nappy headed black girl

Regimen Guidelines

2010-09-02T02:07:00.000-07:00

I found this article, "How to Create Your Hair Regimen," on Naturallycurly.com.

It offers good information and guidelines for naturals just starting out or those simply perfecting their routine. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Throwback - Sept 2006

2010-08-31T17:02:00.000-07:00

Please pardon the scary looking eyebrows :-)

How do you protect your hair at night?

2010-08-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

When I first started out, covering my hair every night was uber important. Not just because it helped with moisture but also because if I didn't I would wake up with my hair all over my head.

Now, as a dread, I will admit that I've become a bit lazy.

I used to faithfully wear a satin bonnet like this to bed:

As my hair grew I found that it didn't fit as comfortably anymore. Also, I keep the vents in my room closed so it doesn't get too cold, and I found that I was starting to sweat in my head.

Next best solution? A satin pillowcase. I have a red one similar to the one pictured above. This way my head can breathe and I'm still protecting my hair.

What's your choice of bedtime hair protection?

Review: Suave Professionals Rosemary Mint Shampoo & Conditioner

2010-08-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I'm a huge fan of Suave and v05 shampoos and conditioners; they're the only ones I use. So imagine my delight when I found a coupon online for a free bottle of shampoo or conditioner!

I was originally going to try the almond & shea butter but was hooked after smelling the rosemary mint. I purchased the conditioner and got the shampoo for free.

And with that, I promptly rushed home to try out my new toys

As soon as I got home I headed straight for the bathroom to get down to business. While I was washing my hair I accidentally got some on my forehead and noticed something very strange...My forehead started to burn

I actually had to get a towel and wipe off my skin. I grabbed the bottle, glanced and the ingredients and saw this:

Mentha Virdis (Spearmint Leaf Oil)

Makes sense, I suppose. It is mint, after all. But so not cool that a shampoo was burning my skin off. I guess that's what Suave meant by "invigorating properties."

I may have been able to live with strike one, but after my initial rinse I noticed that my hair felt rough and crunchy. I've never had this issue with any of my other Suave shampoos and I've used plenty, all scents.

I continued on with the conditioner but to no avail. And even after put in my oil and my hair dried, it still felt like sandpaper.

I will say again, though, that the smell was deletable

Very clean, fresh and, well, minty :-)

So in conclusion, I have to say that this shampoo/conditioner combo is a no-go for me. I was quite surprised because this is the first Suave product I haven't been happy with.

I've read many favorable reviews about Suave Professionals on various sites and blogs, even some about the rosemary mint. I may give them another try but with another scent.

As for my bottles, they've only been used once and still plenty full. If any of you would like to give it a whirl, drop me a comment or e-mail me at nappyheadedblackgirl@gmail.com. My treat.

Concert Hair

2010-08-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Groupie Love

Remember the concert I went to a while back? It included the bands Trapt, Buckcherry, Sick Puppies, Aaron Lewis (of Staind) and headliners Limp Bizkit.

And before you ask:
1 Yes, Limp Bizkit is still alive
2 Yes, they're still making music
3 Yes, people actually pay to see them

As a matter if fact, that's me and lead singer Fred Durst in the pic :-)

So this is what I wore. (Yes, that's a Limp Bizkit patch on my shirt. I'm such a lame lol)

I wore my hair in three ponys that looked something like this:

The concert was a blast. Every act was worth seeing alone and I was really close to the stage.

I love open concerts because it's first come, first served. No assigned seats; if you get there first, you're up front.

I got some awesome! video and my girl caught a pick from Buckcherry's guitar player.

Fred stayed after the concert and signed autographs. He also came to the afterparty and took pictures (that's where I got mine). He was really chill and after the show I'm even more of a fan.

What was the last concert you've been to? How did you rock your hair?

Off Topic: Don't Go Broke Buying Books

2010-08-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy Luis @ sxc.hu

I know I'm not the only budgeting student here. So in honor of the upcoming school year, I've decided to stray from hair for a moment and share a (hopefully) helpful post I wrote on alternatives to traditional textbook purchasing.

If I can save even one NHBG reader a few dollars, then my efforts have not been in vain :-)

I work full-time to pay for school so I’m always looking for ways to save some cash.

I’m a self-professed discount diva. I have coupon sites bookmarked on my computer and refuse to visit a fast-food restaurant without a dollar menu.

One of the best ways I’ve found to save money involves textbooks for class.

I spent less than $100 for all of the books I need this semester.

Instead of purchasing from the campus bookstore and selling them back for 0.003%, I use cheaper alternatives.

And since you’re an NHBG reader, I’ve decided to share them with you.

‘Cause I love you, man.

1 Rent

Renting is not just for cars or videos anymore. Why spend a lot of money on a book you’ll only use for less than four months?

If you’re taking a required core class or one that isn’t pertinent to your major, consider renting.

Most online rental sites allow you to rent for the summer, quarter or semester, with options to extend if needed. They provide you with pre-paid return packaging and often discounts for future rentals.

Chegg has been my site of choice, but I can also vouch for eCampus and CampusBookRentals.

2 Buy Online

The classes offered at your school are the same classes offered at universities all over the world. You can find the same book in Kansas City, Los Angeles or Chicago, often at cheaper prices.

Half.com is a great site to try. And Amazon even offers a free discount program, Amazon Student, that allows free 2-day shipping on select books.

My personal favorite is Dealoz. Just put in the author, title or ISBN and it generates a list from all over the Internet, separated by total price, format or edition.

3 Buy Locally

There’s a good chance that someone has already taken the class you need and has the book sitting around collecting dust.

Visit Craigslist and search under “books” to see what’s available. And don’t forget to check the bulletin boards outside of class and in the Student Union.

4 Buy An Older Edition

You may think that you need the latest and greatest textbook edition for a class, but this isn’t always the case. Ask your professor if you can get by with an older edition of the book; they’re often almost identical.

