I am the owner and founder of the natural hair care salon, Khamit Kinks. As such I have an interest in hair of course, but my main interest in the overall well being of women. I find it inspiring to communicate with women about their total selves. I have a keen interest in self help and exploration. I like to encourage women to take care of themselves so that they can give their best to those who depend on them and give something good and edifying to themselves.
I have studied Chinese Medicine and I am a certified Hatha Yoga instructor. Therefore, I believe in inner beauty being a essential component to external beauty. I’d like to be an inspiration to women to be themselves to look to their own heritage regarding their aesthetic. Like everyone, I am inspired by beauty and wholeness and I’d like to encourage women to care for themselves, body, mind and soul.
Khamit Kinks, Inc
327 Gold Street
Brooklyn, New York
718.422.2600
Khamit Kinks
facebook
Hi Anu–
I’m not sure if you remember me or not. However, I’m Kim from the website with the Medium Single Braids. I happen to be on the website looking around to see what’s new with the shop. You look great as you always do. I have a question for you?
I now live in Atlanta. I know at one time there was a KhamitKinks here. My question is do you have contact information to for any of the stylist that once worked in the shop here? If so, can you put me in contact with that person or persons. I’m trying to located the where abouts any of the stylist who worked in the shop. Its like pulling teeth here in Atlanta to find someone who can created the unparalled quality of service that is offered by Khamitkinks.
Any information that you can provide will be great. If not then I’m planning to make a road trip to New York within the next few weeks to see the new salon. And get the “Blond Bomb Shell” updated and recreated.
Thanks,
Kim
Hi Kim,
There is a Stylist from Khamit Kinks NY who once worked in the Atlanta salon. Her name is Shelly. She has her own salon named Uzury. The number there is 770-414-4262. Best of luck to you.
Hi Anu-
I just found your website today and I think that what you do is awesome! I would love to go to one of your salons, but I live in Beaumont, TX, and I don’t think natural hair is very popular here. I recently decided to go natural and have been for a few months now, but I’m so frustrated! I do love my hair, but i’ll be honest, I am so used to dealing with straight hair. I have no clue what to do with my hair in its current state. Part is straight and part is curly. I haven’t found a salon that really specializes in natural hair care so I don’t know what to do. Do you have any advice for me?
Yes, I do have some advise for you. Get on the next flight headed to New York. Okay, let’s get back to reality. How close is Beaumont to the big cities in your area like Dallas or Houston? You might have to go that far to find someone who specializes in natural hair. Or you could go to your regular salon and have them give you a rod set or a straw set. Styles like that will give you a textured look but don’t require that you comb and blow dry daily. Check out this website that help those would are transitioning to natural hair Going-Natural. Good Luck and let me know what you decide to do.
Hello, Anu.
I am a Black woman who recently cut my hair down to its natural state due to extreme breakage from growing out my chemical relaxer. I have been wearing my hair in rod sets to “refine” my curls while I try to figure out the best way to grow it out. I have two questions for you:
1. During the grow-out phase, I want to add length–2 to 3 inches all over my head but maintain an afro-curly texture similar to my own. What extension/styling options do you recommend?
2. I have an allergy-related scalp condition (being treated) and have found that no matter whether I go to an upscale or basic salon, a disproportionate amount of time and attention is paid to the styling as opposed to scalp and hair maintenance. Because my long-term goal is to wear my own hair in its healthy and natural state without extensions or chemicals, I need a regimen that works and one that I can maintain in-between salon visits. What scalp and hair maintenance services does Khamit Kinks offer for someone like me?
Thank you,
GB
Dear GB,
You mentioned you’d like to add 2-3 inches of extensions, but you also mentioned having an allergy related scalp condition. Do you know what the allergies are from? Considering your scalp condition, I wouldn’t recommend an type of extension because it might exasperate your scalp condition. Instead, I would focus on healing my scalp completely before considering adding extensions. In the meantime, you might consider having your hair set, like a rod set, straw set – something that wouldn’t allow you to have easy access to your scalp but wouldn’t require daily grooming.
Hi Anu,
Thank you for your response. My allergic condition has been addressed through medication and diet. However, since you don’t recommend adding extensions, and I have already been wearing my hair in rod sets while I seek other styling options, can you please advise what hair and scalp treatments/services are offered by Khamit Kinks that can help me maintain my hair’s health through the growing out phase?
Thanks,
GB
Hello.
