BENETTON is Back!

Benetton was the go-to brand for multicultural, political, cutting edge, shocking, and beautiful advertising back in the 1980's and 90's.  They are back, doing what they do best for Spring 2013.  We ride hard for anyone who bigs-up Alek Wek! Hit the flip for some more gorgeous pics.

Throw Back Tuesday!!

Now I'm not advocating smoking but this ad is giving me life right now!!

The Accidental Twist-Out!

So, I like to take my hair out of my protective style on Fridays....let the locks breath for a day before I wash on Saturdays.  This week, I took down my hair, and I think I may have had a half way decent twist-out...  It's been a while since I've had an OK twist-out.  I've had to contend with my mini-chop, and my weakened edges, which have conspired to keep me from twist-out nirvana.

Now, I will say, twisting your hair for twist outs requires more prep - different products, and perhaps a tighter twist to promote definition.  Being that a twist-out was not my intent, I didn't use any stylers (just curl enhancing smoothie and shea butter), and my flat twist were big-ish and not that tight. The result is what you see.  I kind of likey.

 

Have You Ever Heard of MSM?

I hadn't either until quite recently.

After I posted the article about L'Oreal's  new hair growth product, I got to thinking.  I said to myself: 'Self, you know what would be awesome?  Being able to extend the anagen (growth) phase in your hair growth cycle.'  I thought I had come up with the most brilliant idea in the world.  If you can extend the growth phase, you can buck your genes, and have longer hair than you are genetically predestined to.  You follow?

 I decided to Google my brilliant idea, thinking it was somehow original....What I discovered was a supplement called MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), which it alleged to extend the anagen phase of hair growth.  MSM is 'a naturally occurring form of sulfur found in many foods', that is critical in providing the sulfur necessary to produce collagen and keratin - the proteins required for healthy hair growth.

There has been limited research done on the efficacy of the sulfur-based supplement, with  one unpublished study claiming increased hair growth in subjects, and a published study claiming hair growth in rodents.  The majority of the information available is anecdotal....you can check out many stories or less shedding, thicker hair, etc on any natural hair care forum.  Widespread scientific studies have yet to be done.

I have not tried MSM, and I probably won't, as I've been seeing tremendous growth with my current hair regimen, and vitamin/biotin regimen....If it ain't broke....

I'd be interested to know if any of you guys decide to try it.  Sounds interesting!  - YB

Read more about it on WebMD:
and form our friends at LongHairCorner.com

Finally, a proper cure for baldness??

This week L'Oreal has introduced a new salon quality product called Kerastase Defensique, which claims to be able to reverse baldness in men and women.....Sounds good, but it ain't cheap!  A 3 month supply retails for approximately $445 USD.

Scientists have isolated one of the major causes of baldness as oxygen deficiency in the scalp.  Kerastase Defensique contains a molecule that increases oxygen flow to the follicles, thus stimulating growth in existing follicles, and reversing dormancy in dormant follicles.

Does it work?  The research seems to suggest it does. 

A clinical trial of 101 people over a 3 month period yielded on average a 4% increase in hair in the number of hairs each participant grew.  About 1700 hairs. 

Head researcher at L'Oreal Patricia Pineau had this to say:

 ‘We’ve known for 100 years that hair grows and falls out.  We haven’t known what makes hair regenerate until now. It is all about hair stem cell environment. In 2000, we have published the existence of two stem cell reservoirs in the hair and, more recently, we have both identified the optimal environment and designed a molecule able to favour it.'

Very interesting.  It's nice to know that there might actually be a solution to balding/thinning hair.  My edges can use a boost, for real!! - YB
Read more from our friends over at the Daily Mail:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2319137/285-cream-claims-reverse-baldness-

And for my Frenchies, check out the official promo on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Yb6MYEFhwk

Let Me clarify! - Science Friday

 

 

One very important step in an healthy hair regimen is incorporating a clarifying shampoo.  What is a clarifying shampoo, you ask?  And why do you need it in your regimen?

Let me break it down for you one time!  A clarifying shampoo is one that is designed to strip old product off of your hair strands.  During the week, we pile on oils, butters, pomades and gels  to achieve the looks we want.  Eventually these products begin to build up, and block the effectiveness of shampoos, and conditioners, and can also block hair from absorbing the moisture necessary for it  to thrive.  Signs of build up are - limp hair, little to no lather from shampoos, coated hair and scalp feeling, and products generally not doing what they are supposed to do.  Build up can lead to seemingly inexplicable breakage.

I usually clarify my hair every 4th week.  Although any sulfate-free shampoo can be used to clarify the hair, I prefer to use an actual clarifying shampoo.  It is called Alba Botanica Daily Shampoo, and is chock full of all natural ingredients.  It does not leave my hair feeling super-stripped - you know what I'm talking about ladies.....when your hair feels so clean, you can practically hear it squeak. 

