Hair Care Weblog

What's your screen name?

Denacious (I think I can't remember now [INLINE] )

City/State?

Philadelphia, PA

Loose, loced, or transitioning?

Loosed usually right now I'm wearing braids

How long has your hair been like it is?

I'm not exactly sure at least since 2000

How long is your hair?

If straightened, a little pass my ear

What are your 3 favorite products?

I'm still trying to find good products, ya'll help me out PLEASE!!

What are your 3 favorite styles?

Just out and crazy. If my hair was longer I would like to wear it in a afro puff

Do you style your hair at home, or go to a salon?

Both but there isn't much styling I do at home

If you go to a salon, which one?

Exavia's

What is/has been your toughest hair struggle, physical or mental?

People asking me "what are u gonna do with ur hair?" "When are u gonna straighten ur hair?" and finding good products that work well with my hair texture.

Are you natural for life? Why or why not?

YES!!!!! Because even though I get alot of grief from people I still love my hair! I was teased as a child about not having that"good stuff" then I went to perms and tryna please everybody but myself with my hair styles, that now I am so comfortable with my knaps that nobody is gonna change my mind. Plus, this is how God created me so why alter a good thing. He says in His word that "I am fearfully and wonderfully made; (His) works are wonderful" Psalm 139:14, and I believe Him!

Please include a link to your website or online hair album.

Aww I don't have one. [INLINE] How do I go about getting one??

To know God's will is a treasure; to do God's will is a privilege.
Our Daily Bread

...and i think i'm going to stick it out this time, however, i'd like
to know if anyone here knows of any good shampoo and conditioner
brands preferably all or mostly natural. the stuff i buy from the
health food store is alright, but it doesn't really work with 'our'
hair as far as getting and keeping it soft, strong, and healthy. i'll
also be coloring it (don't care for the gray at longer lengths). so
any suggestions on conditioners that will keep color treated hair
healthy will be appreciated.
online shops are fine. i seem to wind up buying stuff online more
often anyway. chattanooga isn't really that small...but i tend to not
be able to find what i need more often than not...
(warning - the quiz on hairstyles will come in the near future...my
hair grows fast...and gives me fits when it gets past an inch
long...sometimes at a half inch...)
thanks lady's
topaz

Note: forwarded message attached.

Lona'
creator of:
www.Lonasoriginalcreations.com

I used to live in HR so I know of a wonderful hair stylist named
Aliasha. She did my bc for me last year and styled my hair. Here is
her info:
Naturally You Hair Care Center
3940 Airline Blvd Suite 120
Portsmouth
673-4968
I found her on this very group :)

I'm just full of question today.... But what is the Protective Style
Challenge that I keep hearing everybody talking about? And where can I
find more info about it?

It only contains pictures of my permed hair for now, but I will include
others of my journey a.s.a.p.
http://public.fotki.com/PallaVioliniten/

What's your screen name?
Palla.Violiniten (African Black Butterfly)
City/State?
Atlanta, GA
Loose, loced, or transitioning?
Officially transitioning as of yesterday
How long has your hair been like it is?
Last relaxer was 3 months ago. Made up my mind to try less than 24
hours ago.
How long is your hair?
Just below my shoulders
What are your 3 favorite products?
Currently using Kera Care products and Design Botanical Oil
What are your 3 favorite styles?
Don't have 3 yet but I had my hair "twist set" yesterday and love it.
Do you style your hair at home, or go to a salon?
Both.
If you go to a salon, which one?
Salon Sole' on Cobb Parkway
What is/has been your toughest hair struggle, physical or mental?
Mental. I get lots of compliments on my hair everywhere I go. I
keep a nice layered cut and it's really healthy. It has been
difficult for me to accept that my hair (and I) will be just as
beautiful and healthy if I go natural. I have existed for so long
expecting the acceptance of others. Now that I am in love with my
self, my health is most important and a vegetarian diet and natural
lifestyle are two of the ways I hope to achieve optimal health.
Are you natural for life? Why or why not?
Can't say yet but it seems inevitable.
Please include a link to your website or online hair album.
Don't have one yet but will try to create one soon. I will take
pictures of my twist set and post them.
I just want to say that I'm happy to have found this natural hair
community and all the comments I read have helped tremendously in my
decision to transition from "Not having a perm" to "Having natural
hair".
Thanks Alot,
--
Juenesse
"Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it
true, does it improve on the silence?"
-Sai Baba-

Hey Ladies...I was looking at pictures of different hairstyles and one lady said that she stretched her hair out by banding with 6 bands. What is Banding and how do you do it?....Cerissa

[INLINE]

Am I the only one that has a patch of hair on my head that just completely does its own thing - no matter what I do to it? The rest of my hair has really begun to spiral quite nicely and I usually wear it in a twist out, which I love. But I have one section of hair - the side I sleep on, I think - that just will not curl, even in the twist out it is just a frizzy puff. Any suggestions, or is that just the way it is?

I did just get the Pantene Hydrating Curls Conditioner and did my 2^nd no-poo with it. I also used the Pantene Intensive Curl Hydrating Mask. So far so good. Thanks to Dawn from Philly for that tip!

Namaste,

Roxanne Ravenel

President / Owner

SOHO Support Solutions LLC

A Full Service Copywriting & Virtual Assistance Firm

Supporting Your Business is Our Business©

www.sohosupportsolutions.com

Telephone: 888-671-2879, Ext. 1

Direct Line: 440-210-1452

Fax: 888-252-0020

Email: Roxanne@...

Think You're SOHO Smart? Blog

Is your small business ready for the next step? Then prepare to Take It Virtual.

Peace all,

Now that I know what they are, and what they look like - I want some single strand twists. I intend to do them myself, and I want to know from anyone who may know how to do them, is it best to palm roll them or use a comb, like comb coils? And also, will using the palm rolling method cause my hair to lock? How long do they usually stay in? Should I just re-twist when I need to, even if I don't want to lock up yet; or is it best to take the hair down first and then retwist to prevent locking? How do I maintain them? I only use Aloe Vera Gel as a gel on my hair, is this heavy enough to keep the twists in? (Sorry about all the questions! [INLINE] )

In case you need this info when responding: I have medium length hair, when twisted, at the sides it comes to my shoulders at the longest point, and to my ear lobes at it's shortest, and to my neck in the back...my hair is soft and curly at the roots, and the ends bud quickly.

Thanks in advance, I know we have several beauticians here, and I really will appreciate your help.

Be well,

Savvy

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

Hi,

Does anyone know of any natural hair care salons in the Boston, MA area?

Thanks

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone knows of any natural stylists in Macon, GA or any surrounding areas? If so, let me know.

Thanks,

Corri

My biggest hair problem is that while conditioning my hair, i am overwhelmed with curls, but once the conditioner is rinsed out out, i have very few curls. I want to know if there is any way or something i can do to keep all of my curls?

~*!*~LesleeVeniece~*!*~

Absolutely Beautiful. You go, Sista.
Catrina <young_mom_25@...

I joined a couple of days ago. I forgot to add that I do have a fotki album.

This is the link.

http://public.fotki.com/newnappymom25/

Let me know what you think.

Love, Peace, and Hair Grease

Trina

what a cutie!!

Please support N.O. Place Like Home by making your online purchases at http://buyforcharity.com . You will find many of your favorite online stores like Barnes & Noble, Baby Gap and Circuit City and N.O. Place Like Home will receive up to 35% of the cost of your purchase. You can also purchase or renew your magazine subscriptions at http://www.magraise.com/NO-Place-Like-Home.html. N.O. Place Like Home will receive 50% of the cost of your subscription.

Be a blessing to someone and you will be blessed

[INLINE] Tamara Gaskins Prosper

[INLINE]

Full, healthy hair! You look pretty on your glamour shot. And I love your hubbys smile. Good sugar!

[INLINE]
Sue Ann

[INLINE]

Very well said, Tamara. Thanks for sharing your opinion. It was a big help to me.

