Protective Style of the Week: Marley Bun! [PICS]

I decided to deviate from my flat twist go-to 'do, and try something a little different today.  I've seen a couple of girls on the inter-webs do tutorials on up-do's, supplementing their own hair with Marley Braid.  I must say, the results were quite nice indeed...Not perfect, but not bad for a first-timer!

After removing my flat twists, I sprayed my hair down with water, put on a generous amount of Eco-Styler Gel, and brushed upwards, all the way around.  Instead of putting the hair up in 1 pony tail, I made 2 pony tails at the top of my head.  I twisted each pony tail to protect the ends, and tucked them away.

I used 1 package (2 separate bundles) of Marley hair, and 2 black hair bands. 
[Sidebar: I love the kinky Marley!!  It matches 4c texture so well!  I would look real cray with some Indian Remi sitting on top of my kinks!!]

I put 1 band around each bundle.  The took each bundle (one at a time), put the band around my own pony tails, and began to shape and pin.  The result is what you see in the pics.  Please stay tuned for my tutorial on this.  Coming soon!  - YB

Wash 'n Go?

 

Hell no!

It would be really awesome to be able to step in the shower, soak my kinks, throw in a dollop of gel, and head out the door with little springy coils.  But that is not the world I live in.  Wash 'n Gos stopped being an option for me when my baldy grew in longer than 1/2".

Being a 4c, we do have curls, as tiny as they are.  However, since they don't clump together in clusters, the definition is not cohesive an therefore not visible.  Attempting to wash 'n go, would leave my hair in a hot tangled mess fraught with knots and despair.

I have found a product that can actually define my curls and clump them together, giving the desired result and definition so many seek with the wash 'n go.  Literally, one product on this earth.  It is called American Crew Pomade (For men), and it retails from $9.99-$16.99 a jar (and it's tiny).  You can find it at Target, the grocery store, or any drug store across the country.  It is a product designed to style/hold straight textured men's hair, but is an INCREDIBLE moisturizer for me.  Makes my hair so soft and shiny and amazing.   Great for twist/braid outs.  (I will do a Youtube tutorial at some point in the future on how to define 4c curls using the Crew Pomade, because it does take some doing.  You don't just slap it in and get results....Please stay tuned for that. )

 

I personally, am not hung up on having springy curls, and rocking the Wash 'n Go look.  The whole point of Wash 'n Go, is to do precisely that.  Sitting in front of a mirror for 2 hours with a vat of gel, trying to coax out curls sort of defeats the purpose.  I have realized this particular style is not for me.  I am not going to try and force my hair to do something it just can't do.

 

What do you think??

 

 

10 Reasons Why Your Kinky Hair Rocks!!

10.  It's what your mama gave you!  You were born with these kinks....no amount of pulling, prodding, or Eco Styler gel is going to change that.  Love these kinks!  Werk these kinks!
9.   No one can rock an afro better than a kinky girl.  Our hair stands at attention, ready to take on the world.
8.   You've got plenty of it....and even if you don't, it sure looks like you do.
7.   It's so soft (if properly moisturized) & fluffy (even if you don't want it to be!).
6.   It drives the boys bananas....okay, not all the boys, but there is a small group of  dedicated man-fans out there....we know who you are!
5.  It's so pretty!!
4.  It is the most versatile hair on the planet.
3.  It stretches up to 3 times it's shrunken length...who else's hair can do that?
2.  We get the bangin'-est twist outs ever.  Hands down. 
1.  It's a labor of love, and anything worth having is worth fighting for.  -YB

Andre Walker is a natural hair care product hawker now? SMH.

Lo and behold....Oprah's kink-hating hairstylist has decided to make himself a few bucks by jumping on the natural hair care bandwagon....Why all the vitriol, you ask?  Well, let me refresh your memory. Back in 2011, Mr. Walker was quoted as saying (and I swear I'm not making this up):

"I always recommend embracing your natural texture. Kinky hair can have limited styling options; that’s the only hair type that I suggest altering with professional relaxing." 

