Leigh's 2010 Hair in Review

Hi, it's Leigh - the other half of Knapsgirl.com

As the year is coming to an end, I decided to do a collage of my hair styles throughout the past year. I'm not a person that is worried about length AT ALL, I really just love having healthy, wonderful, versatile hair as you can see in the pics.

If you are considering going natural always remember that you will be able to wear your hair is so many styles! It will be so healthy and shiny if you show it love and care.

Enjoy and KEEP UP THOSE STYLES IN 2011 fellow naturals!!!!!! xoxo

Knaps featured on Naturally Curly as Curlpreneurs

Everyone knows I'm one of the hardest working women in the A, but was anyone going to tell me that my fine little company had been featured on NaturallyCurly.com. Apparently we are Etsy Curlpreneurs: Entrepreneurs with a Twist! Knaps is on the second page of the article including a beautiful product shot.

My thanks to Susonnah Gonzalez the author of the article for including us.

Lil Better Butter makes a great braid out.

L's banging braid-out

Our kind friend, L, at Natural Review by L wrote a blog entry called My Best Braid Out Ever! starring Lil Better Butter. She even notes that her camera phone photo does her second day in humidity hair no justice.

Thanks L!

Today's Hair -The CinnaBun

Style: The Cinnabun

Time to Complete: 20 mins

Products Used: water, Taliah Waajid Protective Bodifer Mist

Tools Used: Bobby pins and scarf

Reason for style: Couldn't wash my hair in morning. (too cold) and inspired by Leah and Natalie.

Lessons Learned: Co-workers said it looked like a formal updo.

Feeling frustrated, you're not alone

An adorable spoof of Solange Knowles TONY starring CREAMY (crack).

Monica is a speaker.

I was asked to be a speaker at Fro Fashion Week in Atlanta. As regular readers know I am an advocate of thrifty hair care. I will be staging a "Product Intervention" for product junkies. I won't give away all my tips here but you only NEED about five essential products.

I look forward to seeing you ladies there.

There is a Black Friday Sale on tickets. The 1st 20 people will receive 50% off! After the first 20 tickets are sold registration is 30% off for the remainder of the day! Sale starts 12 midnight to 11:59 on Friday 11/26.

Childrens Hair Care - Part 2

Moms that want this look want this look for their daughters.

I wrote previously about parents poor hair care on their children. I believe this begin with the parent ( especially the mother). If a mother suffers from hair delusion what can she offer her daughter. Hair delusions include but are not limited to the belief that all length is good, any hair that looks good is good regardless of health, straight/loosely curled hair is superior to kinky/tightly curled hair, hair texture can prevent growth and oils moisturize.

The mothers seem oblivious to the fact that the heads of hair they covet are those of celebrities. A celebrity's appearance is part of their job, they have a TEAM devoted just to caring for and styling their hair. I don't expect my hair to look like that of natural celebrities for that reason. I don't have a team of stylist. If you don't have a team why should you look like them, relaxer or not.

I believe these women place this same pressure on their child, expecting them to look like the children on the relaxer boxes. The child doesn't have a team and in most cases not even a well informed parent. They bear your disappointment through demeaning words or caustic chemicals.

If you teach these delusions to your child in addition to the messages she gets from the larger society what will she think? I have seen the results. She is a four-year -old who teases another four-year-old because her shrunken natural hair doesn't show length or swing and flow. She will call her peer "bald-headed" and "ugly". She will ask with all the malice a child can muster, "Who did your hair?". She will learn she is not perfect the way she was born and will want to let her peers know too.

Childrens Hair Care - Part 1

I have been making some very pointed statements in chats recently in regards to childrens hair care. A couple of people misunderstood my stance, I should begin by saying I am a teacher. I have spent years viewing many tiny heads of hair. Teachers like social workers and doctors sometimes see the worst of what society has to offer.

I have seen many happy, healthy heads of hair atop well-adjusted minds. I believe that this is a result of their upbringing, the example set by their mother, the language used in reference to them and their hair.

I have also seen the opposite:

-bald/thinning hair in girls under 5
-weave/braids attached to bald/thinning hair
-hair broken off to TWA length at age 4
-all manner of negative comments made within ear shot of the child (her hair is just so nappy..)
-comparison made to other children hair in front of child ( I wish she had hair like that girls.)
-relaxing hair as soon as possible after scalp trauma ( like rash or skin infection)
-hair pulled with extreme tension
-extreme dryness
-relaxed children insulting natural children
-long hair children insulting short hair children

I know some of this is done in ignorance and some in neglect but it doesn't make me ( or the child) feel any better. So if you catch me on a chat sounding a little preach-y about caring for children's hair please remember I probably saw some ignorant perversion of hair care that week.

Lil Better Butter Product Review

Natural Review by L was kind enough to review our product. She bought it with her own money although I would have happily sent it to her for free. The review is here.

