Lady Kinnks Natural Hair Blog

Sapphire and Lee Daniels

2010-03-11T01:01:55Z

I read Push years ago. While reading, I could not put it down. I was on a roller coaster of emotions at the turn of every page. Author, Sapphire starts the book with phonetic spelling, as the main character Precious grows mentally, her writing improves. Labeled controversial by some, Push exposes issue of incest/rape, teen pregnancy, low self esteem, and literacy to name a few.

Lee Daniels
Congratulations to Mo’Nique for her award winning role in the movie!! I was first introduced to Precious producer, Lee Daniels from his role in Monster’s Ball. During an interview, he explained that Black folk did not identify with Monster’s Ball because of the subject matter about a reformed racist. Like Precious, Montser’s Ball shows what generational curses can be passed down.

Lenny Kravitz

Precious also features previously loc’d cutie Lenny Kravitz pictured with Lee Daniels

Geoffrey Fletcher

I grew up in Connecticut, so big up to CT native Geoffrey Fletcher for Best Adapted Screenplay for Precious.

The Precious Crew…

Links You May Enjoy…
* (1) Wiki: Sapphire
* List of black Academy Award winners and nominees
* Official Movie Site

Field Slave

2010-03-08T04:37:28Z

I didn’t really get a full grasp of the color issues within our community until I read Color Complex by Kathy Russell, Midge Wilson and Ronald Hall. Yes, I was always aware of the rules of color, what was “in-style” and kool at the time, but I really didn’t understand the WHY of our color complex. The book states: To trace the origins of the color complex, we must return to the year 1607 when three ships sailed into Chesapeake Bay, stopping at Jamestown,... After reading, my perception changed. Dark skin was my new favorite thing… I didn’t want to be like everyone else and think White is right.

For centuries, we have been taught that the darker the skin, the uglier the person. It is not fair to assume that one should question what they have been taught all their life. As cliche as it sounds, the only weapon one has is to read. After reading, and arming yourself with knowledge, you will know that Black, in all shades is beautiful.

Links You May Enjoy… * Racialicious: Darker Skin Glam Girls
* Why do people think dark skin is not beautiful?
* Model: Ajuma_Nasenyana
* Where does Alek Wek rank on the AskMen.com celeb chart?

Marsha Hunt

2010-02-18T04:22:03Z

Marsha continued to get a lot of media attention, despite only two lines of dialogue in HAiR. Three months after opening night, she became the first black model on the cover of Queen, a British high fashion magazine.

Most of us know Marsha Hunt from her famous photograph pictured below. For me, it shows how your natural beauty is exemplified once you embrace it.

The nude photograph was taken in 1968 by photographer Patrick Lichfield. The photo appeared on the cover of British Vogue’s January 1969 issue.

Almost 40 years later Hunt again posed nude for Litchfield, recreating the pose for her Vogue Magazine cover five weeks after she had had her right breast and lymph glands removed to halt the spread of cancer. The new photo appeared on the cover of her 2005 book, Undefeated, about her battle with cancer.

For more information on the amazing Marsha Hunt
* Official Marsha Hunt Website
* Wiki: Marsha Hunt

Romantic Headtie

2010-02-15T03:17:39Z

My husband thankfully is a fan of my natural hair. I recently asked him what he thinks of my head ties…

To my surprise he explained it is not sexy. He seemed a bit annoyed. Is that the curse of being married to a Black woman?

Scarfs tend to be uncomfortable, and leave my kinks flat like a pancake. Some scarf materials also leave lint in my hair. Satin bonnets leave my hear wild, and all over the place in the morning. I like the loc soc or old pairs of pantyhose. Some times I cut the legs of, some times I don’t. I use the legs to imitate hair while mirroring Beyonce’s latest video.

I like my plain black loc soc. It is more appealing than an old pair of pantyhose on my head.

So tell me readers, how do you remain attractive at night while protecting your natural hair? Men, what do you think of the head tie of your significant other?

Hair Therapy

2010-02-08T01:56:39Z

Shampoo: I broke my only Shampoo rule, “Must be clear”. I tried Herbal Essences’ Hello Hydration Shampoo. I read great reviews. It was great at first, but my hair seemed to gain too much build up. I then tried the clear Herbal Essences Drama Clean, but it seemed to dry my hair too much. I went back to TRESemme. Instead of the Moisture Rich Shampoo, I tried Flawless Curls Moisturizing Shampoo. Did I mention 32oz for less than $5?

