Dead Prez: The Beauty Within

Quick Post: Oprah’s Hair Stylist Believes All Kinky Hair Should Be Chemically Altered

This is just a quick post on something that has come up in the last few days in the natural hair community.

In Elle magazine July 2011 Issue, Page 102 features an article from Oprah’s main hair man Andre Walker. The last paragraph of the first column states:

“Kinky hair can have limited styling options; that’s the only hair type that I suggest altering with professional relaxing.”

Now from a professional i was shocked to see this view of what he calls ‘kinky’ hair as i and many of us have seen an array of different and beautiful hair styles with natural curly hair. He also goes on to suggest using a Brazilian or Keratin smoothing method during the transition phase of growing out a relaxer! All you have to do is watch youtube to find many women who have transitioned without this method.

This post is just to tell you girls out there that when you are on your healthy hair journey, keep positive and make yourself happy as you will always have people trying to stop your flow and tell you on a bad day to just relax your hair or to give up on your healthy hair journey. It is not positive advice and us as women need to tell who is having a positive influence on our thoughts and those who are not. Because even the most well paid stylist to the stars will give misleading information on how to care for our beautiful hair.

Do Not Remove The Kinks From Your Hair, Remove Them From Your Mind!!

Have a great day ladies

Sonia xoxo

Weekly DIY Treatment Tip: Exfoliating

So we all know that exfoliating is great for your body, but it is also great for other parts of you too. In this post i will be explaining the benefits exfoliating has for your scalp and lips also!!

EXFOLIATING YOUR SCALP BENEFITS:

The benefits of this weekly or so treatment is that exfoliating the scalp will take off any dead skins cells or conditioner build up, making your scalp healthier and relieving any itchiness. Mix up & apply this DIY Exfoliating scrub with the simple ingredients that you already probably have and continue on your road to healthy hair.

SCALP SCRUB

3 tablespoons of ‘no cone’ ‘natural’ conditioner

1 table spoon of brown sugar

1. Mix these 2 ingredients together to create a consitency that is rather thick
   
2. Wet your hair and the rub the mixture on your fingertips.
   
3. Apply the mixture to the scalp and massage gently in a circular motion, starting at the top of your neck and moving upwards. Concentrate on those spots that may feel itchy or problematic.
   
4. Rinse thoroughly and then condition.

The amount of ingredient stated for the above treatment is a starting point, you can add or take away according to your hair and scalp.

EXFOLIATING YOUR LIPS BENEFITS:

Chapped lips and flaky lips are definitely not a good look. If you want to get rid of dull, dry flaking lips, sugar is one of the best exfoliants, as its granules work in the process leaving the skin soft. Your lips are an important feature of your face and lovely soft lips are desired by everyone. When you exfoliate lips with sugar, you will get rid of dull, dry flakes and it will keep your lips looking even and moist. Sugar is one of the best exfoliants, as its granules work in the process leaving the skin soft. Are you wondering how to exfoliate lips with sugar? Well, here are a couple sugar scrub recipes.

Sugar Scrub Recipe #1

1. Add a pinch of brown sugar to 1 tablespoon of oliveoil.
   
2. Mix it well and dab it on your lips.
   
3. Leave this on your lips, for a minute.
   
4. Now, gently rub it back and forth with a wet washcloth or your finger.
   
5. Rinse properly with cold water.
   
6. Apply a lip balm or a moisturizing cream afterward.
   

Sugar Scrub Recipe #2 

1. Take 2 tablespoons of plain sugar in a small bowl.
   
2. Now, add honey. Keep adding just one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the mixture a nice, thick, sticky, consistency.
   
3. Apply this lip scrub as mentioned above, followed by application of lip balm.
   

Remember to do all these treatments in the most gentlest way possible the sugar does the hard work so your fingers do not have too. 

Have fun looking after yourselves ladies.

Sonia

xoxo

HOT New Hair Trends! – Braids

Box braids, single plaits, pick and drop, tree braids, 
kinky twists, extentions, twists... 
Here are just a few names if braids/plaits that are HOT at the moment! 
With the likes of Solange Knowles showing everyone that plaits can be 
rocked just as good as her sister Beyonce's wigs.
Personally I am soooooo glad that plaits are back on the scene. 
They are a childhood staple of mine because I used to have extentions 
For a good number of years when I was younger. After relaxing my 
hair back in my youth and discovering weave in my teens; I vowed 
never to go back to them. I was a firm lover of my Remy weaves & I used 
say that "plaits are for kids blah blah" and thought that the braids would 
make me look like I'm 12 again o_O 
However, since I have been transitioning and as my new growth 
grows and becomes more defined in terms of curls, it is proving 
almost impossible for me to maintain the sleek, straight look 
or a look where my real hair has to blend in with an alternative 
hair texture. 
So THANK THE LORD for braids because it's the best method to allow 
my hair to grow out the relaxer. 
Braids are also fantastic for keeping your hair healthy 
(whether you are natural or relaxed) as you manipulate it less 
when it is plaited. With braids there is not need for you to 
apply heat, vigorously comb or over process your hair because 
it is all neatly tucked away within the braid.
It is, in my opinion, the best protective style out there 
because it acts like a shield to your hair (especially if done 
with extentions hair) and protects it from the elements such 
as adverse weather. It is also very versatile and allows you 
to style your hair however you please from high buns to a fishtail. 
I am definitely going back to plaits in the near future and the 
fact that it is the new "in" thing is a just an added bonus!!