I have had sisterlocks for 21 months. I started out with 1.5 inches of new growth and relaxer on the end. I cut the relaxed ends off withing 6 -7 months. My hair has been growning out uneven . It is growning out in all different lengths. Is this typical. ? Did this have something do with the way the locks were put in, or is as a result of the way the way I cut the relaxed ends off. ?
Good Night Anu,
I’m a prospective customer, my question is : How do you feel about customers that opt to bring thier own products (shampoo,cond) etc ? Is it welcomed or do you prefer them not ? Thank you for your time.
Dear Fallon,
You are welcome to bring your own products to Khamit Kinks. Of course we can not be held responsible for how your products work or don’t work. Also, full disclosure here, it doesn’t change the cost of the service when you provide your own products. We assume if a client wants to bring their own products, they must have a good reason. Otherwise, why would they spend their money, when they could spend ours?
We look forward to serving you.
Hello, I am opening a natural hair care salon. Do you have any suggestions or advice, that I might be able to use?
Dear Evette,
Congratulations on your new endeavor! The answer to your question can be very broad or extremely narrow. Perhaps you’d be interested in a real consultation regarding the matter? In the meantime, what I can say is that opening a natural hair care salon is about a lot more than just hair. Of course you need to have a solid foundation in hair and styling. But just as important, there should be a solid base of the fundamentals of running a business and a keen insight on your vision.
If you are interested in further consultation, please contact me at anu@khamitkinks.com
I love your hair product! I buy your hair and have it shipped to Washington, DC to my own braider. I would like to grow my natural hair. What should I put on my scalp while it is braided? And how often do I need to cut my hair between braid styles?
What kind of treatments, if any, should I use when I take my braids out to wash my hair. (Gypsy Twists)
My routine is every 6-8 weeks I get my hair braided, but my hair is not growing. Please advise.
Dear Ethel,
From what you said, it sounds like you are perming your own hair. If you want to see growth one of the best ways to do so is to stop perming your hair. I would recommend our Medicinal Hair Oil in the meantime to help stimulate hair growth. In between having your hair twisted you can have hot oil treatments or steam treatments or deep conditioning treatments. In terms of how often you should have your hair cut, once a season is great. At the change of winter into spring, spring to summer etc., is a great time for cutting your hair.
Annu,
I was wondering, I see that your salon does loc extensions with synthetic hair. Can a stylist reattach real locs? I cut off my locs a year ago and have been growing myhair out and I’m contemplating re starting my locs. When I read about loc extensions, I thought hey maybe I can reattach my own hair?
Thanks
Karen
Hi Karen,
We don’t offer Loc extensions with synthetic hair. Instead, we use real 100% human hair for our Loc Extensions. You most certainly can re-attach your own Locs.
BTW, I dropped the extra “n” in my name a number of years ago. It’s simply Anu. Thanks.
Dear Anu:
I have been texturizing my hair over ten years. Just recently (almost three months ago) I came to Khamit Kinks to have my hair braided. I came back after six weeks and had it touched up. Although I like it, my heart is set on sister locks. I have an appointment to come back and I was wondering if I should get starter locs or should I twist my own hair first to see how I like it.
Dear Karen,
From what you said about your hair I am assuming that you didn’t cut your hair that’s been texturized? If you have your hair twisted it’s not going to look good if all your hair isn’t natural. The ends will look stringy. The same is true with Twist styles without extensions.
Sister Locks are great, but they are also a big commitment. Are you ready for that right now? Neither Starter Locs or Twists will give you a true measurement of what your Sister Locks would look like. It sounds like you may need to come in for a consultation just to be sure.
Anu,
This is the first Karen:-)
Can you explain the procedure for reattaching my locs?
I live in D.C. so I’ll make a trip to NYC for the appointment. Can I have an consultation via the telephone?
we really appreciate your blog and would like to thanks you for all the news you share with us. It help people improve their hair health. we are based in Paris and like you we have an interest in hair of course, and our main interest in the overall well being of women.
kinkystella
http://www.missnianga.com
Dear KinkyStella,
Thank you for your comments. We are glad to know that the sisters in Paris are holding it down!
my son is interested in getting dreds i have told him he will have to cut it out. i am trying to talk him into locks would they have to be cut out?
I saw the pictures posted March 8, 2008. The last picture with the curly hair is just the kind of hair I want. What is the name of this Hair? How much is it? And Could I receive it by July 15?
