Monday, 19 September 2011

10 Reasons Why Women Should Wear Their Hair Natural....

This one is for my #teamnatural ladies. Last night, while browsing through cyber space, I stumbled upon an interesting article about black women and their natural hair.  So, I thought I would share it with you all to seek your opinions. It dated back to 2006, I apologize if you've seen it. Still share your input. The article was written by A. Hermitt and was posted on Associated Content.com.

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, and can be braided into complex designs, can be temporarily straighten 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 everyday.  It is just another fashion choice; therefore, there is 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, the FDA and the American Cancer Society released an epidemiology study involving 573,000 women.  Researchers found that women who 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.

Thoughts ??!!??

Sunday, 18 September 2011

Styling With Twist/Flexi Rods.

This is my first official blogging experience. I apologize in advance for any violation of formal or informal blogging norms. I'm unaware of any blogging faux pas however with time, I'm sure I will not only learn them (if there are any) I will also become a full conformist (yea right.)

For my first entry, I will feature a quite, simply tutorial on styling with Flexi Rods. This is because, each time I style my hair using this method, its a sure hit. That usually consist of many glances and compliments. All the products and tools I use are all affordable and easily accessible. I will also feature pictures for your visual  pleasure.

Here are the items you will need:
1) Flexi Rods: you can find them at your local beauty supply store. They are usually less than $4 per pack. And they come 6 rods in a pack; 2 pack are more than enough. They are available in many sizes. The smaller the rods the tigher the curls will come out.  
 2) A setter: mousse acts as a great setter. It will give it a cleaner, firm hold. I purchased this Garnier Fructis Styling mousse because it was on sale (yes, I'm a bargain shopper hehe). I regret this purchase, a complete waste of money. It's too sticky for my liking. It will not be used in this tutorial.
 Water is an alternative setter if you don't want to add any products to your hair or your fresh new weaves. It will still give you a firm lasting hold.
 The Process:
Disclaimer: Flexi Rods works best when used on good quality Human Hair; Indian Remy or any other type of Virgin Hair texture. My model's hair is Indian Remy from Golden Lace Wigs.
Before Pictures.
 
Bring out a section of hair.
 Spray water to the selected section. Don't soak it, just a couple of sprays will do. Then roll the hair onto the flexi rod, make sure to roll outwards (away from your head).
 By the time your finish applying the flexi rods, this is what it should look like.
 Another view.

 The next step it to allow the hair to dry. I usually leave it to air dry over night. You can also blow dry it if time is against you.
Once you unravel the flexi rods, this is what it will look like without any teasing or combing.





This next step is only necessary if you want to achieve a loose, fun curls type of look with lots of volume. Simply comb and tease the curls to your desire look. I wanted to give it lots of volume. Thus, this is my final result.