The Black Venus, Sara Baartman

The story of this woman inspired "Venus", my digital print of a woman's sillheoute against a repetitive image of Sara Baartman.

The black woman's ass has been the epicenter of the black feminine experience. It is a source for both pride and shame. Our back side often determines our self esteem. Sometimes it attracts the attention we want, sometimes not. For years we have been celebrated, exploited, ostracized, duplicated and showcased for those extra layers of fat.
Some people may not think that it is that serious but, just like skin color or "grade of hair", body image issues are serious in the African American community. Being too skinny, or too fat, or too flat chest, or not enough ass are issues that little black girls have to deal with growing up.
 As a young girl, I was subconsciously aware of what I was holding. Hell, everyone in my family had ass! But like many girls, I became a sexual object to boys and grown men alike once I hit puberty. I learned that values you posses are sometimes ignored by men in lue of physical attributes. Unfortunately, many little girls forgot they are something more then a sexual creature and become the target for unhealthy relationships.
 Men may not understand the effects of being dehumanized as nothing more than a hunk of meat has on a woman. In fact, men may think it is okay to make loud comments, and sometimes even grab at you because it is what they see on TV; they don't ability to separate what is appropriate in a fantasy world (i.e. rap videos, pornography), and what is appropriate in the real world.
That being said, every young black woman should know who Sara Baartman is and discover the difference between being appreciated for her beauty, or being reduced to a pair of jiggly cheeks.

DKNY Launches "Golden Delicious" in a Big Way!

"DKNY created a million dollar fragrance to celebrate the launch of its Golden Delicious fragrance. The bottle is made from white and yellow gold and contains 2,909 precious stones, including a 1.65 carat turquoise tourmaline, a 7.18 carat sapphire, 15 round brilliant vivid pink diamonds, a 3.07 carat ruby and and a 4.03 carat pear-shaped rose cut diamond. Jeweler Martin Katz carefully decorated the bottle with diamonds and other precious stones so it would resemble the New York skyline. The bottle will travel the globe before being auctioned on DKNY's Facebook page. Proceeds from the sale will go to Action Against Hunger. " via Shopping Blog

Return of the Box Braids

Box braids are usually associated with that fly 90's chick that rocked the Cross Colors and Daisy Dukes.
However, this familiar trend has been trying to peak its head in the current fashion era. I think this is a really cute retro trend! If you want the box braids look more "natural" try thinner braids with "dipped" ends, rather than chunky with a burnt end. Take a que from Ms. Patra and rock nice big earrings with your braids!

Then

Brandy as "Moesha". {Mo to tha/ E to tha!}

Joi from Friday, rocking blonde box braids.

Poetic Justice

Janet Jackson

 Now

Solange

Choreographer Fatima Robinson

Mrs. Jada Pinkett Smith wearing "natural" box braids.

Erykah Badu, extreme waist length braids.

Box braids with extensions are a wonderful way to protect your hair, but they can also damage your hair if not done properly. Steer clear of heavy braids around the hairline to prevent traction alopecia. Also, do not braid too tightly! If you cannot move your face - honey take them down! Do a series of deep conditioning (protein and moisture) prior to braiding to make sure hair is in tip top condition.

Consider practicing the Crown and Glory Method! This consists of washing and conditioning your hair (while braided), and using a protein and moisturizing spray (Infusium 23 and a braid spray).
Braids can be left in up to 2 or 3 months. Redo the first two rows of braids around the hairline every 2 weeks to avoid matting and build up. This also helps "refresh" the style.

My Braids
 It took about 4 to 6 bags of Kanekalon {pronouced Ka-neck-A-Lon} hair. I "thinned" the ends of my braids by pulling the hair as if I were going to install Senegalese twists. After I finished, I applied a thin coat of Vaseline to the ends of the hair, then dipped it in hot water. The Vaseline helps soften the hair. I used Infusium 23 and Grandma's Braid Spray every other day. Sometimes I patted shea butter down the length of the braid to where my hair stopped.

After a month!

The rinse I applied began to wash out, and my red hair started to show.

When taking the braids down, start in the middle. This way you can sweep your braids into a bun and hide the middle.