Hi Carol,
Please call the salon to discuss a possible appointment. The schedule changes by the hour as appointments are booked, so I can not say whether or not the 15th will still be available. Call us at 718.422.2600. I am not certain which image you are referring to, but we can determine this when we speak.
Hi Anu,
I just found the website for your salon, and i saw and fell in love with The Jill Scott weave style. I was wondering if i could buy the weave, online (I couldn’t find it on your website). I live in Texas, and it is virtually impossible for me to get to your salon in NYC.
Hello there! I want to get the hair “nappy snappy”. What length does it come in? I like the new look on the myspace page however I think my hair may be too long to achieve that look.
The Nappy Snappy is approximately 9 inches long. The look of the style comes from the extension hair. So the shorter your hair is the more the texture of the Nappy Snappy can show.
Hi Anu:
I love the nappy snappy hair. Where can i purchase the hair?
Dear Phenicia,
We stopped carrying the Nappy Snappy hair because of the difficulty of finding it consistently. We were never able to find it wholesale. Your best bet is to go to the beauty supply store and ask for Afro Kinky hair.
Good Luck.
Hi Anu,
I was wondering if there is a way to stop wearing my locs without cutting them. Please advise.
You could have someone comb your Locs out or attempt combing it out yourself. Though, I wouldn’t recommend that. The amount of hair you loose while combing it out, is tremendous and what’s left is not that strong and healthy. The best thing to do is grow your new growth out for as long as you can take it without stressing the hair at your scalp. That way, when you cut off the Locs you’ll have enough new growth to achieve a style without having to wear a short hair cut.
I was wondering if you will ever produce training dvds for braiding, natural hair care and other natural hair styles. You are so great & gifted I would love to learn the art of hair braiding from you. I am not that great at braiding. Actually I am a hair challenged natural.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and I love your website and all of your hair styles.
Hi Anu!
First off I wish I was closer to Khamit Kinks…I am in love with the baby curl twists. I think they are just too cute and would love to get them but I’m in VA so I will probably just order the hair and pray I can find someone here to do the twist. I’m a newbie natural (last relaxer 9/26/08) and I want to transition without cutting it all off; however, it seems that I can get the twist with short hair and use the baby curl hair…how many ounces would you recommend for twists?? Any help/advise you have would be much appreciated. TIA!
Dear Denise,
Unfortunately, we will not be making DVD’s because we haven’t found making DVD’s profitable. However, we do offer one on one seminar classes for licensed cosmetologist.
Dear Marsha,
Your hair can’t be too short because you will lose many of your Baby Curl Twist as I have. Most of the twists that have fallen out of my hair have come from the nape (bottom back) and isn’t noticeable. Also, the Baby Curl Twist should be added to hair that isn’t relaxed at the roots.
Depending on how thick your hair is, we recommend four to five bundles. Quick Tip: The Stylist who puts the Baby Curl Twists in for you, shouldn’t use too much hair or you will run out of hair. Small pieces of extension is all that’s needed because the hair naturally expands.
Greetings Anu, I live in the DC area and I am a frequent visitor to your site. I’ve been in love with the styles and vibe of Khamit Kinks, since a 90’s issue of Essence.
I have worn my hair natural for years. I’m a singer so I like big, funky hair, like the “Jill Scott”. Other than a twist out or my afro, I don’t have much versatility. I’ve considered Sisterlocks, but I’m not really feeling the scalpy look in the early stages. Are there alternatives?
Peace and Blessings
Hi Sydni,
Thank you for your support. I understand liking big hair. In terms of the Sister Locks, the amount of scalp that shows really is reflective of how much hair you have. If you hair is thick it won’t see as much scalp. Although each time you have a touch up the scalp will be more visible than it is after it’s grown out a bit. The other alternative is to have some extensions added to your Sister Locks until they’ve grown out as much as you’d like them. Your hair has to be pretty healthy to support any extensions added onto the Sister Locks. You could even have your Sister Locks braided flat to your scalp and have a weave sewn onto that base. Now that would be a pretty hefty price tag, but that is an option.
BTW, I don’t have thick hair at all and I loved the way my Sister Locks looked when I first got them done. They were short and funky. Because my hair was short, the style kind of stood up and I received compliments everywhere I went with that look. It really depends on the person though. If you’re not feeling it, then it won’t work.
Thanks for your response. Can you recommend any shops in my area for sister locks? I have a better idea, when will you expand and open a salon here in DC? LOL I’ll be first in line.
