Naturals in my Life: Aariyah

So, If you are a fan of BSBLOGS, you should have read a post about my niece, Kyla's natural hair. Read it Here.
OK, and dandy good deed . Now that We're all caught up, I 'll have you to note that I have more than 1 niece and more than 1 natural niece.
Meet Aariyah. She is all of 6 year old, and so adorable with her 6 going on 36 attitude and almond shaped eyes!
Yes, she is natural and I wanted to share a few snapshots of her that I snabbed of her during our Fourth of July festivities. Enjoy!

SN: Yes the little goofy one in red is my son,JJ. Check his blog here: JJ's Blog

Spotlight: Brooke

From time to time, We here at BSBlogs love to shine a Spotlight on Beautiful, naturals that we have become acquainted with. The naturals chosen are inspiring , admirable and VERY influential. This little one you will read about today is a phenomenal child, Blogger, Vlogger, Actress and Model, and a very good friend. Please get to know Little Miss Brooke Aaliyah, she will definitely be in the REAL "spotlight" soon enough!
Read Her Interview Here:

  BlackSistah: Straight or curly?

Brooke: My hair is naturally curly and I love my curly hair. I get my hair flat ironed twice a year by my hair stylist Rose....at Christmas time and on my birthday. She really knows my hair texture.

BlackSistah:Accessories or no?

Brooke:

Yes, I love hair accessories. My fave ones are the ones with flowers and bling. I love flowers and bling. 

BlackSistah:What's your favorite natural hair product?Why?

Brooke:

We love to try new hair products. I love the ones that make my hair soft and allows me to wear it down. I would say that my fave hair products at the moment is Curly Q's. I love the smell, the bottle it comes in and I love that it doesn't make my hair puffy. I like to wear my hair down and when my mom uses Curly Q's, then I get to wear my hair out. My hair also loves Manetane Beauty's hair food. 

BlackSistah:What do you say to kids styling their own hair?

Brooke:

I think that's great. I wish I could do it. 

I would love to style my own hair but my mom says that I'm too young. I gotta wait until I'm older but sometimes she does let me brush it but only when 's wet.

BlackSistah:You prefer mom's styling or Brooke's styling? 

Brooke:

Well since you asked. I like to choose the style and mom does it. . :)

BlackSistah:Whose hair do you prefer best: Skai Jackson Willow Smith?Why?

Brooke:

I like Skai Jackson because her hair is always big and she has cool styles. I really don't want to cut my hair like Willow did but she is pretty with short hair. 

BlackSistah: Do you feel its important for kids to see natural hair in TV, film and commercials? Why? 

Brooke:

Yes....Because if other kids see my cool natural hair in movies and commercials they will love their cool natural hair too. I really like my curly natural hair. 

BlackSistah:What's your favorite hair style?

Brooke:

I love to wear my hair down, twists, braids and in a pony tail. 

 BlackSistah:What's the most important thing you've learned about your hair?

Brooke:

My hair gets tangled so mom is very gentle when she combs it. I have to keep my hair moisturized to keep it soft. My hair gets puffy and dry if I don't use the right products. 

BlackSistah:Anything else you'd like to add? 

Thank you....Please subscribe to my other channels http://www.youtube.com/mayterrance and
http://www.youtube.com/itsbrookesworld

Please like my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/itsbrookesworld

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I will be doing some more contests very soon. The theme will be my favorite things. So stay tuned. :) Please Add, subscribe and like me on all Social Networks! I follow back!!
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Check out Brooke's work here!

Peace and Love

oxoxo

Brooke

Guest Blogger Spot

Protective Hair Styling: Cute Style but NOT Age Appropriate.

Guest Blog Post: Maintaining Healthy Hair & Scalp of Young Children After Hair Styling. 

   Children's hair should not be styled in the same manner as an adult. The hair & scalp of a child isn't strong enough to take the beating of excessive tension, tightness and or pulling. The skin is fairly new and so is the hair. Hair Care for a child requires time, patience as well as understanding that the hairstyle itself doesn't have to be 100% perfect. Hygiene of children hair & scalp should always out weigh the importance of how a  hairstyle look. 