Video

This is what you DON'T want!

Stylish Hair Turbans

Stylist June Ambrose and Chrisette Michelle

Prada Spring Line 2007

Kate Moss

Add caption

Nicole from Pussycat Dolls

Solange

Turbans were a hot trend this summer. Easy, breezy and beautiful. It is a simple way to had dramatic flare to an outfit or cover up a hair catastrophe. It is also a nice way to protect your hair for the winter! Depending on the material of the turban, consider wrapping a silk or satin scarf to protect your hair from snagging and frizzing. Get creative! Utilize winter scarfs, bathing suit wraps, maxi skirts and decorative shirts to make a stylish statement.

Blue scarf from Forever 21.

I used a thicker scarf to create a "form" for the thinner scarf.

Video Tuts!

 

Winter Hair Care

source {Junk Prints}

The cold winter wind and dry indoor air can take your curls and kinks for a loop!

Try tweaking your regimen by incorporating some of these tried and true tips to keep your naps in good condition.

1. Skip a 'Poo / No 'Poo- Sometimes, shampoo can strip the hair. Skipping a shampoo can help your hair retain its natural oils longer. Also, instead of washing the hair with shampoo try co-washing instead. It will not only clean your hair, but act as a mini "conditioning" treatment, infusing moisture into the stand. If those options leave you feeling a little leery, invest in a great cleansing cream! It cleans the hair without the suds of laureth sulfate.

1. Kera Care Cleansing Cream {$10-$12} 2. Deva Curl No-Poo {$13-$15} Miss Jessie's Creme De La Curl {$9-$13}

2. Moisturize!! - Natural hair can become dry fast in the winter cold or the dry indoor heat. Finding an excellent moisturizer can help with dryness. If you have thick hair, try a heavy cream but if you are on the finer side, a light leave in will do. Also, invest in a moisturizing deep conditioner and try to DC more often. Depending on the conditioner, this step could be incorporated with a co wash.

1. Elasta QP Soy Oyl Ultra Hydration Deep Conditioner {$10} 2. Karen's Body Beautiful Creamylicious {$18} 3. Cantu Shea Butter Leave in {$5} 4. Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave In {$5} Design Essentials Simulations Conditioner {$10-$15}

3. Seal! - Lock the moisturize into your hair by massaging a bit of oil on your hair after you have moisturized it. The oil helps to lock in the moisturize (just like Baby Oil helps keep your skin soft after a bath!).  But a couple of drops on the ends of your hair, as that is the driest part.

1. Coconut Oil       2. Olive Oil         3. Shea Butter Oil @ hosiaonline.com {$11}

4. Protect! - Any hairstyles that protect the ends of your hair from snagging on your wool coat or being exposed to the air is considered as protective styling. Buns, braids, twists, weaves, wigs, turbans, wraps..be creative!

5. Humidifier - If you have a small child at home, you may already have one of these tucked away in the closet. A humidifier as moisturise to the air that is often lost when the heat is on. This dry indoor air can dry out your skin and hair.

<3

Protective Stylin' : Braids

As the weather gets cooler, you may be trying to think of some styles to protect your curls and coils.

Braids are a great protective style and very versatile! Even though they had their "hay day" a while ago, I consider braids to be a timeless classic for black hair. Make sure your hair is healthy; if your hair is fragile, damaged and prone to excessive breakage then this is not the style for you. Also, make sure that the braids are not very tight, this could cause tension alopecia.

These are "feed in" extensions. Instead of knotting the hair at the beginning, the hair is added in gradually to give it a natural look.

Wrap the ends around rods and dip in hot water to create a curl. I used my Grandma's Secret braid spray to moisturize my scalp, and my Infusim for protein. If you take care of your braids. they could last you 2-4 weeks.

Bantu Knot out No No

Tried to do a bantu knot out. Usually they come out pretty good, but not this time! I used Queen Helene Royal Curl "shaping creme" for "hold" and the Silicon Mix Leave in for moisture.
In the past, I have found that the Royal Curl leaves my hair with excellent curl definition, but a little on the dry side. Therefore, I am trying to give it a chance by layering it on top of some kind of moisturizer. My search still continues for that perfect mix. The funny thing is, it defines way better than Kinky Curly, but the dryness really takes away from the product . =(

The result was a hot, flaming mess. Sad sad sad.  Not what I was expecting at all. In addition, there were some white flakes going on. I won't be using these two products together again.