[INLINE]
Love,
Sue Ann

I live in the 434 area! I have locs and I go to Nubian Citi. It is
owned by Tyeast-845-0228, give her a call...

[INLINE]

Hello everyone,

I am so glad that I discovered this group. I learn so much everyday and I couldn't be happier about my decision to go natural. I totally agree with what has been said about going natural being a mindset - it is an empowering one.

I would like to share the story of this journey with others as a way to help them understand and respect our decision, our refusal to "just blend in." But, I'd like to share this story, more importantly, for people who are like many of us were...they want to make the leap into the natural lifestyle, but fear judgment by their family, friends, lovers and society as a whole. Many here have experienced this.

Please contact me off list at Leighla@... if you would be interested in sharing your "hair journey" - a journey of self-discovery - for the purpose of a few articles that I am developing on this subject. If you'd like to be involved in the project, but don't want you real name used, that is fine.

Namaste,

Roxanne Ravenel

President / Owner

SOHO Support Solutions LLC

A Full Service Copywriting & Virtual Assistance Firm

Supporting Your Business is Our Business©

www.sohosupportsolutions.com

Telephone: 888-671-2879, Ext. 1

Direct Line: 440-210-1452

Fax: 888-252-0020

Email: Roxanne@...

Think You're SOHO Smart? Blog

Is your small business ready for the next step? Then prepare to Take It Virtual.

Angela.

I don't know if there is a "right" way to respond to people when they make negative or unwanted comments about our natural hair.

I have worn my hair natural for over 8 years. My goal is to eventually loc my hair. I've certainly had my share of negative and unwanted comments about the way I *choose* to wear *my* hair. (My own mother being one of the worst offenders).

When the women at church would ask when I'm going "to do something" with my hair, I would simply reply by asking if my (natural) hair would stop me from getting to Heaven? That usually quieted the person.

I encourage you to continue to wear your hair natural, if that's was *you* truly want to do. People will be people and as the saying goes, "you can't please everybody".

Take care,

Tessa

Oh my gosh Montsho, he is soooo cute.

Debbie

I've moved back to hometown and I'm looking for someone to maintain my
natural hair in the 434. I don't mind traveling to 804 or 540 but I
prefer 434. I just want someone who is creative and knows how to
actually take care of my hair. I want to be able to do a variety of
styles and look nice this summer. HELP ME!!!!
Thanks :)

Hi,

The only one I have found here has been Black Butterflies in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake.
LaRita Mullins <swork2000@...

Does any know of any really good Natural Hair Care Salons in the Hampton Roads Virginia area?

What's your screen name? Mskeyken
City/State? Chesapeake, VA
Loose, loced, or transitioning? Transitioning (Braid Extensions after BC)
How long has your hair been like it is? March 2006
How long is your hair? 1-2 inches
What are your 3 favorite products? None yet
What are your 3 favorite styles? Coils, locs, puffs
Do you style your hair at home, or go to a salon? Salon for now
If you go to a salon, which one? Black Butterflies in Western Branch
What is/has been your toughest hair struggle, physical or mental? My toughest hair struggles have been physical. I'm trying to get used to my hair and how it reacts to different things.
Are you natural for life? Why or why not? I'm natural for life. I've always struggled with relaxers thinning my hair and breaking off. As my spiritual walk has strengthened, I have come to accept how the Creator made me. I can't see myself continuing to fight how I look. I also don't see how I can tell my daughter that her curls/kinks are pretty, but I fight mine every chance I get no matter how much damage it causes.

Please include a link to your website or online hair album.

I don't have one yet...

Hi--

I looked at the photos today of both RasQueen and Tubby--their locs are BEAUTIFUL!

I hadn't been on that site in a long while, but I need to look more often for inspiration...

Tobi
"just locin by . . ." <just_locin_by@...

You're welcome !!!
oh, o.k. just the new growth
Long locs: Have you seen RasQueen at:
http://naani.com/index.html?lmd=38860.093692
oh and look a Tubby and her finesse with color while you're there....she also unraveled the ends of her locs.......
ENJOY ! (I did)
****************************************************************
Tobi-Velicia Johnson <tvelicia@...

Thank you for the compliment. More explanation about using the thread: It's just the new growth that's tied with thread to make it loc, all the previous growth was already loced, so no hair is added at all.

I am frequently asked if it's all mine. [INLINE] That used to happen when I had relaxed hair too--it was much longer then. I'm trying to take really good care of my hair so my locs will get real long--I so envy super long locs! [INLINE]

Tobi

"just locin by . . ." <just_locin_by@...

Ohhhhhhhh!!!! THAT Tobi.....your locs are FABULOUS !!!! (I've been to your album many times) I like them because they are the only ones I've seen this size!!!! and you wear them and the color well !!! Thanks for sharing...and no, I don't see the thread !!!!
So, some of the hair viewed is sewn into your own hair? If yes, COOL!!! I would've never guessed...wow! learn something new everyday.
******************************************************************************
Tobi-Velicia Johnson <tvelicia@...

Hi--

Basically, my stylist twists the loc at the root, wraps the thread around the loc with a needle and knots it. This holds the hair in place so it will not come loose and will eventually loc. This is a great technique for hair that is difficult to loc--I have really thick hair, but the texture is a bit too soft to loc quickly. It's also a good if you don't want to loc with heavy products such as beeswax.

The only disadvantages are that sometimes the thread can show--and sometimes loose threads will just fall out and other times the thread just embeds itself in the hair, which is why I say my locs are permanent.

Here are my photos if you haven't seen them--I have posted them a few times. I bet you can detect the thread now that you know it's there!

http://public.fotki.com/tvelicia/locs/

Tobi

"just locin by . . ." <just_locin_by@...

Tobi?
Um....your hair is loc(k)ed with thread? I have heard of this before but am not clear on the process. Can you explain for those who don't know?
Thank you !!!!
********************************
Tobi-Velicia Johnson <tvelicia@...

Tamara--

There's a product called Lock-Down that's supposed to unravel locs. I actually read about it in Naturally You and in Essence.

I don't know what the product has in it, but my experience is that conditioner will unravel locs, as well too much oil, at least in my case. I didn't want to use beeswax, which is hard to wash out, but I wanted my locs to be 'permanent'. My hair is loced with thread, which means I really would have to cut my hair if I no longer wanted locs.

I would still show your daughter tons of pictures of different natural styles, but consider locs if she really wants them, since there are ways to take them down.

Tobi
Tamara Prosper <tgprosper@...

How do you style your daughters hair? I'm a big fan of 3 to 6 ponytails braided or twisted. It's just so pretty and girly. I also give my girls afro puffs and I cornrow my big girls hair. The issue is that her hair is getting thicker and longer and she seems to be getting more tenderheaded and impatient with hair styling. I am very gentle and I take good care of her hair, sometimes better than I take care of mine. Here is the main issue. She wants me to loc her hair like my husbands. I think locs are lovely but she's only 3 (4 in June) and i don't want to do something so permanent on the whim of a 3 year old. She's been asking for locs for over 6 months now and I think she notices that her dads hair cannot be undone, but I just don't want to loc her hair and then have her hate it in a few years and have to cut it all of when she's 5 or 6. One one hand, locs would eliminate combing/detangling. On the other hand, she would still have to sit and let me or someone else twist the
newgrowth. I often think locs would be easier for me to care for but I don't want to do anything to her hair that cannot be undone without cutting all of her hair. I could give her a relaxer for all that. Anyway, suggestions and ideas are welcome.

Please support N.O. Place Like Home by making your online purchases at http://buyforcharity.com . You will find many of your favorite online stores like Barnes & Noble, Baby Gap and Circuit City and N.O. Place Like Home will receive up to 35% of the cost of your purchase. You can also purchase or renew your magazine subscriptions at http://www.magraise.com/NO-Place-Like-Home.html. N.O. Place Like Home will receive 50% of the cost of your subscription.

