PPQ of Mayfair

Have you seen the Spring/Summer Collection from the London design house PPQ of Mayfair? The runway was SICK! It featured great styling with an insanely fabulous cast of black models. Models including Sessilee Lopez, Kinee Diouf, Jeneil Williams and Kaya strutted the catwalk adorned in braid embellished Nefertiti buns and the season's most sought-after trends in geometric/tribal prints and polka dots.

Here's a little background on the brand from their website.

In east London, 1992, Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker created fashion label PPQ, and with it came the inimitable style that continues to set the beat for London’s fashion drum today. From the early days there were zeitgeist design moves; PPQ spearheaded the drainpipe jean revolution dressing music maker’s including Peter Doherty, and the label’s signature smock dresses and mini, modern cocktail gowns became fashion insider staples. Fashion’s best kept secret inevitably rolled off tongues and on to London Fashion Week’s official show calendar to showers of success. Today, the design duo compose cutting-edge collections in a spectrum of vivid colours, strong shapes, bold prints and elaborate fabrics to a fanfare of today’s style icons and artists including Agyness Deyn, Kirsten Dunst, Sienna Miller, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Daisy Lowe, Alexa Chung, Adele, Peaches and Pixie Geldof, Little Boots, Ben Grimes and Portia Freeman.

Marrying music with style, PPQ also run a record label, 1-2-3-4 Records, with acts including Whitey, The Bishops, The White Sport, Trafalgar, Objects and Cosmetique. 1-2-3-4 Records hosts an annual festival in Shoreditch, London, which fast became a UK summer festival highlight.

A few of Mane & Chic's top picks from PPQ's Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Click here to see the entire collection.

VeraBella's Hair Transition and Big Chop

VeraBella writes...

I’ve been on the creamy crack for quite sometime now, since age 12. During college I did a bit of research (YouTube, blogs, and forums), but because of the normal inhibitions of dominant societal views of straight European hair I continued to make excuses and relax my hair. Finally I decided my senior year in college to not care about the status quo. I threw apprehension to the wind and decided to have my mom chop my hair off so I no longer had any relaxer in my hair. It was Christmas Eve 2008 and she was more nervous than I was… after a quick hair wash, with a shaky hand she cut off my locks, I touched my curly baby tendrils took a few pictures, gave myself a pep-talk and haven’t looked back since.

The reactions from my friends were mixed, some loved it, some hated it, and some even decided to voice their opinions… and got told off if I didn’t like what they said. However, most people had positive things to say, however through all of the opinions, stares, accolades, and mixed reviews the greatest lesson I’ve learned thru my hair journey is self worth and appreciation for the curves of my face and the uniqueness of my features; which are often times overshadowed by straight limp hair.

Anyone considering it I encourage to take the plunge! You won’t regret it, and if you do… protective style (weave, wig, braids) it up until you do. Because one thing I do know is with the creamy creak off your hair it’s bound to grow healthy and long eventually.

Favorite products…
Aussie Moist Conditioner and coconut oil

Hair care regimen…
Usually I co-wash my hair every couple days and leave in a little conditioner, towel dry it and add a little coconut oil to seal the ends. At night I twist the hair up in about 6-10 twist and fluff in the morning.

Favorite natural hair style…
The curly Fro-hawk!

Natural Love Story

Shauntae writes...

Six years ago, I would spend $60 dollars or more on my addiction to upkeep my spike haircut. It became so bad that I would take a split shift to make my hair appointment. Then one day I ran it to my coily delight. His dreads right above his shoulder captured my eye. Strand by strand, I began to chop my hair in prayer to become his heartbeat. As I chopped my hair, I began to be free. Releasing the natural beauty, that God had given me. Just like a flower, our love began to grow. As his hair swung past his shoulder, my hair began to reach to the heavens. This natural love six years later produced a blessing. Oh no, I am not worried about what folks might think of me. I am released to wear my hair any way I want. It is no longer my weakness but my strength.

Bee in Nigeria

Meet Bee who currently resides in Nigeria, in her own words...

On Going Natural
I had my first relaxer at the age of 8 or 9. It was left in for too long and ruined my hair and I had to go to a barber and shave off what was left! Somehow, the trama of looking like a boy for half a year didn't keep me from relaxers. About three years ago I finally stopped. I decided I was curious to see what my hair really looked like. I was convinced my hair genes could not take much more damage for long.I stopped during a summer stateside. Dropping in at Nigerian weddings, no one cared if I was transitioning or not. By the time I got to Nigeria, the story changed. Now, if I go out with my natural hair, men, women and children of all ages stare and I can't walk through without getting 'Auntie do you want to make your hair appointment?' calls from hairdressers.

Hair Care Regimen
I'm low key. I keep my hair in 'protective styles'. This translates to twists under a wig, in extensions or in a scarf. I'm a stickler for cowashing with one flavor or another of Suave conditioner once a week, I use shea butter when I twist and a bar of Dudu Osun soap instead of shampoo. When I style my hair in twists, I like to faux-hawk it up. Otherwise, I'd have to say I'm a fro-girl.

Favorite Products
Sauve conditioner and shampoo, Dudu Osun soap – Its not specifically made for hair, but it works so well, it might as well be. Natural (local) shea butter, olive oil and water. Once I get back stateside, I'm sure I'll blossom into a full-fledged product junkie.

More Bee...
www.yungbe.blogspot.com
www.fotki.com/whoiamisme

What's Your Guilty Pleasure Product?

