And now the BBC have noticed...

Some may be doing it for fashion but my hairline didn't really give me a choice, nine months on and I'm still willing it to grow back whilst learning to love and manage my hair in its natural state. Even the BBC are on this natural hair flex now... check out this short video about the natural hair revival for black women. 

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Spotlight... Solange Knowles

Often in her sister's shadow, it is now time for Solo to finally have her day in the spotlight. I just love everything about her. Her quirky style, her laid back attitude and the fact she has been reppin' natural hair before I started embracing it also has me rooting for her. Even her protective weave/lace front styles have volume. She really has come into her own. 

Image courtesy http://styleblazer.com

 

Pins to die for as she wears this white shirt, trouserless. Werk!

If I were to imagine this combo in my head, green sequinned dress with a split, paired with orange heels, it would not look like this. Flawless!

These shots are just from the past two weeks, as it is award season Solo is getting column inches. Hasn't she blossomed?

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Blowout Saturday...

If you don't know, get to know. I am now rocking my natural hair, eight months and counting. To people of other races who think it's not a big deal... NEWSFLASH... It is... Next time you're out and about have a look at how many black women have hair that is their own, and if so, not chemically straightened, then you will come closer to understanding what a big deal it was for me to go natural.

I try not to use heat on my hair that often after all I have researched on blogs and LC's book but occasionally just to treat myself and to do a length check, I blowout my hair. I use texture my way, naturally straight as a heat protectant and for me this is a really good motivator when you get to the stage that you think your hair is not growing. The front of my hair is a little bit shorter as I had relaxed a section to cover my weave about 9 months ago and have been gradually clipping away at the ends. I have also dyed a section in the front red as I fancied a change.

There was a time I couldn't get my hair back in a bobble, so to anyone who has been struggling with their natural hair journey. I promise it gets better.

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My natural hair journey so far...

Ok, so it has been about 7 weeks since I made the big decision of going natural- ish with my hair. By ish I mean I have dyed it and I am still waiting for the small relaxed section at the front of my hair to grow out. I had used it to cover my middle parting weave.

I have to admit, it has been a little difficult. I'm trying to go for protective styles, whilst trying to rock hair I've always kept under wraps. My aims are to keep it moisturised and to get some growth. I have noticed tghat my edges are growing back, slowly but getting there so whenever I begin to doubt myself (usually on wash day) I remember that I am doing it for a reason. 

With regards to moisture, I try to deep condition the hair that is left out once a week, as it gets a lot dryer, and take out the protective canerows I have at the back every two weeks to condition them. I'm using coconut oil at the moment, but find it works better if I mix it with my hair oil (grease). I bought a spray bottle the other day, and decided to start mixing my own potions. I mixed extra virgin olive oil, cocunut oil, almond oil, a drop of tea tree and the rest with water I had boiled and let cool. So far so god but it has only veen two days. Thinking to use this 3 times a week and see what effect I get. I am also going to try olive oil, aloe vera, rosemary and a bit of water in one. And will have to research for some others. I have discovered a great blog http://blackgirllonghair.com/ that gives a lot of information and advice, but what works for one may not work for others so will need to find what suits me. I also try to wash my hair when I know I have nowhere to be, I had got too used to my hairdryer being my best friend. Now I dab the excess water out with a towel. Moisturise my hair and do twists all over. Usually by the morning they're try and I'm free to do whatever with it. I do get a bit of shrinkage, but I'm hoping the long term pros outweigh the short term cons.

I cannot wait for my hair to get longer, at times I get hair envy like you wouldn't believe. I just want to be able to do more with it.

Any ideas on what to do with all my hair when it is not canerowed, I will gladly appreciate. As I can't canerow I have to rely on when others are available to do it. Here's some of the styles I've been rocking at the moment. 

The fro.

This is the result of washing my hair then keeping it under a satin bonnet in twists for two days. The twist out look doesn't suit me so I combed it out a bit with the widest tooth comb I own.

The protective styling.

Since I've been wearing it natural, I have kept the back canerowed to make it easier to manage. It also means I don't constantly have to comb it and it retains moisture better. I need to figure out other protective styles for when I'm unable to get it canerowed, and to change up the look a bit.

The bendy rollers.

I tried to imitate a look I saw on youtube doing chiney bumps but I didn't have the girls length or texture and it didn't look good, so I thought I'd try using the bendy rollers I bought when I used to curl my weave. I enjoyed the result, but when I tried it the second time it didn't look the same, I now know leave them in as long as ossible for the best result. Remember I said there is a small section (about an inch wide and two inches deep) at the front that I am waiting for the relaxer to grow out of, and this part curls really well, not sure how this style will look once it has outgrown.

The frohawk-ish.

The reason I put ish is because the back is still canerowed. I will soon rock this from front to back and use kirby grips to keep it in place. I achieve this look by combing out the above bendy rollers look.

 

The partial twist out.

