I’ve come to realize that due to any number of variable , we may often make choices that reflect a lack of integrity when it comes to doing what’s best for our hair and ourselves. There are times when we know in our hearts that it’s time for a change, an adjustment, or a new look or different way. Instead of facing this internal dialogue, we ignore it, knowing that each day of doing so is robbing us of some fundamental sense of peace.
I recently experienced this phenomenon. For the first time in many years I am wearing my own hair minus Locs or extensions, just my own hair out. It’s definitely a new experience and I am still adjusting to it. One day I decided that wearing my own hair wasn’t giving me that “Wow Factor”. I decided then and there that I had to buy some hair that would give me a bigger more commanding presence. And we all know that true presence comes from within. That aside, I was on a mission to acquire this new hair. I ordered the hair and at first I felt a relief but not longer after that I noticed a sadness and an internal discomfort as I contemplated what I was about to embark on. I was about to have all this hair (and there’s nothing wrong with that) except that I really wasn’t in the mood for extensions and a lot of hair. Still, I was going to go against my gut and get this hair so that I would have what I considered the, “Wow Factor”.
I’m the first to admit that when it comes to hair, as the saying goes, “It’s just hair”. But then sometimes it can be deep. I could feel something was not right. I could not shake the feeling that I was out of integrity with myself and I wondered, “Why do you think that you’re going to be somehow more beautiful or satisfied when you add this hair to your head”? One thought lead to another and before I went to bed that night I had come to peace with what was real for me at this time. I decide that right now, I ‘m just not in a place where I would feel true to myself if I added this hair to my head believing that it somehow would make me feel more beautiful. So in the morning I changed my appointment to receive again the style I have been wearing and I immediately felt a lightness, a sigh of relief. Don’t get me wrong, I still have the hair I ordered in my drawer at work and when the time is right, I will pull it out and use it, but I know in my heart that now is not that time. Right now I’m still rocking my A-Nu “Fro, loving it and feeling true to myself.
Here are some indicators of when we’re out of integrity with our hair-self or ourselves:
We continue to wear a style despite the fact that the style is damaging our hair in some way – thinning the hair line, dry and brittle from over processing with color, pulling the hair out from the roots, Locs too long and heavy
We convince ourselves that this one style is the only one that we look good in
We want a change but fear we won’t be accepted by a loved one, co-workers, relatives or ourselves
We’re simply afraid of change
Your Stylist keeps suggesting something more appropriate and you keep putting it off
We don’t take the time to explore other options
We continue to invest in a style that stresses our budget – there are less expensive options you can discuss with your stylist
This was an enlightening experience for me, one that has given me some insight into what’s in my head about my hair. Tell me, what’s in your head about your hair?
Last June, 2008 was the 30th anniversary of my entry into the then, non-existent Natural Hair Care industry. I decided to document some of the many styles I’ve worn over the years and to pay homage to my favorite Hairstylist in the world.
As a blogger, I was invited to a complimentary screening of Chris Rock’s film, “Good Hair“. I went with much anticipation and an open mind as I really didn’t know what to expect. This particular screening was held in an office building in mid-town Manhattan, a few short blocks from Times Square. The screening room was lovely and held approximately 60 seats.
As the film began I was initially impressed as it opened with a little historical perspective, but that was over in short order, lasting about 30 seconds, so it seemed. As the film proceeded I noticed I began to have a very sinking feeling in my stomach (my barometer) and my heart. It wasn’t too far into the film that I began to realized that I was actually feeling very sad as I sat through this film. Don’t get me wrong, Chris Rock is a comedian and so the laughs were there and I can’t say I didn’t laugh at all. But too many of the laughs were at the expense of dignity and pride.
Very much like that laugh seen on Oprah when Chris was there to promote his film yesterday. A photo of Oprah as a very young girl shows up on the screen and clearly Chris was offended by her image as he laughingly said to her, something along the lines of, that picture is from your slave days! And he and couldn’t get off of it, kept on going on about it. Oprah and the audience also laughed through this. I sat there offended and wondering what the hell was so funny??? There was nothing funny about it. Because Oprah had a wide nose and kinky hair she is said to look like a slave? Come on Chris!