Peace and Blessings
Hi Sydni,
The best way to find a sister lock technician is to go the the Sister Locks website http://www.sisterlocks.com Or to stop someone that you see in your town whose Sister Locks you really like. Expand to DC, wouldn’t that be nice…
Dear Anu,
I just recently started my locks about a month or so ago. When I go to get them re-twisted some of my locks puff up in the middle or near the bottom of the lock and do not seem to be holding the form of the rest of the lock. I was considering coming into your shop to get them re-twisted and see if it would make a different however I would have to wait 5 1/2 weeks for that to happen. Will waiting so long for a re-twist compromise my baby locks in any way? Thank you for your time.
Also, are there any tips that you can give me for taking care of my baby locks between touch-ups? Thanks a whole bunch
Dear Cora,
The puffing up could be due to the texture of your hair or the way it was twisted. Since you’ve just started it’s not going to hurt for you to wait the five and half weeks until your next session to have this issue addressed. In the meantime, there’s not much you can do in- between except tie your hair down at night. I don’t know if you like that look? Also, make sure you’re moisturizing your scalp with a natural hair oil a couple of times each week. And by all means, come in to see us and have your Locs started the right way.
I want to achieve the freeze braids look what do you recommend. I see that you guys don’t sell the nappy snappy hair.
Dear LaShan,
Many of the different hairs that we’ve used over the years become discontinued. It’s a real drag but since we are not the manufacturers all we can do is look for a similar alternative. In this case you have to find a hair that has the body to stand up and give that look, the look of the Freeze Braids. Or you can come into Khamit Kinks and we can make it happen for you.
Anu,
I would like to have my stylist to achieve the fancy free look for me. However, I live in Alabama. Can you reccomend any brands of hair that are budget friendly but, will give great results for the fancy free style. Any websites that come to mind when purchasing this type of hair? Thanks a million ~ Beverly
Dear Beverly,
The Fancy Free is such a beautiful style and what makes it beautiful is the texture of the hair used. The hair that is used is 100% [real] human hair, not the type that can be found in your local beauty supply store. Therefore, in my professional opinion, there’s no substitute for the hair, this is where the investment is most important in achieving the look. The best way to cut down on the price would then be to see if you have have the single braids put in at a lower price. But that too has to be done right. It’s achieved with very small single braids done in a very uniform and precise way.
The hair that’s used is called the “Curly Sue” and here is the link to the hair page http://www.khamitkinks.com/hair.html
Good Luck!
In Braids and Beauty Summer 08, you featured a braid style that I love to have done to my hair. It’s starts on page 96 and continues at the top of the next page. I have shown this style to several stylists who specialize in natural hair and they are unable to figure out how the style was done. It looks like the hair was partially braided, left loose and may be a hair spray was used to give the hair volume. I have natural hair and was told that I need to cut and perm it for this style to work. Please help
Thank You,
Sherry
Minnesota
Hi Sherry,
Depending on the type of extension hair used, you may not need to cut your hair. Of course it is best if you have at least an inch of new growth. The texture of your new growth will hold onto the extension hair much better than chemically treated hair.
I receive your monthly newsletter and visit the website frequently. I ‘ve been wearing my hair natural for about 5 years now and love it. I live in the Los Angeles area and would like to know where I get my hair done in some of the styles on the website such as the “Tom Boy”. I actually brought some hair from the website but could not find anyone that knows how to use it. Please help!
Asante Sana,
Renee
Hi Renee,
The Tom Boy is just single braids. Any good braider knows how to do single braids, it’s not all that mysterious. I will send you the number of a natural hair stylist in LA who stopped by the salon recently.
Hi Anu! Peace and blessings to you!! It’s been many years since you’ve seen me but I’ve noticed your continued growth & success!! CONGRATS!
Last year, I was “re-introduced” to Zauditu when she was working at the salon on Livingston – downtown Brooklyn. She’s worked on my locs and she also cut my boyfriends locs after 10 years of growing. I’ve been on the road for work and have totally lost touch with her. The cell # I have doesnt work. Would it be possible for you to give her my contact info and ask her to contact me? My cell is 917-541-4641 and my email is miapicha@yahoo.com. I’m on Facebook and Myspace
)
I appreciate your help and hope to one day see you again!!
))
Are you on FaceBook? I’m gonna check
Peace & Love,
nikki j.
