Straight or Natural? My hair, My choice!
It’s been years since I wrote and while I would love to explain and apologise, I can only say Life Happened. That said, on to more glorious things!
Straight Hair (courtesy of treasuredlocs.com)
Natural 4C Hair(courtesy of knowdefinition.com
My natural hair has always been difficult. The wonderful sleek and tidy effect after a perm never lasted for more than fourteen days and thereafter, my problems started. If I got braids too soon after the perm, it would break my hair. If I left my hair out, then I would use too much heat to keep it looking neat; this also caused some sort of breakage. I struggled with this for years and then I decided to keep my hair in it’s natural form.
My first effort at this was in vain and didn’t last for more than six months. Though the breakage reduced considerably, I could not stand the pain which came with having natural hair and styling or braiding it so naturally (like most ladies out there who have no idea on how to take care of our hair type) I went back to perm. Up until last year.
I actually just found myself transitioning from permed to natural hair. This time, I didn’t set a goal or make a firm decision towards natural hair. Infact, I discouraged anyone who expressed desire to undertake this journey. MY own experience at this had been dreadful and I had no desire for a repeat.
In an effort to try to keep my permed hair healthy, I tried a deep conditioning treatment suggested by my friend and personal Hair care provider (E.Ks Hair Bar). She called me with a long list of Do’s and Don’ts and with an overwhelming list of ingredients. I decided to start with what little I had.
The deep conditioning treatment moisturises your hair and replenishes. At the time, I had just four things at my disposal: Honey, castor oil, coconut oil and conditioner.
I mixed all four together and followed the instructions.
- Wash hair. It’s best to use sulfate Free shampoo most of the time. NB: Sulfate is not BAD for the hair. Too much sulfate is. You have to find out when it’s appropriate to use sulfate shampoo on your hair and when it’s not and this would be according to your hair routines.
- Keep hair in a plastic shower cap for 1 to 2 hours.
- Rinse out.
- Let the hair air dry
- Apply leave in conditioner
- Apply a sealant such as shea butter
Natural Honey
Castor oil
Creme of Nature Sulphate free shampoo
Creme of nature conditioning treatment
Cold pressed castor oil
The first time I did this, I honestly felt no difference. But over time, I stopped feeling the pinch of new growth in my hair which usually indicated that I needed a perm. My new growth was soft, had a curl and didn’t hurt at all!! This got me on my transitioning path and thus, began my hair journey and I love it.
I love my new texture, the natural curl and the versatility of my hair. A lot of people don’t get it. They think it is too much work and pain with no gain. Some people even go as far as judging. It’s my hair and it’s my choice and it’s my journey. That said, I still love the idea of straight hair (my weaves would confirm this) and I respect everyone’s hair choice – well most. 🙂
I could go on and on and on but it’s a hair journey and this is a blog. I’ll probably always have much to share and I look forward to sharing it with you.
A Look at her Looks- Beyoncé Knowles
Every Beyoncé Knowles album announces a different look. Starting in her Destiny’s Child days, the star adopts a new do which she absolutely rocks. The Queen B has faced criticism due to some of her more risqué looks but hey, she does deserve some credit for being audacious.
Dangerously In Love
With the release of her Dangerously in love album, Beyoncé made her debut as a solo artist and a fashion foward diva.
The hair rocks. In my opinion, this is one of the best Beyonce looks. The hair colour is just right and the waves are perfect (…or is it the wind effect?)
Album cover.
Beyonce in braids. She rocked this do while working on the first solo album. Hot or not?
2004
B’Day
After the international success of Destiny’s Child last album, Destiny fulfilled, Beyonce worked on and released her second solo album which was released on her birthday in September 2006. The look accompanying this album was different.
Album cover
Bday Album cover
Beyoncé has always been known for her vivid hair colours. Going partially dark with this album, that is dark roots with blonde hightlights on the tips was a never before seen look on Beyonce.
Completely dark hair for Bday album. In the “Get me bodied” video, she has this same hair colour.
beyonce-bday
B’Day
I Am… Sasha Fierce.
Knowles released her third studio album I Am…Sasha Fierce, on November 14, 2008. The album introduced Knowles’ alter ego- Sasha Fierce. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold 482,000 copies in its first week. The look on this album was, of course, fierce.
