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Students hair cut in India-different reaction

I recently blogged a video clip regarding a young girl who had a braid cut from her head by her teacher. The teacher claimed to have done it in frustration because the child was playing with her beaded hair. I felt that everyone involved under-reacted. The teacher was not suspended, she was not charged with assault or abuse and I have yet to hear of a law suit. By comparison in India in February this occurred:

Teacher snips off students’ hair

Raktima Bose

KOLKATA: In a bizarre incident, a teacher snipped off the hair of five students in a school in Burdwan district of West Bengal for allegedly not adhering to the institute’s code of conduct related to hairdo.

The teacher, Manisha Ray, cut short the hair of the students for violating the rule of tying two plaits and coming with with a single plait during the morning prayers. As news of the incident spread, irate guardians entered the school premises in protest. They locked the teachers in a room and demanded Ms. Ray’s suspension. The police arrested Ms. Ray following complaints by the guardians of the students whose hair was cut off.

“We have arrested the teacher, based on a complaint. Charges against her will be framed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code,” Burdwan’s Additional Superintendent of Police Utpal Naskar said.

Members of the school’s managing committee later suspended Ms. Ray indefinitely from service.

The Hindu
Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 19, 2009

I wonder if the child in the US got the reaction she did because her hair is seen as less beautiful/valuable? or if it was just because the Indian Teacher "assaulted" more than one student?

Today's Hair

Style: Donught Bun

Approximate time to complete: 15-20 mins

Products Used: Burdock Root Butter Cream, Lil Better Butter, EcoStyler Olive Oil Gel

Tools Used: sock-or-bun dougnut ,brush, ponytail holder

Reason for style: I needed to look kind of conservative for some business.


Lessons Learned: I can look very corporate and be natural.

Teacher Cuts Off Girl's Braid In Front Of Class!!

I can't believe this!!

Being Natural On A Budget

My top five tips for being natural without going broke.

Sincere flattery-or-Great minds think alike

My video created Sept. '08


A recent response created July '09


YouTube viewers loved my original and it never occurred to me to translate it. So please do as many culturally relevant rip-offs as you like just please credit me somewhere.

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Men with Lacefront Wigs - Seriously...

Now this is just taking it TOO far! He says it's the new "metrosexual". I think this is taking it past personal grooming.

Now we have our men who don't want to wear their own hair?? What's next??

Would you date a guy who wore a lacefront??

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Today's Hair

Style: Cornrows into AfroPuff

Approximate time to complete: 45 mins (depends on how fast you braid)

Products Used: Burdock Root Butter Cream, Lil Better Butter, EcoStyler Olive Oil Gel

Tools Used: My fingers, rattail tooth comb, ponytail holder

Reason for style: I've been practicing my braiding!
(I plan to take down the puff and do two strand twist in back.)

Lessons Learned: I can cornrow.

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What does the world think of us?

I was reading another blog and found a short entry stating that women of color in other countries believe that African-American women have naturally straight/wavy hair. T shook my head and thought no one could believe that. I began to read the comments and woman after woman from abroad supported the blog. I was taken aback then thought about what they said. The mainstream images of women of color that are sent to the world from America are of relaxed women with weaves.The commentary expressed their desire as children to have "American" hair. Their mothers told them Americans just had hair like that. One even said all American women of color had a white person somewhere in their family and that accounted for their hair texture. I read Americans had stronger hair so relaxers left it beautiful long and shiny. I was filled with horror! I lament everyday that little black girls have to endure the "white beauty myth" in America. How do you combat it when the images are all black? How does a young girl abroad not feel less when she actually thinks that is their hair?

American Hair ( a lace front wig )

Reasons for Black Women to Wear Natural Hair

Black women typically chemically alter their hair for a myriad of reasons. Some do it for the look, some do it for social reasons, and others do it for professional reasons. Here are the reasons black women should wear their hair in its natural state… Kinky.

10. It grows in that way. If your creator meant for you to have straight hair it would be
straight.

9. You can do fun and versatile things with black hair. Unlike straight hair, black hair (naturally kinky) can stand straight up, can be braided into complex designs, can be temporarily straightened without chemicals, and worn in its natural state again the next day.

8. It is in style. Natural black hair is more and more acceptable every day. It is just another fashion choice; therefore, there is really no reason to go through great pains to change it.

7. Straightening chemicals are dangerous. If not applied correctly, it can cause burns, hair damage, and temporary to permanent hair loss.

