Book Review #1

  I work in the school District, and we work hard all year just awaiting the words S-U-M-M-E-R! I say this because the summer leaves me with more time to enjoy things I love.
I can spend more time with my son JJ,  family, vacation properly, EVEN read!
One of the books that I enjoyed reading this summer was: The Curly Girl Handbook by Lorraine Massey. I had many a YouTube friend raving about the Curly Girl, or CG method and I had to try it~I bought the book in April as a Birthday gift to myself, and I love it!

 Lorraine is a beautiful, self-professed curly girl and Salon Owner. She has many years in the haircare business, and has compiled all of her knowledge on hair and expertise into this nifty little Handbook! She has this curly hair stuff down to a science!! But I found that most of her info, Naturals in today's society already know!Here is my Book Review:
 Things I Learned
There are 7 different types of curl patterns:
1. Botticelli- Curls that vary in size and shape! 
2.Corkicelli-Curls w/varying curl patterns!
3.Cherub-Curls that are soft to the touch, and baby-fine. Resembling hair of a young toddler!
4.Wavy -Curls that loose curl pattern; Can appear straight!
5.S-wavy -Curls that are defined + wavy with a slight bend on the end; Curls resemble an "S"
6. Fractal or Zigzag -Curls that most women of color have; Very dry and resembles micro-spirals or corkscrews!

7. The Curly Girl Method-A daily routine which involves cleansing with sulfate-free  or Botanical shampoo- Conditioning, and leaving most in hair for moisture- Scrunching, with a microfiber towel to absorb excess moisture and lastly-Styling with a handful of gel being added to hair to define curls and hold your hair's natural shape!

8. How-To make some homemade products targeted to Curly Girls!
9. There are tons of natural hair classification systems;Lorraine's classification system of curl patterns is one of the BEST I've seen!
Things I Knew
 10 Hair doesn't need Shampoo to thrive and grow. Most naturals already do conditioner washes! >I JUST NEVER TRIED THEM MORE THAN A HANDFUL OF TIMES:(

11. Water is essential to hair growth 
12. Most naturals already know about shrinkage; Lorraine calls it " Spring Factor"- LOL.




In the end, the book was an awesome read, and at a price of  $9.99, I say grab it. It can always be used as a refresher course. It has the Actual DVD that assists you in learning how-to do the CG Method step by step! I would buy the book again for myself OR someone I love just so they can learn the CG Method. ***Once I have these twist taken out I am trying her method.

Top 10

Here it is folks! The Top 10 Slogans that would fit a natural hair lifestyle........ (David Letterman Style)

10.The Home Depot-" You can Do it....We can Help" 9. Nike-"Just Do It" 8.L'Oreal-" Because I'm worth it" 7.Campbell's- "M'm! M'm! Good!! 6.Capri Sun-" I can Respect that" 5.Sally Hansen-"Beauty that Works" 4.LG- "Life's Good" 3.Oscar Mayer-" It doesn't get better than this!" 2.Olay- "Love the Skin You're in" 1. McDonald's-" I'm lovin it" Then here's a bit of trivia. Q:If you had to pick a state to grow natural state in, which would you pick? A: Arkansas, the Natural State. --------------------------------------------------- Did you like the slogans?Any you'd recommend? Which is your fave? Let a sistah know below............

Skin

So, last night my family and I watched a darn good film! I had to wake up and share this review with my readers ASAP. No, we didn't head to the theater(too cold). We stayed home in bed, and enjoyed the next best thing-Netflix. The movie was called, "Skin". Have you heard of this or perhaps seen this? If not, you need to!You are sleeping on a great movie. It is the story of a young white couple in the 60s, who happen to live in S. Africa, and they have a daughter, who some believe is Black. She has the appearance of a black child. Her hair is kinky, and her "skin"(HINTS THE NAME) is dark. Scientist, teachers, and obviously her parents are baffled by this phenom. Thus making this a great film to sit and watch. The main focus of the film was race relations, but it is powerful. Packs a punch, and gives an opposing view of Discrimination. I mean I thoroughly enjoyed myself.I found that there were many teaching moments in this film, that explores the life of a white child who appears black.