But I digress, back to Good Hair. This film has many disturbing moments (like the one on Oprah) for me. Most telling was how ridiculous black women were made to look as they seemingly unconsciously go through life with the willingness to sacrifice health, dignity and financial common sense all in the quest to have straight, long hair. This film and the points it made could have been done without the degradation, but that option was not chosen. One has to wonder why not???
To his credit Chris did feature one sister with natural hair in his film, a Khamit Kinks client, Traci Thoms. And one sister which like in our up coming film, has chosen to wear a bald head than to cover over her alopecia.
There was a white guy sitting in front of me laughing his buns off throughout the film. He really got it, knows all black women’s hair secrets now. He was also taking notes through out. So at the end of the film as I was reaching for one of my business cards (I was going to inform him about my upcoming film) I asked him if he was a writer. He said he was and that he wrote for the New York Post. I immediately stopped looking for my card as he gleefully went on to tell me he had an appointment to interview Chris the next day… He asked me what did I think of the film. I told him, “Despite all the excuses, the use of chemicals to straighten our hair is on a unconscious level still an attempt [for many] to aspire to have the same type of hair of the very people who enslaved our ancestors. And this is sad to me”. He said, “Oh, that’s an interesting perspective”! Isn’t it though. Am I taking this way too seriously?
The good thing about Good Hair is the fact that Chris clearly points out how poisonous relaxers are. And on Oprah he made the point of pointing out how using chemical straighteners on children is really not the move. Chris ends his movie by stating that if his daughters make the choice to chemically straighten their hair, his advice would be that it’s more important what’s in their head than what’s on their hair.
Well that take you right back to the point of our up coming film “In Our Heads about Our Hair“. Because yes, it does matter what’s in your head, because ultimately, for too many, what’s in their head is going to reflect in some major way what’s on their head.
On Sunday, September 27th, an extended trailer of our film “In Our Heads about Our Hair” was the closing film for theReel Sister Film Festival. We had a nice turn out and the audience patiently waited through the previous film’s Q&A to finish before our film began.
Our excerpt was a short 22 minutes, but from what I could glean, the audience was captivated throughout. They laughed, they marveled, they applauded during the film and spontaneously responded in the ways we had hoped for at the appropriate moments. Most of the audience sat through our Q & A to get to know more about our film and the process of creating In Our Heads about Our Hair. The entire experience was very rewarding.
Everyone who spoke with us gave us positive feedback with the follow up that they are anxiously anticipating the full-length film.
Needless to say, the director Hemamset Angaza, the other producers, Maitefa Angaza and Paulette Tabb and myself – we all went home on a high! I was buzzed up on joy and satisfaction that our first attempt turned out to be a great success!
We were also warned by veteran film makers not to rush the completion of our film. We were told, “It’s better to get it right and have it the way we really want it, than to rush it”. We all look forward to the day when we can invite everyone to see the completed version. We will keep you abreast. And we’d just like to Thank everyone who came out, for their support. We’d especially like to Thank Carolyn Butts and the Reel Sisters Festival for stepping out on faith and including us in their phenomenal festival.
This weekend is the 12th annual Reel Sisters Film Festival held at LIU’s Kumble Theater. All films are directed, produced or written by women of color. Included in this year’s offering is an excerpt of my up coming documentary entitled,
“In Our Heads about Our Hair“, directed by Hemamset Angaza, co produced by Anu Prestonia, Maitefa Angaza, and Paulette Tabb.
Our film has funny, painful, sand surprising moments and a true diversity of perspectives. It will provide food for thought as the subjects in our film reveal their most intimate thoughts regading how they feel about their hair and how it has impacted their lives. There are also a host of other magnificent film you won’t want to miss.
In Our Heads about Our Hair will screen Sunday, the 27th at 5:50 p.m. This screening is free, so to reserve your seats please call 347-534-3304 or send an email to coordinator@reelsisters.org
This summer I enrolled in a program that required I do a community project. The project could be about anything I wanted, but the requirement was that it involve a minimum of 20 and maximum of 200 volunteers. I decided on a documentary on Black women and how we feel about our hair, about the impact hair has had on our lives. Having never made a film, I enrolled several of my dear friends to assist me. They are: Hemamset Angaza, a recent graduate with a B.A. in film Brooklyn College; Maitefa Angaza, journalist, author and producer, and my sister Paulette J. Tabb, educator and longtime film enthusiast..
