Tuesday, May 25, 2010

"Isn't She Lovely?": The Series


I have a number of friends who are natural and wear their hair in various styles. I love the diversity that we women have in the way we style our hair, so much so that I was inspired to ask a few of them to share their natural hair stories. Now, each woman has a different texture and does various things with her hair. You may see someone who has a similar hair texture as you so please feel free to borrow some of the tips you see. (I know I will!) I've received a number of responses back, and I'm getting excited from just reading what these ladies shared. Some of these women I've been friends with for years, and we've never discussed why we went natural. And to make things fair, I will answer the same questions I requested of these ladies. So, once a week, we will feature a new "napptural" girl, pictures and all, so you can see the versality and diversity of our natural hair. Don't worry, you'll get my regular blog updates along with the "Isn't She Lovely?" series. So until next time, stay nappturally beautiful...

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Frederick Benjamin/Michael Craig Photoshoot



At the beginning of this month, I had a behind-the-scenes invite to view the Frederick Benjamin/Michael Craig photoshoot in DC. For those of you that don't know, Frederick Benjamin is a new natural hair and scalp treatment line created by Michael James. Initially started for multicultural men, this product has customers of all races and both genders. Free of harmful alcohols, synthetic agents, and mineral oils, the Frederick Benjamin products are full of natural oils to ensure hair is at its optimal peak and maintains moisture and shine without being greasy. Affordably priced, Frederick Benjamin ) has a full line of products to ensure complete hair care.



Now, for me, Michael Craig Men's Grooming is a first. This is the first ever full service barbershop that I have visited, not that I visit a lot of barbershops! This business, exclusively for men, offers shampoos, haircuts, shaves, manicures, pedicures, and other services for its clients. Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of DC, this barbershop provides customers with complimentary wi-fi, flat screen televisions to watch sports, and allows men to bond while they are recieving the latest in men's grooming; Michael Craig even has the Resource and Educational Center where professionals can learn the latest techniques in men's grooming.
While spending a few hours at the shoot, my girl Original Najeema and I were able to witness all of the work that went into making the models get camera ready and view the instructional video that was made. We were able to speak with Mr. James and his cousin Alex Sutton III, who works in business development for the line, about their hopes for where these photos and videos will be distributed. A relationship was also established with Mr. Craig, who has had his barbershop open for approximately 3 years. The shoot also afforded us the opportunity to meet make-up artists, an image consultant, and a few of the models.
This was an eventful occasion, and I am glad that I was able to be a part. So, for you guys, and ladies, I suggest you give Frederick Benjamin a try. You won't be disappointed with the results. And to you gentlemen that live in the DMV, or will be visiting the area, I encourage you to visit Michael Craig Men's Grooming. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the results.
Until next time, stay nappturally beautiful...and handsome!

Monday, May 17, 2010

I Admit It- I Made a Mistake

Ok, I'm a big girl and can admit when I made a mistake. I should not have altered my natural-I should not have pressed my hair-I should not have let the Dominicans blow my hair out (no matter how pretty it looked!). What I thought would be a great alternative for my hair and a breather for me (wearing natural my sew-in)turned into a disaster...or made a bad situation worse. I took out my sew-in, used some great products (which I will tell you all about later), but when my hair dried and I was ready to wear it out I realized it is not in wear out condition. Meaning that I have so much damage to it that I had to cut it (sigh)... Yes, I have toyed around with this idea before, and I even shared it with you guys. But I didn't really THINK that I would have to cut it. To be honest with you, I'm not sure what I can contribute my hair damage to-it could be the heat I had put on it through pressing, blow-drying, and flat ironing, it could be I didn't condition it and take care of it the way I should have, the sew-in made it worse, or it be a combination of all of the above. All I know is after I took out my sew-in (which I received many compliments on), I was shocked and amazed at what I saw in the mirror and felt with my hands. My hair was broken off in some places, dry in other places, and just all around looked like a hot mess. Not to talk badly about children, but you all have seen the little girl whose mama you want to slap because she obviously has NOT been taking care of her child's hair; it's different lengths, straight in some places, short in others, and looks like no one cares about the health of her hair. Yes, I am that little girl (at 20 something), and I want to kick my own behind. I truly believe that if I had just kept wearing my natural curly 'fro last summer and using my Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding/Baby Buttercreme, Jamaican Lime Loc and Twist creme, and Carol's Daughter Pomade I would not be in this situation right now.
So, what can I do to get my hair back on the right track? Well, I've already taken one step. I have cut my hair so that it is even (for the most part). Yes, I do plan on going to a salon so a stylist can repair my hair, but to be honest I am really embarassed by the state of my tresses (or lack thereof). So, this summer I will definitely be on "Mission Impossible: The Napptural Girl Grows out her Tresses". If any of you have ANY suggestions on maintaining a short crop and helping to grow hair, I am ALL ears. Also, please feel free to share your hair disasters and how you fixed it. In the meantime, stay nappturally beautiful