The movie was filmed in 2009, and stars Sophie Okonendo, as Sandra Laing. You may remember Okonendo from "The Secret Lives of Bees. She portrays "Mae" in that film. I loved Sophie Okonendo in TSLOB, and now in Skin. She is a great actress, and a beautiful natural. Her hair is out of sight, and looks healthy. I hope you find time to watch this soon. Watch and Enjoy. I sure did!And yes, this is based on a true and amazing story!!!!!! What are your thoughts on this review? Will you support, and check this film out? Wanna see more movie reviews? 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..............................

H.O.T.D-11/25/11

Here is a link to my HOTD-Hair of the Day for November 25, 2011. This was a simple wash n' go. Completed in under 5 mnutes, and the results turned out nice. Hope this tutorial helped someone. Oh, my son, JJ makes a small appearance. LOL. As always, What were your thoughts? What did you like? Have a link you'd like to share? 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...................................

Prod. Review: IC Fantasia Hair Gel

IC Fantasia has a nice hair gel that I just tried for the first time a couple of days ago!
so....If you are in the market for new hair gel...Check this new YT product review of mine. Enjoy!










And as always......What were your thoughts on this prod. review?Let a Sistah know below..............

H.O.T.D. -11/7/11

This is my hair of the Day in pics and YouTube.com footage of my how-to. It's a classic pin & tuck inspired from 1940's "pin up" or calendar girls.The style I rocked this day was all the brainchild of another Youtuber, but for the likes of me I cannot recall her name. Sorry. Her hair was longer,but I insisted on trying this style for myself!For this being my first attempt, I think I did well! I will definitely let you be the judge, though:)
Enjoy!

Yes, I surf the YouTube.com channels daily looking for hair-spiration( hair+ inspiration)!
I have learned so much from the YouTube.com natural hair community, and am still learning. The lessons have shown to be quite valuable. These things I learn I love to blog about and show other curly gurlies to care for Black kinks and curls.

*So, what were your thoughts on this style? Did you like? What didn't you like? Let a Sistah know below...................................

Did you know?

Today I wanted to share an easy haircare tip with you. Ask yourself this Q: Have I ever washed my hair and needed to immediately style? If you answered yes. Keep reading. ------>We all have an old t-shirt or two that we are not wearing lying around the house,right? Did you know you can take this common household item, and dry your wet, natural hair in minutes? Click the link below for a how-to tutorial, from yours truly, and as always leave me feedback.

In most cases we were taught to take a cotton bath towel and towel blot the hair or worse! Some use forceful methods to remove the excess water. They use their hands to manipulate the towel in a way back and forth that the hair fibers get caught up. These fibers are then snagged, and some are ripped, or break off. I did not do this with my tee, I simply wrapped my hair and let the tee do the rest.My hair was dry in minutes.

Note:The newest material for these towels, hair wraps, etc.is microfiber. Microfiber is SUPER soft, as you know and is also SUPER safe for the hair. Some wraps have surfaced and they are made from velour, EVEN polyester! These products are highly recommended. Find these products and others at: http://www.amazon.com (Search Turbie Twists or hair towel wraps)Hope this was helpful! As always What are your thoughts on this product? Let a Sistah know below.....................

H.O.T.D-11/5/11

The Acronym H.O.T.D stands for Hair Of the Day! This is my hair for Saturday, November 5, 2011.

I achieved this style with hair that I washed with Shea Moisture's: Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo. I washed and gently detangled my hair in the shower. Once out of the shower I applied my Kinky Curly: Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner. That was the followed up by sealing my ends with coconut oil. Once all of my styling aids were applied, I proceeded to VERY gently brush my hair back. I then took a section in front and made a hump very loosely twisting the end of that hair section, pushing forward to pin. Now, I merely brushed the remaining hair back into a puff, and secured with a banana clip. Hope you enjoyed. Hoped this helps someone. Note: Leave posts, comments and let me know if you too achieved this same look, and the results. So, what were your thoughts on this style? What did you like? What didn't you like? Any advice? Let a sistah know below.................................................