Hi Nikki, Thank you for the accolades. I will pass your information on to my niece. She recently had a baby so she isn’t doing hair right now.
Yes, I am on FaceBook, I have a person page and a business page. Also, check out my latest YouTube post Please rate it.
Hi, Anu.
I’m in Detroit and am really, really wanting to know how the Chaka Khan works. I’ve been coveting it for some time. My hair is fairly short, though a little long on top (maybe 4 inches on top and about an inch on the sides), and it’s colored (golden/auburn). Would I need to get back to my natural color or tone down the color I have in order to get this style? Also, does my hair need to be longer? If so, what would you recommend I do between now and when the color is gone and/or the hair is longer? Whew! Sorry for so many questions!
Thanks a bunch for this invaluable resource. Oh, and who would you recommend in Detroit?
Shine,
Crystal
Hi Crystal,
From what you’ve said here, it seems your hair on the sides is a little too short. But if the base is braided with extensions it might work. The hair comes in a number of colors, therefore I don’t think you need to necessarily change the color of your hair. In terms of what to do until your hair grows out, just don’t cut it or perm it. Perhaps you can wear Starter Locs on the sides until that part grows out a bit longer.
Unfortunately, I don’t know of any salons in Detroit. Have you checked the web?
~Anu
Anu,
You are a wonder! Thanks so much. I’ll tend to this head of mine until October, which is when I want to try the style. Hopefully by then the sides will be a bit longer. Or, extensions would be fine, too.
By the way, I found a couple of places in Detroit (oddly, many of them are on the same street on the same block). Happy to be Nappy, Naturally Beautiful, and Textures by Nefertiti. I got something at Happy to be Nappy today to tide me over until next week when I can get my head around a longer-wear style.
Again, thanks! You may be seeing me in October!
I am planning to cut off my locs. Do u know anyone who might be interested in buying.
Dear Sylvia,
We don’t purchase Locs and I don’t personally know anyone who would be interested. Perhaps you should consider posting your Locs on Craig’s List or Ebay.
Good Luck!
Anu,
I love what you are doing with natural hair. I also appreciated your take on Chris Rocks new movie and his appearance on Oprah. He’s a funny guy, but the slave comment was a little much.
Anyway, I would love to come to your salon but live in the Washington DC metro area. Do you know of any salons or individuals in the DC/Northern Virginia/Maryland who do good Sister locks and loc extensions?
Thanks!
Thank you Sarah,
I am not aware of salons or individuals in your area except Cornrows and Company. Though I don’t know if they offer Sister Locks. I recommend you check out the Sister Locks website for Sister Lock techs in your area.
Much to my disappointment I live out of state and I am unable to go to your salon to have my hair done. However, I am going to order the gypsy twist hair from your salon. Are there any special instructions I should inform my stylist regarding the application of the twists? Thank you very much.
Hi Robin,
We are as disappointed as you that you don’t live in the area. You’re not a Stylist so let me just say each hair type requires special skills. Even in our salon not every Stylist can apply every type of hair. And believe it or not it depends or whether they are left handed or right handed. Does your Stylist know how to do Senegalese Tiwist. If so, that is the technique I would recommend.
Hello Anu,
I am currently wearing a weave, in which I have had redone every 2-months since Spring 2009.
I would like to transition into wearing a natural hairstyle, I really love the baby twists! I am in Northern Californnia, do you know any natural hair care stylist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Thank you!
~JP Renfro
Hi Anu – I actually meant the ‘baby curl twist’. Regarding if you know of any natural hairstylist in the San Francisco Bay Area.
~JP Renfro
Hi JP,
My answer is below.
Dear JP,
I don’t know of anyone in Northern California, but there are a number of websites that offer hair salon directories. One site is The Coil Review. Also, Essence Magazine use to offer a directory. They may still do so. I used to hear of a salon out there called “Oh My Nappy Head“. But I don’t know their work. You’d have to check them out and I would recommend doing so in person. Let me know how it goes.
Hi Anu, I have been natural for seven months. What are some braid styles that would look nice and do you know of any good natural salons or braid salons in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Hi Nicole,
In order for me to tell you what braid styles look nice there’s so much I need to know first. There are a number of variables like what how long or short is your hair, what texture is your hair, what are you comfortable with wearing, what styles more appeal to you and the list goes on. Perhaps you fill out one of our consultation forms and from there we can set up an appointment for an over the phone consultation.
I don’t know of any salons in Milwaukee, but you should check out salon directories on line.