Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter has been coined as “a work at home mom” by Oprah. She began her business by experiment with fragrances and body products. Today, she is the creator and spokesperson for a multimillion dollar brand. Dillard’s of Willowbrook Mall hosted “For Curl Clinic” event that was a must to attend. On Saturday, December 4th, Natural Hair Rules got an exclusive interview with Carol’s Daughter. The event included complimentary curl analysis, live demonstrations, curl styling tips and product giveaways.
A little Muppet girl has started a sensation. The unnamed puppet with an afro sings a love song to her hair.
"I Love My Hair" debuted on the Oct. 4 episode of Sesame Street. It was posted on the show's YouTube page — and then women began posting the video on their Facebook pages.
African-American bloggers wrote that it brought them to tears because of the message it sends to young black girls.
Joey Mazzarino, the head writer of Sesame Street, is also a Muppeteer who wrote the song for his daughter. Mazzarino is Italian. He and his wife adopted their 5-year-old daughter, Segi, from Ethiopia when she was a year old.
Mazzarino says he wrote the song after noticing his daughter playing with dolls.
"She wanted to have long blond hair and straight hair, and she wanted to be able to bounce it around," he tells NPR's Melissa Block.
Mazzarino says he began to get worried, but he thought it was only a problem that white parents of African-American children have. Then he realized the problem was much larger.
In writing the song, he wanted to say in song what he says to his daughter: "Your hair is great. You can put it in ponytails. You can put it in cornrows. I wish I had hair like you."
That simple message has caused an outpouring of responses from women. Mazzarino got a call from an African woman who told him the song brought her to tears. "I was amazed, 'cause I sort of wrote this little thing for my daughter, and here this adult woman, it touched her," he says.
Mazzarino says he's happy to report that Segi loves the song — and her hair.
Why I Posted IT
“I Love My Hair” on Sesame Street. I had to share this video. I receive a lot of questions as well as comments from parents who inquiry different ways to encourage their daughters to embrace their natural hair. This can be a challenge even today even though we see more and more images and advertisements of African American women with natural hair or textured hair styles such as roller sets. The societal norm of long straight “India Remy” is still alive and well in our movies and music videos. But it seem that mainstream America has embraced our African American “roots”. But it is still very easy to argue the contrary. Here’s my question, is this video evidence that our country as a whole is progressive in encouraging self love in the African American community?
I saw this natural beauty and I had to stop. This cutie's name is Charmaine. Not only did I notice her gorgeous complexion but her round short fade cut. I, myself wouldn't even have the courage to attempt this looks so I asked her why did you decide to big chop? And to keep it so short?
Charmaine responded "Honesty I cut my hair because it was way easier and I'm pretty lazy when it comes to taking care of my hair. The price of maintenance has gone way down and I don't have worry about a track slipping or my braids coming undone. All I do is wake up and go. A trip to the barber about every 2 to 3 week is all I do. I even bought a pair of mini clippers to keep the back and sides neat. I just thank God that my head looked OK faded!"
Me and my #naturalhair are having quite the love affair. Since July 5, 2010 I’ve been wearing my *gasp* NATURAL HAIR OUT sans weave, wigs, braids etc. Verdict: I’m loving it.
After deciding to go natural back in 2006, me and my hair have been on an emotional rollercoaster. I just couldn’t seem to trust it on its own. The thought of having a TWA?!? Nah SON! So I hid it under braids, weaves and wigs…and it responded with breakage, breakage, more breakage, sprinkle in some bad haircuts and hairdressers, then finally folliculitis!!! That was the last straw. If I was going to make this natural thing work, I had to get serious about our relationship. I couldn’t keep stepping out with weaves, braids and wigs and then expect it to do what I wanted it to do…lol sound familiar fellas?
Me and my Natural Hair are having quite the love affair.
I’ve stalked fotkis, natural hair blogs and youtube videos. Dreamed of the products I would use, literally stopped and questioned every natural I’ve seen until I finally realized that they may have some answers but I’ll never see my own hair’s potential until I stop hiding it and actually get to know and love it.