Condition: Since I didn’t have good luck with the Herbal Essences’ Hello Hydration Conditioner, I went back to TRESemme’s Smooth & Silky Conditioner. Before washing, I drenched my hair in it and covered with a plastic bag for a few hours. My soft manageable hair is back! After blow drying, I sectioned hair into several Bantu knots for ease of styling.

Oil: Yipi for coconut oil!! I went to Whole Foods and bought their brand Expeller Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil. The pressed oil can be used as a dietary supplement! What surprised me the most about the coconut oil is since I’ve used it on my face, my breakouts have decreased significantly! I swear my hair and skin just drink coconut oil. Being that we are having a very dry winter, I “greased” my scalp with Jojoba Oil. Alternative Successful Oils: Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Morocco Oil

Shea Butter: I love 100% Shea butter!!! This week I used Jane Carter’s Nourish and Shine. It consist of different butters with grapefruit and pear essential oils. JC’s Nourish and Shine gives my hair its shea butter fix, and acts as styling butter that smells like citrus goodness. (Every Kinnks Tee purchased will receive a free Nurish and Shine sample courtesy of Jane Carter herself!).

Style: Before the Super Bowl, I popped in American Gangster in the DVD and started twisting. I may decide to curl, or pin up twists to provide versatility throughout the week.

Question and Answers
* Erica: I would like to know do or have you ever had an itchy scalp and what can be done about it?
Keeping your scalp clean and moisturized will help with an itchy scalp. You may wash your hair too much, or not enough. Experiment with the SCOSS routine to see what works best. If severe, you may need an anti-fungal shampoo or to consult a dermatologist.

*Valerie: How do I achieve soft hair?
Try the above routine, my hair feels soft, and manageable every time. Note that since we have such unique hair, one person’s favorite product may be your worst. Good luck experimenting.

*Machelle: Since going natural I don’t know what to use for my scalp. When I had a relaxer I used regular grease now I am lost and my scalp feels dry!
When I think of grease, it is somewhat sentimental. It reminds me of the bonding time my mom spent parting and greasing my scalp. The truth is that grease is filled with petroleum, which does not allow your scalp to breathe. Try different oils mentioned above and you’ll never go back. You probably won’t need as much oil as you did grease.

*Wanda: What’s the best hair products for natural hair?
A common mistake I make is thinking one product will be the new it! I tried this with Coconut oil and my hair was sooo thirsty! Find your ideal routine, then experiment with different products to see if you see an enhancement. If not, you know you don’t need it.

*Erica: What do you do to your hair a night?
At night I use a loc soc, or old stockings with runs. I avoid tying my hair because it makes my hair flat while a “stocking cap” will keep it in place without making it a pancake. Remember to wash your pillow case, combs, brushes, and head ties as often as you wash your hair.

Guest Blogger: Denise

2010-02-01T01:17:57Z

Say It loud, I am Black and Proud.
It wasn’t until the late 80s I went to Medgar Evers, a Black college in New York that I felt sexy because of the way I wore my hair. I had my son, long hot pink nails, mini skirt and an afro. The guys would constantly tell me how real and good I looked. I was even asked to be featured in a magazine. I was considered uplifting, and called nice names like African Queen. I started to appreciate how I looked, because I realized it was a beautiful thing. Being in a Black school it was so appropriate, my hair seemed to fit. I was more comfortable being there with my afro.

Now I am older, this is me, Denise. Anything else will just be fake. Now you can do natural styles. I’ve always had an afro(giggles). It is the most natural thing for me to do. I have no desire to put any straightness in my hair. Sometimes I toy with color. Weather I do it or not, I don’t have to. I don’t feel obligated.

Salt-n-Pepper Hair
At one time, I couldn’t deal with the gray. During my grandmother’s funeral, I looked around and saw all the beautiful gray-haired women like my mom. I also saw the beautiful images of my gray-haired grandmother who I looked just like. To honor the women of my family, I decided to stop coloring my hair. When I first started wearing my hair salt and pepper, some people were in disbelief. You’re not going to color it, they would ask. But others would say, wow you are so beautiful with your silver hair. You wear it with so much pride, I could never do that. I tried to encourage them that they were just as capable.

I started to get a lot of compliments. My friend, who makes quilts told me not to ever die my hair because I have such a distinguished look. I feel good wearing my hair like this. I noticed, when you see other people with gray hair, you feel a bond. Just like if you see other people with natural hair. You compliment each others hair, it’s the Salt and Pepper secret club.