One of my textbooks is $104 for a used (yes, used!) copy in the campus bookstore. I bought an earlier edition for $15 online. The differences between the two? They renamed the chapters and changed their order.

5 Borrow From the Library

That’s right, the public library. Just check out what you need and renew it until you finish.

This method works particularly well for classes that require lots of outside reading, like English. I found three of the required books for my Lit class at the library.

So do your research before you spend. Save some money and get your school year started off right. And have a great semester!

NHBG readers, do you have some ways to save money on textbooks?

I'm Featured on Leave In The Kinks!

2010-08-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

The ladies of the wonderful natural hair site "Leave In The Kinks" have featured me as their latest (and first dread!) Curlicious Diva.

Click here to show me some love. And be sure to stick around and browse the site; you'll find excellent information on all things hair!

Review: "Grow It!"

2010-08-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

I've heard much about Chicoro's book Grow It: How to Grow Afro-Textured Hair to Maximum Lengths in the Shortest Time. I finally decided to pick it up this week.

Chicoro has developed a model she's coined "The Grow It Process" whose sole purpose is "to preserve for as long as possible the natural structure of each and every strand of hair currently on your head."

The process has six defined steps: detangling, cleansing, conditioning, moisturizing, protecting and growing.

What I Liked:

The "Grow It Process" is not product focused

Chicoro's model is not brand-based. She doesn't push or endorse any particular products. She simply provides a base model that can be tweaked. Doing this encourages the reader to explore options and discover products that work best for her hair.

She is knowledgeable

The author clearly knows her stuff. Grow It! contains plenty of detailed information about the science of hair. Chicoro guides you during each step of the process, offering facts on everything from hard water to environmental damage.

The detangling section is excellent

I speak from experience when I say many women ("professionals" included!) do not know how to properly detangle their hair. Although a seemingly trivial step, detangling is in fact the first step in the "Grow It Process" and of vital importance.

Chicoro details how to detangle, what to detangle with and why you should detangle.

She clearly relates each step to the overall purpose

The steps of the model may seem overwhelming and overly complicated to some. Chicoro combats this view by providing a clear relation between every step of the process and the sole purpose of preserving every hair strand.

Each chapter ends by explaining how that chapter's step helps preserve the structure of the hair strand. There's even a tidy summary of the entire "Grow It Process" at the end of the book.

What I Didn't Like:

The book was humdrum

Lackluster, dull, monotonous...Pick your word of choice.

Grow It! reminded me of a textbook: loads of useful, detailed information provided in a straightforward, regimented manner. First you do this, then you do this, followed by this, etc.

I feel it lacked personality. Perhaps if the author had injected more personal experience or a few anecdotes it would have livened it up a bit. If I wasn't already addicted to all things hair, this book definitely wouldn't excite me about it.

No pictures

As stated before, I am a big proponent of pictures. For a book detailing the history of hair, I could understand no/limited images. But for one such as Grow It! that details particular steps and processes I feel pictures help with overall instructions.

Overall, Grow It! is a good read; detailed, knowledgeable and easy-to-follow. NHBG gives it out of five nappy fros.

You can also visit Chicoro online here.

Have you read this book? If so, please share your experience!

Got Natural Hair? There's An App For That!

2010-08-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

Are you a newbie looking for professional help? Want to be pampered for a special occasion? New in town and in need of a new stylist?

There's an app for that!

GoNappturale is compatible with the iPhone, iPad Touch, iPad and Blackberry. This handy app tracks down urban full service and natural hair salons near you. It also provides directions and contact info, all for just $0.99.

Click here to download now!

Are there any other natural hair apps that you know of? What app would you like to see next for our hair?

My Top 3 Sun Care Basics

2010-08-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

I finally had a chance to hit the beach this weekend. I hadn't been in a while so the getaway was a welcome retreat.

The high was 98 degrees and the water was easily 80. Although I enjoyed the warm sun on my body, I made sure to take the necessary precautions to protect my skin and hair.

Here are my top three sun care basics to get you through the rest of summer...

Lotion Up
Contrary to popular belief, black does crack...and burn. Be sure to choose a sunblock with both uva and uvb protection and apply it at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure. I use Coppertone Kids Spectra 3 Spectra 3 Sunblock Lotion with SPF 50.

(By the way, there's no real difference between adult and child sun care products. It's simply a marketing strategy. "Kiddie" perm, anyone?)

Cover Up

Photo Courtesy www.villa-in-algarve.co.uk

The sun can be surprisingly damaging in a short amount of time. Don't forget that the sun's rays also reflect off of sand and water. Bring/rent a beach umbrella to provide a cool reprieve.

Likewise, invest in a summery straw hat or a breathable head scarf to protect your locks from the sun's rays.

Fill Up

Photo Courtesy richard-seaman.com

...Your hair, that is.

Think of your hair as a gas tank; it can only hold so much liquid before it fills up and can't hold any more.

Rinse your hair with regular water before enjoying the ocean or pool. By "filling up" your strands beforehand you leave less room for salt and chlorine to get in.

And be sure to rinse again as soon as possible after leaving the ocean. You want to rid your hair of any salt/chlorine that sneaks in. And if you don't have time for a full-fledged shampoo, simply rinse well and do a co-wash.

Photo Courtesy bb_matt via sxc.hu

Readers of NHBG, what are your top sun care basics? Did I leave out anything?

Natural For Life?

2010-07-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

Whenever I picture myself in the future it's always with natural hair. I can say with almost certainty that I won't be relaxing again.

Many women wobble back and forth, wondering every other week if they should relax or not. I don't have that issue. Even when I was transitioning, I never doubted my decision.

"Easier maintenance" is often cited as the reason for returning to the relaxer, but I find this to be untrue (in my case). I spent more time on my relaxed hair than I do now, and even more than when I was loose.