6. Hair chemicals are really, dangerous. The food and drug administration says, “Hair relaxers and hair dyes are among its top consumer complaint areas. Complaints range from hair breakage to symptoms warranting an emergency room visit”. Also” In February 1994, FDA and the American Cancer Society released an epidemiologic study involving 573,000 women. Researchers found that women who had never used permanent hair dyes showed decreased risk of all fatal cancers combined and of urinary system cancers.

5. You never know when it might go wrong. Just like food, allergies show up over time, so do hair chemical allergies. What worked fine two years ago, might cause a bald spot in two years.

4. If it went wrong before, it will very likely happen again. If you had a bad reaction to a perm, do not do it again. Nine times out of 10, the chemicals are just as much to blame as the stylist.

3. Pride: Your hair is an identifying symbol of your race. If you are proud of your race, you should also be proud of your hair.

2. The work place cannot discriminate against your hair. There was a time when wearing an Afro, dreadlocks or braids, your job could say you were going against the dress code. This is illegal. Do not tolerate it.

1. Time savings: Over time, you will learn to shower, wash your hair and get dressed just like people with straight hair. It is just a matter of time until you find a natural style that works well for you.

Link to original story - 2006
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/38468/reasons_for_black_women_to_wear_natural.html?cat=69

Shala Monroque - GOTM -whowhatwear.com

I just recently subscribed to the daily newsletter at WhoWhatWear.com and I was pleasantly surprised to see Shala Monroque in my Inbox this morning.

Always happy to see beautiful women with natural hair reflected in the upmost positive light.

Check it out.

White Man using Relaxer - Yes you heard me right

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Must See!! - I have no words...

Dear Lord,
I’m saying this prayer to you today,
Please help me get away.
The parents you gave [me] were rejected by you,
I came out the womb with no clue.
You created me grand,
Tiny and precious and not in command.
These pictures will live in infamy,
A pretty baby made to look ugly.
My mommy and daddy are too stupid to know,
That my hair will eventually grow.
Dear Lord, Please help me leave.
My idiot parents gave me a weave.

Composed by Tracy Mendoza

SMH

Reprinted from: http://sandrarose.com/2009/11/19/who-knew-they-made-lacefronts-wigs-for-babies/

Train your hair or your pet?

I was recently reminded( by a YT video by LexiWithTheCurls) of a unique term/phenomena in the AA hair community: training. I have an associate who wears her hair pressed. She mentioned matter-of-factly that she didn't have to worry much about her thrice weekly workouts because her hair was trained. If you are unaware training is a form of permanent heat damage. People who press or blow their hair out do not mind this. It is a form of physical ( as opposed to chemical) relaxer. There is no problem if you want to wear your hair straight. The problem is when a natural woman goes to a stylist who assumes that anyone with any texture to their hair wants it to be trained.

Beware ladies! Stylist who talk about training your hair will probably give you and extremely hard press/ flat iron that will prevent your hair from reverting. I have had my hair straightened rollerbrush Dominican style. I find this less damaging and have had no problems with heat damage. I'm sure a knowledgeable stylist can do a good job with any method. The problem is most stylist knowledge is limited to how to make and keep hair straight, train it. I train my pets not my hair. How about you?


Russell gets trained not my .

If I had hair like yours...

I'm sure this topics has been discussed ad nauseaum but I had a recent occurrence. I would characterize my co-workers as open-minded. No one has made any comment about my hair other than to compliment it. They are the backhanded variety like: "Oh, you can do that cause you have that good grade of hair." or " That is cute on you but I couldn't do that with this( fill in the blank with negative adjective) mess". I just accept the compliments and move on

This past week someone came to work in a hat, a knit hat, a snug knit hat, a snug knit hat with a pom-pom on top! Needless to say, jokes ensued. She explained she was having a bad hair day. We suggested she just slick it back (as her hair is short). She said, "My hair is thick. I can't just slick it back between perms." We all sort of nodded because you can't tell a woman about her own hair. She then reached out and playfully ran her fingers though my twists and said, " If I had hair like this I could probably slick it back." I found the whole exchange sad. She's at work looking borderline unprofessional because she believes that straight hair is her only alternative. I thought to myself,you do have hair like mine you're hiding it under that goofy hat!

Clear service: "It's the sweet, sweet 'fro of mobile internet speed and coverage"

CLEAR is the brand name for next generation mobile internet products and services offered by Clear Wireless, LLC. They offer wireless internet service over WiMAX in a number of major cities right now.

But anyway, I work in Telecommunications so I keep up to date about a lot of new services and I wanted to sign-up for Clear when it's offered in Detroit. My co-worker picked up a pamphlet he saw while out of town for clear and it has cartoons illustrating its service compared to hair on your head.