   Protective Styling is one of the most popular Natural Hair Care methods used to promote healthy hair care in children. It's purpose require low manipulation of the hair and to protect hair from breakage due to everyday styling. This fashion of hair styling is great for children of all ages, however, there are times the hair and scalp needs a break from always being bound and should be able to flow freely for at least a week. Just enough time for the hair & scalp to breath.

   Before I get into the purpose of today's post, I want to share a sad story with you that no child should ever have to go through. I recently provided mobile hair care services for a new 4-year-old client. After meeting this adorable child and her family, I sat down with the parents to conduct a consultation of the child's hair. Everything appeared to be normal. Her hair was loose and free in an Afro which made the consultation easy for me. What her parents failed to inform me of was that their daughter had had two different stylist style her hair that week and I was stylist number three to put my hands in her hair. Also that the child had two large open sores on her scalp.

   The first stylist styled the little girls hair in too tight Nubian Knots (Bantu Knots), which resulted in the child screaming and crying during bed time for two days. Recognizing their child was in pain, the parents decided to take the child's hair out. A day later, the second stylist cornrowed the child's hair but the parents didn't like the way the style looked and decided to take her hair out. The day after that, I received a phone call to provide the child with hair care services. After seeing the open sores on the child's head, I decided not to style her hair. I recommended the parents to wash her hair, leave it out and take her to a dermatologist immediately. I told them that once they get a note from the doctor, I will then style her hair in three weeks. Her parents thanked me for my advice and I have an appointment set-up to see the child once her scalp heals.

 BE CAREFUL WHEN STYLING: Nubian Knots/Bantu Knot for Children.

 With or without extensions, Nubian Knots can be very harmful to the hair and scalp if styled by someone who is heavy handed. Try not to twist the hair too tight or apply the rubber-bands too tight. This style (in my personal opinion) should not be styled in children under age 3.

 BE CAREFUL WHEN STYLING: Africa Twist for Children

African Twist is a very heavy and  painful  style for many adults and should not be styled in children under age 13.This style would be torture for a young child. I have seen adults who have had open sores on their scalp due to wearing African Twist.

BE CAREFUL WHEN STYLING: Cornrows & High Bun for Children.

    This particular style can be styled Naturally and or with extensions. The combination of tight Cornrows and a tightly twisted bun, can cause scalp irritation. The scalp may itch and due to scratching, may make the scalp raw and tender. Take the hair down if your child is scratching his or scalp too much. Not good for children under age 5 unless styled with their own Natural Hair. No hair added.

   These are just a few styles I do not recomend for young child. Tight hairstyles of any kind isn't good hair care practice for the hair or the scalp. And although protective styling is a great life saver for many parents, it is also great to allow a child's hair to breath from being bound for weeks at a time. Allow the childs hair & scalp to get a break between protective styling. 

Disclaimer: All photo's were pulled from Google. Statements made here are my personal views. Alway seek a Healthcare professional for all your scalp care needs.

Guest Blogger Author Keianna (KeeKee) Johnson  is a Certified Natural Hair Care & Braiding Technician. Specializing in Natural Hair Care and Braiding for Children. Certified through Madam Walker's Braidery and Schools. Writer of Blog Chi Chi Sophistication.  Blog site: http://www.chichisophistication.blogspot.com/  Website: http://www.chi-chi-sophistication.com 

Naturals in my Life: Kyla

So, this weeks Naturals in my Life Series comes special from me to you.
This adorable natural featured is my Beautiful niece, Kyla.

She is all of 6 years old, and so precious!
Hope you enjoy!!!!!!!! SN: Hair is pressed in photo, to show length!

Naturals in my Life: Sky'Lynn

So, here is the latest natural haired cutie for the Naturals in my Life series.
Her name is Sky'Lynn, she is 9 years old and the daughter of one of my Best friends!