Are you natural for life? If no, why not? And if so, what do you think could change your mind? A loved one? New job?

Review: "Growing African American Hair"

2010-07-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

The author of this book, Annie M. Donaldson, is a licensed cosmetologist with her own salon. Many of today's hair care books are written by laymen, so I was definitely interested in what Ms. Donaldson had to say.

Despite the low-budget looking cover, I found a lot of solid information inside.

What I Liked:

She touches on all aspects of hair care

The book is divided into four main sections: cleansing and chemicals, protection, styling options and principles. The author aims to show everything you need to know from choosing a good shampoo to eating for optimum hair health.

She begins with a hair basics overview

Many women don't know the simple composition of hair and how it can affect everything from growth to maintenance. The author starts by breaking down the basics of hair, such as the different textures and the basic makeup of a strand.

She debunks the "only wash every 2 weeks" rule

This hair care myth has been floating around since the beginning of time and plenty of black women swear by it. While it's true that each head is different, it's absolutely all right to wash more often.

She gives a checklist/summary of good hair practices

The book contains a list of healthy hair techniques that can be photocopied and used as a quick reference guide.

What I Didn't Like:

Very short "chapters"

It can almost be considered a manual of sorts because the chapters are so short, many less than two full pages. Some of the chapters were inadequate and could have been flushed out more to provide more information. The moisturizers chapter was barely over a page and the chapter on oils was less than one.

Her stance on trims

The stylist in her definitely shows through here!

Ms. Donaldson states that you should let your stylist trim your hair as often as suggested and that "cutting damaged hair is going to make your hair fuller once it grows again."

I am a member of too many hair boards not to know that a stylist's intentions when trimming/cutting our hair are not always honorable. And cutting does not affect the fullness/thickness of our hair; it only appears fuller because the strands are now cut blunt and laying on top of each other, producing the look of fullness.

The natural hair section is slightly misleading

Besides the chapter being way short (about 1 3/4 pages), the author claims that it's a good time to permanently color and braid your hair while natural because it's less fragile in its natural state.

While this is true to some degree, it implies that natural hair is immune to damage and can withstand more than relaxed hair, and this is incorrect.

Natural hair, while sometimes appearing "rough and tough," is actually more prone to breakage because of its intricate pattern. Many women can attest to the damaging effects of color and braids on natural hair.

No pictures

Aside from the testimonial pages, there are only six pages containing pictures, all in black and white, and only two of them actually related to the content; the others are simply generic pictures of women with hair.

Of course, what a book says is more important than it looks. However, it's always nice to have visual complements as aids and to enhance the book's overall appeal.

I give Growing African American Hair
out of 5 nappy fros. Longer, more informative chapters and visual aids would have boosted this rating.

Have you read this book? If so, please share your opinion!

What Non-Naturals Think About Natural Hair

2010-07-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

I found this interesting video on Redmoonrabbit98's YouTube channel. As part of a discussion about black women and natural hair, they decided to hit the streets and interview a few people.

I wasn't surprised by most of the comments; it was just a lot of the usual: natural hair looks dirty, nasty, unfeminine, etc. (Is it sad that this didn't shock me coming from my own people?)

What did catch me off guard, however, was that people actually said relaxing hair is part of black culture.

This essentially means they believe relaxing is something that defines black people, a shared practice that characterizes us.

It's at once ironic and sad that permanently straightening our hair -a practice that alters one of the very features characteristic of many blacks- is seen as one of our defining attributes by some.

And wow, where did they find the men at?! One admits he has no experience with natural hair while simultaneously denouncing it.

And the other agrees that relaxing is a form of self-hatred but in another breath says he prefers it to "rooted up, dirty, nappy hair."

So, NHBG readers, what do you think of this video? Does it even surprise you?

Do you think these opinions are pretty representative of most non-naturals? Do you agree with any of them?

Are You For Serious?!

2010-07-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

I went to a rock concert recently (more on that later). In between acts there was a guy on stage helping move equipment and set up for the next band. He was white and had dreads past his waist.

So while I'm busy checking my camcorder to make sure I have enough battery life to get more ~~stolen~~ awesome video, I hear the guy next to me say:

"Did you know that when Bob Marley died they found over 40 different types of lice in his hair?!"

Lawdhammercy, here we go

Another "expert" spewing nonsense they read on the innanets. I turned to him and said (as calmly as possible), "That's not true. Just because you have dreads doesn't mean your hair is dirty."

Him: Well, he did have them for like 40 years.

Me: And what does that mean? I wash my hair every week and I know people who wash theirs every day. Again, that's an urban legend. It's not true."

Him: (backtracking) Look, I don't have anything against dreads; I used to have them myself.

Well, la-dee-freakin-da I bow to thee, oh Diety of Dreads.

I guess if you already believe stuff like this is true then you'd just take it at face value and run with it.

Maybe it's because I'm a hair junkie, but even before I had dreads I knew basics, like you do indeed wash them.

What are some of the strange, confuzzled and downright wrong assumptions you've heard about natural hair?

Explaining Freeform Dreads to a Friend

2010-07-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Her: So, does it just grow out of your head twisted like that?

Me: No. The roots are actually loose, just like your new growth.

Her: Oh, so, what are you gonna do to it? Are you trying to grow it out?

Me: (After laughing) No, I'm not gonna "do anything to it." Just leave it be.

Her: So, you're gonna have, like, a fro with locs coming out of it? *look of confusion*

Me: Yeah, something like that.

Her: Well, wouldn't it look neater if you twisted it?

Me: Yes, it would. *blank stare*

Her: Um...well...okay...*another look of confusion*

EAR CANDY OF THE DAY

2010-07-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

"Left 4 Dead," Papercut Massacre

Ponytail

2010-07-08T00:40:00.000-07:00

I only wear ponytails when my hair is soaking wet, dripping and I have to be somewhere before it dries. (In the pic above, I was on my way to work.)

