARE THE STATISTICS(In ratio form): 4 out of every 5 black girls in my school District aged 14-18, had a weave. And what's sad is these girls are only in HS.Black mothers keep their daughters natural healthy, maintained for the most part from birth to adolescence. But around age 7-10 most black girls will admit to being exposed to their very first perm experience.Thus setting them for a weave or extension in young adulthood.I have heard the cop out, excuse as to why this happens, and most Black mothers admit: "I just can't manage it anymore," or,"I need to be able to manage this mess." LOL. Without thinking: Hey, I had been able to manage it before!" I don't remember the age I was exposed to these methods,but I thank God for the knowledge I have acquired on the taboo subject of black hair. And now, sadly as I write this from the comforts of my desk chair, I think to myself: I was one of those girls!!!!:( Yes, I had a weave in High School, but as you grow, mature, and come into your own you will discover what's best for you. I chose natural hair as opposed to straight, European, sleek- looking, permed hair. My ancestors DID NOT look this way. I needed to return to my roots, find a sense of self, and heal my hair in the process.So, yes, I went back to pre-adolesence.My good friend, Stephanie told me these words before and they are words to stick by: "When you know better, you do better." These poor young school girls are just young, UN-knowledgeable on the subject of hair and are just trying to fit into the mold. High School doesn't appear to be the place to break the mold, so they don't. DISCLAIMER: I, in no way, shape or fashion, believe that one hair trend is better than another, or do I put down one's ability to be unique.Hair, like one's fashion sense or makeup is a way to express yourself. I simply state facts. These statistics are just that, and may vary in your town or state.What are your thoughts on this subject? Do these statistics fit your town, school, or state? And when did you first get a perm?Is the subject of black hair still taboo? Let a sistah know below.................................................

HAHA!

HAHA!Today in Dallas, TX, the weather was foggy, rainy, and wet. I couldn't help but notice the perm addicts running for cover as the much needed raindrops fell. LOL. I felt like the guy(Isn't his name:Nelson?) from the Simpsons who always shouts the tagline: "HAHA!"

On the inside I felt like jumping for joy. My hair needed that moisture. I had to take a moment and tell the Lord God thank you that I am natural, and am learning my true self!I love the natural hair journey I am on, and  I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is what you chose for me. It felt good to talk to my Heavenly father and let the rain fall on me as I marched into work, without a care in the world. I thank God for this and every natural loving hair day to come. Send more rain Lord:)
How do you feel about getting your natural hair soaked in the rain? Is it acceptable? How do you feel to see perm addicts fleeing rain? Let a sistah know below...........