Beyonce_IAm…
Beyonce in Gold
beyonce_i_am_sasha_fierce_album_promo_photo
beyonce_i_am_sasha_fierce_album_promo_photo
I am
Sasha-fierce-deluxe-edition
Red carpet appearance with Fierce new look
4
Knowles’ fourth studio album 4 was released on June 24, 2011. The album was inspired by several musicians including Fela Kutti, Lauryn Hill, MJ and Stevie Wonder. It is clear with the release of this album that Beyonce has definately gone blonde.
4
4
beyonce-4
4
4
4
Autre Looks
B
Beyoncé -Bazaar shoot
Bey
beyonce-harpers-bazaar-november-2011
She
Impact of Contemporary TV
IMPACT OF CONTEMPORARY TELEVISION
I sometimes wonder about the origin of the word “Television”. I should probably Google it. I do understand the ‘vision’ part of it, as I’m quite sure we all do. Who doesn’t like visuals? I know I do. Television has different meanings to different people. Personally, I find it a source of entertainment which used to be unique – the computer, coupled with internet is replacing television, and has already done so for some. The TV industry is HUGE. It employs millions of people in the world. It is a favourite pastime to some people as well as it is a source of diffusing information. I think that even the internet is yet to beat the TV news as networks like BBC and CNN still retain the attention of their audience from around the world. Lets not even count the thousands of reality shows, soaps, and talk shows which dominate TV today.
ASIDE
Highly rated TV shows include:
1. The Oprah Winfrey Show. Oprah recently taped the last season of her show and says she is moving on to other projects. She does have her own TV network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Her show has been the number one Talk show on TV for 25 years.
Oprah Winfrey: Farewell season
Oprah show
2. The VOICE
The Voice judges(In no particular order) Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.
The VOICE
3. Keeping up with the Kardashian
KUWTK
Kris Kardashian and daughters
4. American Idols
Ryan Seacrest and Idol Judges
Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and the notorious Simon Cowell.
5. Big Brother
I’m not sure exactly why this show was conceived but people do seem to really enjoy watching the housemates. Seems like this show has been around for a while.
Big Brother logo
Big Brother Africa
To top it all, TV IS educative. Aside from the news, a lot can be learnt on TV. TV has an array of educative topics which run from sports, geography, politics, history, public relations and health. It is one of the main tools of globalisation, diffusing different lifestyles and cultures and in so doing, defines (slightly unintentionally) what is acceptable in society and what is rejected. The Television IS a lot of things.
We must admit that TV has a great influence in the world today. It has an impact on the viewers. After playing its initial role of entertaining, informing and educating (and uneducating, in a manner of speaking as the word doesn’t exist), it goes on a secondary and fundamental role: that of defining and shaping our perspective on life. This secondary role encompasses multiple aspects.
– It influences our way of talking. Personally, I pick up more of my vocabulary, slangs and expressions from TV than from books. Who doesn’t? I mean, you all should think about it. I know people with American and British accents who have never actually lived in those places and I strongly doubt that they picked up their accents from language CDs.
– Defines social structures. By social structure I mean rules, norms and activities that define our societies. Social structure is a term used in the social sciences to refer to patterned social arrangements which form the society as a whole, and which determine, to some varying degree, the actions of the individuals socialized into that structure. These rules set standards in society which we ‘have’ to adhere to in order to “fit”. Take a university community for example, particular dressing codes may define who you are, codes not set by the university. Not following these fashion trends could probably mean social Siberia. Not participating in defined social activities could either make a person invisible or stand out- standing out could make one a target for gossip and ‘hating’. TV greatly influences social structures as it illustrates how we should dress, activities we should participate in and what we should reject.
TV is as educative as it is detrimental to certain groups of persons. I have learnt a lot of things while sitting in front of my TV, some of them vital and some of them I can never erase from my memory in as much as I would love to. There Are some things which we cannot un-see.
I don’t have statistics but it’s only logical to assume that Television employs millions of people across the world. I am thinking of journalists, entertainers, camera crew, script writers, actors, actresses, producers and all the other jobs I don’t even know exist.