Water running down my neck drives me insane! So slapping in a ponytail keeps it off my skin and the dripping to a minimum.

My hair, because I freeform, is truly not long enough for a ponytail. It's fine in its wet state (above), but it shrinks up when dry (below):

You see the ones at the top are struggling to stay in

Are you a ponytail fan? How do you jazz them up?

Spare Hair

2010-07-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

I've been finding crazy amounts of "spare hair" lately, and not just strands here and there. I'm talking about tufts of hair, like the one you see me stretching in the picture above.

It's enough to make a new dread. This is common amongst freeformers, and, if I'm not mistaken, manicured dreads alike. Many wrap the loose hair around a neighboring dread but I leave mine be. I figure if they want to join, they know how to. Besides, look at the pic below; you can't even tell:

What do you do with your "loosies?" Do you wrap them/cut them/leave them/make new dreads?

Are Protein Treatments Necessary For Dreads?

2010-06-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy sxc.hu

I can't remember the last time I did a protein treatment, but I know I definitely haven't done one since I've been a dread.

I know protein keeps the hair strong, but it hasn't been a concern of mine lately. When I was loose it mattered because I was manipulating my hair more (doing styles, twisting, combing...) so my hair's strength seemed more important.

Now I see my dreads as being a sorta barrier in themselves. They are, after all, strands of knotted, tangled, interwoven hair. Yes, dreads can still be weak, but I'd only think that could be a problem at the root, and my roots seem fine.

If you're a dread, do you do protein treatments? Why? And have you noticed any differences since beginning?

How To Take Pictures Of Your Hair

2010-06-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

Taking pictures of your hair is a wonderful way to track progress and stay motivated. One thing I've noticed, however, is that many of us don't know how to take good pictures of our hair.

Unlike taking normal pictures, it's not quite as simple as point-and-shoot. So here are a few guidelines to help you showcase your hair in all of its fabulous glory.

1 Clean Yo Nasty Room!

Lawdhammercy! I can't tell you how many pictures I've seen with inappropriate, personal and just downright nasty things in the background.

No one cares to see your filthy tub, your underwear all over the bed, or the various piles of mess all over your floor. Please take two minutes to straighten up beforehand. Objects in the background distract from the focal point, your lovely hair.

2 Use A Real Camera

Webcam vs. Digital

I know some of you don't have digital cameras, so you guys get a pass. But for those of you who do own one, or have access to one, please use it.

Pictures on a typical camera phone or webcam just can't compete with those from even a low-end digital camera.

3 Use Proper Lighting

Harpo, who dis woman?

Good lighting is the main reason why many choose to snap pics in the bathroom. It's small and bright. Natural light works well also. If you're indoors, using the flash is often better.

4 Cut Out The Extra Body Parts

Compare the two pictures above. Technically, they both show the side of my hair. But notice how much clearer and focused the bottom one is.

Unless your hair is actually waist-length, there's no reason to show your waist. Taking closer pictures shows more detail and progress. In other words, keep the shot as tight and focused as possible.

5 Use The Macro Mode

Most digital cameras have a setting called "macro mode." The one on my camera is a little flower, similar to this one (on the right):

The macro mode is specifically for shooting close-up shots. Take a look at these two pictures:

The first one was taken without macro, and the second with, both from the same distance. Notice how the first one looks fuzzy near the front, while the second shows each detailed nap and even additional colors.

6 Master The Back-Of-The-Head Shot

Actually, this technique is useful for any angle, but particularly for the hard-to-photo back of the head.

The mirror is your friend. Use it. I'm not sure why it took me so long to figure this out. Trying the one-hand-hold-while twisting-around or the both-hands-holding-the-camera-behind-the-head contortionist shot only result in super blurry pics or something like the one above, where half your head is missing.

In order to accurately track your progress you need to have all of your hair hanging straight and from a head-on angle.

There are two ways to accomplish this. If you have a self-timer on your camera and a tripod, that can be used. But you have to make sure you're positioned just right. Too much hassle.

The second option is to use your mirror. Get as close to the mirror as possible (I actually sit on my counter) and turn your back to it. Point the camera at the mirror (no flash, of course) and snap away.

I alternate between two positions, on top of my head and on/right above my shoulder.

And there you have it. My six steps to picture perfection. Do you have any tips of your own to share?

Essential Oil (Orange)

2010-06-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit

I finally broke down and decided to join the essential oil bandwagon. It was really an issue of maximizing my money.

I'm going to be making some homemade lip balm, so I had to purchase some oil for that anyway. Since I already had the oil, I decided to stretch my dollar and try it on my hair also.

I started with my normal wash and conditioner. I usually use something scented, but this time I didn't want anything to clash with the oranges.

(I bought extra body conditioner because they were out of normal)

Continuing with my normal routine, I then did a hot oil conditioner.

I used plain ol' extra virgin olive oil. Yes, the same stuff you cook with. I bought a 17 ounce bottle at Walgreens for $5.99. This can be found much cheaper but I was being lazy.

I don't use heat on my hair. I simply warm up my oil (about 10 seconds), put on a cap and use body heat. (I do, however, think I'll start using a warm towel.)

*WARNING*

Please be careful when warming your oil. It gets very hot very quickly. Warm it in 5 second increments. That doesn't sound like a lot but trust me, it's plenty!

Oil goes a long way. Here's how much I used but I could've done with a bit less.

Now to the EO.
There are two reasons why I decided on orange:

1) For some reason I've been digging citrus scents lately
2) It was the cheapest oil on sale

A one ounce bottle of Now orange essential oil was $3.99 at GNC. I've used Now's jojoba oil in the past with success.

I used one teaspoon of glycrin and added 10 drops of oil. The glycerin was plenty for my entire head. Again, a little goes a long way.