This past weekend, her and her mom plus JJ and I spent a day at the Farmer's Market here in Dallas. Man was it awesome:)
We had such a good time, and I got some great shots of her natural hair. She is pictured rocking a twistout and I love it!!!Enjoy
SN:Mom says she will never get a perm. Yay! #TeamNatural

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 What are your thoughts on Sky's hair? Do you love it? Let a sistah know below.....................

Naturals in my Life:Rihanna

Hey BSBlog Fans!
So....my BFF has converted over to natural, and she is learning lots about hair from me, and YouTube. LOL .
Anyhow, with that being said her kids have always been natural.  She is a married mother of 5, and She is just learning what products work best for them and how to manage their hair better. So, this past week she sends me cute pics of the youngest child, Rihanna. I was so in love with the photos that I had to share.
You see, Rihanna is all of 4. She is loving, VERY adorable and she loves her natural hair!!!
The pics you are about to see are just the first in a NEW series I will be adding to the blog called
"Naturals in my Life."
Hope you all enjoy!!!! And now Rihanna.........

Discussion #5

Have u Heard?

Hey All:

I wanted to write this Quick post and tell you that there is a NEW blog you should be following if you are not already!......It is my son, JJ's blog. This blog of his was started late 2011, and chronicles his young life from age 2.Won't you spread the word, and come follow us on a JOYOUS JOURNEY OF LIFE.........? You will receive a Handsome reward. "I guarantee"
JJ's SPOT

Entry #1

So, this is it, and it's official! My son, the wonderfully fabulous, JJ now has a blog. Check him out as we document discoveries, issues, and life in general. This Blog brings our readers into JJ's world! This is his life. Join us...won't you? Check him out @ http://www.JJs-spot.blogspot.com --------------------------------------------------- JJ STATS: Name: JJ Age: 2 DOB: 1-25-09 Faves: Barney, Thomas the Train, Elmo

NatMuLab#1

Welcome!As we all know: Music makes the world go world. It's universal. It's what brings us together. This is a new feature on BSBlogs...I call it the NatMuLab. NatMuLab stands for Natural Music Lab. LOL. I intend to post a song that relates to hair once weekly. That's if I can find them. Hope you enjoy song #1. Mario-Braid my hair. Note: We will even be taking requests. So use the contact me form to the Right of this post, and contact me with any and ALL requests. Thanks, and again, ENJOY!!!!!!!

Celebrity Spotlight: Jada Pinkett- Smith

Jada Pinkett-Smith, is wife to Will Smith. Mother to Jayden, and Willow Smith. Stepmother to Trey Smith. She is an actress,active musician in an all girl band, and a GORGEOUSLY beautiful natural. So, we will just say that she wears many hats! This young, modern woman of stage, and screen in Hollywood, wasn't always natural though.Some of her early film footage, and video clips like: Low Down Dirty Shame(1994),& Tupac's Keep Yo Head Up show Ms. Pinkett-Smith rocking permed hair. The guess as to when she went natural is unknown to me. I do know that Jada attributes her natural hair growth to using Carol's Daughter products. She loves it so much that I believe she is an investment partner. These products are said to be awesome. I hope to try them all soon. Anyhow, The fact still remains:Jada has rocked the low, bald fade and has grown it out to long lengths presently. With so much attention on her beautiful new crown of hair she was ultimately asked to be a spokeswoman for Carol's Daughter. I love Jada Pinkett-Smith. I love Jada Pinkett-Smith's hair!!!!!

Banner courtesy of http://www.carolsdaughter.com What are your thoughts on Jada's hair? Her length retention?Her style? 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..............................

Cosby kids

What decade were you born? The 60s? 70s?80s?Every decade has a pivotal moment,or role in society. The 60s were about racial equality and the Civil Rights Movements. The 70s were about peace, love, and no more wars. The 80s? Hmm,I was born into the 80s.Right after the turn of that decade I made my grand entrance. LOL.
I sure miss the 80s.
The 80s symbolized so much in my little life.I just sit back and wish I could go back sometimes. Aww, the wonderful memories and innocence of childhood.
I mean from Michael Jackson and Thriller, to Reading Rainbow, and Miami Vice to the Cosby Show and Big Hair!