Since unveiling my hair I’ve had questions looks and anything else you can think of. One person asked me if I was African. I was rocking a pretty fly sarong and I wasn’t offended. I am African lol. I really don’t care what other people think because I know that I don’t want to wear weaves or braids to have pretty hair. The hair that grows out of my head IS BEAUTIFUL.
I’m not sure if other women have had the same struggles with their natural hair but I hope that my sordid lack of appreciation turned genuine LOVE for my natural hair can help someone!
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Many of you saw her at the 2010 BET Awards singing "If I Was Your Girlfriend" as tribute to Prince. This young woman is more than talented. Check out her performance.
About a year ago, newly natural Kourtney Michele sent me a message requesting advice. She had encounter what many of us who have made the decision to go natural encounter; friends and family members reinforce some of societies negative stereotypes. I believe these stereotypes, myths or misconception at one time possessed some validity but not in this day and time. Believe it or not your family wants what is best for you and will past on information that they have learned and grown to accept. When it comes to criticism of natural hair it usually comes from a place of uncertainty or misinformation. And dare I say it low self-esteem. Many critics will follow their negative comments with “I can’t do it” referring to refraining from the “white lye”. To anyone who is experiencing this right now, continue to be encouraged and find positive influences to guide you on this journey. Here’s Kourtney’s question:
Kourtney & I at a Houston Natural Hair Meet-Up. Find more info about the next event in the event section on www.naturalhairrules.com
Hey, I recently went natural I really enjoy it I love my new found self confidence and everything that comes with being natural. However my parents, especially my dad disagree with my decision. They feel like my "hair" will effect me when I enter the corporate world. I love my parents with all my heart, but I did this because I wanted to. Did you deal with anything like this with your family?
I believe this question has common place with our community. There was a time were teeny weeny afros, two strand twist, locs and braids were taboo in the work place. But many natural women can confirm quite the contrary today. In response to her question:
Kourtney, My family was seriously questioning my sanity when I big chop. They were negative because all they knew was long relaxed hair as a standard of beauty. Sometimes it takes fam a little longer to embrace naturality and sometimes they never do. It is not responsibility to convince them. It is your responsibility to do what you are doing and love the natural you. The “natural hair is not acceptable in corporate America” myth is no longer relevant to this time. I wouldn't suggest interviewing with a huge black panther fro but as long as your comfortable with your hair, do you and let your resume speak for you.
Early this year I teamed up with a fellow blogger to interview several natural ladies in corporate America to get their take on the subject. You can view their stories as well as their professional natural hair styles here.
This article was featured in my local paper in 2006. I wanted to take this opportunity to share it with my readers. Natural choice Tired of spending hours and money every week in salons, more black women are giving up chemically treated hair
By JOY SEWING Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
I am not my hair. I am not this skin. I am not your expectations. No, no. I am not my hair. I am not this skin. I’m a soul that lives within. - FROM INDIA.ARIE’S I AM NOT MY HAIR
Sometimes freedom comes in simple things. For India.Arie, it’s shaving her head or wearing a short Afro. It means not conforming to societal standards that dictate hair is best when straight, long and flowing, said the Grammy Award-winning singer. “I am a person who sparks the debate about what beauty is and what hair is. I want black women to make their own decision about what is beautiful,” she said by phone. Arie chronicles her transition from permed to natural hairstyles in I am Not My Hair, from her latest effort, Testimony: Vol. I, Life & Relationship. She also teamed with pop-rocker Pink to create another version of the song for the Lifetime television movie Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy. Ironically, Pink is known for nonconformist hairdos – from a Mohawk in candy pink to a spiky platinum blond. For Arie, the processes to straighten or manage her naturally curly hair were many: press-and-curl (an iron comb heated on a stove), a Jheri curl and relaxers, which damaged her hair so badly she went natural, eventually wearing locks (commonly referred to as “dreadlocks,” a historically derogatory term used to describe hair that was “dreaded” or feared.
But Arie’s next step toward freedom was a big one. The night before she was to appear on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, she shaved her head. It was a freeing experience.”I have a mental clarity that comes with shaving my head. The attachment I had with my hair no longer has power over me anymore.”