Information is power, TV is information and power is control. When next u turn on the TV, think about this: How does what I’m watching influence me? Do I choose what defines me or does TV tell me what should define me?
Colour ReVamped- Keyshia Cole.
Songstress Keyshia Cole has always wowed us with her music and her BOLD fashion statements. The Four time Grammy Nominated singer/song writer knows how to rock her looks. I especially like the way she has worn different hair colours at different times. I’m not even going to go into the different hair styles she has done. Her Hair simply rocks.
Album Cover.
Colour Redefined.
I remember when I started listening to Keyshia Cole’s music. I should have cheated is the first of her songs I sang along with. She has this rare voice…Then I looked at her hair and was immediately amazed at the colours. Red, Orange with a touch of blonde…Wow!
K.C with a touch of Blonde
KC in Hot red and a hint of Orange
Keyshia Cole
KC
Album Cover
Braids
…And then she went BLONDE
Photo shoot of Second Album "Just Like You"
Second Album "Just Like You"
Curls
KC
Loving the Tattoo
Chic and Retro
Great Bangs
Blonde&Curls!
Taking BLACK to a whole new Level…
Keyshia Cole
From Music Video "Sent From Heaven"
Keyshia Cole in Short Black hair.
Beatiful cut.
Short Hair style
Album Photos "A Different Me"
Album Photos "A Different Me"
Vanity Fair & Krug Dinner At Chateau Marmont Hosted By Keyshia Cole&Co
KC
Updo Hairstyle.
I see the Diamonds!
Hot Keyshia Cole Looks.
Keyshia Cole performing live with B.O.B in Hot Blonde Bangs
K.C
What’s not to love about Keyshia’s hair colours? Simply Fab
Sharp CUTS: Kelly ROWLAND
Kelendria Trene Rowland (born February 11, 1981), is known as Kelly Rowland. She’s a singer, song writer, actress and model. And Hair trendsetter. The Destiny’s child star has been known for her beautifully styled short hair. From the cut to the color everything is to die for. Kelly Rowland always has on something fresh and stylish. Kelly’s short hair HAS made fashion headlines and magazine covers.
Kelendria Trene Rowland (born February 11, 1981), known as Kelly Rowland is an American singer, song writer, actress, model and entertainer.
Kelly Rowland favored the short cuts since from her Destiny’s child days. At the time, she was one of few celebrities daring enough to do short hair and OWN It!
Kelly Rowland, DC member.
K.R
One look of this picture and I'm reminded of Kelly's collaboration with Nelly. Hit song "Dilemma"
As a Destiny’s child member, Kelly Rowland was singled out not only for her vocals but also for her unique and incredibly beautiful face. She was easily identified as the girl with the sharp cut.
DC
Kelly, Beyonce, Michelle
Kelly (left) rocking short coloured coup.
Kelly eventually moved on from the short hair styles to other trendy do’s. She rocked whatever hairstyle she choose to wear. She’s tried almost everything and pulled it off beautifully. With a face like hers, it’s almost impossible to look wrong.
Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams
DC in studio.
Kelly Rowland Hair Moments.
Kelly Rowland, Rob Ector shoot. 2011
Kelly-Rowland-Love-Potion
Kelly Rowland arrives at the 2010 Glamour Women of The Year Awards on June 8, 2010 in London, England
Kelly at Video Music Awards
January 2011 - Kelly Rowland - MTV Staying Alive Foundation Dinner - Arrivals - The Westbury Hotel - Mayfair, London, UK
January 2011 - Kelly Rowland - MTV Staying Alive Foundation Dinner - Arrivals - The Westbury Hotel - Mayfair, London, UK
KR, Jean Paul Gaultier show
KR
Kelly Rowland in afro do
Nelly and Kelly Rowland during the video shoot of "Gone" on February 23, 2011 in Cancun, Mexico. Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImage.com
Kelly Rowland in bangs.
Kelly in short bangs.
Looking great in full bangs.
Kelly has had a real hair evolution. She looks great and I can’t wait to see what next she’ll be wearing.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion week:RunWay HAIR!