Be a blessing to someone and you will be blessed

[INLINE] Tamara Gaskins Prosper

Thanks to all who replied. Some of the information was very helpful. Thanks again.

Peace and Blessings,
PK
You can't have a positive life with a negative mind!
www.marykay.com/pkennedy3

[INLINE]

Montsho, your little boy is beautiful! What a happy baby. Would love to see recent pictures of him. His locks must be way down his back by now. How old was he when you started his locks? Thanks for sharing!

[INLINE]

Have you ever tried to convince an overwieght loved one to walk with you for 15 minutes a day and to try replacing a whopper value meal with a salad? Have you ever tried to get a diabetic loved one to put down the cookies and cakes? Have you ever tried to get a smoker to quit. Have you ever tried to convince loved ones of your own religious beliefs in the effort to improve their life and afterlife? I'm asking becasue if you have you already know how difficult it can be to influence people to make changes that will affect their health and happiness. I've tried to do all of the above with loved ones so I knwo first hand that it's hard to accept that other people seem to dismiss possible future dangers for the comfort of doing what is familiar and convenient. I am a Christian so my advice to you is what I've learned about sharing Christ with people. In a kind, non-judgemental way tell them everything you know. Share your experiences and how this advice has worked well in your
life. Then, "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town." -Matthew 10:14. Inother words, your job is to tell them what you know. Once you've done that, all you can do is pray. It's up to them to change after that. The best you can do now is pray that they change their minds and pray against the adverse health affects on their children.

Blessings,

Tammy

Please support N.O. Place Like Home by making your online purchases at http://buyforcharity.com . You will find many of your favorite online stores like Barnes & Noble, Baby Gap and Circuit City and N.O. Place Like Home will receive up to 35% of the cost of your purchase. You can also purchase or renew your magazine subscriptions at http://www.magraise.com/NO-Place-Like-Home.html. N.O. Place Like Home will receive 50% of the cost of your subscription.

Be a blessing to someone and you will be blessed

[INLINE] Tamara Gaskins Prosper

Hi-

Please send us a password so we can view your photos.

Tobi
LaRhesa Johnson <l_jamiel04@...

What's your screen name? ljamiel04
City/State?
Loose, loced, or transitioning? Loose
How long has your hair been like it is? almost 2 months
How long is your hair? about 3 inches
What are your 3 favorite products? paul mitchill's The Conditioner, Botanicals Lite Mositurizer, Nature's Gate Conditioner
What are your 3 favorite styles? wash n go, puff
Do you style your hair at home, or go to a salon? at home
If you go to a salon, which one?
What is/has been your toughest hair struggle, physical or mental? physical
Are you natural for life? Why or why not? yeah! because i am loving myself and never want to treat my hair that way again
Please include a link to your website or online hair album. http://public.fotki.com/nappinessandthangs

"Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous."

"God grades on the cross, not the curve."

"God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called."

What's your screen name? ljamiel04
City/State?
Loose, loced, or transitioning? Loose
How long has your hair been like it is? almost 2 months
How long is your hair? about 3 inches
What are your 3 favorite products? paul mitchill's The Conditioner, Botanicals Lite Mositurizer, Nature's Gate Conditioner
What are your 3 favorite styles? wash n go, puff
Do you style your hair at home, or go to a salon? at home
If you go to a salon, which one?
What is/has been your toughest hair struggle, physical or mental? physical
Are you natural for life? Why or why not? yeah! because i am loving myself and never want to treat my hair that way again
Please include a link to your website or online hair album. http://public.fotki.com/nappinessandthangs

"Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous."

"God grades on the cross, not the curve."

"God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called."

Your son's hair is amazing! And he's so cute, too! Are you his stylist?

Tobi
"Pettaway, Montsho F" <mpettawa@...

Very cute. Not sure if pics can attach but here's my cutie patootie with his locs. He's 6 now.

peace out

montsho

If you miss me in the cotton field
You can't find me no where
Come on over to the courthouse,
I'll be waiting right there.

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Hey ya'll my name is Leslee and i am new to the group

What's your screen name? AIM: veniece77
City/State? Maplewood, NJ
Loose, loced, or transitioning? Loose
How long has your hair been like it is? 1 year and 18 days
How long is your hair? from the front: jus below my nose
What are your 3 favorite products? johnson and johnson detangling conditioner, all garnier fructis products, all pantene pro-v for women of color products
What are your 3 favorite styles? two strand twists, braid-out/twist-out, afro puff
Do you style your hair at home, or go to a salon? a lil bit of both
If you go to a salon, which one? Cynthia's in Newark, NJ
What is/has been your toughest hair struggle, physical or mental? me figuring out how to maintain my curls even after my hair dries, which i have still yet to accomplish [INLINE]
Are you natural for life? Why or why not? yes i am!! i jus love my natural curls and with a relaxer i would never know what my hair REALLY looks like

you don't have to defend or explain your choices in life to
anyone...even the choice to let go of the 'conk' as they used to say
back in the day. and don't expect to get a whole lot of support from
'us' either. some of us are not comfortable with being of african
decent and everything that comes with it. it's best to ignore ignorance.
i ask...if God is love, then why do 'God fearing folk' spread so much
hate? makes me wonder if they're trully God 'fearing' (or revering -
hope i spelled that right).
but then again that's just me..and it seems that my opinion isn't
worth the screen it's typed on these days to most 'folks'.

I wonder too, I dont think that because my hair is natural that it makes me any more deep, spiritual or more in touch with my African Ancestry than anyone else. I think it is my personal choice. I dont have a problem with people who choose to relax their hair nor do I feel that it is a reflection on their "blackness". The only time I have a problem with a people choosing a relaxer is if they feel that they have to make that choice for whatever reason. However it is a very controversial topic, I find that the hair issue is really just a side issue.The real issues and what makes the discussion of being natural so controversial are the deep dark inferiority issue's that are hidden beneath the surface.

On 5/22/06, Angela S. Cook <prosperousone2004@...

well, most of my "circle" are God-fearing folks, and I've even stressed that I want to freely wear the hair that God gave me, not man, but it's going over their heads. by using a perm, I am saying that I don't like what God gave me. or that I'm ashamed of the REAL me.

this is really a personal journey. I'm not trying to force anyone in do this with me. I respect their decision to relax their hair (after all, it's THEIR HAIR!), and all I want is from them is to respect my PERSONAL decision to be natural. I felt comfortable enough to share this with certain people, because of years of friendship. I really don't feel that I should have to defend how I wear my hair. as long as it's neat and clean, who cares?? but apparently a lot of people do. what a shame. as a black race, we got much bigger things to worry about than hair.
===================
CONTROL THE NUMBER AND FREQUENCY OF EMAILS YOU RECEIVE:

i was told that i have an 'incurable' scalp condition...had major hair
loss (or major to me anyway)...was given meds to take and use on my
scalp. well needless to say...the 'stuff' didn't work (trying to keep
it clean here). why did i say all of this? well..because i started
using 100% tea tree oil on my scalp, put it in my shampoo and
conditioner, and also in my hair oil (i use jojoba). i also took
oregano oil caplets (a natural anti biotic...as is garlic), and i
haven't had much of a problem (and my hair started growing back). i
don't know if the above will work for psoriasis of the scalp
though...but tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant...so it might
help. try doing a search on natural remedies for psoriasis (or ichy
dry scalp...or both)...see what comes up.
:)

what do u do when u tell someone that the products they're using are harmful, yet they continue to use it anyway, even on their kids (the kids are my main concern)??? i emailed a list of harmful chemicals (see: www.nappturality.com) to a bunch of my friends (especially targeting the ones w/children), and when i asked them about it, (in a nutshell) their response was: "well, it works well, so i'm gonna' continue to use it, even tho u told me what's in there." i was so shocked! i tried to explain to them the DANGERS of using these harmful toxins in our everyday health & beauty products, and it was like "oh well". no desire to make any changes for the better. u don't have 2 tell me twice. if u tell me i'm drinking POISONED water the 1st time, i will not be drinking it again. but apparently, everyone is not that concerned about their own long-term health. can u help me out w/this???? i don't want to seem forceful, but i really care about people. if i see someone
drowning, i will try to save them......