“This isn’t just a black woman’s issue. Nonblack women have hair issues,” said anthropologist Paitra Russell, who wrote her doctoral dissertation at the University of Chicago on African-American hair practices. “The earliest straightening agents were aimed at white women. There are all kinds of personal issues that people give to straightening their hair. Hair is a place where people are negotiating all social roles. Social roles are being played out on women’s heads.”
Arie’s song is an inspiring personal journey to which many black women can relate as they transition to natural hairstyles – locks, Afros, braids or twists. Such styles have been part of the fashion scene for years on the East and West coasts. Celebrities from Arie and Jill Scott to Macy Gray and Alice Walker have popularized natural looks. Only recently have Houston salons begun seeing a rise in the number of women choosing natural styles. Perhaps the increase is due to an availability of more stylists who specialize in natural hair. Maybe, some stylists say, women are tired of high-maintenance permed styles.Permed styles require regular visits to hair stylists for chemical touch-ups. Also, the sweat from exercise and humid, rainy weather can ruin a hairdo.
KHOU-TV anchor Debra Duncan knows what a bad hair day can be. In 1988, while working as a reporter in Austin, she covered an outdoor event when it began raining. “The producer whispered in my earpiece that my hair was shrinking and growing at the same time!” she recalled.
Duncan is now wearing her hair naturally curly on air. She hasn’t chemically permed her hair since 1985, but she would spend more than an hour flatironing it each morning. One particularly rainy and humid day, she was too tired to fuss with her daily ritual.
“I’m free of those things that can tie you down (like hair). Wearing my hair natural makes me feel funkier, and freer.
“It was a moment of confidence. I just wanted to get up and go,” Duncan said. “I think I got 140 e-mails the first day. There were people who loved my hair and others who didn’t. With women, people start off with whether they like your appearance and your hair, not your performance. If my job is to give the news, why is the most important thing my hair?”
The change saves her 25 hours a month, Duncan said, time she can spend with her 2-year-old son and her husband.
Duncan’s decision to go “natural” is not unlike the statements about freedom blacks made during the 1960s by wearing Afros. Today, however, the freedom is a personal – not political – one.
“In the 1950s and ’60s, there was definitely a conforming pressure for black women to straighten their hair,” Russell said. ” We got the message that something was wrong with our hair in its natural state. Our moms and grandmothers believed if you had straightened hair things would be easier, and who doesn’t want things easier for their children?
“Now there’s a celebration of being different.” We’re focused on the individual where people are looking to be happy. Going natural speaks to that personal freedom.”
About empowerment
Every two weeks, Mamie Ewing’s routine was the same: She sat for hours in a salon for a wash and set. Every six weeks, she got a perm to keep her hair straight and a color treatment to hide the gray. Her monthly bill was easily $100. That’s what professional black women did, she believed. When her husband, Robert Ewing, died in 2002 and she retired from her job, Ewing was eager for a change. The process of going natural can take months as women wait for their hair to grow out enough to cut the permed portion off. Ewing didn’t want to wait, so she cut hers off, leaving only an inch or two to turn into small twists. “I felt free that first day. I didn’t realize how much I was a slave to my hair,” said Ewing, 67, who had permed her hair for 40 years. Not since the 1960s, when she was called “militant Mamie” for wearing an Afro, had Ewing felt so empowered. She now visits her stylist, Tonya Reed of Uncle Funky’s Daughter in Rice Village, only every six weeks to get her twists tightened. “I really wished I had done it when I was working because it’s so much easier,” Ewing said. “It does say something about you when you embrace your own culture.”
Starting with tools
In the early 1900s, Madam C.J. Walker popularized the use of the hot comb to straighten hair – also known as the press-and-curl style – and taught women how to use it. She began selling Madam Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower, a scalp conditioner, and other hair-care products. She became the first self-made American woman millionaire, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. She was critized for encouraging black women to “look white.” By the mid-1950s, George E. Johnson, founder of Johnson Products, developed a chemical permanent hair straightener for home use. This gave many women the freedom to chemically straighten their hair without going to a salon. By the 1960s, natural hair – particularly Afros – had become a symbol of defiance in the nation’s civil-rights movement. In the 1980s, more black women climbed the corporate ladder and wore straightened styles considered acceptable for the business culture. Natural hair, as it had been throughout history, was viewed as unprofessional, rebellious and even bad. For those women, the texture of their hair was as important as the color of their skin. “I don’t foresee a time when straightening hair won’t be a standard,” Russell explained. “We as a society are judged by the straightness of our hair.”