Okay, kinkies - put down your samurai swords, and nunchucks.  He was dealt with....The backlash was swift and brutal.  So much so, he tried to back-pedal with the following cringe-worthy explanation:

"It is a fact that kinky hair (my Type 4 definition) is extremely fragile and breaks easily. Even when you are very careful, something as simple as combing can break this texture. It is very difficult to achieve a longer length when the hair breaks, even with simple combing. That being said, there is the style option of wearing braids, dreads, or twists, which allows the hair to grow longer because it is combed less often. Another style choice is to simply wear a shorter cut, which is very attractive on some women but just not right for others.

So when I say to embrace your natural texture, but consider relaxing kinky hair, am I contradicting myself? I don’t think so! You see, even relaxed hair can still be worn naturally. If you want a natural look, but find that your kinky hair is difficult to manage, breaks too easily, lacks shine and luster, and limits your preferred styling options, I say feel free to consider a mild chemical relaxer, sometimes called a texturizer, that eases your hair to a more manageable texture and allows you to Make Peace With Your Hair.”

 This new natural hair care line is set to launch in July, boasting sulfate-free shampoo, moisturizing conditioners, "Beautiful Kinks" (gag) styling crèmes, and a host of other products.  Now I suppose he sees an opportunity to make some cash off the girls he trashed.  I won't be spending my dollars on Mr. Walker's line. Will you? -YB

 

 

 

Length Check: April 1st, 2013!! [VIDEO]

It's length check day!  Hooray! I had major issues with knots and split ends recently (see Fairy Knot Slayer part II), so I had to chop, chop, chop! Kinks were flying everywhere!!  That was a couple of months ago. My hair is on the road to recover. Check out my 1st official length check video posted to my youtube channel - 4cKinkyHairRocks.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW51YQ84sys

I would have posted the video directly to this entry, but Youtube is messing with me.  The thumbnail is ATROCIOUS!!!  Cross-eyed, snaggle puss and all that.   #SorryFolks  - YB

The Kinky LifeStyle Files: The Easter Edition [PICS]

Aside from my obsession with kinky hair, I love a good holiday get together. 

My intent was to flat twist my freshly washed hair today......I instead put together an Easter feast for the ages (with help from my good friend).  On the menu, herb roasted lamb, roasted chicken, blue cheese twice baked potatoes, bacon mac 'n cheese, Caesar salad, and garlic bread, to give just a bit of the menu.  We got dressed in our Easter finest, and had us a fancy time! -YB

Yellow Fever Strikes India!

I had to give myself 24 hours before I posted on the explosive controversy surrounding natural hair icon India Arie - YellowFever-Gate.  For starters, I am not going to post the picture here, because you all have seen it, and it is ridiculous.  I will not sully this blog with such ridiculousness.
Secondly, I can't say that I'm mad....just extremely disappointed.  This woman made her millions extolling the virtues of her brown skin, and kinky hair.....and now this.  I guess the cocoa butter she was slathering on was extra strength.  Okay - that was cheap.  I'm sorry....  I really don't believe she would actually bleach her skin.  However, when you have an artist of her stature, every official image released is approved by her.  Period.  Unless she is color blind, there is no way she could have looked at that photo and thought it was anywhere near her real skin tone.  That being said, what in the world could she have been thinking putting that mess out?  This is a direct assault on her own brand, and  a slap in the face to all of her loyal fans.  I mean, who does that?  She released a really limp explanation for the photo, citing 'magnificent' lighting.  Check out HuffPo for her statement.   SMH.  -YB

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/29/india-arie-accused-of-lightening-skin-cocoa-butter-cover_n_2980852.html

Do you know who TEYONAH PARRIS is? [PICS]

She's a cold sister, folks!  If you're not already up on this Southern Belle, she stars as Dawn Chambers on the ubiquitous AMC smash, Mad Men.  Clearly, she's not afraid to embrace  her natural beauty, giving us all types of pomp and circumstance.  We see you Teyonah! - YB

Hats! A Natural Girl's Best Friend! [VIDEO]

I wear hats, headwraps, and scarves all the time.  Head coverings are a wonderful addition to any natural's hair regimen.  Hats protect us from wind, sun, cold, and other elements that conspire to dry out and break our hair.