I DIED when I read how they illustrate the Clear service: "It's the sweet, sweet 'fro of mobile internet speed and coverage"


LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

Visit Clear.com to learn more

Is this funny?

I found this cartoon and I failed to see the humor. It was among a collection of cartoons about bad hair days. This was the only one featuring a woman of color and the only one comparing human hair to an animal. Am I being sensitive?

Today's Hair

Style: Curly Two Strand Twists

Approximate time to complete: 1-2 hrs (depends on how fast you twist)

Products Used: Burdock Root Butter Cream, water,Honey & Mango Butter Pomade

Tools Used: My fingers, wide tooth comb

Reason for style: Ready for something low maintenance

Lessons Learned: Pomade really adds shine!

Natural Hair Bun/Afro Knaps Product Review rachelodem.net

More praise for Lil Better Butter. =D

SistahChick uses Lil Better Butter

SistahChick give's Knapsgirl.com a shoutout after using Lil' Better Butter @ 2:00.
click the image below to visit her YouTube!



Thanks SistahChick!

Products...sometimes you have to try them again

Thanks DeAnna.

Today's Hair

Style: Afro Puff with side part

Approximate time to complete: 20 mins

Products Used: Lil Better Butter, Burdock Root Butter Cream, EcoStyler Gel, water

Tools Used: My fingers, Rattail comb, hairpins, ponytail holder

Reason for style: I wanted a puff but needed a change.

Lessons Learned: The smallest change makes a difference.

How to use a denman brush for curl definition.

I often make YouTube videos and don't share them here. I'm trying to do better.

Enjoy

Coconut Oils

I was recently given an opportunity to use a new brand of coconut oil in the production of Lil Better Butter.( The product pictured above.) This will be the fourth coconut oil I have tried. They all performed well but I thought I would give a rundown for those interested.



#1 LouAna
Pros:
-low cost
-available at grocery stores
-no coconut scent

Cons:
-refined
-no coconut scent

16 ounces for $8.00 ( listed on Amazon.com, I know I paid less @ Wal-Mart)

#2 365 Organic Coconut Oil
Pros:
-available at Whole Foods and health food stores
-minimal coconut scent

14 ounces for $7.00

Cons:
-pricey
-glass jar



#3 Wholesale Coconut Oil from Shea-n-More
Pros:
-cost effective
-plastic container

Cons:
-no frills packaging
-variable quality

16 ounces for $7.50

So far the Tropical Traditions oil compares most closely to the 365 oil.It costs $19.95 plus shipping for 16 ounces. I do not use coconut oil straight so I will review the TT based on its effect on Lil Better Butter.

Mother Forces Perm on 3yr old daughter

My mouth fell open.
It was so sad when the little girl said she liked the Hanna Montana wig better because people liked her better with it on :(

Come on mothers, it's time to wake up.

4 Things That Keep My Hair on My Head

I agree with most of these basics so I thought I'd share.

Le Coil - Hair Inspiration to the fullest

While perusing one of my favorite message boards BHM, I came across a post about Le Coil.
This site just made me feel EVEN MORE proud of all the sisters rockin' their beautiful coils.

If you ever get down or frustrated about your hair I HIGHLY suggest you check out this page.

WORK IT GIRLS!! Check it out!

Youtube Naturals October 2009 Edition

Watch for your girls! :D

Knaps -Sisters working together!

Our outfits match the blogs color scheme!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

What do black men think of natural hair?

It has been my experience that black men like hair. They like lots of hair. They don't care about the specifics, but real is better because they want to touch it. Charles at Me & Everybody else impressed me with his take on women with natural hair.

I love natural women, especially natural Black women. Their hair, nails, eye lashes – everything about them. And I don’t have anything against a nice relaxer, or a gentle amount of foundation, but there is something powerful and regal about a natural Black woman. Her hair is the clearest example of this.

Women of other ethnicity’s, their hair falls by nature. It drops, and drapes, and hangs loosely. But a Black woman’s hair rises by nature. It blossoms against the current of life. At its best, it swirls and spins like the earth, or the sun – a supernova of sublimity and strength. And like any other heavenly body, a Black woman’s natural hair demands nothing less than orbit: total praise from every physical thing within her influence, all revolving around her omnipotence – instinctively, humbly, and altogether. Whether dynamically drifting, or stationary and rooted, every living thing that finds itself before a Black woman’s natural hair is designed to stare and wonder.

Too bad Charles is engaged. ;)

Hello Kitty Rocks the 'Fro again

How cute is this tank? On sale for $9.99 @ Wetseal.com.

I have been madly in love with Hello Kitty for years and wanted to share this great deal with fellow HK & Natural Hair lovers alike. I just picked one up!