Helping others
Natural hairstyles worn by Qhiijah Sheryl James weren’t unusual in her native Jamaica. There, Afros, locks and braids are as common as straight styles in the United States. So it was shocking when James moved to Houston as a teen and was derogatorily called “Whoopi” or “Tracy,” referring to actress Whoopi Goldberg and singer Tracy Chapman, who both wore locks. “I was the only one in school with a short Afro. There were no other celebrity images of natural hairstyles, and there weren’t many resources to help you take care of your hair,” James said. Now James owns Back to Naturel, a natural-hair salon in northeast Houston. She also has written a booklet, the Pocket Guide to Natural Haircare, to educate her customers about natural hair. “Some people might get frustrated with the process because it takes time to restore your hair to its natural state. And natural hairstyles aren’t maintenance-free,” James said. “People think their hair will be hard and tough, but that’s not true if you take care of it.” James said finding the right products takes time. She uses products by Keracare, Wild Growth and Proclaim. But there are many others. Tonya Reed of Uncle Funky’s Daughter suggests Taliah Waajid’s Black Earth shampoos and conditioners, and Carol’s Daughters Hair Milk and Hair Butter. Both warn against using products with mineral oil or beeswax, since they don’t completely moisturize the hair. Reed said many women don’t know what their natural hair looks like because they have had perms since they were children. Once they make the transition, she said, customers often wonder what took them so long. While natural hairstyles may not be for everyone, women who go that route say they have a new sense of who they are. “With maturity sometimes comes a feeling that you don’t care about what others think,” said Duncan. “All that matters is how you feel, and I feel free.”
Leela James Announces New Album "My Soul" My Soul, set for release on Today,May 25, 2010, marks Leela James' debut on Stax Records, a division of Concord Music Group. The move to Stax - the legendary home of some of the greatest soul and R&B artists of the past half-century - is a fitting destination for a vocalist who has committed herself to preserving the soul tradition.
“JUST DO IT! Its just hair and you will love yourself so much more once you see the real, natural you”
Erin on going natural
1. How long have you been natural?
3 months on 5/2 :-)
2. Why and how did you go natural? (Did you transition? What products and styles did you use?)
I transitioned for 6mos usually just straightening my hair everyday...and that got really tiring!
3. Did you transition long term or do the big chop? Why?
I transitioned for 6months then finally had enough and BC'd. i wanted to go longer without cutting it and do a gradual trim but I woke up one day and said enough is enough!
4. How would you describe this experience?
The experience has been very fun, hard, emotional, exciting, scary...pretty much every feeling I could imagine! I was very excited when I first walked into my beauticians house but after I saw the hair fall to the floor I think my stomach fell with it and all I could think was that this was a HUGE mistake. It took me a couple of weeks to really come to grips with what I had done and to realize that my hair doesnt define who I am (I had always been referred to as the girl with the long hair). But then I realized that the natural me is the most beautiful i can be! I wake up in the morning and dont have to worry about flat ironing my hair and I'm not scared by rain :-). Now the hardest part is just finding the products that work best on my hair...lots of trial and error!
5. What was others response to your naturality?
I have had very mixed reviews. All of my female friends love my hair and several have BC'd after seeing my pictures and hearing my story which really made me feel good! But you know guys seem to love long hair so I got some hate mail on Facebook (ok just sad stories about how beautiful my old hair was and that I shouldnt have cut it). But then there were a few guys who really loved the new cut! I know my new look isnt for everyone...but its for me and that is all that matters.