Men and Natural Hair
When I decided to stop coloring it, he suggested I continue to color it. After I explained to my loving husband I wanted to do it for me, he seemed to be on board. After I owned the look, and I would mentioned I wanted to color it he would say: No, keep it salt and pepper but short. Whenever I would have braids, or straightened my hair my husband wound’t touch it. Once I cut my hair he will rub it, and its seems as if he falls in love with me all over again. He just loves the natural look, and loves my hair. He seems satisfied long as it is cut really short! .

Do you have any advice for anyone going Natural?
When you wear your hair natural, feel the beauty and appreciate your hair. That is what God gave you. Feel beautiful. Earlier when people told me I was beautiful with natural hair I wouldn’t believe them. But take the time to just believe people. I feel real. You don’t have to put any strengtheners to feel like anyone else or go through pain and suffering.

________________

Read about More Kinnks Natural Hair Guest Bloggers
Become a Natural Hair Blogger

Web Finds

2010-01-29T02:46:21Z

The Coil Review has been gracious enough to feature the following blogs and articles by Kinnks.com.
Riches In a Recession
The View Tackles Natural Hair
The Real Black Barbie

Visit The Coil Review’s First Commercial… Side Part, Tuck Under Type of Girl

Haiti

2010-01-14T14:43:24Z

Donation Options
* Red Cross
* We’ll donate $5 to the American Red Cross for every Kinnks Tee purchased (Expires January 31, 2010)

2009 In Review

2010-01-04T14:59:17Z

January 20, 2009 history was made! Our 44th President Barack Obama is sworn into office! For me, words can not describe what this means for so many. I am also glad to have a positive African-American family-role model that mostly EVERYONE admires. Unfortunately, being the First African-American family- there has been small controversy. One that I thought was ridiculous is the criticism of Malia’s “ethnic” hair. Read More

Hair for many is somewhat of an armor. I would have never thought it would stop a speeding bullet. Last February, Ms. Bond stopped a speeding bullet with her weave. Yes yal, her weave! Read More

While visiting South Carolina State University, rapper David Banner made the comment “Blacks Don’t Love Themselves.” He said that Black women who perm their hair are examples of black on black crime and media control.Read More

April, we visited the Baltimore Natural Hair Show

We lost a legend, the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson is one of the few successful icons who we’ve none from the beginning of his life to the end. Just like we experience rights of passage from the afro to our our first hair chemical treatment, so did he. Read More

In August, I also discovered my favorite alternate hair style. I will always love the twist out! But the ‘FRO HAWK influenced my inner rock star! Read More

Southeastern Art Association ‘African-American Festival’ where we saw the come back of the high top fade amongst the young-ins Read More

August, with 90+ degree weather here in Richmond we went to the Happily Natural Hair Day event and took plenty of pics. Read More We had our first feature article in kinky fabulous thecoilreview.com, Riches In a Recession. Our first online radio interview with Black Hair Talk Live.

Tyra has bloggers talking with the announcement that she would start her new season with her natural hair. Natural Hair bloggers every where turned in to see the infamous super model without her trademark weave. Disappointed we were. The show should have been advertised as real hair, not natural hair. Read More

Chris Rock’s documentary Good Hair sure had a lot of people talking about African-Americans and their very interesting hair obsession! Read our Review

The argumentative ladies of the view even talked about natural verses relaxed hair. Read More

Mattel decides to create a line of African-American Barbies, In Style. We think better, Read More

The Movie Avatar features natural hair, Read More

Then to end to year, we hear a crazy teacher cuts a student’s braid, Read More

I had a few posts in which I asked you various questions…
Is Natural Hair Patriotic?
How does Natural Hair differ by region?
Is Smoking Natural Hair a contradiction?

Oh yes, and don’t forget the 9 Beautiful Guest Bloggers!

This is just a highlight. Many more posts to review. Well, I have learned a lot my first year of blogging. It can only get better :o) Thank you for reading! Your feedback is always welcomed. Shoot me some electronic mail to blog@kinnks.com!

Peace, Love and Shea Butter!
~Lady Kinnks

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-01T03:11:39Z

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T13:31:08Z

This Christmas by Donny Hathaway

As you read this, I am probably listening to Ledisi’s Christmas CD. Here is a clip…

Teacher Cuts Student’s Braid

2009-12-16T03:33:45Z

I have been blessed with great teacher, some that I am still in contact with. I have also had mean teachers who just don’t like specific students. It is a shame that we have this one teacher with so much power, who decides to be vindictive in their lessons.

Black hair is a large part of our lives. The truth is, within our American culture hair is sacred. What gives the teacher a right to cut a student’s hair? If twirling hair makes her that frustrated and destructive, what else is she doing to students behind closed doors?