And no, this is not the only Hello Kitty w/afro paraphernalia. If you scoot on over to www.tarinatarantino.com there are a number of pieces by this designer with her with afro puffs. There used to be a ring, but I don't believe it's for sale anymore.



Enjoy!

My Puff finally went 'poof'!

Many of you may not know the stuggles I've had trying to get a puff after transitioning, but there have been many.

My hair is naturally thin and my curl pattern is not very tight.

The way I finally achieved this look was.... a rollerset! I've been rollersetting every week for the past two months and last week realized toward the end-of-life of the style a puff was born!

Only styling products used: lil better butter and clear eco-styler gel.

I'm so happy!!! :)

The Oprah-Chris Rock post

**DISCLAIMER**
I am not a fan of Oprah Winfrey's show.

I watched the show in its entirety on YouTube. I found it to be a shallow discussion of African-American womens' hair issues but a comprehensive discussion of women hair issues.

I thought that Oprah really glossed over the idea that we should have a choice when it comes to our hair. I thought that would have been the crux of the show.

Chris Rock made an informative and entertaining documentary, once one is informed they can make a choice. I felt the show was (characteristically) watered down and tailored to appeal to the masses.

I look forward to seeing the documentary Good Hair. :)

Lil Better Butter now in stores! (Okay, store.)

Those of you in metro Atlanta can now get Lil Better Butter at So Very English! Boutique:

So Very English! Boutique

3743 Main Street

College Park, GA, 30337

678-949-6054

Follow So Very English! Boutique on FaceBook.

More praise for Lil Better Butter!

So I moisturized my scalp and hair with the Better Butter and later went on a date.  Tell me why dude would not stop talking about how great my hair smelled. Plus he kept playing with my twist and even rubbed his face in my hair. So apparently Better Butter is also an aphrodisiac =)

More from the Atlanta natural hair meet up courtesy of brwnbarbie24

Group photo @ 6:15

ATL Natural Hair Meet Up-courtesy of the sistahchick

Knapgirl.com Wallpaper

It is finally here. Get your Knaps wallpaper. Super cute. Different Styles that represent all the different ladies out there! :)

Widths:
1600

1024

800

To save as your desktop wallpaper, click the size above then right click on the photo and select "Set as desktop background" or "Save as Wallpaper"

The Natural Look

Courtsey Kawaii Not (love this site!)

3 years old and relaxed

The school year began and I was excited and happy to see my new students arrived all natural. Each little girl appeared more beautiful than the next with plaits and cornrows beautifully beaded to coordinate with their school uniforms. As afropuffs and laughter filled the room, I saw her 3 years old and relaxed. Little mama had her hair pulled tight and teased into faux afro puffs! Why did you relax it to pull it into puffs? I question the parents obsession with length. The manufacturers of relaxer do not even recommend its use on children under the age of five.

SoftSheen.Carson recommends a child be at least five years of age before applying a relaxer. Try using Beautiful Beginnings No MistakeTM No-Lye Children's Relaxer System for kids.

They even caution against pulling hair too tight.

Shampoo and condition hair weekly or bi-weekly and keep hair soft with moisturizers. Avoid pulling hair too tight when styling (i.e. braids, rubber bands, etc.) Beautiful Beginnings and Baby Love hair care products are formulated especially for kids. Try Beautiful Beginnings Conditioning Shampoo Plus Detangler, Oil Moisturizer Plus Detangler, Leave-In Conditioner Plus Detangler, Scalp Conditioner & Hairdress, and Kid's Cholesterol Gentle Conditioning Treatment.

My only solace is that she is alone. The entire rest of the class is chemical free and beautifully braided weekly. :)

Today's Hair - Flat Twists and Two Strand Twists

Style: Flat Twists and Two Strand Twists

Approximate time to complete: 40 mins

Products Used: Lil Better Butter, Burdock Root Butter Cream, EcoStyler Gel, water

Tools Used: My fingers, Rattail comb

Reason for style: It is tried,true, long lasting and low maintenance

Lessons Learned: Take the photos while the twist are fresh, not two day later.

I've been blogged...

I was browsing my Google Reader when I saw an entry on Bantu Knots. I followed the link and saw a picture of me. The author used a photo I posted on Nappturality as an example of a Bantu Knot-Out! Please check it out.

Todays Hair-Low puff with accessory

Style:Low Afro Puff with Flower

Approximate time to complete: 20 mins

Products Used: EcoStyler Olive Oil Gel, water

Tools Used: My fingers, Boar Bristle brush, Denman brush

Reason for style: I wanted to try my new gel.

Lessons Learned: I love the EcoStyler gel.