She said a mouthful!!

Are you an original?

Product Review - Mora I Naturals Gardenia Cupuacu Body Frosting

Gardenia Cupuacu Body Frosting
Price-$10.00 (w/o shipping)
Size- 5.0 ounces
Scent: Floral (Gardenia)


Claims:
This luxurious butter will melt into your hair and skin, leaving it soft and supple.

Review:
This stuff is rich in all the right ways. It is filled with fantastic butters (shea, cupuacu, mango, cocoa and tacuma) and oils ( almond, coconut and olive). I used it immediately after showering all over. I felt like as soft as a newborns all day!

The scent is floral but not strong or too sweet and blends well with the natural smells of the butters without covering them. After a short time, the scent fades to a light and pleasant smell.

I haven't used it on my hair yet but if my skins reaction is any indication. I may use it tonight after my wash. ;)

The product is available at the Mora I Naturals store on etsy, through their FaceBook page, you can also follow their blog here.

Can't find a man who likes natural hair....

If you claim that men are no longer attracted to you since you have gone natural, you may be looking in the wrong places. Try looking over at www.menwholovewomenwithnaturalhair.com. I was surprised to see such a beautifully put together site dedicated to loving natural women created by men.

Ladies, no more excuses, they even built a website.

Pura Body Naturals product testing.

I was invited to test Pura Body Naturals at Juiceez and Etc by Atlanta Naturally Fierce. The creator Santeyonne Powell was as charming and approachable as she was knowledgeable and creative. Her products were inspired by her own sensitive skin issues and natural hair journey. Her products can be used on skin and hair and have oil and butter bases.

I tried the Cupuacu Hair Butter, Murumuru Moisture Milk, Rosewater and Grapeseed Facial Moisturizer and two unnamed products: Hair Butter #2 and Hair Lotion #1. All the products were exceptional. Just applying them left my hands soft and moisturized.

Murumuru Moisture Milk

This milk made from the exotic murmuru butter softens hair instantly.

Hair Milk #2

Softened hair like the MMM but had a more moisturizing effect.

Cupuacu Hair Butter

Softened and moisturized in a heartier way as opposed to the lighter milks. I was inspired to twist my hair on the spot after applying the hair milk and butter.

Hair Butter #2

Smelled deliciously nutty and had a truly buttery texture. I loved it and asked to take home the sample. It softened moisturized and gave the hair a beautiful shine.

The event was excellent and I felt honored to have been invited. Santyonne plans a sale in November. She also makes mineral make-up.

Pura Body Naturals have a blog and FaceBook page.

Today's Hair-Mini Twist-Out

Please excuse my allergy eyes.

Style: Mini Twist twist-out

Time to Complete: 25 mins to untwist and style

Products Used: water, Taliah Waajid Protective Bodifer Mist and Taliah Waajid African Healing Oyl

Tools Used: Boar bristle brush, barrette and hair accessory

Reason for style: Gotta make those twist last by rocking a twist out.

Lessons Learned: My new co-workers like my hair.

Sesame Street is on board!!

Where was this proud little girl when we were growing up? She's around now for our daughters and that's what's important.


A natural hair Muppet!! I love it!!

Hello Kitty Blond Afro T-shirt - (yeah!!)

I love when Hello Kitty flex's her au' natural curly hair. Here she is again with a new t-shirt where she is showing her Bomb Blond Afro. I love her and I will love her forever.

JapanLA is one of my favorite sites. Check them out - they seems to always have all the newest Hello Kitty gear. That's the same site where I got my other Hello Kitty Afro shirt.

I will be purchasing mine ASAP!

Monica -Motown Girl feature flasback

I was featured on MotownGirl's site in 2008.

Tell me if I've changed.

Sale @ Sage Naturalceuticals

In Store Promo: Now through Oct 2, Buy 1 Get 1 FREE. Buy any 8oz/16oz Afro Veda Hair Butter and Get 1 Afro Veda Hair Butter FREE (equal or lesser value).

Choose from shea amla, curl define, cocolatte moisture mask, totally twisted, or hemp seed butter. While supplies last.

World's Next Top Natural Hair Model

Taliah Waajid Products are looking for the World's Next Top Natural Hair Model to grace the cover of the 2011 World Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Show souvenir book cover, website and all show promotional advertisements. It could be you! The winner will receive cash, a trophy, a trip for two to the Bahamas, Taliah Waajid Products, a professional photo shoot, publicity and the possibility of being the spokesperson for Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products for a year!

Contest entry form

Model Release form

Hair in your drain?

Natural Review by L just wrote a review of the Turbo Snake. She bought one because her hair was clogging her drain. I commented that I use a drain cover, so I thought I'd share.

I have a plastic drain cover like the one below:

I purchased it at Wal-Mart for less than $8.00.