Do you love a hair product that most people always hate on? What is it and why do you love it so much? Why do you think other people don't like it? Share in the comments.

Badu's Window Seat

Erykah Badu's new video for the song "Window Seat" has the internet abuzz. Did you see it? She said in an interview with DallasNews.com that "Window Seat” is about liberating yourself from layers and layers of skin or demons that are a hindrance to your growth or freedom, or evolution." Click here to read her interview with Hunter Hauk of DallasNews.com. She says that this was a spontaneous guerilla-style video shoot. So those aren't extras you're seeing and everything you see it REAL. Could you imagine how liberating it must have been to really do that?

Here's a link. What do you think? Would you ever do something like this? Could you?

Adore Your Beauty Night

On Thursday, April 8, 2010, from 6:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. at Studio Nine Hundred, 900 Dekalb Avenue, NE in  Atlanta, GA, AmberMag.com and Soule II Soule will sponsor Adore Your Beauty Night, a one-night only opportunity to meet the legendary Sam Fine, author of Fine Beauty: Beauty Basics and Beyond for African American Women, and Fine: The Basics of Beauty, DVD and hair texture guru, Dickey, author of Hair Rules!: The Ultimate Haircare Guide for Women with Kinky, Curly or Wavy Hair. The price is $150 in advance and $180 at the door. Price includes makeup demos, Q&A sessions, an autographed copy of "Fine: The Basics of Beauty" DVD, swag bag with products from AMBI Skincare and CoverGirl Queen Collection, cocktails, hors d’oeurves, dessert, how-to hair care demonstration and a vomplimentary bottle of Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream.

Today only, you can win a ticket by following AmberMag on twitter. Click here to enter the contest.

Buy Fine: The Basics of Beauty and Hair Rules!: The Ultimate Hair-Care Guide for Women with Kinky, Curly, or Wavy Hair on Amazon.

Confessions of a Proud Product Junkie

TerChera writes...

I confess to endless nights following blogs and viewing YouTube channels for product reviews. This allows me to have insight on all the pros and cons of the various products. I justify my decision to purchase by saying, “oh she has the same hair type as me, it has to work for me if it works for her”. I then proceed to look for the best deals, so that I won’t feel bad about buying the product, just in case it doesn’t work. Also, it gives me the opportunity to buy more products with the money I save…Ching-Ching! But, my product junkie tendencies don’t end there. I go to Sally’s at the beginning of the month to see what products they have on sale. Sometimes I leave out empty handed, but that’s unlikely because the products that I know work are often on sale and I have to have a backup jar. I used to shop at Ross, Marshall’s and TJ Maxx for clothes, shoes and accessories. Well, now I go to stock-up on products that I feel are essential to my collection. If I ranked my habit of buying products it would be ranked right up there with buying shoes, which I admit is pretty bad because I have 150 pairs (not counting the ones in storage). At least my shoes, which is more than I can say about my hair products. My hair products are scattered about in every room of my home: my bedroom, bathroom, in bins, in baskets, in cabinets and even the kitchen. I justify my habit by telling myself that since I no longer go to a salon, I am saving money and investing in my hair so it’s okay.

Kelis Acapella

I just finished watching Kelis' new video, Acapella. It was super creative from the concept, the hair, the makeup and I especially love the end. Very cute! I've read a lot of blogs that hate on her new hairstyle, but I love it. It's different. Everybody will be on it 3 years from now. I notice that about Kelis. She's one of those earlier adapters and what she did 5 years ago is what people are just beginning to do now (mmm...Rihanna). Her styling may never be mainstream, but it's always edgy and highly entertaining. Love her. Watch the video for yourself below.

Are You Afraid of Stylists?

Have your bad experiences with hair stylists made you afraid to go to salons? How long has it been since you've been to a professional? Do you miss having someone else do your hair or are you just fine doing it yourself?

OMG, My Hair is Long!

You ever had the experience of being in the shower, washing your hair or looking in the mirror and just have a moment where you're surprised at the length of your hair? Share in the comments.

MAC 130

Earlier this week I was shocked and awed into buying the MAC 130 Short Duo Fibre Brush for $38 at Dillard's. The makeup artist tried it out on my hand with a cream foundation and I couldn't resist. It's a short, round, flat-topped brush for the application of foundations, creams, emulsions, and select powder products. It's a blend of natural bristles and synthetic fibres. I've used it twice and each time it shed a fiber or two. That made me a little upset because it was forty freaking dollars. Besides that, it's really fun to use and it really does a good job of buffing and blending cream foundation quickly for a more natural/airbrushed look for a girl on the go. I don't like to spend more than five minutes on my makeup and usually just apply with my hands like moisturizer or sunscreen. The problem with that was I was wasting a lot of product and I think this brush could help. I do notice that I use a lot less foundation. Anyway, if you need to treat yourself this would be a good investment if you like cream foundation.

Fried, Dyed, and Laid to the Side

Natasha writes...