Peace Reneejta,

I would recommend one of my mainstays: Shea butter. The unrefined, yellowish, smoky smelling kind! Not the hard white stuff :) Shea butter is very good for your skin, and if I'm not mistaken, actually helps people with psoriasis, and it keeps my hair so soft! I go back and forth between EO's, Shea butter, Coconut oil - anything natural! :) If you live in a large city, many African or Arab stores sell small jars of Shea butter. It smells smoky, but you can add EO's to mask the smell if you don't like it. (My friend tells me all the time to use the EO's cause he thinks I smell like a BBQ when I don't use the EO's in my shea butter. [INLINE] Ha! )

Here are some links that explain the benefits of shea butter:

http://www.nfbotanicals.com/shea-butter-info.html

http://www.africaimports.com/africanarticles/Article26.htm

Hope this helps!

Be well,

Savvy

reneejta <reneejta@...

I am new to the group and have been natural for almost 2 years. I was
diagnosed w/psoriasis in 1995 and was told to stop getting perms.
Since going natural and trying to treat my scalp, my hair gets really
dry and I keep getting a lot of split ends. I am constantly trying
different products, but I have to be careful, because of the
psoriasis. Friends have suggested that I get dreads or locks, but
since I have to wash my hair so often, I do not see how that will
work. Does anyone have some helpful advice for me.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

Very cute. Not sure if pics can attach but here's my cutie patootie with his locs. He's 6 now.

peace out

montsho

If you miss me in the cotton field
You can't find me no where
Come on over to the courthouse,
I'll be waiting right there.

Angela--

That is so true! When I told people about my decision to loc, many were like, "how could you do that to your 'LONG, PRETTY' hair! Eventually though, those same people complimented my locs. Just as you said, they had me in a 'box' because I had the 'straight hair, white girl' look too for so long and they found it hard to believe that I would go nappy. Especially after coveting a perm during my teen years for so long.

Tobi
"Angela S. Cook" <prosperousone2004@...

I was already considering that. but I just made this decision after my last relaxer, 2 months ago, so if I decided to "chop", I would be TOTALLY BALD (not enough new growth to style yet), and I'm not ready for that myself. but here's what gets me: a lot of my mutual friends know other women who wear their NATURAL, TEXTURED, UNPROCESSED hair (a few women have locs), and they get COMPLIMENTS ALL THE TIME, on how pretty their natural hair is (and it's not the "good hair type" either). so I'm really baffled as to why when I decided to go natural, it was such a disappointment to these SAME people.

personally, I think because they've seen me for SO LONG (12 years) with the same "straight, wish-I-were-a-white-girl look", they really just can't imagine me looking any other way. it's time 4 me to come out the box, and they just gotta' let me go my own path. I've always been a non-conformist. I NEVER liked getting relaxers, and now that I know the true purpose behind them (to foster self-hatred against black features), and what they're made of, I never want that mess in my hair again!!!!!!! it's funny, people say "just be urself". when u try to do that, these same people want u back in the box again. I guess they mean "be urself" as long as "urself" is in conformity with that narrow minded image of beauty.

Hi Tamara--

I understand your feelings. I was teased terribly in high school by the Black girls for not having a relaxer and thinking about those old feelings kept me from going natural sooner--as I've said before, I finally got a perm at age 18, but by age 21 or so, I really didn't like the relaxer anymore. I just wasn't mentally or emotionally strong enough to combat comments that others may make about my hair.

With your support, your daughter will be able to withstand the teasing--it sounds like she is very independent, and encouraged by her parents to be confident.

The twists look great--and you would be able to start locs in her hair from the twists as well.

Tobi

Tamara Prosper <tgprosper@...

Thanks for all the suggestions about my daughters hair everyone. The worry about having to cut her hair is definitely mine and not hers. She doesn't really care. I just remember a long-time friend of mine from childhood. She had very short, course hair. Her mom didn't know how to care for it so sometimes she had short plaits that just stuck up in the air. She had a perm, then a Jheri Curl, then a Wave Nuveau and it never grew very much. I still remember the other kids teasing her terribly and calling her mean names. She acted like she didn't hear or didn't care but I always felt so sad for her. It was like that for all of the black girls with very short hair. They all got teased badly. What's crazy is that a few other girls and I also got teased...for having very long hair!!!! It just shows that kids will find any reason to make fun of each other and you just can't please everyone. Anyway, as a kid I thought her mom was mean for not keeping her hair nice the way my mom kept
mine. Also, I overheard adults talking about what they would do if they could just get their hands on her hair. They said they would have kept it nicer. So I always knew I would never let any child of mine go around with her hair looking a mess and I would take good care of it so it would grow long and healthy. My daughters know nothing about this but that's part of why I will never chemically alter their hair and I take special care with it. I never want to see them with the same sad, hurt look that my friend once had. Now that my old friend is all grown up guess what...she's all natural too!!! So that's why I am fearfil of having to cut off her locs if she changes her mind about them. I don't want her to come home crying about kids teasing her. She's a sweet, bright, sensitive child and kids make up enough reasons to tease. I don't want to give them one. Anyway, I just washed her hair and gave her 2 strand twists and she likes them. Here they are.

Please support N.O. Place Like Home by making your online purchases at http://buyforcharity.com . You will find many of your favorite online stores like Barnes & Noble, Baby Gap and Circuit City and N.O. Place Like Home will receive up to 35% of the cost of your purchase. You can also purchase or renew your magazine subscriptions at http://www.magraise.com/NO-Place-Like-Home.html. N.O. Place Like Home will receive 50% of the cost of your subscription.

Be a blessing to someone and you will be blessed

[INLINE] Tamara Gaskins Prosper

Yes, I hear you. When I cut my hair, I definitely did not have enough to style. (I chopped after two months). It did not take long before I did have enough to style though. Now, ten months later, I have more than enough. Check out my hair journey website below if you need some inspiration to go ahead and take the plunge!

But if you are not ready, I definitely understand that too! The other ladies in this group have given some very good advice. Just be strong and don't give in! If you feel the urge to give in, let us know and we'll give you the support you need! (Although it sounds like you are already doing a great job of sticking to your goal of being natural).

--LV

Thank you!

Hi Wanda--

I go to Starchild in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago. His number is 773/955-2700. You can let him know that you received the number from me--he will certainly ask who recommended him. He is a bit expensive, but I think he does a great job on my hair--I have gone to him for three years.

He started my locs by putting the relaxed hair into twists, and you could have a little hair put in so that the ends could be burnt closed (like braids). Then, as my hair grew, he used the thread to loc the new growth.

Today I posted two new pictures on my site. I just got my locs done this past Saturday, so I took a picture of the hair at the root, and at the ends where my hair has been lightened. With these pictures, you could actually see the thread a little easier.

http://fotki.com/tvelicia/locs

I plan to post more pictures soon--I like to have a visual of the progress of growing locs.

Tobi

Wanda Washington <naturalhair1109@...

Tobi,
May I have your stylist name and number?

I am new to the group and have been natural for almost 2 years. I was
diagnosed w/psoriasis in 1995 and was told to stop getting perms.
Since going natural and trying to treat my scalp, my hair gets really
dry and I keep getting a lot of split ends. I am constantly trying
different products, but I have to be careful, because of the
psoriasis. Friends have suggested that I get dreads or locks, but
since I have to wash my hair so often, I do not see how that will
work. Does anyone have some helpful advice for me.