The Mercedez-Benz Fashion shows seemed to be the hype of Fashion week. Showing their new collections at the show were:
ANNA SUI
CAROLINA HERRERA
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
EMERSON
GENERAL IDEA
J.MENDEL
LACOSTE
MADE IN AFRICA, BY ARISE MAGAZINE
MICHAEL KORS
PROJECT RUNWAY
VERA WANG
The runway was, of course, elaborate and specific to each designer. Needless to say a lot of work was put into creating the RunWays. I was awed by some of these spectacular runways…Can’t help but wish i was there!
Runway.
Umbrella Runway
Vera Wang - Runway - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Duckie Brown - Backstage - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
L.A.M.B - Runway - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
L.A.M.B - Runway - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Runway
Badgley Mischka - Runway - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Tess Giberson - Presentation - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
LUBLU Kira Plastinina - Presentation - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Herve Leger By Max Azria - Runway - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Behind the scenes: Runway Hair.
Minaj, backstage. Need I say more..
Dukie Brown Backstage - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Ralph Lauren Collection - Runway - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Loving the LOUD make up and the parted lines on models hair)
Expo - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Son Jung Wan - Backstage - Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion WeekBackstage
Starbucks Frappuccino at Tadashi Shoji 2011 MBFW
Bkstage
Ouch! That must hurt.
Side pony tail
Side Pony Tail
Short&Trendy
Is that a touch of silver beneath the surface of the model's hair?
Loving the Make Up Artist's Hair (Perfect mixture of "Grey" and Plum!)
Spotted at MBFashion Week
Posh Beckham. I'm loving the dark shades and chic black headband.
Kimora Lee Simmons & ex husband. She stays true to her dark long hair.
Olsen twins in attendance of the J.Mendel Spring 2012 Fashion Show at Lincoln Center on September 14, 2011 in New York City. I'm not sure how I feel about the shades and barely there make up. But I do like the Hair
Jay and Mis Jay! (I've seen miss Jay looking better tho')
Naiomi, strutting the runway. Seems to me like this lady is AGELESS
Sharon Leal at fashion show. Long dark Hair. Simply beautiful.
You’ve got to love the creativity of this Fashion Week.
Tell me what you think. 🙂
Dreadlocks Unlocked.
To the best of my knowledge, dreadlocks has always out there. Notice it never quite goes “out”. It’s what I’ll call Hair around the corner. In the past decade, I’ve noticed dreadlocks or dreads or simply locs have become ever so more fashionable. The way people wear it makes me want to grow mine! The styles are so unique that it’s almost impossible to achieve with different hair types, it has to be natural.
Lil Wayne rocking his braided locs
Shakira wearing locs
Dreadlocks MYTHS
– Hair MUST be dirty to dread. This is so false. Like every other hair, dreadlocks have to be kept clean or else it stinks.
-Simply not combing your hair is the only way to get nice dreads. This too is untrue. Not combing hair is the ‘Neglect’ method of creating dreads and this will only work for African type hair. How ever, the results are not always chic. You want good dreads, you’ve got to work hard for them.
-Only Black people can have nice dreads. Not true. Personally, I prefer dreads on black people. Best dread styles I’ve seen are on black people. Like Shakira in the picture above, I am quite sure persons with different hair types can achieve NICE Dreads but still…
-Persons wearing dreadlocks look shabby. Seriously, NO, so NOT true. Depending on how well u maintain and style dreadlocks, there’s no way it causes someone to look shabby. Any hairstyle can make a person look shabby if it is not well treated, styled and maintained.
Lil Wayne rocking his braided locs
Lil Wayne in curled locks.
Nigerian Actress, Dakore in coloured Locks.
Lauryn Hill
This made me want to get dreadlocks. Très chic, classic and elegant at the same time. Notice the touch of colour at the tips?
Lerato, South African former Big Brother Africa contestant. Her locks are curled at the tips. Très chic. NB: Not her natural hair. These are dreadlocks braids.
To unlock your dreadlocks, check out tips on:
- Methods of creating dreadlocks
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Maintaining dreadlocks and
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Suggested dreadlocks products and accesories,
Go to http://www.dreadlocks.com/.
Guys, let your hair Shine!
When it comes to hair, the general assumption is women invest hours of their time on hair. While this may be true, men too do pay attention to their hair… at least the men with good hair.