Remember the old adage, 'fried, dyed and laid to the side'? Well my senior year of high school in preparation for my cotillion, I had my cousin (a hairstylist) style my hair. Because she was my cousin, I gave her creative license. Well, my hair was long and she decided to flat iron it. I must admit I was expecting an up do for the event, but it turned out quite nice. It was flat ironed straight with some waterfall curls in the middle. (Those 90’s waterfall curls done with high heat and plenty of hair spray!) Well the event went well I even had my picture in the paper, but when I went to wash my hair a few days later, I noticed something strange. In the center of my head there was a piece just hanging, it almost looked like it had been cut. Upon closer inspection, I saw it was unattached. I pulled it straight up. I looked at this foot length section of hair in my hand and back at my head and thought what the %@$ # is going on! I had been plugged! LOL! That crunchy piece of hair was literally fried, died and it was hanging to the side! LOL! I can laugh now, but I assure you my cousin and I exchanged words. Do you know that she tried to say it was my fault that I had combed it out! Anyway, I spent my freshman year in college with a big chunk of hair much shorter than all the rest.

Scarlett of Wonder Curl

Meet Scarlett, the creator of Wonder Curl Get Set Hair Jelly in her own words...

Going natural...
I went for the big chop three times! The first time was in 1998, but I was afraid of how curly and thick my hair was so I got a texturizer. I chopped it the second time because I wanted short hair, but then started using a flat iron. And the last time was in June 2006, this time I refused to allow anything that might permanently alter my curl and that includes chemicals and heat. My last relaxer was probably around 2004, I gave away my ceramic flat iron in 2006. I sometimes blow dry my hair in the winter time since the air is dryer and my hair won’t frizz as much. I try not to do this too much because it gives me split ends. As for my favorite hair style, I love to wear my hair down parted in the middle.

Hair care regimen...
I wash my hair at least once a week, any longer and my scalp gets very itchy. In the summer, I might wash twice a week. I rarely use shampoo and found that not shampooing often has been better for my scalp. I deep condition once a week. I add the deep conditioner during my shower, and put on a plastic cap. I do the rest of my shower routine and rinse my hair out last.

Trimming...
I used to trim two to three times a year depending on how knotty my ends get. However, it’s been almost a year since my last trim; I’d say I’m overdue!

On highlights...
I broke down last year and lightened my hair. It has since grown out and maintaining the colour is too much work, so I’ve been trying to get back to my natural colour since.

Hair care secrets...
I do either a cowash, apple cider vinegar/water solution rinse or a cleansing hair mask using bentonite clay and yogurt. My hair feels smoother and softer with these techniques than shampooing. At night I pile my hair into a bun on top of my head and started using a satin pillow case to sleep on. In the morning I just let my hair down & shake. My hair eventually falls into place within a few minutes.

Products...
The only products I use for styling are Wonder Curl's Get Set Hair Jelly and organic coconut oil. I created the Get Set Hair Jelly and have not had a bad hair day since! I love this product so much because it gets my hair shiny, smooth, frizz-free, and defines my curls. If I want my hair fluffier, I will use the Get Set Hair Jelly by itself, and if I want my hair to be sleeker I use coconut oil with it.

Favorite Stylist...
My favorite stylist is Tameeka McNeil-Johnson at Christo’s Salon NYC, she is a curly genius!

More...
I launched Wonder Curl with the Get Set Hair Jelly as my main product. I’m already thinking of the next great product to launch. I’m also very excited about where this journey will take me. Visit www.wondercurl.com, wondercurl.ecrater.com and wondercurl.blogspot.com for more info.

How Did You Wear Your Hair Growing Up?

My mom, maternal aunts and grandmother all have Type 4 hair and as a child my hair was Type 3B and during puberty, it changed to 3C. Needless to say, they didn't really know what to do with my hair, but they would soon learn. Luckily, my mom was super creative and experimented a lot with my hair. She was actually doing the "Twist 'N Curl" style to my hair long before it had a name. She also used to make big curls by dipping a brush in a cup of water. A similar technique used today except with smaller sections and a comb is called a coil out. I also wore braid outs, the same way I do today: rolled at the ends. My hair was about waist length or longer throughout most of my childhood. It was mostly up in two pigtails, so much so that my hair had been trained to have a perfect part going from forehead to nape. I only wore it down for photos or special occasions. My grandmother used to take me to the salon with her quite often just so the lady could wash my hair and put it back in two perfectly braided plaits and that's why my part was always on point. On the weekdays, they would just put some Luster's Pink Oil or Wild Root and water in my hair, brush it and re-braid the plaits. It wasn't until I was eleven years old that I got my first blow out. My mom was always super strict about heat. If I was caught using her curling irons, hot rollers or even gel I was in big trouble. I wasn't allowed to wash my own hair until I was about 13. I think that was a good thing because I didn't know what I was doing.

How did you wear your hair as a child? Do you remember how your parents dealt with it? How old were you when you got your hair straightened for the first time (if ever)? How old were you when you first washed your hair by yourself? Do you remember? How do your parents feel about what you're doing to your hair now?

Clean Fro

Whitney writes...