Annie
xoxo
P.s for more style inspiration check out our Tumblr:

Click here: Treasured Tresses Tumblr

Box Braids Are Making A Comeback

Trend Alert: Braids!!!!

Via simplystudded

Box braids, micro braids, yarn braids, whatever you wanna call them, there is an absolute rising trend for them.  We’re not talking, low key, micro braids….no ladies we are talking “big, chunky, 1990′s Janet in Poetic Justice braids” LOL:)

Some believe this look to be old and out dated, but I love it!  It has this sexy, bohemian vibe.  Braids are perfect for the summer because they are low maintenance and give our natural tresses a  break from the abuse we tend to give it.  When rocking this hairstyle we can put away all the curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers, and all the other damaging hair tools we fashionistas swear by.  We can rock this look with no fear!

 The best part: there is no need for hours at the salon!!!  Random size parts are welcomed because this style is carefree.  There is no need to be perfect and the longer the better.  ”Super, super long” to be exact, is the goal!

So my fashionistas, tell me what you think.  Will you be taking it back to the days of Moesha aka Brandy????  Will you be rocking some box braids????

Afro Hair & Beauty Show organiser defends skin bleaching stall

ONE OF the Afro Hair & Beauty Show organisers has defended giving a skin bleaching stall the green light at the popular event last month, despite causing outrage in the black community.

INSULT: Fair and White skin bleaching products on sale at Afro Hair & Beauty

Verna McKenzie, who runs the show alongside partner Grace Kelly, said she didn’t see the problem with the Fair and White skin-lightening stall, but voiced concern over the ‘abuse of the product.’

She said: “The thing with these skin lightening products is the abuse of the product. [Initially skin lightening creams were there] to cater for acne scarring and people with age spots. I don’t know why people use them to lighten their skins.

She continued: “We have to have them there… I guess we don’t have to have them there, but it’s like people don’t have to sell alcohol. [People] abuse alcohol, it’s the same as skin-lightening creams. There’s a market for it, but people abuse it.”

When asked whether the event, now in its 30th year, had a responsibility to ban such products, McKenzie replied: “No, we have a responsibility to cater to the market place. People abuse the products. It’s personal choice. I can’t stop people buying these creams, it’s how they choose to use them.

According to a survey carried out by the British skin foundation, more than 80 per cent of skin specialists claim skin-lightening creams are safe if prescribed by a licensed dermatologist.

However, skin bleaching products are widely available for purchase in beauty shops catering to the Afro-Caribbean community.

Voice Online :: Afro Hair & Beauty Show organiser defends skin bleaching stall.

Channel 4 presenter quits after bosses say: Your hair’s scruffy

One of Channel 4’s senior news presenters has quit after she was told her hair was too scruffy for TV.

Samira Ahmed, 42, who has been on Channel 4 News for 11 years, announced her departure this week following clashes with bosses over her appearance.

A close friend of Miss Ahmed said she had been treated in a ‘sexist’ manner.

Her decision to leave comes after claims she was repeatedly told by executives at ITN, which employs her, that Channel 4 chiefs did not like her hair.

They are said to have told her she was jeopardising her employer’s contract to provide news for Channel 4, and the jobs of colleagues.

Sources said she had been called into a room so bosses could point out on pictures of her what was wrong with her hair.

Insiders say relations got so bad that she had to get written permission every time she wanted to leave the newsroom. It is also claimed she was being pressurised into taking a demotion from her role as presenter to reporter.

There was tension over her appearances on BBC shows such as Celebrity Mastermind and Have I Got News For You.

It is understood that Miss Ahmed has been given a pay-off to keep silent on the bitter rows with bosses at the news service.

One Channel 4 insider last night said they struggled to see how her hair was any different to that of many of the other presenters used by the programme.

 The claims are likely to lead to questions over the role of women on the show. The main presenting jobs on the programme have been dominated by men since it launched in 1982.

It has for many years been fronted by Jon Snow and Krishnan Guru-Murthy. Last month it was revealed that political correspondent Cathy Newman is to be a third regular presenter.

Miss Ahmed was invited to apply for the role, but not given the job. She used to present Channel 4’s noon bulletin before it was axed in 2009 and has hosted weekend bulletins. She is often the second-tier newsreader.