Men’s hairstyles vary as much as women’s. Usually, for men, the hair style depends on the hair type. Popular styles for men include the close cut shave (see Usher above), the mohawk, the afro and the dreadlocks.
Kid Kudi in a Mohawk and an afro
Here are some general hair tips for African men. These are basic tips that apply to all hair styles.
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Black men’s hair tend to dry easily, so it is important to use products that provide moisture to the hair.
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Choose products that contain natural oils and moisturisers.
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Never brush hair while it is wet. This strains and could damages hair follicles and can eventually lead to early breakage and damage. You do not want to go bald.
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Always keep hair clean.
If you haven’t yet settled on a particular hairstyle and are looking for what suits you best, you can visit http://www.coolmenshair.com.
Jamie Foxx in the close shave cut, Sean Combs in a mohawk, Usher in an afro.
Lil Wayne rocking dreadlocks
Rise and Accessorize.
Creativity and Glamorous are two crucial things we all seek to achieve with our hair. Hair colour, hair cuts and expensive weaves are not the only way to achieve that. Washing, blow drying, curling (with the right products), and putting on a headband, and yes I said a HEADBAND can lead to a fresh and trendy look.
To achieve this fresh look, simple styling tips should be followed in order to get the maximum effect a hairband can have on your entire look.
- Wash out the all styling products, hair sprays and grease from your hair. This will leave your hair fresh, light and healthy. This also prepares your hair for styling with a flat or curling iron. Hair free of grease holds in styling better. This applies to all types of hair. Hydrating shampoos and conditioners are recommended.
- Make sure hair is clean and dry before styling. Depending on the brand of products you use you’ll need to apply a thermal spray or heat treatment to protect hair from heat, preferably while hair is still damp.
Ceramic Flat iron.
- Proceed to style with flat or curled iron. Note that a flat iron can also be used to make curls. See http://www.misikko.com/how-to-use-a-flat-iron.html for tips. When hair is appropriately styled, then you’re ready to put in your head band/hair pin.
- Note that washing and styling hair is imperative in order to achieve the appropriate look. It leaves hair looking different, new and revived.
Simple styled hair with bedazzled head band. The hair band glams up the entire look.
Simple white head band. Hair is pulled back to achieve a simple but classic look.
Be sure that your headband colour is bold, that way, it pops out of your outfit. It’s also way more interesting if your hair band colour contrasts your outfit.
Bold Bright head bands and Hair pins
Hairpins can also do wonders to your hair. A simple hair pin on Parted hair, side bangs or a pony tail can make all the difference. These accessories usually add a touch of spark to the hair.
Wear it & Rock it!
Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like and a hairstyle that is…just you. Hair transforms us in a way that even Harry Potter’s magical wand cannot. There are so many hair types that all that matters is how you wear it, how you rock it and most importantly, how gooood it makes you feel.
Riri's Hair Evolution
Rihanna has probably has more drastic hair transformations than most celebs. Her secret? She’s daring.
Rhianna currently wears hot red hair which she styles in every conceivable fashion.
Rihanna in curly red hair at Red carped event.
Riri in long, sleek and sexy red do.
Rihanna wearing red hair in soft wavy curls
BLACK HAIR
Black hair or African hair is a whole other category on it’s own. For a black woman, keeping her natural hair can be difficult. Black women perm, curl, colour, cut, do braids and sew in weaves; you name it, they do it. There are however some “ethnic” hair styles that are not only trendy but are also popular.
Natural black hair styled in chic Afro.
Lerato, Former BIGBROTHER Africa contestant in shoulder length curled locks.
TRENDING HAIR STYLES.
Bangs is one of the existing most timeless hairstyles.
Nicki Minaj rocks Green bangs. This female rapper/singer is known for her audaciously loud hair colours.
Full bangs is the current trend. Women of every colour are embracing this look which accentuates the eyes as well as the shape of the face.
Going short and sharp.
Short Black hair
Kelly Rowland in classic short look. The former Destiny's child singer was known for her short, coloured looks. Today, Kelly opts for a more classic short coup and currently wears long hair in her new album.
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HAIR DEFINITION 