I entitled the film, “In Our Heads about Our Hair” and we proceeded to interview a wide range of women of all ages, including elders of our community, young ladies and a few girls. Above is a photo of fashion and cultural icon, elder Fernandun June Terry, one of the beautiful subjects featured in our film. This project proved to be a revelation in many ways! First, I had no idea what a commitment of time, dedication and focus film-making requires. The process has touched both my heart and my last nerve! But I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to initiate a healing dialogue that’s more urgently needed than even I, as a salon owner of many years, had imagined. Our film has funny, painful and surprising moments and a true diversity of perspectives. A work-in-progress excerpt will be screened on September 27th at the Reel Sisters Film Festival. Come out to see it if you can. It will provide food for thought as we await Chris Rock’s film, “Good Hair,” opening in October. Our film screens at the Kumble Theater in the last segment, on Sunday, September 27th at 5:50 p.m.
Earlier this season I decided to wear my own hair and I was loving it. More recently I decided to switch it up a little. A number of years ago I came up with this style and I coined it A-Nu ‘Fro. It was featured in that summer’s Khamit Kinks hair show. It’s a wonderful carefree style that allows you to wear a stylized, naturally textured ‘fro, created using your own hair. I’ve been sporting it for a few weeks and have been pleasantly surprised by the many compliments and also the questions: ’What is that?’ ’How do you do that?’ People should know they’ve gone too far when they ask if I did it myself! Gone are the days when I can hold my arms up that long to do my own hair!
But wearing this style has been a real pleasure. One of the fun parts was seeking out the best Afro pick. You see when I awaken in the morning, my Nu ‘Fro is all mis-shapened from sleeping on it. I simply lift the roots with my Afro pick to even it all out. It takes a cool 30 seconds or so, and then I’m off to my day. Looking for a cool, care-free style? You might consider checking out the A-Nu ‘Fro.
You’d have to admit that in the last 20 years the word “natural” has definitely had it’s share of usage. Everything is deemed natural these days, whether it truly is or not. In other words, it’s been used and abused, stretched to the limit of it’s original meaning. When I began in this business over thirty years ago, natural was mainly being used to describe vegetarian food. Since that time it has also been used to sell everything from “soup to nuts” and some really questionable things in-between.
When it comes to natural hair, there seems to be a debate brewing. There are some who believe that natural hair means you don’t chemically treat your hair. While others confer that it also means that you can wear your hair in any style extensions, weaves, and even straightened with heat via flat-irons or hot comb just as long as it hasn’t been chemically altered. Some times this includes a person whose own hair you’ve never see because it’s always covered in extensions or a weave. And of course natural hair also includes Locs of all shapes sizes and variations.
The young new jacks on the block are taking it a step further and their perspective is natural hair means only your own hair, which does not include the use of extensions, the cover up of a weave or the altered state of a having it straightened by heat or whatever. It strictly means only your own hair in its natural state.
It seems that there are dozens of websites popping up that speak directly to this message. A few of my favorites are The Coil Review, Natural Hair Care Guild and Going Natural . As Mireille Liong of Going Natural stated, those with this perspective can some times be like “natural hair Nazis”. Their belief is that if it’s anything other than your own hair then it’s really not natural. But you know, though I get their point, I still feel to each her own. We’re all evolving at different rates and why should we judge? That’s not to say that I’m not going to continue to encourage sisters to consider the alternative to chemicals. I will continue to do that, because I believe in promoting health and the non-chemical choice is just the healthier choice.
I have noticed recently though, that a number of clients at Khamit Kinks, are being influenced by other clients who are having styles without the use of extensions. One client whose worn her hair in long single braid extensions for years, just the other day was so impressed by an elder who had a wet two strand twist that she made the decision to try it out.
This client sat in the salon for hours having her single braid extensions removed. She was able to witness client after client, come and go while she sat there not having a style done, but spent hours just having her extensions removed. That was probably enough to inspire her to try something a less complicated. She returned the next day and true to her word was styled up in a wet set Two Strand that looked gorgeous on her! She’s still getting used to it, but I applaud her for trying something different, for having the courage to step out on faith, to come to terms with accepting the beauty of her own “natural” hair.