You can identify clarifying shampoos by their transparent appearance.  The moisturizers in other shampoos tend to be cloudy, and give the shampoo an opaque appearance.

What clarifying shampoo do you use?? - YB

Leave Blue Ivy Alone!!

Ignorance is alive and well in the TwitterVerse.  I was disgusted to learn about the malicious comments being floated around Twitter about Beyoncé and Jay-Z's beautiful baby girl, Blue Ivy.  There was a lot of slick talk about the baby's hair, and the fact that Bey let it flow in it's natural state.

Comments ranged from mildly offensive to down right ignorant.

Naomi Campbell's Break.

So, this is a little off topic, as I usually blog about natural-haired girls and issues.  I am making an exception for Naomi Campbell - because deep down inside, there is a natural girl desperate to be unleashed!

That being said, I was really disappointed by the news that Naomi split from her foxy Russian boyfriend of 5 years, Vladimir Doronin.

Do you know who V. BOZEMAN is??

V Bozeman is otherworldly.  We have music impersario Cee-Lo Green to thank for this striking singer/songwriter.   I'm not going to say much more.  Check out her 'Black Mama Sh*t':

Finally! Barbie Dolls I can get down with!!

People have been modifying these dolls for a while....I guess I was never up on it because I never had a daughter, until recently.

6 Winnig looks that will fly in Corporate America!

You can't go wrong with this little Pixie cut. TWA's are always a good look!

Does natural hair hurt you in the corporate world?

Raissa B. Nebie - Founder & CEO of Spoondate

This is a question that many naturals in the job market struggle with all the time. Traditionally in the corporate world, natural hairstyles have been frowned upon. Other areas such as retail, and the service industry have been a lot more accepting.

Can you guess the Celeb??

This one kind of stumped me at first.....but you guys are probably a lot smarter than I am!! 

 

Click here to find out!! 



Wash Day!!! (And all the dirty deets!!!!)

Wash day is a vital part of every kinky girl's regimen.

I love wash day!!  I actually look forward to it all week.  There is something very therapeutic about going through the steps, and taking good care of my hair.  I can practically hear it thanking me.

I usually wash my hair once a week.  Every 4th week, I use a clarifying shampoo (to get rid of product build up) and add a deep protein conditioner (to build strength). 

 

The following is a step-by-step outline of how I was my hair weekly.

My Dirty Little Secret - [PICS!!]

I'm coming clean, people! 

My edges are a HOT mess.  I've been prattling on about them for quite some time now, so I wanted to take a few moments to share with you why they are so ratchet, and how I intend to get them back to their proper state!

I had a beautiful baby girl about 15 months ago (in the car I might add, but that's a story for another day!!).  My hair was amazing during the pregnancy, and immediately after.  Thick, full, sheeny, long, and awesome!  Several months after she was born, I began to experience the dreaded post-partum shedding.  My hair didn't fall out in clumps.  The shedding  kind of snuck up on me.  I lost all the hair around my temples, as well as farther beyond my hairline.  I was not happy.

December 2012

Best Detangler Ever!! - [PRODUCT REVIEW]

I am completely, totally, absolutely, utterly OBSESSED with Taliah Waajid's 'The Great Detangler' detangling cream.  Obsessed.  For starters, it smells absolutely divine.  I am pretty particular about product scents, but this one hits all the right notes for me.  I like citrus-y, fruity aromas, and this cream delivers.

Twist-Out FAIL! [VIDEO]

My hair doesn't always do what I want it to do.  It doesn't always act the way I want it to act.  We fight sometimes.  Sometimes we fight a lot (see previous post "Why is my hair so big, and my two strand twists so small??"). But that's just how it goes.

Below is a short (ish) video on how those two strand twists, from the previous posting, looked when it took them down.  I was not really happy with the result.  It just didn't suit me.  I've said it a million times, I like big hair.  I wear big shoes,  and big bags, and big jewelry, and I like my hair to be big too.  It is a nice contrast to my modest frame.  I've seen this style look amazing on some folk.  Just not me.  Click on the vid, and let me know what you think.  - YB

Throwback Thursday! Levi's Edition.

This awesome ad harkens back to a more pure time in our history.  I sometimes wish I was a twenty-something back in the 70's.  Afros, black pride, and killer kicks. #OneCanDream.  -YB

Afro Perms??? [PICS]

I just had to giggle when I caught wind of this.

They have created a chemical process that can change straight hair into kinky afro hair.  Not wavy - not curly.  I'm talking straight up kinky!

Can all kinkies grow long hair?

Many kinkies can indeed grow long hair, but sadly, there are some that cannot. The key to determining potential length of some one's hair, is understanding hair growth cycles.  Every person has a genetically predetermined length to which their hair can grow.  There are 2 factors at play, to make this determination:  Average rate of growth and average length of time it takes the hair to shed.