6. Who was your biggest influence/support? How did they provide support during your natural hair transition?
One of my friends has been natural and growing locks for about 5 years now and she ultimately convinced me that i should just go for it...so I did! Although I had the thought for a long time she gave me the courage to just go for it...and since her hair is beautiful I thought...why not?! I had some friends that told me not to and that I probably wouldnt like it but they were still supportive of my decision.
7. What have you learned since being natural (about yourself, your hair and other people)?
It probably sounds cache but I have more of a sense of self and I feel more beautiful in my own skin. I feel like there are no lies about who I am or where I come from...when you see me you can see my roots...my nappy roots :-)
8. What advice would you give to those transitioning or concerning natural?
Honestly...JUST DO IT! Its just hair and you will love yourself so much more once you see the real, natural you...and if you don't like it there is always weave ;-)
Wednesday Apr 14, 2010 – By Laquita Thomas-Banks Courtesy of Clutch Magazine
The boldest way to start your natural hair journey is to do the ‘big chop’. A few weeks ago, R&B singer, Chrisette Michele shocked the world debuting a sassy new short and tampered look during an appearance at Albany State University. The singer’s bossy decision is celebrated by scores of black women around the country. Even more impressive are the reasons behind Michele’s choice. The “Epiphany” singer says, “I wanted to make short and nappy hair fashionable, and let the industry know that there is nothing wrong with the texture we were born with. I plan to grow it out to the big beautiful nappy hair that I have.” Chrisette Michele officially shows off her brave new look in this recent shot by photographer, Derek Blanks.
Chrisette Michele is not the only woman chopping. The following ladies started their natural hair journeys by cutting it all off. These women share their thoughts, experiences and advice on going relaxed to natural.
Faren Monique’s Experience During my senior year in undergrad, I was assigned to do a video project for a class. I was not natural at the time, but along with another classmate (who was natural) decided to do a documentary on the dynamics of hair in the black community. Clearly skewed by the biases of its filmmakers, the film inevitably became more of a natural vs. perm discussion.
My hair was processed at the time but through talks with beauticians, forums, research on the history of black hair and discussing the negative and positive effects of naturalness and processed hair, I began to analyze why I chose to perm my hair. It was after making that film that I decided to go natural.
I transitioned for six months. My last relaxer was in March 2008 and I cut off my hair in August 2008. I was pleased with the results. To be frank, there was a slight desire to have fine hair or a loose curl-pattern — I still had remnants of “colonized” thinking. I was also very insecure about my hair. My hands were always in my head, I had no idea how to style it and I was extremely nervous about going in public with such short hair.
My initial plan was to transition for an extended period of time, however that proved to be difficult. Watching natural-related videos on YouTube gave me the courage to cut my hair. For those contemplating doing a ‘big chop’ or transitioning, Faren adds, “Do what best fits your lifestyle. But once you cut your hair it will be drastically different from your processed hair- regardless of how long you transition. So you might as well get it over with.
Faren’s Video – Naturally You, A Documentary Exploring the Hair Politics of Black Women.
When I decided to go natural I didn’t know I was in the “transition” stage. I was eight months post relaxer and had between two to three inches of hair. I felt that my transition was long enough and I went ahead and did the’ BIG CHOP’ since I had some hair to work with. Plus, I was excited to see my curl pattern. I was very pleased with my decision. It made my life so much easier. I didn’t have to worry about relaxers and long days sitting in the hair salon. Detangling was a breeze. It saved me money and time — time that I now spend on more important things.
Her advice to those contemplating a ‘big chop’ versus transitioning:
I would say just do it! No really, it gives you a sense of freedom. Transitioning is a long process and you have to do so much more when dealing with the two different textures. I also think the hair grows faster when you ‘big chop’, there is less chance of breakage. And some people (not all), tend to damage their natural hair when transitioning.
Cindy Hurst Cindy Hurst produced and directed Natural Woman, a documentary that explores the psychological attitudes that occur when African American women decide to wear their hair natural. The film also includes prominent psychological and philosophical experts who offer insightful explanations to African Americans’ reluctance to discuss what role larger society plays in how people of color define beauty in terms of hairstyle.