But my humble opinion is do what I do, I try it all, well with the exception of straightening. I recently removed my Tom Boy braids and am just sporting a ‘fro and the response has been so positive, I’m definitely encouraged to keep it going for now. What’s your opinion regarding natural hair? Does it include the use of extensions or straightening with heat? Tell us how you feel.
Khamit Kinks participated in a Hair Show at the 38th annual International Arts Festival on July 5th. The theme of the show was “In the Spirit of Barack Obama “CHANGE” Legacies and Visions of Natural Hair.
Our fashions were provide by Brenda Bronson Bey of Tribal Truths boutique, make up by Lesma Watkins, and Photos by Keston Duke. Check out our VIDEO MONTAGE from that glorious day.
The trend towards natural hair began originally in the ‘60s with the advent of the Afro and then died down, only to return in earnest during the late ‘70s, around the time that I entered the budding natural hair-care industry. Many of us were captivated and loving our natural selves! As in the ‘60s, the decision made by Black women to wear their hair natural did not happen in a vacuum. This choice to go “counter-culture,” unsupported by mainstream media, is a bold and brave one that speaks to a change in consciousness.
What I’ve observed, not only in myself, but also in countless clients and others, is that “going natural” can include, changing one’s diet to a more wholesome eating experience. It can include being drawn to seeking out a spiritual path, including meditation, prayer, yoga and self-reflection and exploration.
When your consciousness opens, your awareness changes and expands. You begin to notice realities you may have taken for granted, or of which you were unaware. Something as simple as the effects of littering, for example, will appear on your radar, maybe for the first time. You’ll take better notice of your surroundings, your interactions with others, your own mind-chatter… the list of things that will become more present to you is endless.
It’s been long said and documented that we are a microcosm of the Universe; it’s easy to see (if we’re looking) how that occurs in our consciousness, is reflected in our world. Making the move to natural hair effortlessly lends itself to the blossoming of the Green Movement. When you respect yourself and seek your authenticity, you’ll look for it in both your immediate world and in the world at large. You’ll recognize that everything you do has an effect not only on you, but also on the planet. This includes what you think about your hair and what you do with it. After you stop putting chemicals in your hair and doing unnatural things with it, you may not want to continue to eat unnatural foods.
There is a bubbling up from deep inside that can no longer bury the truth ― our hair is beautiful, just the way God made it. It doesn’t have to be altered for its beauty to come forth. The same is true for the home that God provided. If we disrespect the planet, we disrespect ourselves and we’ll suffer the consequences, whether or not we are aware of the action or reaction.
Therefore natural hair and the green movement go hand-in-hand. Wearing your hair natural means you are not contributing to the rinsing of harsh chemicals into our water supply. It means that you are in a place of love, acceptance, appreciation, and honor for your hair, your body, your mind and the planet. We all have heard the old adage: “What goes around comes around.” If we continue to disrespect ourselves and the planet, only fear and sadness will result.
As soon as we decide to love and respect the planet and ourselves we can look forward to more love, peace, and glory, including the crowning kind. Going natural? I highly recommend it!
This article was commissioned for Our Time Press newspaper and appeared in the June 11th 2009 edition.
This is a presentation of the Natural Bride with hair by Khamit Kinks, headpieces by Sherri Hobson of Beauloni Style, bridal gowns by Cassandra Broomfield, and photos by Mireille Liong of Going-Natural.com and make up by Shenelle Mays. Hair executed by Awa Thiam and Fatoumata Mbaw. It’s been some time since the dynamic trio of Khamit Kinks, Beauloni Style and Cassandra Bromfield collaborated for a bridal shoot, but it was well worth the wait. We believe that a Natural Bride is a beautiful bride. We know for certain that a bride doesn’t have to straighten her hair to be just as stunning as any other bride. Instead, she can express her true self and incorporate key elements from her own culture for her special day.
Lagina is wearing a silk Charmeuse bias cut, cowl neck gown with an asymmetrical waist that is beaded with tiny beads and shells for the sensuous bride. The very patient and accommodating Lagina sat for many hours for this soft styled, single braids. This style is created with small single braids using textured human hair. A bride couldn’t help but feel stunning in a rich style such as this one. Lagina’s hair is accented with a Sterling silver tiara with blush variety of freshwater pearls with matching earrings.