Hi Angela!
I dont post much, but after reading your post I had to respond. I
was in the same situation less than a year ago. I just told people
that I wanted to go natural, becasue it was better for my hair. Now
in the beginning, I didnt mean it as much as i do now, just basically
repeating what my hairdresser had beaten into my head.
The more I dealt with people and their responses, and the more i
gathered information, my whole mindset changed. i didnt care what
people thought anymore. i explained to them that "how it is, is how
its gonna be, deal with it". i think as i began to love my hair more
and more, people realized it wasnt just a fad or just me doing what
the hairdresser said anymore. it was "me being me".
Family and friends are always the hardest to deal with, because they
know how to get to you. but stick with it, they will see how serious
you are, and to be honest, while some of them will eventually support
you, some will (and choose to be) stuck in the mindset that our hair
is not beautiful the way it is. just let them be, as they say,
ignorance is bliss.
while it is easier to have someone to go through this with, remember
you are not alone. there are tons of gorgeous (inside & out) sistas
right here that not only understand what youre going thru, but have
been thru it themselves.
be blessed , Dawn from philly

I would just tell them "Thank you for the offer, but I think my hair looks great this way." They're being rude, you don't owe them a long explanation.

I was already considering that. but I just made this decision after my last relaxer, 2 months ago, so if I decided to "chop", I would be TOTALLY BALD (not enough new growth to style yet), and I'm not ready for that myself. but here's what gets me: a lot of my mutual friends know other women who wear their NATURAL, TEXTURED, UNPROCESSED hair (a few women have locs), and they get COMPLIMENTS ALL THE TIME, on how pretty their natural hair is (and it's not the "good hair type" either). so I'm really baffled as to why when I decided to go natural, it was such a disappointment to these SAME people.
personally, I think because they've seen me for SO LONG (12 years) with the same "straight, wish-I-were-a-white-girl look", they really just can't imagine me looking any other way. it's time 4 me to come out the box, and they just gotta' let me go my own path. I've always been a non-conformist. I NEVER liked getting relaxers, and now that I know the true purpose behind them (to foster self-hatred against black features), and what they're made of, I never want that mess in my hair again!!!!!!! it's funny, people say "just be urself". when u try to do that, these same people want u back in the box again. I guess they mean "be urself" as long as "urself" is in conformity with that narrow minded image of beauty.

Thanks for all the suggestions about my daughters hair everyone. The worry about having to cut her hair is definitely mine and not hers. She doesn't really care. I just remember a long-time friend of mine from childhood. She had very short, course hair. Her mom didn't know how to care for it so sometimes she had short plaits that just stuck up in the air. She had a perm, then a Jheri Curl, then a Wave Nuveau and it never grew very much. I still remember the other kids teasing her terribly and calling her mean names. She acted like she didn't hear or didn't care but I always felt so sad for her. It was like that for all of the black girls with very short hair. They all got teased badly. What's crazy is that a few other girls and I also got teased...for having very long hair!!!! It just shows that kids will find any reason to make fun of each other and you just can't please everyone. Anyway, as a kid I thought her mom was mean for not keeping her hair nice the way my mom kept
mine. Also, I overheard adults talking about what they would do if they could just get their hands on her hair. They said they would have kept it nicer. So I always knew I would never let any child of mine go around with her hair looking a mess and I would take good care of it so it would grow long and healthy. My daughters know nothing about this but that's part of why I will never chemically alter their hair and I take special care with it. I never want to see them with the same sad, hurt look that my friend once had. Now that my old friend is all grown up guess what...she's all natural too!!! So that's why I am fearfil of having to cut off her locs if she changes her mind about them. I don't want her to come home crying about kids teasing her. She's a sweet, bright, sensitive child and kids make up enough reasons to tease. I don't want to give them one. Anyway, I just washed her hair and gave her 2 strand twists and she likes them. Here they are.

Please support N.O. Place Like Home by making your online purchases at http://buyforcharity.com . You will find many of your favorite online stores like Barnes & Noble, Baby Gap and Circuit City and N.O. Place Like Home will receive up to 35% of the cost of your purchase. You can also purchase or renew your magazine subscriptions at http://www.magraise.com/NO-Place-Like-Home.html. N.O. Place Like Home will receive 50% of the cost of your subscription.

Be a blessing to someone and you will be blessed

[INLINE] Tamara Gaskins Prosper

Thanks. I don't think they FULLY understand why I'm doing this. that's why they're resistant to it. they really mean well, they do. but I wasn't looking for them to agree with me (I already knew they wouldn't, because the average black person thinks that "straight hair = good hair"). I just wanted them to support me. there's a difference. but thank u again for YOUR support. I needed to hear that.

also, I want my future husband to love the REAL me, not the "Creme of Nature" me. I need to know that he'll love me, w/my nappy hair, because what if something happens to us financially (job loss, health crisis, etc.) and I can't "get my hair fixed" every 2 weeks like that? will he go into shock because of my never-before-seen nappy hair, and leave me for a straight-haired black girl? I need to know that kind of stuff ahead of time. just an extra something to think about.

well, most of my "circle" are God-fearing folks, and I've even stressed that I want to freely wear the hair that God gave me, not man, but it's going over their heads. by using a perm, I am saying that I don't like what God gave me. or that I'm ashamed of the REAL me.

this is really a personal journey. I'm not trying to force anyone in do this with me. I respect their decision to relax their hair (after all, it's THEIR HAIR!), and all I want is from them is to respect my PERSONAL decision to be natural. I felt comfortable enough to share this with certain people, because of years of friendship. I really don't feel that I should have to defend how I wear my hair. as long as it's neat and clean, who cares?? but apparently a lot of people do. what a shame. as a black race, we got much bigger things to worry about than hair.

PK,

My hair is not locked, so I don't have any info for you, but I'd bet you'd learn a lot from the ladies of the locked blog exchange located here: http://locksblogsphotos.blogspot.com/

--LV

My Hair Journey: http://www.cbpublish.com/myhairjourney.htm

My Journey Through the Lengths: http://www.cbpublish.com/lengthjourney.htm

Val & Nadine Comic Strip: http://valandnadine.blogspot.com/

Hi PK, here are my thoughts:
one "pass" so as not to overtwist. Check out www.ThierryBaptiste.com,
where you can purchase a video that shows the process.
that you will need to retwist after each wash (assuming you're not
freeforming).
you can put them in a ponytail while damp (or smaller ponytails if
they're short) and let them dry. You can spritz them with water to
dampen them.
to form curly cue. I have tried braiding that hair only for it to come
a loose. What should I do with the straight hair?
get it to loc. It was in the past few days, you may want to look into
that.
Hope this helps,
Kaya Casper
www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com

http://www.bam.org/events/06AFRI/06AFRI.aspx
Also see my Ad below
Peace and Blessings
Tienne
TAZ Creations

Tobi,
May I have your stylist name and number?

I'm so sorry you have to deal with such ignorance, no matter how well-intended. You're worried about responding rudely but these people aren't at all worried about their rude comments. I would just kindly, respectfully and FIRMLY tell them, " Thanks for your offers and concerns but I do not intend to relax my hair so I am not interested in perming it. I am far more interested in letting it grow the way God gave it to me than chemically altering it. I'm excited about this decision. I have a totally different mindset about my hair right now and I appreciate it's natural texture so I don't want to permanently alter it." ...or something liek that. You're right, there is no reason to be rude to people, but you do need to get your point across. Best wishes and keep your head up!

Please support N.O. Place Like Home by making your online purchases at http://buyforcharity.com . You will find many of your favorite online stores like Barnes & Noble, Baby Gap and Circuit City and N.O. Place Like Home will receive up to 35% of the cost of your purchase. You can also purchase or renew your magazine subscriptions at http://www.magraise.com/NO-Place-Like-Home.html. N.O. Place Like Home will receive 50% of the cost of your subscription.