Cindy’s Experience When I reached my 30s, I began to grow tired of the process I had to go through (weekly) to keep my hair “laid” so to speak. In addition to that, I was starting to get down on myself for not having the courage to go natural. So as a compromise, I got synthetic braids. I cut my hair down to the new natural growth. When it was gone, although I didn’t really like it (and no one else did either, including my husband and others in my family). I squared my shoulders and held my head high. I had reached a milestone by choosing to finally accept my hair. Weeks later, I still struggled with my decision. I wasn’t getting any positive reinforcement from anybody. So, I began to “secretly” use texturizers in my hair. I just didn’t like the natural kink. One day, as I was applying the texturizer, my teenage son walked in my room and asked, “What’s that I smell? It smells like perm in here.” Bam! I was busted in more ways than one. For the first time, I had to admit, I was actually ashamed of the natural texture of my hair. It was then that I quietly put away the texturizer and began to deal internally with that reality.
The real pivotal moment in my journey happened about a week later. I read a book called Without Sanctuary. It’s a photograph book that displays historic lynchings in America. There was one picture in particular that showed a black woman being lynched along with her teenage son. The picture is of her and her son hanging from a bridge. I took one look at her and I saw myself.
So many emotions ran through me simultaneously. I felt pain, sadness, indignation, rage pity, and hope. But of all the things I felt, pride was paramount. I felt proud to be a black woman.
When I looked at that woman hanging from that noose, her hair was natural and her skin was black. I’m sure somewhere down the line, she was proud of every African feature she possessed. I am that woman. I am my ancestors. I am an extension of my African heritage. Now, I can say that I am truly proud of every part of my Africaness.
I would say to any woman who is contemplating going natural to go with your gut instincts. If you are considering it, really deal with all the feelings that come along with it. Fear, anxiety, empowerment…all of that. But at the end of the day, let the decision be yours and yours alone. Even if you decide you can’t or don’t want to do it, really make sure that your are okay internally with your final decision.
Cindy Hurst’s Natural Woman Film For screening information contact Cindy via the website.
Today, I was walking on the campus of the University of Houston when I notice a girl sitting on a bench. Usually like everyone else I avoid eye contact but this particular time I did not and spoke. I quickly recognized her from the university’s natural hair group. I was amazed that she had relaxed her mane of kinky curls. My response was “hey, you relaxed your hair.” She said yea, hung her head and apologized. I’m nosy with that said I had to know why. I really admired her curly looks. She sat directly across from me at the last natural hair meeting I attended. I remember how proud and bold she sat with her fro. Now she looked down to the ground and apologized as if she had let me down. She mentioned something about societal pressure and that if she wanted to do it again she would crop it all off and start the process anew. Again she apologized. Why are you apologizing I asked. “ You’re beautiful either way. At the end of the day you have to live and style your hair and no one else.” I continued to affirm her. My sister was truly beautiful. I hope that she is self-aware of her greatness regardless of the state of her hair. If you don’t accept yourself how can you expect others. Don’t walk around apologetically of the glory God has given you, relaxed or natural. It is magnifies the Lord and so should you by holding your head up boldly.
These talented Arizonians are a rare commodity, a new breed, and a breath of fresh air. Soulfruit is not a new kid on the block however. They’ve been in operation for seventeen years, delivering a strong message of hope and joy combined with impeccable harmonies and tight choreography. Hailing from Tucson, Soulfruit cultivated their priority for family, righteous conduct, and a prevailing love for others due to the group's members being family and close childhood friends. While transitioning members throughout the years, Soulfruit has gone from just memorizing songs and imitating other artists to establishing their own unique sound. Over the seventeen years of fusing gospel, R & B, and urban hip-hop, they have masterfully intertwined a distinctive sound and sight all their own. Soulfruit is quite comfortable flowing from Neo-soul, to R&B, to Gospel, to Country, to Acapella, or Rap, and even Jazz. Often while wearing stilettos, describing the awesome dancing of the youngest member vocalist/writer Vanessa Hill. Toby Hill, singer/songwriter/composer/producer, and only original member, reflects their post modern Christian lifestyle into musical presentations. His favorite instrument in accomplishing this feat of Godly principles into practical application is composer/vocalist Tyren Covington.