My fro was big bad and beautiful. Oh yes it was. I decided to go natural in the eleventh grade and right before my freshman year of college, I had substantial growth. Let’s just say my fro was about a foot in diameter, seriously. I rocked it! During my journey, I noticed the little balls on my ends and was afraid to go to a salon. I knew they would slip a relaxer in without me noticing. (I had a dream they did this while I slept in the chair). I decided to ask my dad. "Daddy, where can I go to have my ends trimmed." He quickly and assuredly replied, "Go to my barber shop. I see them do women’s hair all the time." I trusted him. I just knew he was right. I got up on a Saturday morning, picked my hair and headed to the barbershop. When I arrived, the men looked at me in awe. I chimed in on their shoptalk and male gossip until I was called to the chair. The barber picked my hair and turned on the clippers. I was really confident too! He picked and clipped. Pick...Clip Pick. Clip. Clip. I paid the man and walked out, not noticing how light my hair felt. As a matter of fact I don't even remember looking in the mirror when I left. I just paid and walked. I ran into an OLD man who said to me "Wow sista, I haven’t seen that style in a long time." Huh? I got in the car and behold, my fro was CLEAN. I mean straight lines and all — at least 3 inches shorter. I felt like my life was over. I was officially soul sista number 1 back from the 60's, but I swear there was not one ball on my ends. I cried and laughed at the same time. Why do these things happen to good people?

Striped Plus Nudes/Tans/Browns

Here a few options for wearing the striped dress trend. If nothing else it should inspire you to embrace the trend and make it your own.

You Get What You Pay For

Caminisa writes...

I was in college when I got my first sew-in. I went to one of the best stylist in the area. Months later, I decided I wanted to get another and go somewhere cheaper, I was a broke college student. I called this lady and she told me she could do it for $75. Originally I paid $150. She said she had different way of doing them: she would twist the hair instead of cornrowing and that it was easier on the hair. This was my second sew-in and I figured it was okay plus she was older (45-55 years old), so I figured she came up with something to keep up with modern times. I got half a relaxer (the portion that was going to be left out) and she started twisting my hair. The twists were tighter then the cornrows, that should have been a red flag. When she was done, the male stylist that was in the shop looked at me so crazy and asked her if she liked it and not me. I was so hot. I looked like a fool. It looked nothing like what I had before. I took the sew-in out the next day and had a fellow student friend finish the other half of the relaxer. It was a case of you get what you pay for.

Alexandra, Actress from Brooklyn

Meet Alexandra in her own words...

From relaxed to natural ...
My relaxed hair was pretty long (bra strap length), I cut it to chin length so I could manage it better, as the relaxed pieces of my hair became more brittle. I did 2 strand twist sets most of the time until I was ready for my big chop in 2006. My last relaxer was in spring 2005.

My hair care regimen ...
Depends on what's going on with my hair. If I have cornrows or twists I can go for 2 weeks without washing my hair. When it's loose, I cowash it every couple of days and clarify at the end of the week.
I deep condition once a week, trim my hair every two months and I straighten my hair maybe 3 or 4 times a year tops. For the most part, I only do it for roles if a costume designer asks me to do it for a part I'm playing. I've never colored or dyed my hair. I really want to try. As for my favorite hairstyle, I love wearing my natural curl in a loose afro letting my hair do it's own thing

Hair secrets ...
My kitchen is my beauty supply when it comes to deep conditioning: any mix of honey, eggs, mayo, avocado, olive oil and l'huille maskerti (haitian "super oil").

Favorite products ...
I use Shea butter after I wash my hair every time. It leaves my hair so soft. Miss Jessie's Baby Butter Creme is a god send, Cantu leave in conditioner, Beautiful Beginnings detangler are mainstays on my dresser.

Favorite hair place ...
I went to Miss Jessie's and fell in love! Only I can't afford to go there regularly. I style my hair myself for the most part and I'm lucky that I live near tons and tons of beauty supply stores in Brooklyn. Ricky's is also great for curly hair products. For a blowout, I go to Fantasy Hair Spa in Harlem because they get my hair straight, but don't murder it to the point where my curls don't snap back.

More Alexandra...
As an actress, I love the versatility my natural hair gives me. Going natural is one of the best decisions I've made. I in a show: Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS, currently running at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theatre through April 10th in New York. Scheduled performances are on Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm and 10pm, through April 10th. Tickets are $30, $25 for students and seniors and can be purchased online at www.lamama.org or by calling the box office at 212.475.7710. For more information, visit www.caligulamaximus.wordpress.com.

What's the Sexiest Natural Hairstyle You've Seen?

When you think of the sexiest natural hairstyles, what are some images that pop into your mind? Is it a super short do, a long braid out, a big sexy afro or waist length dredlocks? What do you see?

Trend Watch: Striped Frocks

It's the biggest trend for spring: nautical stripes. They come in and out of fashion every couple of seasons, but this year there is an explosion. It's EVERYWHERE! What's great about this trend is that you can mix the stripes with bright colors, florals and other patterns. I'll be showing more of the stripe trend this week and different options on how to work them. Last week I showed you the Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Ariana striped jersey dress that retails for $575. I paired it with a bright blue bag and a bright yellow shoe. This week I'm showing more affordable options.

Literature Noir Grey/Cream Striped Dress $160 – StyleBop

Markus Lupfer Allegra striped cotton-blend dress $345 – Net-A-Porter

Alice by Temperley Striped jersey dress $325 – Net-A-Porter

One Clothing Dress, Nautical Striped Mini $39 – Macy's

Wyatt black striped jersey dolman cropped sleeve dress $68 – Bluefly

One Clothing Dress, Striped Scoopneck $39 – Macy's

Acceptance

A poem by Rhoda Jordan...

When I was a little girl, I had a million curls
Flowing in every direction
But when I looked around and saw all the straight hair
I figured that was the way to perfection.

So off I went, down to the corner salon
Holding my mom's hand real tight
And when I sat in that chair and unveiled all my hair,
The stylist's eyes widened with fright!