Be a blessing to someone and you will be blessed

[INLINE] Tamara Gaskins Prosper

Tamara,
My daughter is 5 and has shoulder lengths locs and loves her hair. Locs are
not limited because they're permenant....depending on the size you start her
locs she can wear the same styles everyone does without feeling limited. I
braid, twist, curl, cornrow, add bows, barrettes, and beads to my daughter.
Its great that she wants locs like her father allow her to embrace that
beautiful part of our hair. As long as your positive in your outlook of her
hair, thje thought of cutting her locs will never enter her mind. She'll
love herself...locs and all...and will command the world to do the same.
Wish you well.
Myriam
www.NaturalHairVillage.com

I don't want to turn this into a controversy, but how do u respond w/o being rude, when EVERYBODY u know (especially in your immediate circle) is telling u to get a perm ASAP????? lately, I've been getting a lot of pressure to get my hair relaxed. it's only been 2 months (a.k.a. "touch up time"), and I literally have people OFFERING to take me to the hairdresser to get a perm. they are willing to pay, that's how serious they are!!! I don't know what to do. I don't want to seem ungrateful. I know they mean well. but I have a TOTALLY DIFFERENT MINDSET about my hair now. I can't seem to get that point across.

I already feel beautiful w/the hair God gave me. (thanks to NY! Magazine, and other sources) I don't feel the need to get a perm anymore. I've already done that since I was 11, and I'm 30 now. but I've been told "I'm too pretty to go natural." huh? I was warned in the very beginning to keep my mouth shut about my transition, but I shouldn't hide my decision about MY hair, so I shared it w/people. I explained what & why, but now, everyone's urging me to get my hair relaxed ASAP, like this is a dire situation. I just want to wear my hair freely, the way it is. they have a misconception about natural hair. (for example, unkempt dreads, not combing the hair, no washing, etc.) I love braids, and I want to wear braids, but braids don't work on relaxed hair. THAT'S why I'm transitioning. if I want to have a "straight" look, I'll get it pressed (because that's only temporary). but for now, I want to let my hair be free from chemical abuse.

I'm really surprised at the responses of people (blacks). I truly didn't think it would be a big deal. to me, it's just a different way to wear my hair. (instead of the normal, "straight" look, which is NOT really my look anyway.) so why is everyone so disturbed about it???

What's your screen name? swork2000
City/State? Forestville, MD
Loose, loced, or transitioning? Gel Coils preparing to Loc
How long has your hair been like it is? January 19, 2006
How long is your hair? It is growing rapidly, initially my hair was cut and relaxed in a very short hairstyle.
What are your 3 favorite products? I use natural oil and herbs that I purchase biweekly from my stylist.
What are your 3 favorite styles? so far, I am really enjoying the gel coils. I get a lot of compliments.
Do you style your hair at home, or go to a salon? I go to a natural hair care salon and get my hair done every other Thursday
If you go to a salon, which one? Ambiance Natural Hair Salon in Silver Spring, MD
What is/has been your toughest hair struggle, physical or mental? I haven't any struggles, I am very confident about this whole process. However, I am very anxious for my hair to start locking, I can't wait to see what it is going to look like.
Are you natural for life? Why or why not? I am natural for life. I enjoy the health related benefits as well as the versatility.
Please include a link to your website or online hair album. Forthcoming....

Nice to meet you!

On 5/19/06, forme1god <miccilockhart@...

Shay,
I live in Memphis also. I also have my locs cared for at Naj Hammadi.
It is good to meet another Memphian.
Don't remove the kinks from your hair. Remove them from your brains.
Marcus Garvey

Does any know of any really good Natural Hair Care Salons in the Hampton Roads Virginia area?

What's your screen name? young_mom_25
City/State? chgo, IL
Loose, loced, or transitioning? loose
How long has your hair been like it is? since january of 06
How long is your hair?medium afro
What are your 3 favorite products? don't have one still trying different things
What are your 3 favorite styles? blown out or curly
Do you style your hair at home, or go to a salon? at home
If you go to a salon, which one?
What is/has been your toughest hair struggle, physical or mental? my texture is crazy. some of my hair is curly and some is straight
Are you natural for life? Why or why not? Don't know, just depends on how this pans out.
Please include a link to your website or online hair album. don't have one

Hi--

Basically, my stylist twists the loc at the root, wraps the thread around the loc with a needle and knots it. This holds the hair in place so it will not come loose and will eventually loc. This is a great technique for hair that is difficult to loc--I have really thick hair, but the texture is a bit too soft to loc quickly. It's also a good if you don't want to loc with heavy products such as beeswax.

The only disadvantages are that sometimes the thread can show--and sometimes loose threads will just fall out and other times the thread just embeds itself in the hair, which is why I say my locs are permanent.

Here are my photos if you haven't seen them--I have posted them a few times. I bet you can detect the thread now that you know it's there!

http://public.fotki.com/tvelicia/locs/

Tobi

"just locin by . . ." <just_locin_by@...

Tobi?
Um....your hair is loc(k)ed with thread? I have heard of this before but am not clear on the process. Can you explain for those who don't know?
Thank you !!!!
********************************
Tobi-Velicia Johnson <tvelicia@...

Tamara--

There's a product called Lock-Down that's supposed to unravel locs. I actually read about it in Naturally You and in Essence.

I don't know what the product has in it, but my experience is that conditioner will unravel locs, as well too much oil, at least in my case. I didn't want to use beeswax, which is hard to wash out, but I wanted my locs to be 'permanent'. My hair is loced with thread, which means I really would have to cut my hair if I no longer wanted locs.

I would still show your daughter tons of pictures of different natural styles, but consider locs if she really wants them, since there are ways to take them down.

Tobi
Tamara Prosper <tgprosper@...

How do you style your daughters hair? I'm a big fan of 3 to 6 ponytails braided or twisted. It's just so pretty and girly. I also give my girls afro puffs and I cornrow my big girls hair. The issue is that her hair is getting thicker and longer and she seems to be getting more tenderheaded and impatient with hair styling. I am very gentle and I take good care of her hair, sometimes better than I take care of mine. Here is the main issue. She wants me to loc her hair like my husbands. I think locs are lovely but she's only 3 (4 in June) and i don't want to do something so permanent on the whim of a 3 year old. She's been asking for locs for over 6 months now and I think she notices that her dads hair cannot be undone, but I just don't want to loc her hair and then have her hate it in a few years and have to cut it all of when she's 5 or 6. One one hand, locs would eliminate combing/detangling. On the other hand, she would still have to sit and let me or someone else twist the
newgrowth. I often think locs would be easier for me to care for but I don't want to do anything to her hair that cannot be undone without cutting all of her hair. I could give her a relaxer for all that. Anyway, suggestions and ideas are welcome.

Please support N.O. Place Like Home by making your online purchases at http://buyforcharity.com . You will find many of your favorite online stores like Barnes & Noble, Baby Gap and Circuit City and N.O. Place Like Home will receive up to 35% of the cost of your purchase. You can also purchase or renew your magazine subscriptions at http://www.magraise.com/NO-Place-Like-Home.html. N.O. Place Like Home will receive 50% of the cost of your subscription.

Be a blessing to someone and you will be blessed

[INLINE] Tamara Gaskins Prosper

wow!!! and I made my own.... [INLINE]
*****************************
Sue Ann Smith <flowersue2002@...

[INLINE]

http://www.dreadsock.com/index.html

Oooops.. I made a mistake. This is the dreadsock I ordered and have been so pleased with. I was calling it a Lock Soc.. My bad. When you said you'd ordered a red one.. I thought.. Uuuum, it doesn't come in red unless there have been some changes made since I ordered mine around Christmas. So I checked and I swanee.. I laughed when I read that term.. swanee.. My Daddy use to use it. It's a southern thing. Brought back fond memories.. I was wrong! Mark it on your calendar. RIGHT. Anyway Honey, enjoy your red lock sock. ~smile~

[INLINE]
Love,
Sue Ann

love the hair!!!

Lina

[INLINE]
Me too Jazz. Thanks to everybody who responded to my plea for help!