=(

Silicon Mix Review

So, I clarified with my Suave Clarifying Shampoo and DC'd with the Silicon Mix conditioner.
If you don't know about Silicon Mix, it is a Dominican product. For years now, many kinky and curly ladies have been looking towards the Republic to answer their hair troubles. Why? Because black women from the Dominican Republic have hair just has curly and kinky as black women in the U.S., and have found ways to retain length through the use of their products and techniques.
Anyway,  I got my Silicon Mix from my local Beauty Supply Store. I paid $7-8 for the conditioner and $13 for the leave in, which is actually a little expensive. You can buy it cheaper online, but if you factor in shipping and handling, I would've paid that much anyway. If you live in a larger city than Louisville, then you may be able to find it at multiple stores at a more responsible price.


My Thoughts -
The conditioner has the consistency of a thick lotion. The leave-in is like a regular lotion. The smell (at first) smelled like an old school hair grease LOL. But then it reminded me a bit of Philosophy's Amazing Grace, so a bit between grease and light perfume. However it doesn't stink.
Both products left my hair very soft and pretty moisturized. I tried the leave in on dry straightened hair  for a braid out, and I also tried it for my bantu knot. The leave in made my hair pretty shiny, however it is NOT a styling aid.
I will continue using these products in the future seeing as it done a great job moisturizing my hair.
<3

Silicon Mix Leave-In used on flat iron braid-out.

After I rinsed the Silicon Mix conditioner out.

Olive Oil Hair Treatment

If you don't know about the many benefits of olive oil, then you must have been living under a rock. Olive oil is packed full of fatty acids that are not only good for your body, but also for your hair! Olive oil penetrates the hair shaft, conditioning it, infusing moisturize, improving elasticity and creating shine. My mother used to use a few drops of olive oil on my scalp as a baby to prevent cradle cap.

When using olive oil on your hair, make sure that it is 100% Extra Virgin. On many hair boards (and on Rachel Ray's cooking show) Extra Virgin Olive Oil is referred to as EVOO. EVOO is produced from olives that have been cold pressed, thus retaining a lot of their natural properties.

Some women use EVOO as a moisturizer, some use it as a sealer on the ends of their hair, or as a scalp oil. It depends on your preference. I like to use EVOO as a pre-shampoo treatment.

I put EVOO in a color applicator. I may add addition oils or ingredients such as honey (for moisture), Coconut oil, peppermint oil, or even a egg for light protein. I heat the oil for 10 seconds in the microwave and then apply it to my scalp and ends of my hair.

TIP:  if using an egg, don't add any heat. You don't want the egg to cook in your hair!

After I  have applied my oil, I wet a wash cloth, roll it up, put it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and place that on my head, then place a shower cap over it. The steam from my wash cloth helps open the hair shifts and absorb the moisture from my EVOO mix.

You could leave this pre-poo treatment on for 30 minutes or over night.

Afterwards I wash and condition my hair as usual.
Over time, EVOO pre-poo treatment helps restore dry and brittle hair.

Bunnin'


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Tools: Denman, whipped shea butter, head band, hair pins, and Infusium 23 Leave-In. Twists done on Co-washed hair.



make sure the twists are "smedium" Not too small, not to large. I had about 12. Finger coil the ends.

I used a head-band to make my puff. I only twisted the head-band ONCE so the hair is not pulled tight and creates a fuller bun. I wore my scarf as a headband.

Buns are a quick and cute way to stay cool and protect your ends. Always make sure not to pull your hair too tight, as it may result in tension alopecia (hair falling out around hairline), and also could cause your hair to break off where the bun is.
 I used one head band to pull my hair back, then i just twisted around once and tucked my ends in. Then, I pinned the loose strands with pins.
Organic Root Stimulator and Eco Styling Gel are great products to smooth back those baby hairs. I use a toothbrush, then I put a scarf over my hair for 5-10 minutes so that the hair can lay down.