Lurie is wearing a Chantilly lace top in light pink color. Vintage pearls in varying sizes are beaded around the neckline. This is a knee length 1/2 circle skirt in silk satin for the sweet but sassy bride. Lurie has enough hair for three people. But for this wedding day look we decide to reign in her bigger than life size ‘fro and gave her a Micro Flat Twist, styled into a classic wedding bun for that sweet and demur look. Lurie hair is adorned with willow draped Preciosa tear drop Swarovski crystals set on a comb. With crystal and fresh water pearl earrings
Kemi – is wearing a China Silk Patchwork tie dyed skirt with doily lace jacket. This is a look for the daring bride. Kemi has awesome flare, so we decided to compliment her personality with the Cherokee Up-Sweep Cornrows, for that not so shy bride who prefers a dramatic look. Whoever said that cornrows aren’t sophisticated, elegant, and fabulous, obviously hasn’t seen a bride styled by Khamit Kinks. Kemi’s hair accents are bold. She’s wearing a Smoky gold Swarovski crystals headpiece assembled with gold feathery wiring embracing a beige mélange of rooster feathers in an asymmetrical look, with matching earrings.
Nefertite is wearing a Silk Charmeuse Patchwork slip dress with caplet in 4 silk that is dyed with gold beads and feathers for the demur but confident bride. Nefertite was actually given this name at birth and it’s so fitting for such an elegant and genuinely sweet bride. Nefertite is wearing free flowing Senegalese Twist, a style that will have no problem holding up to a Caribbean honeymoon. This style isn’t altered one bit by azure blue, sea waters. A Cowrie Shell Goddess reef, embellished with iridescent crystals, crowns Nefertite’s hair.
So if you’re getting married or if you’re going to be part of a bridal party, consult with us so that we can help you make the perfect decision for that special day. Click her for more images of our brides or watch the montage on YouTube
MELBA TOLLIVER & GUESTS UNTANGLE BLACK HAIRSTORY
‘HEADS UP! A Soulful Celebration of Our HAIRitage’ Will Lift Spirits
April 29, 2009 (BROOKLYN, NEW YORK) — Melba Tolliver, the first Black person to anchor a network TV news show, will take part in a frank discussion and liberating celebration of Black Hair on Wednesday, May 20th at 6 pm at the Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts on the Long Island University campus in downtown Brooklyn. Heads Up! A Soulful Celebration of Our HAIRitage will gather women and men of all ages for an evening of healing, wholeness and appreciation through dialogue, film and performance. Admission is FREE and all hair styles and viewpoints are welcome!
Joining us will be filmmaker Kathe Sandler, author Nana Camille Yarbrough, panelists Farah Jasmine Griffin, asha bandele, Adémola Mandella, Michaela Angela Davis and Mireille Liong-A-Kong, environmentalist Majora Carter, actress Dominique Morisseau, dancer Fatima Friday and percussionist Mten Halsey. Rev. Malika Lee Whitney and actress Phyllis Y. Stickney will host. Khamit Kinksfounder Anu Prestonia conducts an interview and her salon presents a mini bridal hair show.
Ms. Tolliver will read from her upcoming memoir, “Accidental Anchorwoman: Chance, Choice, Change” (See melbatolliver.com). Thirty-eight years ago, while a reporter at WABC-TV, she stopped relaxing her hair. Her new Afro was deemed unsuitable and Ms. Tolliver was told she’d have to straighten it or cover it up while on assignment for the White House wedding of President Nixon’s daughter Tricia. When she failed to comply, she was banned from the news studio set until supportive viewers demanded her reinstatement. Back then, a Black woman was criticized for visiting the White House on her own terms. Today a Black woman lives at the White House!
Heads Up! will salute natural-hair pioneers, accomplished professionals and everyday folk. Attendees are invited to bring along a “Natural Inspiration” friend or colleague and the event’s theme, “Let’s talk, laugh and be fearlessly tender-headed,” will set the tone.
The Kumble Theater is located on Flatbush Avenue between DeKalb and Willoughby. Call the theater at 718-488-1624.To RSVP call Khamit Kinks salon at 718-422-2600, contact info@headsuphairitage.com or visit www.headsuphairitage.com, where you can also reserve your beautiful Heads Up! logo button designed by Sheila Prevost. This event is presented in association with the Kumble Theater and is sponsored by Khamit Kinks salon, Nu Web Order Designs and Hostivity.