Display Name Ms. Silky Coils (blogspot), efficient1 (twitter) or Lainey May (facebook)
Age (or age range): i'm a PROUD 30 yr old. lol
Degrees: BA in Special and Elementary Education and MA in Higher Education Administration, SOON pursuing a Doctorate
Industry: Education, Consulting
Title: Director, Student Diversity Programs
Questions
1. Based on your profession and corporate culture, what were your primary concerns about wearing natural hair in the workplace? How did you overcome them?
Honestly, all those who see me in my work environment knew me with long STRAIGHT luxurious HEALTHY hair. While I did not consider their feelings when deciding if this journey was right for me, I did wonder how they would react. Also, would I get "in trouble" for not having "controllable" hair. I work in a conservative environment (and am a little conservative myself when it comes to the work place) so I knew that the new look would be a lot for them. Lol.
The students and all my true co-worker/friends loved the new look. From the BC to now being over a year natural they have been supportive. Honestly, I have inspired students to consider going natural AND for those who were in fact natural but doing the "societal styles" of weaving and straightening to recognize the beauty they had in them all this time and be more daring with wearing their natural hair (styles).
There was no real overcoming of the professional environment and what they thought of my hair. While I was a little nervous, I knew no one would say anything to me. Lol. Even when I was not that confident, I walked with my head high and my confidence rubbed off I guess. I know get NOTHING but compliments :)
2. How did your co-workers, clients and boss respond when you revealed your new do?
Well my true friends (who are co-workers) always has and still love my new look. For the others, they complimented me on my braids (while transitioning) and every once in awhile will say something about my fro. My boss....to this day STILL hasn't said a word. Lol. But I think that has to do with our policy's on discrimination, harassment and hostile work environment...but trust I know he noticed. HA
3. Has your performance been rewarded since you’ve been natural? If not, do you believe your hair has been a factor? Any regrets?
Considering I am very good at my what I do, how I do AND I'm totally committed/passionate about my professional, I've been and will continue to be rewarded. I don't think my hair has anything to do with this, but I will say the increase in confidence and inspiration that I found IN ME helps me to better do my job. So in that essence, I think going natural has made me a better representative of my particular company.
4. What advice would you offer a professional peer who’s on the fence about going natural?
First and foremost (like anything), its a commitment...especially if this is your first time. Once you make the decision, encourage yourself SPEAK OVER YOURSELF (yes like the gospel song) and remember that God created you in his image. You do not have to conform to society OR to what your family, friends or even co-workers think you should be. If you are not confident in yourself, this journey will be rough BUT even then you can still be victorious...for their will be some mountains to battle....but know that you can go threw them without a scratch ....not avoid them (go around). This blog, along with others (like mine, that can be found at www.theorakale25.blogspot.com) are also good to help with daily/weekly encouragement...but remember you have to be stirred up inside to not only make the decision, stick with it and then ENJOY YOUR NEW LOOK AND LIFE!
Okay, I’m not jumping on the bandwagon about the “Good Hair” discussion. I know your tried of reading, hearing and seeing it. I simply just want to share my opinion of the highlights of the movie.
Yes, Chris Rock is Hilarious. I don’t think anyone will argue that. The whole movie presented a light humorous vantage point on the billion dollar hair industry. This movie shed light on African American woman and their hair as well as the fact that this industry only takes from the people that fuel this vehicle of “oppression” as the Rev. Al Sharpton so tactful put it. One of my favorite lines in the movie “putting on their oppression”.
Okay enough of that. I would like to highlight the courageousness of Shelia Bridges. Shown above. Her story is a simple one. Bridges is an interior designer with alopecia, a disease that cause hair loss. This beautiful woman wears her bald head fearlessly and does not let it define her character or hinder her success.
Big ups to my two Naturalistas featured in Good Hair the documentary, Tracie Thoms and Sarah Jones.