[INLINE]

Thanks so much for the help. I am also trying to get rid of the
dryness I really like my hair and I do not want back to relaxing it. I
just need to know how to take care of it. I think that I had found the
right site you guys seem to know a lot and you seem like a little
family. I am so happy I joined

No problem. Get your hair trimmed so that it is closer to your head on top and side until you get a jump start in the back near the nape of your neck. Slightly longer hair near the neck and ears eases some of the hardness and gives it shape until you get more growth. In terms of styling the TWA set your hair with setting lotion on the tiny perm rods...but be sure to roll your hair vertically all around your head and sit under the dryer. Remove the rods by leaving your hair in tact...then finger pull your curls slightly but keep the curl and that's it for at least two weeks. Use a head scarf at night and a shower cap when bathing. When you get up in the morning it will appear flat...just lift the curls up with your hands. Do not comb the curls out. It's a fabulous hair do and works well during the early period after the big chop.

here's my 2 cents:
check out www.motowngirl.com and http://www.acjazz28naturalhair.net/
both sites have hair recipes.....oh and I can't forget Alma's site !!!!
http://groups.msn.com/HOLISTICLOCING
It also has recipes (look at various menu items down left side of page.
*****************************************************************************
Kaya Casper <kaya.casper@...

Sue, you might want to try soaking your hair as outlined by Sister
Levi in the Winter issue of Naturally You!. Essentially, let the
shampoo and water sit for awhile, I believe it's an hour (please
correct me if anyone remembers offhand), then rinse and follow with
cool water. That should thoroughly remove any build up you may have.
You could try the same thing with ACV/Lemon Juice, mixed with your
shampoo or in leiu of shampoo. I would do a little research on how
ACV/lemon juice reacts with grey hair, just in case.
My locs and loose hair are extremely dry and oils haven't worked for
me as well as my new routine:
I put tap water in a spray bottle, and added a few drops of cinnamon
and rosemary essential oils (you can use whatever oils you like,
though some can be more drying that others; the fact that it is so
diluted with water (my bottle is about 4 oz) should alleviate that
prospect). I shake it up and spray my hair with the mixture. I find
that the body spray bottles from Victoria Secret give you an excellent
mist. That's what I use.
After that, I spray my hair with Greg Juice from Oyin Handmade. I let
it sit for a few minutes while I finish getting dressed. Then I finger
style my twists, they are soft and pliable by this point, and stay
soft throughout the day. I also used the Greg Juice when I had locs
and it worked great. It helps to cover my hair with a satin scarf at
night.
I think the key ingredient in Greg Juice for me is the Aloe Vera.
Also, even if you want to stick with regular olive oil as your
product, applying it to damp hair (sealing in the moisture as opposed
to just putting oil on top of dryness) works better for me.
Hope this helps, peace~
Kaya Casper
www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com

Hi all,
I am feeling a little frustrated with my hair. I feel like it doesnt
have a good shape to it. I know i need a trim, but i figured I
wanted to explore/investigate what i need to do before I have it
done.
When my hair initially got cut, the stylist did 2 strand twists and
then cut out the permed hair. I still had some permed strands and
scab hair, but ive tried to trim as much as i could out.
How do I know how to tell people how i want my hair shaped when i
dont even know? How did you approach getting some shape to your
hair? What has worked best for you?
I am also looking for some style suggestions. I love the twists and
coils, but with my hair, once I sleep on it, its flat!
I appreciate any help and suggestions! thanks Dawn from Philly.
http://public.fotki.com/dizexhaled
www.thiastyle.com (my friends site, shes looking for feedback as
well)

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http://www.dreadsock.com/index.html

Oooops.. I made a mistake. This is the dreadsock I ordered and have been so pleased with. I was calling it a Lock Soc.. My bad. When you said you'd ordered a red one.. I thought.. Uuuum, it doesn't come in red unless there have been some changes made since I ordered mine around Christmas. So I checked and I swanee.. I laughed when I read that term.. swanee.. My Daddy use to use it. It's a southern thing. Brought back fond memories.. I was wrong! Mark it on your calendar. RIGHT. Anyway Honey, enjoy your red lock sock. ~smile~

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Love,
Sue Ann

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Oooh! Good point Kaya. I've got to check out the issues of Naturally You! That's one of the things with grey hair, you have to be so careful. Can't use any product that has color. I have tried the Clairol purple shampoo.. forget what its called... Shimmering Lights or something like that. It's awite.. ~LOL~ Was nervous about leaving it on for more than a hot second for fear I'd wind up with "old lady blue locks.." ~LOL~ Thank you, my sistah! In fact, they look a little blue on this picture, but I promise you they are not.. They're sparkly silver.. ~smile~

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Sue, you might want to try soaking your hair as outlined by Sister
Levi in the Winter issue of Naturally You!. Essentially, let the
shampoo and water sit for awhile, I believe it's an hour (please
correct me if anyone remembers offhand), then rinse and follow with
cool water. That should thoroughly remove any build up you may have.
You could try the same thing with ACV/Lemon Juice, mixed with your
shampoo or in leiu of shampoo. I would do a little research on how
ACV/lemon juice reacts with grey hair, just in case.
My locs and loose hair are extremely dry and oils haven't worked for
me as well as my new routine:
I put tap water in a spray bottle, and added a few drops of cinnamon
and rosemary essential oils (you can use whatever oils you like,
though some can be more drying that others; the fact that it is so
diluted with water (my bottle is about 4 oz) should alleviate that
prospect). I shake it up and spray my hair with the mixture. I find
that the body spray bottles from Victoria Secret give you an excellent
mist. That's what I use.
After that, I spray my hair with Greg Juice from Oyin Handmade. I let
it sit for a few minutes while I finish getting dressed. Then I finger
style my twists, they are soft and pliable by this point, and stay
soft throughout the day. I also used the Greg Juice when I had locs
and it worked great. It helps to cover my hair with a satin scarf at
night.
I think the key ingredient in Greg Juice for me is the Aloe Vera.
Also, even if you want to stick with regular olive oil as your
product, applying it to damp hair (sealing in the moisture as opposed
to just putting oil on top of dryness) works better for me.
Hope this helps, peace~
Kaya Casper
www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com

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Thanks Janice.. I've never tried the ACV rinse. I was afraid I'd wind up smelling like a pickle. ~smile~ But I'm willing to try the ACV/Lemon Juice rinse. I use a clarifying shampoo about once a month, shampoo every week. I've never been a big "product junkie" so I don't think I have product build-up. My locks are dry and hard but not tacky. And its the outer end, away from the scalp, that is dry and crispy. I've heard other natural sistahs and brothers who have locks that are soft say they also do the ACV rinse, so maybe that is the key. I'll try it. Thank you Janice.

So thorough rinsing is the key to not smelling like a dill pickle? I have ACV and lemon juice on hand so I'm doing a shampoo and clarifying rinse this evening. Might it take several times before I see a difference? Thank you my sistah! WOW! I am so glad I found you guys.
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Love,
Sue
P.S. May I share your message with the group?

From: Janice Tyson
Date: 05/19/06 14:00:44

Your problem sounds like product build up. You should not still have scab hair. It sounds like you need to be clarifying your locs. I clarify mine at least once every other week. (I wash my hair twice a week). You clarify to get rid of product build up which will cause your hair to get dull, dry, hard, and tacky over time. Clarify with an apple cider vinegar and lemon juice rinse after you wash your hair. Depending upon how much hair you have, use these measurements 1 cup pure water, two tablespoons ACV, and one tablespoon lemon juice. Use a large bowl. Pour the rinse over your clean hair over the bowl until you have saturated them. Put a plastic bag over your head for 10 minutes to an houre. Then thoroughly rinse your hair. Oil your scalp and hair afterwards. You should probably clarify at least once a month.