There are a myriad of options out there for head gear.  I put together a little video to share just a few of my faves.  Enjoy!
 - YB

Wear your Kinks with Pride

I wanted to holler at the gals out there that are thinking about taking the plunge into the natural pool, but are feeling a little apprehensive.....

I have been wearing my hair natural for many years.  MANY years.  I realized from a very young age that I in no way, shape or form reflect the Western standard of beauty.  It is not something I ever strove for.  It was an unattainable goal, and quite frankly for me, an undesirable goal.  I learned to  love accept everything about me....most notably my kinky afro hair.

I have always worn my hair with pride.  It was always something different.  Something marvelous, and something to be envied.  I was raised to buck the system, to a certain degree.  My mother always told me, 'I'm not raising followers.  I'm raising leaders'.  I was raised to do my own thing.  Create my own standard of beauty, and force other to celebrate it.  For me, the nappier the better.  The bigger the 'fro, the better.  I LOVE AFRO TEXTURED HAIR.  There is NOTHING in this world like it. NOTHING.  We are blessed to be so unique in our natural state.

I will never judge someone's decision to perm up or weave their hair (except Rev. Al Sharpton...I love and respect him, but it's time to put down the TCB! ).  It's another facet of our follicular diversity.  But, it kills me to see sistas trying so hard to reach this standard, and killing their crowning glory in the process....Naomi Campbell, anyone?  Or gals wearing these gawd-awful helmet weaves that look like a minute too long in the sun may cause spontaneous combustion. 

It is so liberating just to be natural.  Once you reach a level of acceptance of what God gave you, it is pretty remarkable.  Of course, not for everyone, but I would venture to say, for the vast majority.

At the end of the day, if you're on the fence, just give it a go.  If it's not for you, you can always go back to your creamy-licious ways.

-YB

What's with the Shade, Ms. Wendy??

I do like Wendy Williams.  I don't love her, but I do like her a lot. She makes me laugh.  She's even made me shed a tear or two.   It kind of annoys me that she uses her platform to bash people who have decided to take their hair to a natural place.  Look, there's nothing wrong with wigs, weaves, and perms, if that's your thing.....but I think it is extremely rude, and very irresponsible  to use your bully pulpit to slam people for WEARING THE HAIR THEY WERE BORN WITH!!!  I mean, if you're not into it, don't do it.  But don't shade us with your hater-ade, please.

I can totally understand why Derek J is not down with it.  Perms and weaves are his bread and butter.  The brother's got to eat, so of course he is not going to advocate women taking control of their own hair destiny.  It hurts his bottom line....but Wen-dissima??  No excuses, boo.

You don't have to love us, but please don't hurt us!

-YB

Of Coarse not.

I really, truly, and honestly hate the term coarse.  Mainly because I'm not entirely sure I know what it means.  And I know, nobody else is entirely sure what it means either.  It's just lame!  Does it mean thick?  Individually thick?  Collectively thick?   Does it mean kinky?  Does it mean unmanageable? I have no idea, and neither do you.

Some people would consider my hair coarse...but my hair is fine.  Extremely fine.  But it's also super kinky.  WTF?  We need to stop using the word. I am putting a moratorium on the term. You won't ever find it on this blog. 

CUT TO: ME TOTALLY REFERRING TO SOMEONE'S HAIR AS COARSE.

Please, put me on blast if I ever do.  Real talk.

-YB

This! - Fairy Knot Slayer part II

I had managed to retain a bit of length with my natural 4c kinks....(After almost 2 decades of being natural, I finally figured out that I actually need to take care of my hair to make it grow!)