In the movie, there is a scene where Rock is interviewing a group of high school girls. There was one young lady that wore her hair natural. And the other young ladies who either wore weave or relaxed hair unanimously decide that although the natural hair was pretty on the girl, it was not professional in their opinions. This really hurt because these were babies telling their peer, you have to change who you are to meet what is considered acceptable. Not only was what was being said hurtful to hear but to SEE the natural girls facial expressions. What was portrayed in that scene is a very realistic every day situation. If that was your daughter, sister, niece, cousin or friend, what would you say to console her? If you were in that situation how did you encourage yourself?
A story of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy and A woman’s Hair.
In regards to hair loss and breast cancer treatments, I was ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED at the thought of losing my shoulder length hair. I had worn my hair relaxed, long and straight my entire life. I was a one month newlywed who was still beaming over my wedding pictures with a beautiful updo and now I was facing news that I would lose my eyebrows, eyelashes and glorious crown? For weeks, I tried to come to terms with the treatment and I honestly thought that I could NOT live as a bald woman. I had decided on how I would inform my family that I chose not to undergo chemotherapy and that I would enjoy the quality of my life and see what happens. When my teenage daughter got wind of this, she told me bluntly that she would never forgive me if I didn't do chemotherapy and died. That is all I needed to hear. Within two weeks of my first chemo treatment, my pubic hair fell out. I found that to be a bit refreshing. But when my hairline started receding and my hair began to fall out in clumps, I knew that the hair loss was inevitable. One afternoon I drove to a salon and requested they shave my head. It was even hard for the Black stylists who kept asking me if I wanted a short "Halle Berry" style instead of shaving it. But I needed to shave it so I could move forward with the treatments bravely. Once the deed was done, I didn't cry. I looked on the mirror and actually was taken back at how beautiful my head was! For sentimental reasons, I took the bag of hair home with me. I remember studying it and noticing how dead and unhealthy it looked. As I held the bag of hair in my hand, I thought about how silly it was for me to have passed up chemo treatments out of fear of losing what I knew would grow back. I wore wigs mostly through treatment but there were days I opted for scarves and/or hats. When my hair began to grow back, I was amazed at how pretty and soft it was! It was like newborn baby hair and then when it turned curly, I felt so beautiful! I enjoyed swimming and being in the rain without worrying about "the hair." I actually received more compliments when my hair was short and natural. Well I am a creature of habit. I have decided to grow my hair back long and relax it. For me, that is what works best and that is the hairstyle that I prefer. I did enjoy my time as a natural sista' and learned to appreciate our God given hair. Hair is what is on top of our head. Don't let it cloud what's inside your head...clear thinking. Crystal Brown-Tatum, President An Award-Winning Public Relations Consultant Crystal Clear Communications www.crystalcommunicates.com
Natural Hair Rules has raised a very important question. “What are men saying about natural hair?”
Natural Hair Rules has raised a very important question "What are men saying about natural hair?"
I think that that there is a much larger number of black men who are attracted to girls with ’straight’ hair. Society has taught them that Natural is Nappy and Nappy is ugly and undignified. Now there is nothing with wanting to appeal to men. Women like to look physically attractive to men, it’s natural (and vice versa).
I love a woman with natural hair because it is like her finger print. It’s hers and no one has her print. Any man who cannot see the beauty of natural hair is missing the big picture in my opinion. ( Side bar what made Black women straighten there hair to begin with…. Think about it ??) I don’t apportion blame onto women because so much of the female identity is still wrapped up in the patriarchy that controls the majority of societies in the world. I think natural hair is beautiful because it’s blackness personified before manipulation. It’s a shame some black men could not see the beauty of natural hair.
I enjoy a woman who is confident in herself. For example my wife Tamara is wearing natural hair and even with no make up she still looks dynamically gorgeous. Her non-conforming appearance seems to point to the fact that this particular woman is not swayed by the superficial facades of societies standard of what a beautiful black woman is. Natural is beautiful. This does not mean, however, that women who have perms and/or weave are shallow or lost or not real . It just seems that they are less likely to reject the "medias" standards of beauty. I won't say that one is better than the other...just that being confident in your own skin is attractive...regardless of which package it comes in.
Stay Black Stay Beautiful,
Benjamin Floyd Husband of natural and dynamically gorgeous woman.
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