I googled drain covers and got these below:

The idea being that the best way to stop a clog is to prevent it.

No matter how ugly you think a drain cover is, this:

is far more ugly.

And the winner is....

Leslie will receive the Rings in Natural Set from Tomoka's Twists.
You will be contacted directly by Tomoka's Twists through your e-mail.

Product Review - LUSH Coolaulin Conditioner

LUSH Coolaulin Conditioner

Price-$8.95
Size- 3.3 ounces
Scent: Henna
(also available in 16.9 and 8.4 ounces)



Claims:
Coolaulin conditioner has a load of coconut milk and fresh coconut flesh to make dry, curly and processed hair soft and shiny. Exotic, Eastern essential oils of vetivert and benzoin gum calm irritated scalps. Hair will be instantly moisturized and be easier to tame.

Review:
I got this product at a product swap. The original owner seemed underwhelmed, so I had low expectations. It was in my shower in a pinch so I decide to try it for a co-wash. I was surprised to find it left my hair soft, squeaky clean but not feeling stripped.

The smell is another story. If you want your product to smell like a dream this isn't for you. The smell of henna has been compared to fresh, strong hay and this stuff smells like henna.

I give it three out of five Knaps because the scent may put some off and the high price tag.

The product is available at The LUSH store or LUSH online.

See Monica on Afroniquely You

Ms. Sasha-Shae of Afroniquely You was kind enough to feature me on her beautiful and informative blog here.

Huetiful Steamer Event

You can pay in advance through PayPal before the event.

Today Hair: How fro can you go?

Monica NEEDS make-up in photos.

Style: Wash-Go with flat twists

Time to Complete: 30 mins

Products Used: Water and Taliah Waajid Protective Bodifer mist (on a recycled puff)

Tools Used: Rattail comb and Denman brush

Reason for style: I was in a hurry. :)

Lessons Learned: No matter how long my hair gets it will shrink enough for a wash-n-go.

Valerie June...a little late

When I blogged about a student being expelled from school for wearing locs I used the photo below:
Many people asked about the photo, it was not a photo of the actual student. I choose it because the woman pictured had beautiful locs. The woman pictured is Valerie June . She is quite beautiful and so is her hair. Here are a few more photos:

She is a musician and can be supported through her site linked above.

Tomoka's Twist Giveaway

Rings in Natural

Our friend at Tomoka's Twists have sponsored a giveaway. She will be giving away Rings in Natural. It is a new item debuting in this giveaway!

Here are the rules:

1) You must follow this blog.
2) You must comment leaving a valid e-mail address.
3) You must comment telling why you like Rings in Natural.
4) If you like Knaps on Facebook you will get an additional entry.

Kinks and Curls - I want this one!!

Visit Tomoka's Twists here to view all new items.
You can also see her items here on Facebook.

The giveaway will end on Friday Sept. 24.

Today Hair: Wrap-A-Locs on loose hair

Style: Puff with Wrap-A-Loc Bangs

Time to Complete: 45 - 1 hour to roll, 2 hours to air dry

Products Used: AvoCoco Cream, Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic

Tools Used: Wrap-A-Loc

Reason for style: I was asked to review the product :)

Lessons Learned:
1) I can roll my hair with the right roller.
2) Wrap-A-Locs work on loose natural hair.
3) I have to create a style worthy of these smooth shiny tight curls.

I give Wrap-A-Locs four of five Knaps. They help the roller impaired create beautiful curls. I wish I had the long ones.

They are available at: www.wrapaloc.com

The full YouTube review is here.

added 9/23:
Essence Magazine September 2010 the Wrap-A-Loc product is featured on page 84 under Hotlanta Hair.

Product Review- Lil Better Butter (CurlyTop Lori)

Thank you, Lori.

Curls & Cocktails (lost blog)

Tress Talk Atl hosted Curls & Cocktails, sponsored by Seraphin Cognac, August 30th at Glambar Salon. The salon was beautiful and the complimentary Perfect Angel martinis were original and light despite the use of cognac. The highlights of the evening were the demonstrations by the ladies of Tress Talk Atl. Each lady took one of the following topics: transitioning, finger-styling and two-strand twists.

Kimberly counsels transitioners with sound advice.

Transitioners listen

The core of the Gorgeous Atlanta Naturals were present:

Mahogany Knots

Perfectly-Pretty Sherita

Lexi with the Curls & Natural Chica

Adrienne of Me,My Hair and The City

not pictured: yours truly, Elaine of Atlanta Natural Hair Care, Elise of Natural Review by L and Cherie Huff of Nappy Rutz.

Guests were given goodie bags containing samples of Mizani's True Textures line, a Seraphin key chain and helpful hair tips from Tress Talk Atl.

My favorite quote of the evening:

Q: What can I use to make my hair curly?

A: Only Jesus can make your hair curly, some products can help the curls you have show.

AMEN!!