"It's so thick," she said, with a tentative voice
As if two antlers had sprung from my head
Then she proceeded to relax all my hair
And the life of each curl was bled.

I went home with straight hair, down past my shoulders
And felt strange, like a whole other girl
But when they all started "ooohing" and "aaahing" with glee
I forgot all about my old curls.

There was an inner satisfaction, a proud kind of glow
Beating inside of my heart
For now I had finally discovered just how,
Of society, to become a part.

However, I soon learned it was a great deal of work
Of chemicals, hot combs, long hours
Of scars on my scalp, of splits on my ends
Of screeching for cover in rainy showers.

And not only that, but underneath it all
There was a feeling inside of denial
Of covering up, trying to be someone else
Of imitating some other's style.

Then I realized that my choice to lose all the curls
Was just a mere attempt to fit in
And through all the years, I realized that
Self Love doesn't work outside-in.

So I took a deep breath and I grew out my curls
Loved every inch of what I saw
I loved every curve, and I loved every strand
Each curl simply filled me with awe.

And I found my Self Love, and I took it and ran
And I painted my life with pure pleasure
And now I can go out, curly or straight,
And be filled up with joy beyond measure!

Jessica Soulstar

Meet Jessica in her own words...

My last relaxer was December 11, 2009. I did the BIG CHOP.

Hair regimen: I wash once a week with Taliah Waajid Black Shampoo, deep condition and leave the conditioner in for at LEAST 30 minutes everytime I wash. Since my BC, I've trimmed my hair twice. I'll probably do one more before I "fro it out". I do not use heat or color my hair. Since it's so short, I just wet it, put a little modifier to keep it moisturized, some pomade to define the curls and add some shine!

My favorite products are Taliah Waajid Body Shampoo and body modifier, Shortlooks Sassy Frass Spray and Pomade, and Twisted Sister curl spray.

After finally moving out on my own, I would have to say going natural is the second-most liberating thing I've ever done in my life. I love playing with my napps!

Do You Ration Hair Products?

Do you ration your hair products? Do you have an amazing expensive conditioner that you love, but it's so expensive that you have to alternate between this and a cheap product to make it last? Do you mix expensive stuff with cheap stuff? Do you mix the expensive organic stuff with drug store product?

Sunday Splurge: Philip Treacy Headpieces

Check out these sculptural headpieces by Philip Treacy. They would be perfect for a performer, avant-garde bride or someone who just likes to turn heads. Starting at about $1000 at Net-a-porter, one might consider going into the headpiece rental business. It's very much one of those things that you wear once and then never again. Perhaps they would make for great art, well-appointed in a homemade museum of some fashion arbiter's crib.

Turquoise Bags

Shella

Meet Shella in her own words...

My last relaxer was December 2008.  I didn't know if I was ready to go natural so I decided to do my research.  I looked on different natural hair sites and YouTube to find out information about natural hair. I was still skeptical because I didn't  know how people would look at me or how I would look at myself.   I decided to go natural January 2009.   I was anxious and didn't really want to deal with two textures, so I decided to do the big chop Feb 2009. The journey began!

My hair care regimen consist of washing my hair twice a week with moisturizing conditioners.  I took shampoo out of my regimen 4 months being natural, because it would dry my hair out.  I recently found a shampoo by Lustrasilk that works really well and I have added it to my twice a week regimen. I use a daily moisturizer for my 4b/4c hair type.  I deep condition at least once every two weeks because of the thickness of my hair. When I deep condition I use a protein conditioner along with a conditioner that has jojoba oil, aloe and cholesterol.  I usually leave it on for 4 to 6 hours with a heat cap.   Some will say that is too long, but I love the softness of my hair afterwords.

I have begun trimming my hair at least every other month.  I pay close attention to the ends of my hair to determine if and when I need to trim. I two strand twist my hair, feel the difference in texture from the top of the twist to the ends and that is how I determine if I need to trim my hair.

I try to avoid putting heat on my hair however, I have worn a blow out twice since I have been natural.  I recently colored my hair and quickly learned that coloring natural hair is completely different than relaxed hair.  I did not achieve the color I was looking for, nevertheless it came out a pretty reddish color.  I do advise anyone interested in color to have it professionally done to achieve what you are looking for. Aveda salon's are the best and I am having my hair colored by a professional in a couple of months. 

My signature look  is two strand twist.  I love this style, its versatile and it can last up to a week. I also wear flat twist and puffs.  I am currently experimenting with hair accessories and a wash and go style.    Being natural was the best decision I ever made. My goal is to inspire those women who are considering being natural. So I have created a channel: AlwaysClassy111 on YouTube to show others my journey. 

How Will You Wear You Hair On Your Wedding Day?

Single ladies that want to get married, have you thought of how you want to wear you hair when you get married? Will you rock a natural style or go straight?

Married ladies that were natural at the time of your nuptials, how did you wear you hair?

EmpressRi

Meet EmpressRi, in her own words...

I transitioned from the relaxer, THEN had to transition from heat damaged hair, then I ended up doing a mini chop to get rid of those ends and I've been natural ever since! My last relaxer was in 2001. I wash and deep condition once a week. Trim and use heat 2-3 times a year and I've never dyed my hair. I like my own hair color.

Sometimes if I'm in the mood/have time, I'll mix up things like my ayurvedic pastes, bentonite clay or Anita Grant's rhassoul deep condish. If my hair is in twists, I may oil my scalp with my own oil blend that I mix with aloe vera gel and massage that into my scalp, but beyond that I don't stray much from my normal routine. My favorite way to wear my hair is Big and curly or cute and twisted!