On average, most people's hair grows between 1/4-1/2 inch a month.  That is 3-6 inches a year. ( I am not sure which end of the spectrum I fall, but I am inclined to believe my hair grows relatively quickly.  I will know for sure when I do my 1 year length check in 2014.)

The growth cycle of hair consists of 3 stages.  The growth phase, the resting phase, and the shedding phase. On average, most people's growth cycle is between 3-6 years, meaning, that is the amount of time it takes from when a new hair emerges, until the time of it's natural shedding.

Now, if you have a person whose hair grows below average at 2 inches a year, and whose hair  growth cycle is 3 years, the longest potential length that individual can achieve genetically, is 6 inches.  Once you take into account breakage or trimming, the length is even shorter.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a person whose hair grows above average at 7 inches a year, and their hair growth cycle is 6 years, the longest potential length that individual can achieve genetically is 42 inches. It will of course be shorter taking into account breakage or trimming.

I think it is difficult to gauge one's exact hair growth cycle, however tracking annual hair growth is a lot easier.  I have never attempted to grow my hair out, so I have no idea if I have potential for long kinks, of if I'm a short hair kink.  Either way, I think my hair is rad and I'm going to continue to werk it!! - YB

Low Manipulation Vs. Protective Styling - What's the big difference?

 

The best way to retain length whilst natural, and especially in the type 4 category, is to protect your hair.  If protection is not your thing, the next best way to retain length is to minimize daily manipulation.  The need for protective styling may not be as critical to other hair types for length retention, as for type 4 gals.  This is simply because our hair is the most fragile of all hair types, and therefore, the most susceptible to breakage.

For clarification, let's define the two practices:

Marley Bun Tutorial! [VIDEO]

This hairstyle is super cute, super stylish, and super easy to do!  It's definitely going to be my go-to for this spring.

What you'll need:
Styling gel
Natural fiber brush
Bobby pins
1 package of Marley Kinky Braid
4 black hair bands
Silk scarf

Why is my hair so big, and my 2 strand twists so small???

This is a question that has plagued me for a long time.  I have big hair.  Although it is very fine, I have a lot of strands, so my hair is super thick.  That is why I can't for the life of me, understand why in the world my two strand twists look so paltry.  I will concede that my postpartum shedding has devastated my edges, so that could explain the temples, but that is not the case around the rest of my head.

If you've seen my hair history video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY5LbeZCljI), you will notice I have a penchant for wearing my hair in bigger styles.  I like chunky twist-outs, and fluffy Afros.  My Marley buns are big.  When I have braids, they are super long.  My Senegalese twists are more dramatic.... When I wear my finger-comber unit, I wear it big.  I don't like to do things half way.  I'm a go-big-or-go-home type of girl.

Maybe someone out there can explain to me what the problem is.  Perhaps I don't have as much hair  as I thought....*sighs*.  Perhaps I need to improve my technique....*sighs again*

In any event, because of this disconnect, you will never catch me wearing my 2 strand twists out of the house.  NEVER.  I don't think the look frames my face nicely, and I don't think it provides enough drama for me.  I wonder if this will change as my hair gets longer.  Thoughts?? - YB

Can you guess the celeb??

This legendary Oscar-nominated actress has starred in over 40 films, and is known the world over for her youthful looks, bangin' bod, and amazing dramatic range.  Can you name this throwback kinky? -YB

 



Biotin - Hair Growth Silver Bullet?

After I lost a grip of hair due to post-partum shedding, I needed to try something to help stimulate hair growth.... particularly around my edges, because that is where the majority of my hair loss occurred.

I had read a lot about biotin on hair care forums/websites, and decided to give the supplement a shot.  Unbeknownst to me, I had already been taking about 1000 micrograms of biotin in my hair, skin and nails daily vitamin.  I upgraded to a 5000mcg dosage of pure biotin from Nature's Bounty (around $11.00 at the drug store for 60 pills), and waited to see what happened.  Now, I can't be 100% sure that what occurred next was due to the biotin, but it is the only thing I was doing differently.

After a several weeks of taking the biotin, I started to notice hundreds of these tiny little hairs around my head.  These hairs all had tapered ends which can mean one of two things - severely damaged or stripped ends, or brand new baby hairs.  Since the hairs were so widely spread out on my head, and not near any areas susceptible to breakage, I had to assume they were baby hairs.  In addition to all the new hairs, my edges have filled in, and are growing rather quickly.  I've had at least 2 inches of new growth around the edges since late January. 

There is a downside....A few years ago, the amount of active hairs on my legs reduced DRAMATICALLY for some unknown reason.  There were fewer hairs growing, and they were thin, and not as robust as in years prior.  I reckon the biotin doesn't discriminate, because they appear to have come back with a vengeance. 

I'm no scientist, but I do know my body.  It appears as if biotin is doing what it is supposed to  do, for me.   Everyone is different, and will react to things differently, so it may or may not work for you.  I will continue to use is on my natural hair mission to achieve strength and length.