I rubbed it in my hands first, then distributed it throughout my hair. I also used a bit of Neutrogena Triple Silk Touch Leave-In Cream. I haven't used this stuff in over 2 years and I'm not sure what prompted to do so this time. It worked very well for me though before I dreaded, but I haven't used it since then.

My hair was soft and moisturized afterward. Don't know if you can tell in this picture, but it also had great sheen.

My main concern, however, was smell. I wanted it to be noticeable enough so that when someone passed me they could smell it. Not the case.

It did smell lovely immediately after the wash but by the next morning it had already started to fade. I suppose you could smell it in close proximity to me, but my the second day I could only sense it if I physically but a dread to my nose.

This was my first experiment with essential oils, so perhaps I was expecting too much. I don't want to have to spritz every day to renew the smell. I'd like it to last for the entire week.

Does anyone have any tips for my second time? How can I get the smell to be more potent? Do I need to use more?

EAR CANDY OF THE DAY

2010-06-06T21:58:00.001-07:00

"Tired," Kelly Price

Come As You Are

2010-06-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

Get the full story here

This ad is part of France McDonald's camapign entitled "Venez Comme Vous Etes" (Come As You Are).

What do you think of this commercial? Will we ever see something like this in the States?

And Then There Was One

2010-06-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Picture courtesy of 2snaps.tv

Rue McClanahan died today at 76 from a massive stroke and subsequent brain hemorrhage.

"Golden Girls" is one of my all-time favorite shows. I watch it literally every day online.

Goodbye, Rue. You may be gone but your golden legacy lives on.

Leave your condolences on The Rue McClanahan Facebook Memorial Page.

Does Your Hair Smell..."Black?"

2010-06-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

image source

While browsing a hair board the other day, I came across a thread about good-smelling hair.

The poster said one of the things that originally attracted her husband was her hair. He said it smelled wonderful, not like "typical black hair."

The first thing I did was this. Her husband must be white because really, what kind of dumb mess is that to say?

But then I continued to read some of the responses and realized that I could relate, and maybe you can, too.

Let's be real...black women have some funky-smelling hair products. I'm not saying that women of other races don't, I'm just speaking what I know from my side.

And to make matters worse, many of us don't have the best hair practices. I'll use myself as an example:

Not washing for weeks to preserve a style
but still continuing to pile on hair products
Old, stanky extension braids
The "I just curled my hair this morning" stench
Pump It Up
Oil sheen, grease, black gel...

Lawdhammercy, this list could go on forever! And the sad part is, I know some of y'all can relate, and I know people who still follow these practices.

I have an acquaintance who smells like straight Ultra Sheen grease every day. You know, the green one. It's so strong that it actually lingers when she passes.

I mentioned it to her one day (I'm tacky like that ), and her response was,

"Well, I already got a husband, so I don't have to worry about that."

Which brings us back to "typical black hair." Maybe black men are just used to our hair smelling a certain way. Maybe we're used to it smelling that way, too.

How important is good-smelling hair to you? Is it even a concern? Has your man ever commented (good or bad) on the smell of your hair?

The Coil Review Spring 2010 Web Commercial

2010-05-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

I think this is the cutest natural hair commercial I've ever seen!
When you're done, be sure to swing on over to The Coil Review for natural hair products, research and photos.

QUOTE

2010-05-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.

-Oscar Wilde

My President Rocks!

2010-05-26T22:31:00.001-07:00

Get "Great Hair"

2010-05-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

Fellow fans of TLC's What Not To Wear will recognize Nick Arrojo as the show's former hair guru. I snatched up his book, Great Hair, at my local library.

There's a lot of practical info in this book, including a nice, lengthy section on different hair types and the styles that best accentuate them. Lots of big, colorful pictures make this section a pleasure to read.

Of course, I went straight to the chapter entitled, "My Approach to Ethnic Hair." There wasn't much about how to actually care for our hair, but it included pictures of hairstyles and a question and answer section.
Read More>>

One line in the relaxer section stood out:

The biggest benefit of this kind of service is that you have a much wider array of hairstyles and styling options to choose from.

Of course, we know this information is inaccurate. I was expecting more of these "gems of knowledge" in the ethnic section, but was pleasantly surprised. He even included a few words on our hair's makeup.

I adore hair and I adore Nick, so the book was generally pleasing to me. I didn't learn anything novel or spectacular, but I still give it

out of 5 nappy fros.

Summer Resolutions

2010-05-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

Goodness gracious...Where has the summer gone?! I don't believe it's already the last week of May. School starts next week!

Summer's passing much too quickly. I haven't even started any of my summer resolutions yet! Yes, you read that correctly...I have summer resolutions (hey, summer/new year's, it's all the same!)

On my summer to-do list:

Apply for Sigma Tau Delta membership
Get back into the guitar
Go swimming as much as possible
Learn to tie a headwrap
Learn the basics of ASL

So far, I've been swimming once and can fingerspell my name

I need motivation, readers! What are your summer resolutions, and how are they coming along?

When You're Strange

2010-05-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

Click here for movie trailer

When You're Strange is a documentary about The Doors, one of the most controversial bands of the 60's. It's written and directed by Tom DiCillo and narrated by Johnny Depp.

What makes this stand out from previous Doors films is the raw, never-before-seen band footage. But what made it a thrill for me was learning more about the band members. I already knew frontman Jim Morrison's story but knew little about the remaining members.

I was particularly enthralled with keyboardist Ray Manzarek. Just watching how passionately he played and how he seemed to get lost in his own world mesmerized me. The Doors had no bass player, and Ray played bass line with his left hand and chords with his right. What talent!

Click below to check out the band's first #1 hit, "Light My Fire."

3 Reason Why I Love My Dreads

2010-05-21T00:38:00.000-07:00

Video Summary:

They're quick
They're cheap
They keep me looking fly!

Click the video, and then let me know: What are 3 things you love about your hair?

I'm Famous! I'm Famous! (No autographs, please)

2010-05-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, snap! Nappyheadedblackgirl is coming up in the world!