I'm a junkie and I have a lot of really great things! But to narrow it down to a few lines and products, Curl Junkie's Aloe Fix and Curl Fix Intense Hair Treatment, Kinky Curly Curling Custard, KBB hair milk, butter and luscious locks hair mask, Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream and Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm, and Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding, Shine & Define and Burnt Sugar Pomade.

My favorite places to buy hair products are Back to the Land in Brooklyn because they have my Aubrey's and Qhemet and Curlmart.com because they have a lot of lines in one place.

Check out EmpressRi's YouTube channel.

Mean Girls (Short Story)

Reader submitted fictional story by Nadiyah:

Have you ever been in a situation where you finally learned the hard way that there are more important things to life than material things? and when you learned this, it was too late?

Growing up as a young girl, I've always had long, thick, kinky-curly hair. My hair was a mixture between my parents’ textures. I was always the envy of many girls because I had naturally long hair and by the time I was in the 6th grade, I was already the most popular girl at school. I was the ringleader of a clique of four other girls and all of the other girls wanted to be one of us. Even though half of the girls in my group had bad attitudes and were rude, that did not matter. What mattered was that you had to be pretty and must have naturally pretty hair. Of course, we dressed in the latest fashions and were the dream girl of every boy in school. Our favorite past time was to make fun of all the "ugly" girls who had "bad" hair and we did this every single day.

My clique continued until we all parted ways and went on to go away to college. But through out my hair clique days, there were various girls who I allowed into the group and kicked out. One time, I had to kick my friend Tiesha out of the group in the eleventh grade. She had long and pretty relaxed hair and that was highly maintained. One day, she went for a relaxer touch-up, her hair stylist was not available and someone else did her hair. The person who did it, left the chemical in too long and poor Tiesha's hair fell out. The next day she came to school crying, hoping to find support from her good friends of the hair clique. Instead, we dismissed her from the group and stopped talking to her. I believed that looks were extremely important and she did not have what it took anymore to be one of us. She was quickly replaced by the new pretty girl in school, Della.

Within the first week of knowing each other, Della and I became the best of friends and were inseparable. Tiesha became a social outcast because we picked on her all of the time. Della and I did everything together and we even went away to the same college and were roommates freshmen year. Freshmen year of college was similar to high school because Della and I became popular again instantly. We made lots of new friends and pledged a sorority. I was in college only to make my parents happy since my real dream in life was to become a model. Once in college, I started modeling at university fashion shows and eventually worked my way up to participating in shows in the city.

My life made a big change during my sophomore year. Out of luck, I was discovered by a modeling agency at a big fashion show. By my sophomore year of college, I had a modeling contract and was finally pursuing my dream. Della and I were still the best of friends and now had our new clique filled with "pretty" girls who had great hair like us. I was very happy with life and believed that everything great was happening to me because of my looks.

One morning during the end of semester my sophomore year, I woke up not feeling like myself. I went to class and then to modeling practice afterwards. I was getting weird pains and was unable to walk on the catwalk properly. I still pushed myself and eventually collapsed on stage. I was immediately brought to the emergency room. Later on that night, I found out the worst news that I've ever had to endure. Unfortunately, I had acute myeloid leukemia cancer. The cancer was caught at a stage 2, which was pretty early so it could be fought, but with drastic measures. My only treatment option was chemo with radiation.

For the first time in my life, I realized that there were more important things in life than looks. I wanted to live so badly and survive cancer that I sacrificed losing my hair to chemo. I had to drop out of school and move back home in order to heal. At first, I did not want to do chemo at all in fair of losing my hair. However, I started to feel really weak and realized that saving my life was more important than hair. I learned the hard way that there are much more important things in life than looks and hair.

After the chemo treatment, I had to have radiation in order to rid the cancer out of my body for good. When all the treatment was done, I had no hair but did not even care. I was just happy to be alive! I lost the modeling contract due to my illness and was upset at first, but eventually got over it. I realized that I wanted to do something meaningful with my life instead of a career, which solely depended on my looks. During my healing process, I really needed the support of my friends but they all turned against me, even Della. Della decided not to stay friends with me anyway since I lost my hair and couldn't be a part of her clique. I, of course, was really hurt and felt bad for all the people in my entire life who I've been mean to. I decided to try to find and contact all of the people who I've been mean to and apologize to each and every one of them. The first person I contacted was Tiesha and she was really sorry to hear about my cancer. She automatically forgave me and was the only friend I had throughout my healing process. She was there for me and helped me with my needs.

After the radiation, I was cured for good and decided to go back to school. Instead of going back away for college, I had to resume my education at a university that was close to home. I decided to get my bachelors and to then get a masters degree in public health policy. My head was bald and it took a few months for me to grow a small fro. I embraced what I had and never wore any wigs or hats. I learned to love other things about myself and other things in life than looks and hair. I made new friends and chose them based on who they were on the inside and as a person, no matter what they looked like. After the cancer fled my body, it took 2 years for my hair to grow back to how it was before I got sick. I am truly blessed to have it back and whenever it grows really long, I get it cut and donate it to Locks of love. By donating my hair to other cancer patients, I hope to impact the lives of others who are suffering. There are more important things in life than long flowing hair.

What Do You Think About Hypnosis For Hair?