When I twist my hair all over and undo them it doesn't seem to have this same look. When I twist just a section  using Organic Root Stimulator Curl Defining Creme and undo them in the morning, I get a look I can work with.

The safe option.

If I do not twist my hair of an evening I will usually do chunky plaits and sleep in a satin bonnet. This is for when I can't be bothered. I call it the safe option as it is easy to do and looks simple too. I comb my hair out and use kirby grips to pin it back. I try to tuck the ends of my hair in as they tend to get the most dry.

So this is my hair journey so far, I'm now off to trail the internet for some more styles but I tend to find they are either for people who have done the big chop and have teeny weeny afros or people who have Erykah Badu length hair with gorgeous curls (hair envy again). Nothing for mine that seems to be just in the middle and nappy thick. Wish me luck.

Have a blessed Sunday.

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What is it with Americans?

It must be something in the water, but black American girls seem to be able to grow their hair at the speed of light. It's not just me who has this conception. I have discovered a natural hair blog called All Things O'Natural here on blogspot. The woman did a big chop less than 2 years ago. The length of her hair is ridiculous considering the short amount of time. After showing my friend the picture her first words were 'American init?' and it is not the first time I've been asked that question afte showing a black girl another black girl with long lucious locks.. It's definitely something in the water.

There is a misconception that dark skinned girls aren't as pretty or do not have the ability to grow our hair as much as light skinned girls. It is what most of us grew up hearing, and thank goodness that there are people, I'd like to consider myself as one of them, trying to break this stereotype. For those of different races who may not be aware of this, please watch this to get an idea.

Anyway back to the American thing, I don't know whether it is because they can trace their history in their country further back, so they are catered for more. Madam C.J Walker was inventing products long before my family even reached England, or whether there are a lot more women willing to go natural and are there to give others advice. When I trail the internet for tips, most are from American bloggers or vloggers, I know of two English ones. Don't get it twisted, I have no intention of doing just a hair blog, I have far too many other interests, plus I am new to this natural thing anyway, but it was just an observation that myself and others have noticed about Americans repping.

Any tips people want to share on their natural hair care feel free and below is a list of blogs/vloggers that I can't seem to get enough of.

http://blackgirllonghair.com/
http://www.darkerthanbrown.com/
http://allthingsonatural.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.curlynikki.com/
http://www.youtube.com/iknowlee
http://www.youtube.com/user/160Days2Lose2

Also found this funny video, believe it or not I have said soooo many of these things over the last few weeks. Enjoy.

 

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I just can't get enough of Obama...

 

We all like to think that colour doesn't matter but when you have been on the receiving end of racist remarks and been chosen to fill the ethnic diversity of a company/group. It does. It does work both ways, we all saw the token white boy in Cheryl Cole's Voice UK performance but the token black person is everywhere and often not representing 'us'.

Denise from Eastenders, don't even get me started. I mean I'm not usually one for stereotypes but how many black families do you know who don't have a proper Sunday dinner? Rice and peas and a selection of meats was always on the table when my Nan was alive, yet we know nothing of their heritage bar Patrick being Trinidadian, but that is it, no nine nights when someone dies, no carnival. Kim even fears being out smarted by a 13 year old for goodness sake. 

In May's issue of Pride Magazine they had a discussion of the same issues. If black people are not criminals or waste baby fathers in television programmes then they are the complete opposite of the scale and disregarding their heritage. People who do not know any black people will believe what they see in the media. I have seen this awful, unacceptable behaviour towards Muslims who aren't even a race.

Where is the middle ground? Well as much as I don't know a lot about his policies I think Obama is it. Like I have said before when people look at him they see a black man and representing what we can all aspire to be. When I look at the above photo, I see my nephew. 5 years old. the world at his feet and who too would ask the same question albeit in a yamyam accent 'Is your hair the same as mine?' Connoting, can I be like you when I'm older? And my answer to that in the words of Obama 'Yes you can.' 

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Just doing me...

Ok, so the last few weeks have been manic. Top 3 things that have had a significant impact on my life. I have gone natural. Started a new job. And TV is golden.

So two weeks ago I decided to go natural, not in the sense of no make up but hair wise. I did a post not so long back with regards to how I've had so many different hairstyles over the years but not one of them was my own. Afro hair is a love it or hate it kind of thing. My white friends love it, well the idea of it. And I have hated it since the back of the comb got hit in my head for not having the will power or the nerve to sit still. Don't worry, it was not abuse, it was just a firm lesson of an old Jamaican saying 'those who don't hear, must feel'. After years of abuse of weaves and hair extensions for the European, Indian, Brazilian look, I've decided to embrace what God gave me in it's kinky, tough and hard to comb form. MY hair.
After my best friend did what the American's call the big chop (essentially cutting ALL of your hair off), reading numerous natural hair blogs, watching what seems like hundred of youtube videos and replaying India.Arie's 'I am not my hair' I felt I was ready. Anyone who knows me knows once I get an idea in my head I run with it, so going natural was just that. An idea I ran with. I have dyed my hair a browny colour and have started rocking it.
Aims of going natural.