Quotation

This message is powerful, and can teach. Just think about it:

This is an awesome quote I found via the internet months back.It comes from Mr. Marcus Garvey, a Black philanthropist, and Civil Rights Leader. I felt like sharing this because it speaks to me.I cannot say I know much about Mr. Garvey but, this I do know: I LOVE THIS QUOTE! Says to me: that I am beautiful, no matter my hair type. I don't have to try and pretend to be something I'm not .Fore I am NOT society's distorted image of beauty. I am free to be me. NATURAL, little ole me. See the kinks Mr. Garvey speaks of are not those on my natural crown. No. You don't have kinks in the brain, or mind. He is mildly referring to the negative, stereotypical images, and or thoughts you have on someone's kinky texture. Maybe you have self-image problems and find it hard to relate to a natural? Perhaps you hate something within you, and project this self hate onto others you come into contact. Either way,I absolutely love who and what being natural has made of me. I am stronger because of it. This quote says to me: We as a society, get stuck on first appearances, that don't even matter. I mean, we primp, press and curl to fit into someone else's mold. And all along, the kinks you try and rid are in your mind.So, "GET YOUR MIND RIGHT." Promote love within, and it will radiate from the inside outward. The message: Love yourself. And once you truly love self, it comes naturally to love others. Fore if we truly stopped to look within ourselves you would find that we can and all connect on some level. Everyone in life should be admitted a chance, and a fair one. God made man in his image, and God is almighty. My granny always said ," God don't make junk." Every soul running around here on Earth has a purpose.So try to never judge a book by its cover. Relate to everyone on some sort of level, and find peace within yourself.Love self. I will NOW til eternity rock my hair in it's natural state. Deal with it, and "Remove the kinks from your mind, not your hair." NOTE:One Black man, if any, likes my natural hair and thinks it's cool! Thank you Mr. Garvey! And no, I don't need Mr. Garvey or any other man to justify me. I knew I was beautiful years before I found this quote. What are your thoughts on the quote? What did you like? What didn't you like? Let a sistah know below...........................

Sesame Street:Song: I Love My Hair

This song inspires me to keep my hair natural. Hope that you find it inspires you too! LOL. Yes, I'm a kid at heart. *Oh, and please make sure you share it with your kids today.*Enjoy!

How to: Newly Natural Starter Kit

You have finally made the decision to go natural. Congrats! You are on the road to self-discovery!! Let's get started making a basic newly natural starter kit.This kit will not include ALL things needed to maintain the natural crown you now wear, Just the basics. And this is in my opinion, as always. LOL.

1.) Rich Moisturizer-Water is the best moisturizer for natural hair. Pictured here is a water bottle. The water bottle can be used daily. Before and during styling, grab the water bottle for a bit of a spritz. This will add moisture to your hair, and make it more manageable by helping the comb to glide through your hair. *Never comb natural hair while dry for it will aid in breaking and or splitting of your ends* 2.) Sulfate free shampoo- to cleanse, or strip the scalp of any dirt, oils, debris. Cleansing the scalp gives you a fresh canvas to work with, if you will. Pictured here is my Shea Moisture:Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo. Love this stuff!!!! 3.) Super hydrating conditioner OR Leave-In-This will help to hydrate those curls, and even add a bit of moisture back in after has been stripped from shampooing. Pictured here are both my Suave Daily Moisture Conditioner, and my Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In. 4.) Wide tooth comb- Combing will aid in detangling knots so, The wider the better.NOTE: Combing can also attribute to damaging and or breaking the natural hair strands! If you can help it,Please use for detangling purposes ONLY! Pictured here is my wide tooth comb that I purchased at Family Dollar Stores for $1. 5:) Styling Aids - This will be your product you apply just before styling.Whether you use butters or creams, you need a styling aid! Pictured here is my Shea Moisture: Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. 6.)Bobby Pins- How else will you secure those cute twists, buns, etc?*These are needed, but not required!* Use all of these items in conjunction with each other, and enjoy. Note: I have not been paid to endorse these products. They were used solely because I find they work for me. Find what works for you!