There are self-hypnosis CDs that use music and subliminal messages that claim to help boost hair growth. Do you think hypnosis works? Can it work for hair growth? Are you interested? Have you tried hypnosis or listened to subliminal CDs for other things like relaxation, insomnia, or to stop bad habits? Did it work for you? SHare in the comments.

Citric Shoes

Tomorrow, March 20, 2010, is the first day of spring. Do you have your shoe-drobe together? This season dare to play with color instead of going for the typical blacks and browns. Step outside the box and look for colors in citrus colors: limes, oranges, tangerines. These colors look great paired with the nautical stripe trend, taupes, beige, grays and the tribal/ethnic geometric trend. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Squirming and Burning

Hali writes...

Growing up I got my hair done by this older black lady who had bleach blonde hair and I'd always leave her chair with my head looking like a mushroom top (no lie). When I was around 9, I went to her in urgent need of a relaxer. I happily sat in her chair waiting for her to plaster my head with the relaxer. One thing I always liked about relaxers is how they felt getting put on, my head would feel instantly lighter with every glop of the creamy crack. After applying the relaxer, she sent me to the shampoo chair while she worked on someone else's head. I skipped back there happy to finally have a relaxer and sat down. After ten or  fifeteen minutes had gone by, the relaxer started burning, not all over but just in small patches. I was new to relaxers had no idea I would have to tell her when it started burning, so I continued to sit there. Another 5 minutes went by and it started to burn even more. I just looked at my hair dresser and watched her continue to do the other lady's hair quietly begging for her to hurry up. I had to sit in the shampoo chair for 30 minutes. The relaxer was burning my scalp so bad, I was getting sick to my stomach. I just continued to sit there squirming and wiggling around like I had ants in my pants waiting and waiting for this lady to rid me of my misery!!! Finally another hair dresser noticed me and finally told the lady my scalp was burning. She rushed back and began washing the relaxer out, having that cool water hit my scalp felt like heaven, until, all the relaxer was gone and I was left with my scalp feeling like I had needles in every single hair follicle on my head. It makes my head hurt now just thinking about it. Luckily I left the salon with all my hair that day, but it was full of scabs.

Shades of Black America

Check out this YouTube documentary on skin color in America.

3 Piece Combo: Vivienne, Jillanna and Michele

Three unexpected pieces come together to create one unforgettable trio. The architectural Michele Genia Charlotte Pleated Leather Hobo sells for $495 at Bloomingdale's. This Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Ariana striped jersey dress retails for $575 at Net-A-Porter. It's made of 96% linen and 4% lyocell. and features an oversized draped top, fitted skirt, ruched sides, a slash neck that can be worn off the shoulder, dolman half-sleeves, and an asymmetric hem. The sexy yellow gold shoe is the Jillanna Pump by Pour La Victoire it features a leather lace up pump with cut out detailing. The Shoe Box has it in stock for $324.

Fall Out Boys

Temi writes...

Does anybody remember crochet braids? You know what I'm talking about; those cute pre-braided micros that were so easy to install and could take anyone from looking like Don King to Cleopatra in a fraction of the time it took to do individuals. Back in middle school, I wore crochet braids 24/7, honestly you couldn't tell me nothing. Well almost nothing, you see the only down side to taking this shortcut with braids is that the individuals would come loose and fall out. I would be in the shower, see a few drop to the floor, running on the treadmill, and watch the same piece go past over and over again, or the worse was when they fell out in public. Actually, one particular instance in gym class — stopped me from wearing the style ever again. I remember we were doing the presidential fitness test mile run that day and I guess as I was making my way around the track, I lost some braids. Of course, I didn't notice but some of the boys in my gym class surely did because after changing out of my gym uniform, I saw about four boys wearing MY hair on their heads. My beautiful "Brandy braids" were tied to their heads in various styles from headbands to extensions. Naturally, I was mortified, but didn’t want to let them see me sweat. Calmly, I walked up to the group of boys and said, “I have to admit, you guys look great, but this style suits me more. Can I have my hair back?” The boys snickered and kindly obliged to give me my hair back. After school that day, I took out my crochet braids and have’nt worn the style since.

Long Hair

How long do you want your hair to be and why? Do you care about length or are you more into thickness? How long do you want your hair stretched? How long in a natural state? Share in the comments.

Ambi from USF

Meet Ambi, a grad student at the University of South Florida studying College Student Affairs.

In her own words... My mother always put kiddy perms in my hair to make it more manageable.  I have been natural since I was a sophomore in undergrad where I wrote a research paper on the history of African American hair and its role in pop culture. I started the transition without doing the big chop and after 6-8 months of going without a perm her hair passed shoulder length.   At that point I grew frustrated with the two textures.  As a turning point in my life, after a bad break-up, I decided to do the big chop and rock a low-boy cut.  Cutting my hair symbolized my maturity in making a conscious decision to preserve my African American culture through my roots.  It was that day that I made a promise to myself to share my hair-story with others.  Now 3 years later, I have been growing my hair out and is working to reach my maximum length. I vowed never to perm my hair again as a visual reminder that God don’t make no junk and He created me just how He wanted me to be… NATURAL!

On her hair care regimen... I usually wash my hair every three days and co-wash in between with a diluted bottle of shampoo (currently using Miss Jessie’s Cleansing Crème every three days and Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery as leave-in conditioner.  Paul Mitchell’s Skinny Serum and RoundTrip for daily moisture in the mornings and a Satin On cap at night.