I am going to pray for all parties involved.

Movies with Natural Hair Creatures

2009-12-11T04:26:15Z

Movie: Predator
Then I remember when I first saw Predator. While I should have been afraid and involved in the story line, I kept saying to myself, are those locs? Okay maybe tentacles?

Do you think African-American hair can seem alien-like to Western society??
Food for Thought

Peace, Love and Shea Butter
~Lady Kinnks

Is it a contradiction to have natural hair and smoke cigarettes?

2009-12-10T03:28:14Z

* U.N. agency said nearly 95 percent of the global population is unprotected by laws banning smoking. Secondhand smoking kills about 600,000 people every year
* Although African Americans smoke fewer cigarettes, on average, they tend to smoke brands with higher nicotine and tar levels. African Americans are also more likely to smoke mentholated cigarettes.
* About 76 percent of African American cigarette smokers smoke menthol cigarettes as compared to 23 percent of Caucasians. These brands contain enough menthol to produce a cool sensation in the throat when smoke is inhaled. People who smoke menthol cigarettes can inhale more deeply or hold the smoke inside longer than smokers of non-menthol cigarettes. This may explain why African Americans, are more likely than Caucasians to die from smoking related diseases like lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. African Americans have higher lung cancer and oral cancer incidence, as well as higher mortality rates than whites.

(NPR: Smoking Kills 5 Million Every Year | Demographics of tobacco use)

Hearing all the statistics, I still smoked a few times as a youth. After choking, and feeling stupid, I decided smoking just wasn’t for me.

Now, living in Richmond, the home of Altria, aka big Tobacco, I see the wealth of the industry. The Tobacco industry supports local business, donates to non-profit organizations, and employees thousands of people in our area alone.

What is the root cause of why people smoke? This baffling question lead me to think,

It is a contradiction to smoke cigarettes and have Natural Hair?

There are always exceptions to the rule. Being natural can just be a hairstyle. For me, going natural is all about loving yourself. Once you love yourself, you appreciate yourself and try and do everything in your best interest. Unfortunately, smoking has serious negative health and cosmetic effects, not good for self-esteem. One can cause equal, maybe more damage than cigarettes through self doubt. I opened up the question to you…

It is a contradiction to smoke cigarettes and have Natural Hair?

From the book of Friends:
Tiffany: No, it’s just a choice. Do you use all natural products in every aspect of you life?

Yoni: I can see how some would make that connection. But, I agree with Tiffany - it is a choice…an unhealthy one…but a choice nonetheless. PS - I’m natural, and don’t smoke…but I do eat meat. Lol - some feel that all “Natural folks” should be Vegetarian as well. So many “boxes”...so little time. Lol. Peace & ♥

Jeanne: To me, if you want to have beautiful hair, you should have a good health. Plus, smoking is very bad for hair. It makes it drier.

Lynnette: It depends. Is your natural hair just a hair style or is it part of your life style?

Farah : I think it is because if you want healthy hair, you can’t pollute it with cigarettes. So it really doesn’t make sense to me.

Denise: I think its more of a contradiction to have natural hair and false eyelashes!!!!!

Chaunda NaturalsSalon: Ooooh… That’s a good one… Many times people focus on 1 aspect of their life at a time to change… Going natural may have been the 1st thing they decided to do… As they learn the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle they will begin to leave the not so healthy habits behind… With that said no I don’t think it’s a contradiction…. I think it’s a bad habit… One not having to do with the other.

From the Twitterverse lifeispichey: @Kinnks I think #naturalhair or not, cigarettes is bad for you But I must say, I do enjoy a cigar once in a while (I know, slap my hand) about keish: whatever u let define u, is all up to u. my #naturalhair doesn’t define me&if I smoked, cigarettes wouldn’t either.@Kinnks brwngldngodess: @Kinnks smoking is gross keish: I don’t think its a contradiction, per sé...its ur world, squirrel! do what u want! *smile* @Kinnks afrobella: @Kinnks some might say so (I don’t smoke cigarettes myself) but part of the beauty of #naturalhair is you can do and be whatever you want about Having said that, cigarettes do diminish your beauty, IMO…been trying to tell my hubby that & get him to quit for so long now =( Naturally_Flyy: RT @Kinnks: Is it a contradiction to have #NaturalHair and smoke cigarettes?< lol maybe they went natural 4 different reasons
Continue the conversation by leaving a comment below

Big Chop

2009-12-07T04:02:46Z