Since the beginning of the year I had been rocking the Tom Boy style and loving it. But it was indeed time for it to be done over and my appointment was weeks away. My Manager tried to convince to just deal with it. But I just couldn’t. You see I had a partial weave looping at the top of my head to keep the Tom Boy vertical, standing up. And it had begun to feel like a muskrat on my head. In addition to that, because the hair at the nape of my neck is soft, and my new growth had grown out about half an inch, each time I touch my hair, another braid would slide out of my head. That is not how I like to roll, so something had to be done in the meantime. I was really torn because I was really enjoying the Tom Boy. It’s basically care free, with the exception of finger combing and shaping it after waking it the morning. Plus, it really looks like it’s your own hair and I was receiving tons of compliments on it. Who wouldn’t want to keep something like that going?
However, I finally decided I would try the Cherokee cornrow style in the interim. I hadn’t had the Cherokee in about seven years; since before my Sister Locks. And I must admit, I was concerned that perhaps I was past the age for having a style as “revealing” as the Cherokee. But considering the response I’ve received, I guess attitude/perspective is more a factor than age.
The Cherokee does offers a temporary face lift, as most cornrows styles do; and that was right on. In addition to that, it’s more care free than even the Tom Boy. I didn’t have to finger comb it or fluff it into shape; just get up and go. As this style gets older it has grown on me and I was even considering getting the Cherokee a second time, especially when those 90 degree days came around. I mean, we’ve been freezing all spring and then all of a sudden it was just about 90 degrees, three days in a row. I was happy to have the Cherokee on those days. It was light and airy and made my head feel cool.
But alas, my appointment for the Tom Boy is “soon come”, and I’m looking forward to that funky ‘fro style. But just so you know, in a pinch the Cherokee is a great treat and you could get use to it real fast. Thanks Awa, for an awesome style.
In celebration of Mother’s Day and of mothering & nurturing ourselves, Khamit Kinks is hosting a Spa Day on Sunday May 3rd. Many of us wear a number of hats and run ourselves ragged taking care of others. This is an opportunity to treat yourself or that special someone to a Day of Indulgence. They deserve it and so do you. So call us today to book your appointment to be nurtured, pampered, and beautified. Or purchase for them a gift card at KhamitKinks.com. As always, we look forward to serving you.
Love My Skin
Cleanse, steam, exfoliate, extract, mask and protect $90.00 -50 min
Work the Body
Combination of massage techniques to ease stress and muscle tension-$90 -50 min
Brown Sugar Scrub
w/ back massage $65- 50 min
Lemongrass
Ginger Sea Salt Foot Exfoliation w/ reflexology $65.00 -$45 min
Most recently Mireille Liong owner of Going Natural, called the salon and explained that she’s been wearing her own hair without extensions, but she was looking to do something different. She wanted to give herself a break from having to handle her hair on a daily basis; it takes time and energy – the combing, twisting, setting and untwisting day in and day out. And she also wanted to give her hair a rest from daily grooming. Mireille, also mentioned she had an idea about a style, she wanted to just wear large plaits.
Now that’s a term you rarely hear, “plaits”. You hear twists, braids, cornrows, Locs, weaves etc. but when I hear the word plaits, it takes me back to my childhood, to simplicity regarding our hair. But I had the perfect style for her, our classic Khamit Kinks Trini Braids.
Our Trini braids are the modern version of plaits. Trini Braids are modern, because extensions are added, unlike the plaits of our childhood. But it’s also a style that in addition to being youthful, it is also simple yet elegant. This is a style you can definitely dress up or dress down.
What are Trini braids? The Trini style is basically a finely crafted, over-hand, braid that requires great skill and dexterity, to get it right. The Trini braids were a spin off of our Goddess braids. Trini Braids were created by top Stylist Shelly Toppin (from Trinidad) when she worked at Khamit Kinks in the early 90’s. Master Stylist Seshua Mandulo a.k.a. Sesh, did the Trini style created here on Mirielle. Trini braids are a perfect look for spring (summer and fall) liberating and fun. Check out Going Natural to see the before and after of Mireille and then give call us for your Trini braids today.