Favorite hair products... Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery as a leave-in Conditioner, Paul Mitchell’s Skinny Serum and RoundTrip to define my curls after a wash and go.

Favorite salon and place to buy hair products... Paul Mitchell School where I can maintain my hair at a low cost.

Favorite hairstyle... I love straw sets because it is inexpensive and I can do it myself.

Her stylist/colorist... Currently, my stylist in Tampa, Daton Haywood is a student at Paul Mitchell School and he was the first to color my hair and has since maintained my look. 

Hair Secrets... For perfect natural curls, keep straightening with heated tools to a minimum.  Drink lots of water.  It not only helps your hair grow, but it helps your nails grow and keeps your skin looking brighter so you’ll need less make-up.

Personal style... I often rock a wash and go puff, a collared shirt with a cardigan over it, some jean shorts and my favorite pair of high-top Nikes.

Favorite places to shop for clothes... Marshalls, Urban Outfitters, DSW, Orlando’s Premium Outlet Mall

Wardrobe must-haves... tank tops, polos, cardigans, blazers, and a fresh pair of high-top Nikes

Ambi’s Links... http://modelmayhem.com/ambi or MM#712265

Photo1 by Studio 126 – www.modelplacementcenter.com.

How Did You Prepare for the Big Chop?

How did you prepare for the BIG CHOP or how do you plan to prepare if you haven't done it yet? Have any exciting plans on the day of? A party with close friends to debut your new look? Share in the comments.

Preparing for the Big Chop

A reader asked...

"After a year or so of transitioning, how should I prepare for the big chop?"

Mane & Chic responds:

Are you cutting it yourself, having a friend or family member do it or going to a stylist?

I did it myself. I didn't really do anything to prepare because I kind of just did it on a whim after a year and a half long transition. I had a good high quality pair of hair shears and I did it on soaking wet hair so that I could better see the line of difference/demarcation and just cut right above it. I filmed it all and posted on YouTube. That was fun. If I had it to do again, I would use lots of conditioner on my wet hair like Knot Today or Aussie Moist to make the line of difference even more visible. I would also ask for help from someone I trust to help me cut because my hair was jacked up the way I cut it. I just wanted the relaxed ends gone. It was an impulsive thing and I didn't want anyone to stop me. Needless to say, it was insanely uneven. A few women told me they printed out my pictures and asked their stylists to mimic my layers... go figure. Yeah, those weren't layers, they were me just snipping off the relaxed ends.

You also want to make sure you have your natural hair product arsenal on hand, I love Knot Today. I wish I had it when I big chopped. Aussie Moist might work too, but the big chop is a special occasion might as well use the good stuff. You might also consider getting a Denman brush (maybe). I wish I had a Denman brush for my big chop. You want to make sure your hair is really detangled when you Big Chop and Denmans are awesome for that! They make curls pop. Denman makes all sorts of brushes. Type 4 kinky hair would do well with a D1431(short hair), D31(good for all lengths of hair) the or D41 (medium-long hair) they were actually made for thick afro-textured hair. Most women are using the D3 or D4, but those aren't the right brushes for super curly afro textured hair. I use the D3 and it works fine, but if you're going to buy a new one better to get one I listed above. A lot of women fear the Denman makes them loose hair and I don't use it much except when I really need a good detangling and during the big chop is a great time to pull out that Denman or a seamless fine tooth comb. The key is to detangle in small sections and don't rush it. If you don't have the time to carefully detangle, it is best to wear a hat or put your hair in a bun until you can take the time and care or else you will loose LOTS of hair.

If you're going to a stylist, make sure you are clear about how much you want to cut off. Make sure you go to someone experienced at cutting curly hair. A stylist may be skilled in cutting relaxed hair, but don't have a clue about cutting tightly curly natural hair.

Be prepared for one strand knots and undefined curls. If you're lucky you won't have this issue, but many women do. I did and no one told me. I didn't read about it, I had no clue so I was NOT prepared. You just need to make sure to never let your hair get matted up and keep it moisturized to reduce one strand knots. Undefined curls and having different textures is just the nature of being natural. You can blend the parts that won't curl and reduce heat to decrease chances of it ruining your curl pattern, but that's really all you can do for now.


You also need to prepare yourself mentally. My relaxed ends really weighed my hair down and I was upset when I saw the shrinkage. I wasn't ready for the drastic change in length. I don't know how much you have to cut off to get rid of the relaxed ends, but just be prepared for that. Be prepared to be natural. Some people will respond to you differently when you wear your hair out in a natural state. It could be good or bad, but just get your mind right and be confident in your decision.

Other than all of that just practice healthy hair care: daily moisturizing, weekly deep conditioners, knowing the protein/moisture balance, low manipulation, low to no use of heat tools (to protect your curl pattern) and you should be good.

Celebrate!  Buy champagne, sparkling Moscato or sparkling cider and have it on hand to celebrate your liberation from your relaxed ends. Buy yourself a new satin scarf and pillow case to sleep on.

Curl Spotter: Little Curls for ASOS

Spotted these cute little curls modeling ASOS clothes. ASOS is a favorite here at Mane & Chic. OMG the clothes are ridiculous and affordable. Only problem, don't get too attached to anything you see because often times it's not available to be shipped to the US. UK ladies, you're so lucky to have ASOS! Anyway, back to the little curls.