Today we're celebrating...drum roll please...my very first loc feature!

Check me out on locentricity. This blog, ran by LadyLock, is an excellent resource for dreadheads. Lots of videos, inspriational photos and information for fellow locers.

So, what's the verdict? Did I do OK for my first brush with stardom?

3 Free Books a Month from Crown Publishing

2010-05-11T03:15:00.000-07:00

If you're a lit lover like me, you'l love this new site my mother turned me on to.

Read It Forward lets readers request copies of any 3 soon-to-be-published new books each month for free. Each book has an online excerpt so you can determine if it’s something of interest.

To request your FREE galley (that’s publishing lingo for a preview copy) you simply click on the book image and fill out a short form with your address and email. No purchase is necessary.

And guess who won for the month of April? (hint: see the pic above )

Have you read any good books lately?

Death of a P.Y.T.

2010-05-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

So today I noticed that my a** is like whoa
Actually, more like whoa no

I have saggy booty syndrome. It's outta control. I went in with hopes of purchasing a cute, brightly colored bikini like I do every year, something like this

Instead, I ended up with this

The back fits like this

No spillage

It's the only one of out of the 652 that I looked at that fully covered my bum.

*sigh* Off to join a bikini challenge...time to get in shape

EAR CANDY OF THE DAY

2010-05-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

"Rock the Casbah," The Clash

This is my jam! Makes me move every time I hear it.

1, 2, Freddy's Coming For You...

2010-05-01T00:11:00.000-07:00

*My Short 'N Sweet Review of A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)*

Being a lover of all things horror, I had to check this out. I wouldn't pay to see it again, but it wasn't as bad as I'd feared.

The new Freddy is dark and sinister...he gets down to business! If you're a horror fan you'll appreciate the subtle genre and throwback Nightmare references.

All of the "surprises" and slayings were typical, except for one particularly awesome death. The ending dragged a bit for me.

I wasn't scared or shocked by anything, but I was entertained. Overall, I give it

out of 5 nappy fros.

Has anyone else seen it? Care to share?

Short Nappy Dreads + Pipe Cleaners

2010-04-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

I did it! I did it! I've finally done something that took more than 5 minutes to my hair.

I didn't do the style that I proposed in my previous post, although I will eventually attempt that one, too.

I decided to try the pipe cleaners because

it looked relatively easy
no heat required
it would last more than a day and could be converted to different styles
i couldn't find anyone online with pipe cleaners on hair like mine...they all had long and/or manicured dreads

There are three videos:

Part 1 (products)

http://www.youtube.com/nappyheadedblackgirl#p/u/1/LCHwrKIsiVk

Part 2 (tutorial)

http://www.youtube.com/nappyheadedblackgirl#p/u/0/Llw895PKm6Q

Part 3 (results)

http://www.youtube.com/nappyheadedblackgirl#p/u/2/vS1D5ufhrK4

This was my first time attempting this style, so if you have any suggestions, please share! :-)

Puff, Puff, Pass...

2010-04-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

This is my former classmate. She's one of the few people that made EH 340 interesting...well, her and the Adonis I sat next to

I ran into her outside of class smoking an electronic cigarette. I've read about these but never actually seen one in person.

It lights up and produces "smoke" just like a real cigarette, but it's healthier because it has less toxins. And, unlike a real cig, you can smoke it anywhere. This is the main benefit for my friend, who stated she only bought it so she can smoke in the shower

Click below to see the e-cigarette in action:

EAR CANDY OF THE DAY

2010-04-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

"Tightrope," Janelle Monae
New album, The Archandroid, drops May 18

Can You Tell I Go to a White School?

2010-04-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

I saw this sign posted in the Student Union

Lovin' of the Asian Persuasion

2010-04-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

This guy adores black women, as evident by his YouTube channel. He does a lot of videos about Asian men with black women, like the one above.

*narrow-minded statement ahead* When I think of interracial relationships, black and Asian never crosses my mind. *well, I warned you!* I'm sure this is due in part to the constant media attention given here in the States to black men/white women couples. That's the first thing that pops into my mind.

So this video was quite entertaining/eye-opening for me. I mean, let's be real...how many Asian/black couples do you know?

It was all good until @ the 4 minute mark...
Click to continue...

A reader asked him how he feels about black men abandoning black women. In short he said it was effed up and that black women are the ones who kept black men strong and helped them through "the struggle." He even had the nerve to say now that black men are on top they choose any woman but black women.

It rubbed me the wrong way, but I'm not sure why.

I feel like he's speaking on something he knows nothing about.

And he seems to have fallen into the "all black men love anything but black women" mindset. Let some people tell it, black women are undesirable, lonely and abandoned.

So not the case, and it bothers me when others mistakenly think it is.

I'm not against interracial relationships. It's awesome that he's open to looking for a relationship outside of what's typically expected. Lord knows you have to find love where you can these days!

I was just a little taken aback, I suppose. I wonder if Asian women feel he's "abandoning" them by dating black ladies?

What are your thoughts on the video? Did his statements seem justified to you? How do you feel when a man of another color talks about black women being tossed aside by their own?

Babysitter Caught on Tape Abusing 11-Month Old

2010-03-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

This woman was actually recommended by friends and listed her main employment at a church.

After being caught, she said she was mad at the family and took it out on the child.

Triflin' broad

What Do People Think of You?

2010-03-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

A random comment a co-worker made to me yesterday:

"You know, girl, you're pretty nice. You don't seem like you would be, but you are."

Then she added, "No, really. I like you. You're opinionated and not afraid to speak up. You're quirky."

Quirky...I like that

I have no idea how she came to this conclusion. I guess because I'm generally quiet at work. I usually put on my mp3 and go on about my business.

I can't stand petty gossip and trivial conversation. So when they're talking and carrying on, I just go somewhere else or totally ignore them.