 

 

 

But that didn't last long.  I had to chop 2-3 inches off in order to get ahead of the fairies.  SMH.

 

 

 



 

 

But don't you cry for me, Argentina.  That mini-chop was like a kick in the pants.  I am more determined than ever to nurture these kink'defied locks, and hit Rapunzel status.  I can do it.  You can do!

- YB

Fairy Knot Slayer!

So, I don't even need to tell you guys about the dreaded single strand knot...aka SSK aka Fairy Knots aka pain in my kinky arse..  They are truly the bane of my existence!  I follow all the rules.  I wash in sections, I detangle regularly, I style my hair protectively, I sleep w/ a satin cap and pillow case for good measure, I keep my hands out of my hair, I moisturize like a champ...  And all for naught!  Those damn fairies keep climbing in my hair, and tying all those pesky knots. 

It is extremely frustrating to do everything right, and still end up cutting my hair off because the knots won't cease and desist.  What can be done?  The sad truth is it's just a consequence of having kinky textured hair.  No matter how hard you try, you will never be totally rid of the SSKs.  However, our friends over at Natural Hair Rules have some tips on SSK reduction.
http://www.naturalhairrules.com/10-tips-for-preventing-one-strand-knots/

It order to reduce the amount of cutting I have to do, I resort to a method commonly known as S&D or search and destroy.  The idea is to go through your hair section by section, and strand by strand, seek out the offending knots, and snip them of.   Yes, it takes for bloody ever, but if you're interested in retaining length, it's the only way to go.

Happy snipping, Kinkies!

-YB

Kinky Queen of the Week - Esther Rolle

Wilona who?  Mizz Rolle, who played matriarch on the ubiquitos, ghetto-fabulous 70's-era prime-time staple 'Good Times', was one of the baddest kinkies in the game.  

 

We would like to take a moment to pour out a little EVOO for the sister who ain’t here.    For those of you young kinkies who may not be aware, the foxiest broad on that show, was not Wilona or that PYT Thelma -  but rather the frequently, and unjustifiably maligned matriarch, Florida Evans AKA Esther Rolle.  Today we celebrate her Kinky crown, chiseled pewter cheekbones, and dazzling gap toothed smile.  She was a BEAUTY. #KinkyIcons #RIP #WeMissYou

-YB

 

To vlog or not to vlog....that is the question!

So, I'm totes a struggle vlogger on youtube!  My handle in 4cKinkyHairRocks.  I have posted 2 videos so far, with very few views.  Well, 16 views on my first vid since yesterday (most of those were me)  and 3 views on my 2nd video....again, mostly me!

I must admit, I am totally disappointed that throngs of kinky haired mavens are not burning up their laptops, and crashing the interwebs in an effort to catch even the most fleeting glimpse of my heartfelt youtube videos on my hair history, and secret protective styling weapon!!  I mean, WTF??  I thought it would take only the 1 video to catapult me to natural hair youtube megastar status.

I will continue to post and watch my own videos religiously....if no one else will!

- YB

We're bringing kinky back!

Well....we're actually not bringing kinky back.  Kinky never went anywhere.  It's been here all along.  I guess we're shining a light on super kinky hair.  We have been trolling the forums, and hair blogs for quite some time now....and there seems to be a recurring theme....4c hair doesn't really exist.  Really??  It's easy for someone who doesn't have 4c hair to claim it doesn't exist.  Trust me - 4c has been growing out of this head for 30+ years, so there is no doubt in my mind of it's imminent existence.

We decided to start this blog to share our trials and tribulations navigating our natural hair journey...truthfully, I'm not a fan of the term journey.  It's a bit too touchy feely for me.  I feel like this is more of a mission.  A mission to grow  4c hair long, and strong.  A mission to spread the message that 4c hair is not a curse, but rather a blessing.  We name this mission 'Opertion Rapunzel'.

Who's with me?

- YB