The relationship between Miss Ahmed and her bosses reached a low point last June after she filmed a report about Government advertising in the wake of the spending cuts.

She was seen speaking to the camera in a London square. Her hair was left loose. The report is understood to have been put together on a day Channel 4 chiefs were visiting the newsroom and ITN bosses were desperate to impress them.

Miss Ahmed is understood to have been told that the shots of her had to be removed from the report. But she refused and it went out with her still in it. Bosses are said to have accused her of risking her colleagues’ jobs and the ITN contract with Channel 4 by not doing what they had told her.

It is claimed that she was facing disciplinary action for ‘defying an editorial order’. Then she alleged she was bullied and treated in a sexist manner. It is understood her claim was not upheld and that Channel 4 News did not pursue the disciplinary action.

Channel 4 News said it ‘did not recognise this version of events’ leading up to Miss Ahmed’s departure. It said it was ‘focused on the fantastic new appointments to our presenting line-up’.

Miss Ahmed has secured work at the BBC. It is understood she will feature on Radio 4 shows such as PM and The World At One. She refused to comment on the claims.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2002301/Channel-4-presenter-Samira-Ahmed-quits-bosses-say-Your-hairs-scruffy.html#ixzz1P3tNdYlP

Annie’s Natural Hair Q&A

Name: Annie

Age: 24

When did you decide to go natural?: September 2010

What type of hair do you have not using curl types but by your own description? When my hair is wet it is neatly and tightly curled, however when dry it tends to frizz and lose curl definition.

Have you always been natural or have you transitioned?: Currently I am in the process of transitioning.

How did or are you transitioning?: Letting the hair grow out of the relaxer then eventually will cut off the relaxed ends.

Why did you decide to go natural? I used to have relaxed hair and then would put in weaves. I was always straightening my hair over the parting of the weave. I saw that I was experiencing progressive hair breakage and was distraught by the damage I was doing to my hair with the heat so decided stop applying excessive heat directly onto my hair.

How have the people around you responded to you being natural? Due to gradually transitioning I have not have a major reaction for and against my natural hair. I wear a unique protective hairstyle which I always get complimented on and get asked if can do it for others.

What is your weekly hair routine? I spritz my hair with my own mix daily. Every week I wash my hair in several braids. I condition/deep condition then detangle my hair before rinsing in lukewarm water. I moisturize my hair with a mix oils and water before re-braiding my hair into several plaits.

How do you style your hair? With my unique protective hairstyle.

What tools do you use to achieve these styles? Wide toothcomb, soft hairbrush, tail comb, hairpins

If you could give one piece of advice to other naturals what would it be? Patience is Key! Be willing to try new all-natural products to see how your hair reacts to it. Hopefully with it being 100% natural it will be beneficial. Love your hair EXACTLY HOW IT IS. Be comfortable with your natural hair because trying to make your hair conform to anything else it will only just bounce back to its ‘natural’ state in due time.

Annie xoxo

P.S  keep checking back for updates on my natural hair journey.

Brief Post On Silicones In Your Conditioner..

Hey Ladies,

In a Q&A on our twitter page we have found that many women need the low down on the contents in there products. So today we are going to talk about conditioners, the main no no in a conditioner are Silicones…

Silicones cause product build up on the hair shaft, at first they add a sheen to hair but after use and without properly clarifying hair. It will become weighed down causing greasy and hard to manage tresses. There are so many ingredients in our conditioners that actually have no benefit for the hair itself and are there to create a thicker consistency, colour or to create a fragrance.

The ingredients that are needed for a great conditioner are:

Emollients

Protein (if your hair reacts well to protein)

Humectants

Moisturizers

I will talk about these four ingredients in further entries.

We understand that reading the ingredients in your products can be hard to do and grasp, but it is the first step we need to take in promoting and nourishing healthy hair growth. Labels are listed from the most amount in the product to the least amount in a product also (just a little bit of info as many do not know this).

 Silicones that are not soluble in water and build up on the hair are: 

Cetearyl methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Stearyl Dimethicone, Amodimethicone (and) Trideceth-12 (and) Cetrimonium Chloride, and Trimethylsilylamodimethicone. Note: Trideceth-12 and Cetrimonium Chloride are only considered a silicone when both are combined with Amodimethicone.

Silicones that are slightly soluble in water and will build up on most types of curly hair: 

Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, and Stearoxy Dimethicone.

Silicones that are soluble in water and safe to use (they are not listed with PEG in front of them): 

Dimethicone Copolyol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane, and Lauryl methicone copolyol.

Remember that knowledge is power and tooled with this know how you can be on your way to having and maintaining beautiful, healthy curly hair!

 

Sonia 

xoxo

PS...an easy way of identifying them is that they all end in cone