1. Grow my edges- I have self diagnosed what seems to be traction alopecia, basically my hair line is effed. And before I pull what everyone calls a Naomi (Campbell) I need to get these back.

2. Learn to nourish it- I need to find out what is best for my hair. At the moment I'm using a Curl Unleased brand by Organic Root Stimulator and whilst I love the smell of the curl defining creme, I'm finding the leave in conditioner to leave my hair more dry than conditioned. I intend to find a natural remedy that suits me. Maybe olive oil and water to start with, I currently use a sulphate free shampoo and I intend to deep condition my hair once a week. Although heat isn't good for it, there is no way I can not blowdry my hair, I do use a heat protector though.

3. Learn to love my hair- I can go down the usual slave references of why us black girls do not embrace and love our hair but that is all a little cliche. I have always wanted long hair, not just for the way it looks but the utter convenience. The only white girls I know who hate washing their hair is because it's curly, times that by about a thousand and you have me. I absolutely hate washing my hair and all that comes with it, but if I find a way to make it a pampering experience I think I may enjoy it. I also need to experiment with hair styles. My hair isnt that long at the moment, I have the majority of it canerowed and leave the rest of it out, I plait it or twist it before bed, sleep with a satin head scarf and just undo them in the morning. I am looking to become more adventurous but so far with the right outfit, make up and earrings. I am good to go.

 For those of you who give a crap about my journey, I will keep you updated with how things are working for me. This is me before the hair dye. I am aiming for Erykah Badu BIG ;)

The new job. I got made redundant from the job I thought was going to be my stepping stone to my career. Life goes on but I was absolutely devastated. I do not warm to people easily but it was like a little family, especially as the weeks went on and the numbers reduced. After getting a drunken lecture off one of the most irresponsible people I know, who is also one of my faves, I decided to fix up. One Tuesday I applied for a job, had a phone interview. Wednesday and Thursday first and second face interviews. Friday, the call that reassured me I would not be living out of my car. Boom. All those people who claim there are no jobs, fix up, look sharp and stop living off my taxes without good cause. It may not be the chosen career path you envisioned but paying my sky bill, filling my belly and of course keeping my beautiful Baby Farquhar (my car) on the road are a higher priority than pride, because last time I checked N Power were not taking my pride as payment for electricity, plus the people at my new job seem alright and there are shitloads of perks. Fingers crossed I enjoy it, especially for the group trip to Frankfurt ;)

TV is definitely golden. I mean living on my own I have what I like to think is all the time in the world to watch TV but I still can't seem to watch everything but I have a few faves that are topping my list. 

Made In Chelsea- I remember the first time I watched this and thought it was utter tripe. I mean TOWIE had us all engaged in the first ever episode but whilst that had gone downhill, MIC has risen from the ashes like a Phoenix ( I watch The Apprentice too). Not only do we all have a ridiculous hatred for the whole Spencer and Louise saga but I just want to cuddle Jamie and let him feed me all the McVities my stomach can handle and tell him the old cliche of plenty more fish in the sea. Each episode gets more and more exciting and Francis and Jamie are a perfect double act. It is the last one next week. Weep. But at least I won't have to look at Kimberley's whiny face anymore. And FYI Kimmy, wearing white doesn't make you appear angelic, we are all God's children and he sees and hears EVERYTHING.

90210- This too was another show you had to keep at, and wow worth the wait. After watching tonight's episode and nearly falling out of my chair in excitement because Max is getting married I can't wait to see how this season ends. And note to Navid- You left, And Silva's been with ALL the men in 90210. Why are you surprised that she bedded one of the most beautiful man on earth. Liam. Yum.

 

Desperate Housewives- A TV show that is coming to the end of an era and I don't know how I will fill my Sunday nights. I have already read what happens and I can.not.wait. 

Other shows that are currently grasping my attention:

Unforgettable.

I Just Want My Pants Back.

Smash.

Once Upon A Time.

Home and Away.

Corrie.

The Apprentice.

Hart Of Dixie.

Vampire Diaries (have only seen season one)

Gossip Girl (on season 4 at the moment and have serious rage towards Vanessa, Juliet and Jenny. Twats)

I am also 9 percent off finishing the last in the trilogy of The Hunger Games, the first one was definitely my favourite and even though at times I feel the same hatred for Katniss as I do for Bella from Twilight, she then does something so courageous that is not only for the sake of her family but for others. Damn her. Now I need to see the movie.

So that's just a few of my ramblings. I intend to take this writing more seriously. A job won't fall into my lap. Now I'm off to make a salad for tomorrow's lunch as the stress of redundancy has had me eating like a pig and the scales are not my friend. Summer body here I come. 

Peace out homies and enjoy the sun whilst it lasts x