It's surprising what you learn when you just shut your mouth and listen

What vibe do you give off? Has anyone ever thought you were totally different than you actually are?

My Hurr

2010-03-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

He's Here! He's Here!

2010-03-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Check out his full specs here

Remember the camcorder that I begged you guys to buy me for Christmas? Well, although I'm sure someone was working on that , I went ahead and bought it for myself.

Isn't he beautiful? 8 gigs of internal memory (plus a slot for a memory card), touchscreen, my fave color and it fits in the palm of my hand. And did I mention full 1920x1080 HD?

I bought it mainly to upgrade the videos on my YouTube channel. The quality from my camera video was dismal.

I guess this officially makes me a Sony stan...I have a Vaio, a Cybershot, and now the Handycam. What can I say? I like pretty things!

Stay tuned for a (clear!) update hair video...

A Hairstyle? What's That?

2010-03-15T01:21:00.000-07:00

2 ponytails = my idea of a style

I've been feeling very...blah about my hair lately. It's growing and it's healthy, but I never do anything to it.

So, guess what? I'm gonna attempt a style (Keyword being attempt!)

Sistaanclyned's video is my inspiration. Our hair is about the same length and the style is cute and quick (she was finished in @ 5 1/2 mins). Wish me luck!

EAR CANDY OF THE DAY

2010-03-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

"Everything To Me," Monica

My girl is back! Album drops 3/23.

Do You Enjoy Being A Woman?

2010-03-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

If I woke up as a man tomorrow, I don't think it would bother me.

It's not that I don't like being a woman, but the things that are generally associated with women (beauty, children, sisterly bonds etc) are either things that don't interest me or that I could do without.

I don't detest being a woman or wish I were a man, it's just something I could take or leave.

So do you enjoy being a woman? And if so, why?
Would you be totally devastated if you had to live the rest of your life as the opposite sex?

Wanna See A Penis?

2010-03-02T23:19:00.000-08:00

(buy this shirt at zazzle)

In less than 5 minutes, I saw 3 penises, 2 naked men in bed, and a dude in a "cock protector helmet" (his words, not mine )

No, I didn't spend my Friday night hanging with Superhead.

Welcome, my friends, to the world of Chatroulette.

The idea behind Chatroullette is actually kinda cool. You log on and the site matches you with a random videochat partner from anywhere across the globe.

You have the option of enabling your video or remaining faceless (but, really, what's the fun in that?! )

You can also disconnect (dump your partner) by simply clicking "next" and being matched with someone else.

Kinda like speed dating from the comfort of your home.

With people from all over the world.

Make that unscreened crazies from all over the world.

Click here for proof and a good laugh.

During my brief dalliance, I didn't encounter any women or people of color.

(Being a woman of color, I wonder if I should consider that a good thing? lol)

It's Pervertville, yet, strangely addictive. I think I might even make a visit before I turn in for the night. (Hey, don't judge me.)

Have any of you tried it out? Wanna share your experience? Is this something you'd even be remotely interested in? You know what they say..."Don't knock it 'till you try it!"

QUOTE

2010-02-22T13:35:00.000-08:00

Some people drink deeply from the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.

-Grant M. Bright

Confessions of an Only Child

2010-02-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

Just the two of us

My mom had a birthday recently, and it made me realize that she's getting older...it's a bit scary for me.

I'm an only child and sometimes I feel like I'm not accomplishing everything I should be for her. I feel like I'm under pressure, in a way, because I'm the only one.

Like with school. My mom is pursuing her PhD, and here I am without even a bachelor's.

My mom has published a book, owned her own business, bought (and still owns) two houses...

She's very much the go-getter. I, on the other hand, am...well...lazy and unambitious.

By the time she was my age, she'd done so much more than me.

And she had a child.

Happy Fat Tuesday!

2010-02-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

It's Mardi Gras! Lessez les bon temps roulez!

Your 2-yr Old Dances Like a Stripper

2010-02-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

This video disgusts me.

I saw it on an entertainment forum I frequent. Apparently, it's been circulating for some time, but this is the first I've heard of it.

They appear to be at a party. And judging by the bootleg KiKi Shepard at the end, this was some type of dance-off.

[sarcasm]And, lo and behold, they're all children of color.[/sarcasm]

I can't for the life of me figure out why people think this ____ is cute. It really upsets me. I mean, do you see how old these children are? I don't believe any of them are even teenagers, and some of them are only toddlers.

And the sad thing is that I see these types of videos all the time.
Read more>>

Like this one my girlfriend sent me a long time ago of a little girl "dancing" to Beyonce.

Or this one of a boy who couldn't be more than eight simulating oral sex, while someone in the background instructs him to "give her head." "

What bothers me is the "adults" that encourage this garbage and have the nerve to post it online. So you're not only condoning it, but saying it's cute and deserves to be commended.

Our children...especially our little black girls...have the rest of their lives to be objectified, dehumanized and sexualized through music, videos, movies, television. Let's let our kids be kids as long as they can!

Am I just a lame? Overreacting? What are your thoughts on this? Are they just "kids being kids?"

iBOUGHT...

2010-02-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

...a bass guitar.

Don't ask why.

Some of you may remember my first failed attempt at guitar playing (that's mine in the background).

Actually, that video isn't too bad. I'd only been playing a couple of months.

What discouraged me was that I'm really into rock music, and that's what I wanted to play. However, I couldn't play a chord to save my life.

Finger picking...sure. It was easy and felt natural. I rather enjoyed it. But there is no finger picking the guitar in rock music!

That is, of course, unless you play bass.

Mama...Is that you?

2010-02-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

I was fooling around on MyHeritage yesterday, bored out of my mind, and decided to have a little fun.

They have a celebrity collage feature that allows you to see which celebrity you most resemble.

So I put in an old pic of me and guess who popped up with 68%? Cuban salsa singer & legend Celia Cruz.