As many of you know, back in September I cut off my Sister Locks and began a new journey of trying out as many Khamit Kinks styles as I can before I do my Sister Locks all over again. But for now, I can finally wear all the styles I use to oooh and ahhh about as they were being created right before my eyes at Khamit Kinks. After I cut off my Sister Locks, I wore a short hair cut. That lasted only a few weeks before I was ready to move on. I then had to have the famed and now classic, Baby Curl Twist. But because my own hair was so short, the braids quickly started sliding out. The slippage was primarily at the nape of my neck, so I didn’t panic. But after my first shampoo, it was a wrap. In other words, the Baby Curl Twist is best kept in if you have at least three inches of your own hair. A couple of months later (and my hair a few inches longer) I now sport the Tom Boy.
Can I tell you? I absolutely love this style! It’s so carefree and easy. When I get up in the morning, I shape it by finger picking it and off I go. I also love because it’s funky, edgy and so hip. Watch out world!
So what exactly is the Tom Boy. Well actually, it’s single braids created by using the Baby Curl hair (though other hair textures can be used). The Baby Curl is cut with the top a bit longer than the sides and back. And then you just rock it. The interesting part is most people think it’s my own hair. This includes those who are meeting me for the first time even those who know my hair couldn’t have grown that fast. I have to actually pull my hair back and show them that it’s braided. It’s the best! So call us for you Tom Boy today!!! 718.422.2600.
A blogger recently mentioned having Locs for fifteen years and was considering cutting them, to do something else, even if that something else was just to cut them off and start Locking all over again. I applaud and highly recommend this idea. I believe it’s a very brave move.
Over the years I have noticed a change that occurs with Locs that are over 10 years old. This is not the case with every single person, but often “old” Locs begin to have a very dead, flat look. When I say “flat”, I am referring to the energy of the Locs, more so than the shape.
When we first begin locking it becomes clear that it’s a creative process. The hair seems to have an abundance of wiry energy. The process is fun, exciting, and becomes an ever-changing journey (for the first few years). Some times the texture is springy, often times non-conforming with an exuberant type of energy. As time passes, your Locs finally seem to get with the program and settle down, so to speak. Then they finally start getting some length. The next thing you know, you can finally wear your Locs in a ponytail or bun and all kinds of fabulous pin up styles, crimps and you name it.
Fast forward and the next thing you know a decade or more has passed and your locks are no longer lively. They no longer have that buoyant energy they once had. They are just long and heavy with a flat, drab vibe. This is what I am referring to when I say “Dead Locks”. Now this is not the case for everyone, but most “old” Locs begin have that dead look.
I know that it’s very natural to become very attached to your Locs, their length; it becomes for some, their identity. So I’m not suggesting that’s it the right thing to just cut it all off. But you might consider cutting them [considerably shorter]; all the way up to the shoulders, for instance.
This shorter hair is more alive. It’s not as old as the hair that’s grown down to your waist. It still has some life and movement in the molecules. So if you’re one of those whose Locs are ten, twelve, fifteen, twenty years old, and you’re not ready to cut them all off, consider shortening them. Your scalp will thank you and you have more lively energy surrounding your Locs.
Last spring Essence Magazine featured a young sister would took the plunge and cut her Locs into a bob style. This feature resulted in our phones ringing off the hook. And many had the courage to follow in her footsteps. Spring is on the way, it’s time to start considering your “coming out” look. We can help. Fill our our Consultation Questionnaire and let’s go from there.
A few months ago I decided to broach the subject of “Good Hair” here on this blog, as I sincerely believed that that concept was still very much a part of the psyche of African Americans and a measure of how we view and judge ourselves and our beauty. I must admit that initially, I was a bit skeptical about speaking publicly about good hair (it’s a very touchy subject), and sought the advice of friends who encouraged me to go for it.
Most recently there’s been a buzz about an upcoming film produced by comedian Chris Rock entitled “Good Hair”. The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, to rave reviews. I am happy for Chris. But considering Chris grew up in Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn, I find it rather curious that Chris seems surprised about the “good hair” syndrome in our communities??? He states that his daughter came in crying to him one day, wanting to know why she didn’t have “good hair”; and this painful experience lead to the making of this film. Chris may actually be ignorant to the fact since he became rich and famous, like most other African American male celebrities, he probably has never since looked at any woman of color who didn’t have “good hair”. I honestly believe it may be an unconscious behavior, but I don’t think so. You’re rich, you’re famous, it only stands to reason, you should have a woman with “good hair”! I sincerely believe that’s the unfortunate mind-set.