Yes, I said the Cosby Show and Big hair

The Show The Cosby Show was and still is an influential, groundbreaking TV series that dominated 80s TV! It broke racial and color barriers and dealt with issues that we still deal with today!
With me being an 80s baby, I can say that the Cosby Show, for me was the epitamy of all Black families. I wanted to be like them.I admired them. I never knew these black,middle class, successful, highly-functional families existed until I watched an episode. LOL. Sad, but true.The show, If you have been living under a rock for the last 25 years, features, and All-black cast, and everyone can relate to someone on the show. The father is played by William "Bill" Cosby. The Mother is played by Phylicia Rashad. The kids : Malcolm Jamal-Werner, Keshia Knight-Pulliam, Tempestt Bledsoe, Lisa Bonet,and Sabrina LeBeauf.


The Hair
Did you ever stop for a moment to notice something different about these images of Blacks on Television? What's was different?
Could it be that EVERY, and I do repeat every cast member on the Cosby Show had natural hair. Yes, I said EVERYONE! Even Mr. Cosby himself!They were rocking braids, twists, & puffs way before us.
This was Mr. Cosby's show, and he cared about the image he was putting out there on our behalf that many years ago. Not only did he care about our image he took the time to encourage each cast member to stay natural.I learned this from watching a now ancient interview of Tempestt Bledsoe paying tribute to Mr. Cosby. Natural hair was the in thing on this show..... From Tempestt rocking her many different styles, to Lisa rocking her dreads, Keshia rocking her afro puffs or twisted pigtails, to even Malcolm, who as a young cast member represented the natural fellows with short taper fades and a box, to him transitioning and reappearing in the early to late 90s in countless other shows rocking his dreadlocks! This show was awesome. *Even guest stars of the show like Ms. Erika Alexander, who went on to play Maxine Shaw, on Living Single was natural. Just awesomeness!





Like I said I miss the 80s. So grateful for the positive images that were being spoon fed to me even then.Miss the Cosby Show! Thank you Mr. Cosby for being an influential part of TV history, and for upholding our image amongst the media masses. Stay encouraged Naturalistas. Note: picture source: aoltv.com

And as always: What didn't you like? What did you like about the article? Do you remember the Cosby show?Who was your favorite natural looking back? Let a sistah know below................................................

O' Shea!

So, by now loyal blog followers should have guessed, if it has not been made know, exactly what one of my favorite hair products is.LOL. Did you guess yet? OK, OK.....It's definitely Shea Moisture. Shea Moisture, an all-natural hair care co. is headed by a Black CEO, Mr. Richelieu Dennis, and has been in Business since 1912. Making them 100 years old next year. Hands down it's Shea Moisture.Did you guess right? Well, exciting news from Shea Moisture Just recently they went and did a wonderful thing just for all Shea Moisture fans. They have released (just in time for Christmas), 2 beautiful Shea Moisture gift sets! That's right. 2.

Both gift sets feature 4-four oz. bottles of Shea Moisture products. And you get all this for the low price of just $14.99! The first gift set is the Raw She& Argan Oil Repair and Transition kit(not featured in above photo). The second, is Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Shine kit.All of the featured products can be found at Walgreen store and http://www. Walgreens.com The Shea Moisture family is doing big things from bath and body, and haircare, to Baby products and there's even a line for men. Be on the look out for them, their products and up and coming exciting things. Hopefully, Santa will see my gift wishlist.There are numerous Shea Moisture prods that I still have to try. *Keeping my fingers crossed* ;)----Wink. Note: I have NOT been paid to endorse these products. I simply love them, and wanted to share my joy. Check them out and see how well you like them, too! --->I highly Recommend. Oh, and NOTE:I have been good this year.LOL. Remember to also support Black-owned businesses this Christmas. Are you a fan of Shea Moisture? Why or why not? What's your favorite prod from their hair line? 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!

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.................................................