Well, at least she's a woman of color, right?
Click here to find your celebrity twin.

Saints Win First Super Bowl!

2010-02-08T05:33:00.000-08:00

Congrats to the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV Champions.

Be Grateful

2010-02-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

(jacked from web presence)

There Is Nothing To Fear But...Everything

2010-02-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

My friends and family will tell you I'm a pretty unemotional person. Very nonchalant, almost to the point of being callous and stoic. But there are two things that get a reaction out of me, two fears that I'm afraid I'll never overcome.
Read more>>

1 Death / Old Age
I am afraid of dying. To the point of waking up out of my sleep, hyperventilating and crying. This has been happening since I was a child, perhaps 12 or 13. It seems to be (understandably) getting worse as I age, but, for some reason, particularly in the past month.

What a scary feeling, to be afraid of something that is inevitable. The thought that I cannot prevent it makes me feel weak and useless. I could write an entire post on this. Actually, I think I will.

2 Alzheimer's / Dementia
A by-product of old age, I suppose. Something else to look forward to. Yay.

I have a horrible memory. I write down what I wear every day, because if I wash clothes Tuesday, by Friday I've forgotten what I wore and will repeat Tuesday's outfit.

The idea of one day losing my memories and not being able to care for myself frightens me. Not recognizing a child/relative/friend, losing the cognizance of those that shaped the very essence of who I am, would be just like them dying. Or rather, me dying.

I know worrying is like being in a rocking chair...you're moving, but not getting anywhere. Instead of focusing on the problem, you should look for the solution.

So I turn to you. What are your fears? And how do you deal with them? Or do you face them at all?

Gamma Gamma Chi...Country's First Islamic-Based Sorority

2010-01-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

(Click here for the Gamma Gamma Chi website)

This seems very..."un-muslim" to me. I'm sorry if that is an offensive statement to anyone. Admittedly, I don't have any Muslim friends, and I suppose my view of them has been tainted by the media.

The idea of religion and sororities doesn't mix to me. Sororities make me think of self-glorification and exclusion. I think that goes against the ideals of any religion. It even looks weird to see them throwing up signs.

Secular...that's the word I'm searching for. A sorority seems very "worldly" and contradictory to how I'd imagine a Muslim to be. I suppose that shows bias on my part, as well as my ignorance about sororities and Muslims.

Check out the sorority's CNN profile video and then tell me:

What are your thoughts on this? Any Muslim readers care to respond?

EAR CANDY OF THE DAY

2010-01-25T23:25:00.000-08:00

"My Sharona," The Knack

Hey Shawty, What Yo Name Is?

2010-01-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

Please, stop the madness, fellas.

Yesterday, I took a late-night shopping trip to Broke College Student Central (aka Wal-Mart). I was there, searching for my mom’s overpriced birthday gift in the electronics aisle, when I heard someone come up behind me.

“Psst!”

I know I didn’t just hear what I thought I heard.

“Hey, gull…” (Yes, “gull,” not “girl”)

By this point, I’m slowly starting to inch further down the aisle. I thought I was in the clear until I turned the corner and ran smack dab into him.

With nowhere left to hide, I forced a meager closed-lipped smile and waited to see what he had to say.

“Hey, shawty, what yo name is?”

Really? That’s the best you could come up with? A vision of beauty (um, that would be me) crosses your path and those are the words you hope to stop me with?

Le Sigh.
Read more>>

I told him my name, but that in the Big House they called me “Murder Molly.” He gave me a strange look, muttered something about having to go find his girlfriend, and disappeared.

Was I a bit harsh? I think not.

What woman wants to be approached like that? Furthermore, what grown man approaches a woman like that? First impressions are lasting impressions, fellas. And, if they’re not properly executed ... well, final impressions.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stopped by an attractive guy only to run in the other direction when he opened his mouth.

You may think I’m just picky. Not so.

I’m just hoping for a man who knows “conversate” is not a word, has career plans a little more elaborate than just “gettin’ paid,” and has all of his teeth.

Single ladies want to meet you, fellas. We really do.

We’re tired of pretending we didn’t hear you and passing out bogus phone numbers.

It’s not that we don’t want to be approached. We just want to be approached in a respectable manner.

Some of you reading this may know that I’ve been out of the dating game for a minute. However, I’ve decided to inch my way back into the Land of Love. I’m like Jordan; I took some time off, but now I’m back and ready to handle business.

I refuse to be discouraged by Mr. Wal-Mart or any of the other losers – I mean, fine young gentlemen – that I’ve encountered lately. So, before I resort to wearing my decoy wedding band again, I’d like to offer a few tips for guys. I can’t speak on how to engage a woman, because different things work for different women. I can, however, point out my top three things that seem to universally not work.

1. A simple “Excuse me” will do.

Yes, it’s plain and unadorned, but “Excuse Me” is infinitely better than “Hey,” “Psst” and, God forbid, “Yo.”

2. Please refrain from mentioning my “assets,” gentlemen.

Save the colorful language for later. Yes, I know what my mama gave me, and I’m thankful for it. However, there’s no need to mention that upon our initial meeting. If, like R. Kelly so eloquently put it, you feel the need to put your “BMI all over my ASCAP,” please do us both a favor and save that gem for later.

3. Look, but don’t touch.

I once had a strange guy ask me if he could touch my hair. Um, no, Norman Bates, you may not. And for those of you brave enough to touch/grab/fondle anything without permission, be prepared to lose a hand or two.

There you have it. By no means a comprehensive list, but a good start, nonetheless.

So ladies, what advice can you offer to the single fellas and their approaches?

Happy Birthday, Dr. King

2010-01-18T02:22:00.000-08:00

I'm volunteering at a halfway house for victims of domestic violence through my school's annual MLK Day of Service Program.

I may also go downtown and hear a speaker...not sure yet...have lots of homework to catch up on.

What are you/your family doing for King Day?