I'm so happy I've been a positive influence, my sistahs. Thanks aunatural and Zella. Makes me dance! ~smile~ I started to gray in my teens, prematurely. Got compliments because it was not usual to see such salt and pepper hair next to a young face. In college, got a wild hair and started coloring it. I've been brunette, blond, a red head.. the works. When I decided to go natural, I thought about it for a long time and finally came to the conclusion that no color would be as striking as silver hair next to brown skin. Us women of color have an advantage. My friends thought I was crazy, but in the end, all declared I was right. Locks and all. ~smile~

But alas, my years are catching up with my hair color. Thanks Brunsli.. I do have much energy and good spirit and am very thankful to God for 63 years. I feel at least 20 years younger. ~smile~

So thanks to all of you for your kind words. I am honored. Thank you for being so sweet! I love you!
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Shay,
I live in Memphis also. I also have my locs cared for at Naj Hammadi.
It is good to meet another Memphian.
Don't remove the kinks from your hair. Remove them from your brains.
Marcus Garvey

What's your screen name?

dichiaramckissick

City/State? Louisville, KY

Loose, loced, or transitioning? transitoning

How long has your hair been like it is?

approx. two months

How long is your hair?

5 inches

What are your 3 favorite products?

Carol's Daughter, aloe vera gel

What are your 3 favorite styles?

A curly afro and styles using textured extentions

Do you style your hair at home, or go to a salon?

I currently style my hair at home

If you go to a salon, which one?

I am a licensed cosmetologist, but I am considering trying some salons in my area. Hair in it's natural state among AA is not as widespread in Louisville as it is in bigger cities, but it's getting there. Slowly but surely.

What is/has been your toughest hair struggle, physical or mental?

Definately mental, because we have so many close-minded and judgemental peolpe in this world. If your not strong when you decided to make the transition it will take on toll on you and make you question why your doing it. Being criticize for something that every AA person has been at some times in their lives is funny. The stares and whispers are mostly from AA's everyone else thinks our hair is supposed to be nappy! And are'nt they right!

There's nothing anyone could understand about going natural unless they've done it. It's ironic for me because my change came at a time in my life when everything seemed to be getting stronger, my heart, my mind, my beliefs; why not my hair!

Are you natural for life?

Why or why not? I am definitely natural for life because it released the courage to be me and although I am not the only person that is natural, I feel unique in a sense that no two naturals are the same.

Please include a link to your website or online hair album.

I do not have a online hair album but will create one soon.

Hi Jazz,

Find a Natural Hair Salon with a good reputation I have never heard of double strand twists locking the hair , I heard of an incidence of artificial hair used in braiding causing hair breakage though.

I started my own locks years ago ,they are various widths .Going to a salon will give you a good start, locking is a great adventure ,a journey . Let your hair take its time to be itself . If you are near Philly check out Duafe Holistic Hair Care on Girard Ave , I get my maintenance there and I love adding color to my hair. Good luck .

God Bless

Storme

I have been trying to grow locks. I have had two strand twists with
extensions for over a year now. The lady at the shop said that it would
give me dreads. It has strated to dread but it ia also breaking off in
some spots. I don't know what to use and someone told me that the
extensions are too heavy for my hair is this true. Any suggestions? Or
should I go to a professional and have them take a
look.HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sue you are lovely. I really love your locs and the color is gorgeous.

Please support N.O. Place Like Home by making your online purchases at http://buyforcharity.com . You will find many of your favorite online stores like Barnes & Noble, Baby Gap and Circuit City and N.O. Place Like Home will receive up to 35% of the cost of your purchase. You can also purchase or renew your magazine subscriptions at http://www.magraise.com/NO-Place-Like-Home.html. N.O. Place Like Home will receive 50% of the cost of your subscription.

Be a blessing to someone and you will be blessed

[INLINE] Tamara Gaskins Prosper

Sue Ann--please post photos of your hair when you get a chance. I would love to see silver locs. Currently I color my hair, but sometimes I wonder how my locs may look once I decide to stop coloring.

Tobi
Sue Ann Smith <flowersue2002@...

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See, I'm learning already! The subject of "scab hair" hit the nail on the head. At last I know what's happening with my locks.

I cut off the permed hair down to a TWA, about half an inch in 2002 and locked the first time October, 2002. My locks have been cut off, combed out, etc three different times because I disliked the hard, dry, uneven surface, chewy, knotty consistency... The exact description of "scab hair". I so wanted soft uniform locks.. like Lona's.. Your locks are beautiful, my sistah. But mine are far from being soft, smooth and well shaped.. Now I know why. Thank the good Lord! Though my locks now range from 8 to 12 inches all over, only the loose new growth is some-what soft. To keep from cutting them off, yet again, I decided to freeform and use only natural products... To be exact, coconut oil and/or olive oil and water. I shampoo with Dove Shampoo for dry hair and use the complimentary conditioner. That's it.. Being an older sistah with silver locks and many years of perming behind me. maybe it's just taking longer to get the scab hair out. Do you think? Anyway..
Thank you Brunsli, Pnk-E and Anya for this valuable information. And thank you Lona for inspiring me to press on. I do have a question for you Lona. You said you coat your locks with conditioner.. Do you leave it on or wash it out? And what conditioner do you use. With my silver locks, I have to be very careful with colored products and only use those which are clear or white.

Thank you, my young sistahs!

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Love,
Sue

Hi,

Thanks for joining the Naturally You! eCommunity. Please answer the following questions about you and send to the group, so we can get to know you better!

What's your screen name? Jamie Prince
City/State? Pittsburgh, PA
Loose, locked, or transitioning? Loose
How long has your hair been like it is? 6months
How long is your hair? Five inchces
What are your 3 favorite products? Pure Shea butter, Organic Soy oil, Foam sculpting lotion
What are your 3 favorite styles? Single strand twist out / 2 strand twist out
Do you style your hair at home, or go to a salon? Home
If you go to a salon, which one?
What is/has been your toughest hair struggle, physical or mental? Mental definetly
Are you natural for life? Why or why not? Yes!
Please include a link to your website or online hair album. Dont have one yet.

Hey Angela,

You can try braiding your hair. I used to do that because I didn't want to see my hair when I was transitioning. If I did see my hair I would want to cut it into a short hair style and perm it, so I used to get it braided.

Debbie

Shay,

I live in Memphis!!! I moved here almost two years ago from San Diego. You are absolutely right, Memphis is definitely opposed to change and I'm all about change so sometimes it's tough getting used to the prehistoric views. I don't know of any natural salons here either, but I've been pretty content learning to do my own hair (I have never been a fan of salons anyway). Check out my website in my siggy below if you are interested in learning more about my hair journey. Have you tried trimming your own hair? I trim mine as I twist. There's a video on my website on how to trim using this method. I know that it's not easy being natural in this city, but please don't give up!

-- LV

My Hair Journey: http://www.cbpublish.com/myhairjourney.htm

Val & Nadine Comic Strip: http://valandnadine.blogspot.com/

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Hello my sistahs and brothers.. I'm glad I found you and am pleased to be a member of the group. I hope to grow in knowledge, spirit and truth. I love the beauty of natural hair and look forward to getting to know all of you.

What's your screen name? Flowersue
City/State? Fort Worth, TX
Loose, locked, or transitioning? Locked
How long has your hair been like it is? 3 yrs
How long is your hair? 10/12 inches
What are your 3 favorite products? Coconut Oil, Olive Oil
What are your 3 favorite styles? Free forming after starting with comb coils
Do you style your hair at home, or go to a salon? Home
If you go to a salon, which one?
What is/has been your toughest hair struggle, physical or mental? Patience and dry hair
Are you natural for life? Why or why not? Yes, I'm natural for life because I love my natural hair.
Please include a link to your website or online hair album. Non-applicable

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In love and peace,
Sue

I think your definition was the gist of it--I experienced scab hair too for a few months. After my relaxed hair was twisted, and I was waiting to grow locs, the new growth felt very dry and hard, and looked rough, and I was thinking, "I don't remember my natural hair being this way!" Truthfully, I almost gave up.

But after a few months, the new growth was the hair I remembered, soft, touchable waves. Eventually I cut off the relaxed twists, and then every now and then for a few months I cut the ends of my locs,