Curls Course

So, today while browsing the web I found the best hair chart out there. In my little ole opinion anyhow.LOL. It was so refreshing to find this info, so I had to share and discuss the images on the chart. Thus, giving the reader enlightenment on natural hair and a curls classification system.This classification system named in this chart were established by Oprah Winfrey's own hairstylist, Mr. Andre Walker.This will help those newly natural, in transition and even those who have been natural for a minute, but never really learned what hair type they have. So here goes: Type 1

This hair type obviously, is for women who have sleek, straight hair. Mainly, women of Caucasian descent. Most um, black weaves fall into this category from what I have noticed.LOL One Celebrity that falls under this category: Actress, Jennifer Aniston Type 2

This hair type appears to have a wavy texture. They look really soft, and loose but waves or curls none the less. One Celebrity that falls under this category: Type3

For type 3 hair, These curly girls appear to have the same waves as the type 2 girls but the curls and or wave pattern is way more taught and defined.Making for tighter curls! One Celebrity that falls under this category: Singer, Mya Type4

The women who have this hair type appear have VERY kinky or course hair, and look like me. LOL. I have type 4 hair. I believe I have type 4b or 4c hair The hair is getting fuzzier and fuzzier. This hair type means that the strands of hair and or curl or wave pattern are VERY tightly wound.One Celebrity that falls under this Category:Singer, Jill Scott

****Hope you find this info useful, and yourself one step closer to learning your real hair texture. Picture source: http://www.curls.biz Note: I am not a scientist or a hair guru in anyway. he info presented is for entertainment, resource purposes ONLY.Please correct me of you find any of the info incorrect.If any more info is needed please check the above named source. Thanks! Other sources used: http://www.andrewalkerhair.com

Big Announcement: (The Video)

Video source:http://www.youtube.com

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...2

So, BSBlog Followers, do you believe God has a sense of humor? I definitely,,,,um, DO! LOL.
If you can recall just a few days ago I wrote a post about black teen girls in the High School I work, right?
Here is the link if you have not read it.........Weave....Me ...........Alone


Anyhow, today, I walked into school and during first period I have 5 black teen girls right. Typical 15-16 year old teen girls. I don't know what the fascination is with me looking upside folks heads this week is, but I had to count the girls. I began to count the one with natural hair vs. those with weaves, and surprisingly...............On this day, I counted 4 out of 5 black girls in class with natural hair. WT? Were my eyes deceiving me? I counted a second time and even grabbed a sticky note so I could jot down my findings for this post. LOL. I am honestly in shock, but glad to report these findings. They had cute natural hair. These young adults were breaking that mold that most fall into .And oh, yeah, while I lunch, I saw 4 teachers and 1 substitute rocking natural styles. Happy Friday. Happy Hair Hunting.I say that because I know this blog will make some of you who were not aware more aware. At least that is the idea.Hahaha
Do you even care for natural hair statistics? Or how high schoolers are rocking their tresses? Let a sistah know below........................................

Celebrity Spotlight: Willow Smith

So, today I was web-surfing, blog-surfing, whatever it is you want to call it. LOL. I ran across a natural hair blog that had a music playlist. I almost got up from the PC to dance for a minute because the song was that contagious. The song I am referring to is : "Whip my Hair" by Willow Smith. I am pretty sure you've heard it, and if not, "where have you been the past year and a half?" Hahaha. LOL.

Willow Smith is the only daughter born to Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, and is sister to big brother Trey and  little brother, Jaden Smith. She is a feisty little thing, making splashes on and off T.V., and now the music industry. I know: I know. This blog post just comes to say that I find her talent unending, and her personality =adorable. Watch the attached video. Judge for yourself.This song if it's not in your natural hair play list you are doing yourself an injustice. The beats are catchy, and her moves are infectious. You just might find your toes tapping to the music and whipping your hair back and forth.Music for kids?Sure, but its also for the young at heart.  She has a beautiful voice, and her music is classic. She will do great, and will go far. Oh, and the message her song promotes is awesome: Wear your hair how you want to. Forget haters. LOL. What parent wouldn't love what she promotes? How do you like the song? What were your first thoughts upon viewing the music video? Could Willow be a natural hair spokes model for kids? Let a sistah know below............................... video source: http://www.youtube.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.................................................