Look who's on Essence.com!

After the wonderful National Natural Hair Meetup event with Derby City Naturals, I was elated to learn that the event was going to be on Essence.com.

All the ladies looked fabulous and deserved to be seen! Here is the link to the slide show: http://photos.essence.com/galleries/street_style_hair__derby_city_naturals#!1350653

Below is the picture of me. :)

Happy Father's Day

Help a natural in need

2kurly4u

Our reader Harriot writes:

I'm new to the haircare scene.  I've been trying to find how to make 2kurly4u's (YouTube) shampoo and the aloe gro solution. The videos are removed.  Can you help me out?  I hear its good for thinning hair.  Mine is in some serious need.

I'm trying the Jamaican Black Castor oil right now.  It seems a little heavy but I'm continuing with it.  This summer when I'm off work I'll try the baggie method to increase moisturization.  Yes, I sure would like for you to post an inquiry for the 2kurly4u's shampoo and the aloe gro treatment.  I tried emailing her but I didn't get a response.

If anyone has the recipe or can contact 2kurly4u please help Harriot out. :)

All other advice is also eagerly accepted below.

5 things I am not doing to my Lil KnapsGirl...

I've been noticably absent from the blog getting used to being a mother. My daughter is now six months old, she was born with a full head of hair. I take care of her hair but I don't:
-try to type her hair
It's not long enough to really style. The moisturizer I use works so there is no need.

-try to "really" style her hair
If she has on a headband or a barrette she's fine, she's a baby.

-compare her hair to anyone else's
Not even mine, she is an individual and her hair is individual too.

-try to maintain/prolong her baby texture
It is what it is, it will be what it will be.

-get overly excited everytime someone compliments me on the length of her hair
She can pick up on that and I don't want her learning that hair length is important before she can walk, talk, read or count.

Her hair is styled with a spritz made from water, Coils by Nature Shealoe Leave-In Conditioner and coconut oil.

"Crazy, wild and wacky hair"

Lalaloopsy has crazy, wild and wacky hair that you can bend any way you want!

I recently saw a television commercial for a doll with bendable hair. My first thought was, "This will be great for little natural hair girls". I continued watching as her hair was made into tight curls and big waves standing in a halo away from her head. My heart swelled as I imagined my lil knapsgirl playing with one in the future, then I heard the voice-over, "crazy, wild and wacky hair".


"...lots of silly styles."
I'm immediately tired. The constant microaggresions against textured hair even extend to dolls. I shouldn't be surprised our society takes every opportunity to let children of color know they aren't "normal". The message was clear to me people with hair that can stand out from their head, hair that is tightly curled is "crazy, wild and wacky hair".

I just thought their hair was cute and curly.

Thank God It's Natural Product Review

I was sent three sample sized products from the Thank God Its Natural line to review. This product line is from the author of the book Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair by Chris-Tia Donaldson.

Wild Lemongrass Olive oil Soap with Shea butter

If you enjoy the scent of lemongrass (I do) this soap smell heavenly. It is uber moisturizing and makes a luxurious scented lather.The soap is Paraben and Phtlate free, vegan, not tested on animals and comes in Ginger Peach and White Tea and Hibiscus scents

I give this soap 5 of 5 Knaps, without knowledge of pricing.

Organic Shea Butter

This product is exactly what is says shea butter. It has no added scent, so has the characteristic smokey, earthy scent of shea. The butter appears whipped or blended in some way that renders the shea creamy and easily handled.The source of the shea butter is a cooperative helping empower women with competitive wages.

I give it 4 of 5 Knaps because I like my product scented and wtihout knowledge of pricing.

Peppermint Lip Balm with Shea Butter

The peppermint is cooling and refreshing but I found the balm a bit waxy. I had just tested a similar product that comes in a pot and found it much more moisturizing by comparison.

I give it 3 of 5 Knaps, without knowledge of pricing.

They are currently having a sale on the shea butter:

And the Winner Is....

Charnesia wins the Design Essential Naturals Line in an adorable Design Essentials tote bag!

These folks were too close to go without mention.

Those chosen for honorable mention will receive a jar of Lil Better Butter with Tea Tree Oil.

Everyone looked great!