That aside, I am very excited about the prospect of viewing this new film. I believe that it will be educational, insightful, and hopefully many will have the opportunity to reflect on what the ramifications of how the “good hair” syndrome has affected us. I’m hoping that it will lead to the healing of our distorted view of ourselves so that we can fully and finally embrace our natural selves.
Lately I’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of clients who are experiencing the thinning of their hair. Typically this hair thinning occurs in the crown of the head. This hair loss can be caused by any number of reasons- illness, medication, trauma, stress, hormone fluctuations, heredity and the list goes on.
As women approach menopause there are a number of changes that occur and loss of hair can be one of them. Not only does the hair thin out, but the texture can also change. We’ve also had a number of clients who [Thank God] have bounced back from chemotherapy. Initially, the newly growing hair is often times different in texture and color than before their treatments. One of our clients who is a cancer survivor has experienced going bald to having her hair grown in totally white and now it’s a beautiful combination consisting of 40% salt and 60% pepper.
There are a number of ways to address the thinning hair issue. Some women are fine with the thinning in terms of not using anything cover it up. Instead, they opt for Sister Locks and the longer they have the Sister Locks the fuller their hair becomes. This is because with any locking process you don’t have the daily shedding of hair. Instead, the hair coils around it self, making the hair eventually stronger, thicker and longer. Unlike Sister Locks, the weight of regular locs, can exacerbate the issue of thinning hair. Sister Locks seem to be a winning solution for many.
For those who aren’t interested in locking there’s traditional weaving and we also have other weaving solutions such as looping and netting. Looping is another great option whether your hair is thinning or not. Instead of the hair being sewn onto tracks, the hair is looped around a grid of braids on the scalp. It gives a full look that undetectable, generous and glorious. It’s also a way to having hair that stands up like in the case of the look above. Often times with braids the style will stands up in the beginning but then it flops when the new growth comes in. With looping it stay standing, giving that funky, hip look, like the model is wearing in the above photo. Her hair is out on the sides, the back, the hairline and looped in the crown center.
If the hair is really thin and weak another solution is called netting. An actual net is sewn onto the scalp attached by the surrounding hair and the netting is used as tracking. Of course we also can recommend a host of hair and scalp treatment along with daily scalp massage to stimulate circulation and hair growth.
So a few things to consider: If your hair is thinning don’t add anything to your hair that’s going to cause additional stress to the existing hair. Do consider Sister Locks, traditional weaving, looping or netting for full coverage. Last but certainly not least, consider hair and scalp treatments that will invigorate both hair and scalp. And what ever you do, don’t hide under a hat or wig. It’s not necessary when there are so many great options.
I don’t mean to sound mean, but it’s time to address this problem, and there’s really no nice way to put it. Some people have Stinky Hair. And unfortunately, it’s of their own making.
When you have stinky hair, each time you lean it to hug or kiss someone, they get a whiff of this awful scent. It’s a distinctive stench that requires special arrangements (a specific appointment) to address this problem.
The main culprits of stinky hair tend to be those with Locs that don’t have them groomed often enough and those who keep their weaves in for way too long. Despite our advice, these particular clients will not come in any sooner to have their hair done. There are some who will keep their weaves in for up to six months! The toxic fumes drifting off the hair at this stage is staggering.
Once we remove the weave, there’s a pile of dirt in the client’s hair that is so thick, that it looks like mud, caked into their hair. The primary problem is that the client hasn’t booked enough time to deal with this issue, therefore with the time that we have to address the problem, the most we’ve been able to do is mask it.
Each time the hair is left dirty for this length of time, the more difficult it becomes to get this smell out. It’s as though the hair is saturated to the core with this smell. Often times the wearer can’t smell their hair because they’ve become accustomed to it. We strongly recommend that before you have your hair styled again, that you make an appointment to have your hair examined and properly attended to with a treatment that will effectively cleanse and renew your hair. Call us for more details 718.422.2600.
I don’t mean to sound mean, but it’s time to address this problem, and there’s really no nice way to put it. Some people have Stinky Hair. And unfortunately, it’s of their own making.