Oprah don' lost her Natural Mind!! YAAAY!!

Hi Princesses!!!!

Well, the diva of all things gla-mour, the queen of all things upscale, the CEO of all of everybody's favorite things, has shown us her hair "in it's natural state" as Oprah puts it. This is the upcoming cover of O Magazine. We have gotten sneek peaks of her natural hair before. Yet, it's always been blown out fairly straight. This look is tight and curly.

Well, my first impression of this picture was, woow!! I am happy to see her ditch the layers and bone straight  look, for curls. However, I must say, it looks a little 1990's to me. Sorry!!! I have an urge to sing an En Vouge or SWV hit!  Sorry O!!!! Even 1980's.  I do believe she took a photo from her favorite Pointer Sisters Album Cover and said " Andre, make me look like this!"  "Jump,Jump, for my luuv!"  Ok, I'm done...;)

I joke, but this is a nice change! With all of the straightening she does on a daily basis, I wonder how she prevents massive heat damage to her tresses??

What do you think? Some are saying there were some curling irons or pieces used to get this look. Share your thoughts!

Product Review Time!!

Hello Princesses!

Does everyone out there have a staple product that you just love?? I do! Everyone who knows me, knows I love me some Kinky Curly Curling Custard, to define my curls. I love saying the name, as much as I love using it! Yet, we all should try and expand our product use, to see what else is out there. I did this, and I have a report. Product: Twisted Sista, by Urban Therapy. I should have known just by the name, that they were trying waaaay too hard! Here are my thoughts.

This is supposed to be a "curl activator". It reads "cream moisturiser to activate curls & eliminate frizz". Twisted Sista claims that it will put life back into your naturally curly, afro or permed hair.

Ok, I am very sad to say that it did not deliver this for me. It made my hair pretty crunchy. Also, my curls were not really defined. It tamed my hair a bit, but nothing too significant. Also, the product does not rub in that well. I had a lot of residue left in my hair.

As for the scent, ladies, it kinda smells like a hair remover! A little like Nair!! As in "Who wears short shorts...!". Not the best thing to smell when you are trying to get cute. Also, it has a ton of chemical ingredients that I can't pronounce. Long words like mqyelrepperpoliptide #3, Shnvyeornpupoopoo, and Mamasaymamasahmamacusah Hexyll. Ok, so maybe not the exact ingredients list, but close!

Long and short of it, I really did not like this product, at all. NOT to say it won't love your hair. Yet, as for me and my crowning glory, we did NOT get along. Have you tried it? What do you think??

Kimberly Joy Mophead, read more, I'll explain...

Hey Princesses,

This blog entry is dedicated to the ignorant. Forgive them, for they know not what they say. Forgive them, for they know not how to say. Forgive them, for they know not when to show class, instead of showin' their...well you know the rest.

I am quite sad to report this, but this story is about a sista. I was working in a satellite office for my job, and this young lady had an office in the same building. She had never formally introduced herself, and decided to do so this particular morning. So, she walked over to my office, with the biggest smile, and pleasant demeanor. She said, "My name is 'Kelly'" (Uhhm, that's what we'll call her). I said "Hello Kelly, I'm Kimberly." She then took a rather long look at my naturally kinky hair and said "Oh you are natural, I could never do that....it looks like I could turn you upside down, and mop with you."

Yeah, you read it right. She said it looks like she could turn me upside down, and flippin' MOP with me. Kelly basically called me a mop head. I'm not even a Swiffer ya'll, I'm an old school MOP!! Stick me in a bucket and slop me on the floor mop!  I said "Excuse me???" When she saw my already big eyes pop out of my head, both hands rushing to my hips, she knew it was over. "Kelly" said "Oh wait, ma'am, I didn't mean that in a bad way!" So, comparing me to a cleaning tool that's used to remove dirt, grime, filthy germs and sticky kitchen juices should in no way be offensive??? Calling me a mop head should be the highlight of my day?? WOW. I just gained my composure, and said "Wow." I walked away from this ignorance. I had to. Due to the fact that I was on the clock, I decided her ignorance, was not worth my job, my bread and butter. I don't know WHAT would have come out of my mouth, had I stayed there a second longer. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!!?? My hair was in a "braid out" that day, and let me tell you, I just knew I was doin' it! AND STILL think I was!! Despite being compared to a MOP!

Ladies, we gotta do better for each other. Who will support us, if WE don't support us? What are some crazy, nuts things people have said to you about your kinky, crowning glory? How did you handle it?

Being Natural In The Corporate World

Hey Princesses!!!

There are natural women everywhere! We are everywhere you look these days! We have a million different occupations including retail, service, medical, ministry, and yes, CORPORATE! Yes, us, AND our hair, are all up in your face in the corporate world!! Now initially, it was completely frowned upon to walk into an office setting, with a natural hairstyle. After all, professional has been long considered to be bone straight, conservative hair. Now, we are expanding the definition of professional, and proving that professional goes well beyond the layered, relaxed look. There are so many ways we can wear our hair, and should not feel pressured to have it straightened each time we enter our offices! That would be a true challenge, especially for those of us who shy away from direct heat.

I have worked in a corporate setting for most of my career. For the past 4 years, I have worked in a Business Formal office setting. I do not straighten my hair for work. Not even for "Big" meetings. I experiment with different styles, and have found that professional looks CAN be achieved on our hair, in its' curly texture. Does anyone watch the VH1 reality show "What Chilli Wants"? The most recent episode included a scene of Chilli in an office with her Psychologist, and the Dr. was proudly wearing a Puff. You gotta love that!! You have to know that what counts, is NEAT and CLEAN hair. Not necessarily the texture. Make sure to go on the internet and explore different styles. Ask friends, go to blogs and YouTube natural hair. Also, please visit http://www.thirstyroots.com/. What a fantastic resource for style ideas!!

The picture shown is of me at work. I am standing next to the boss. The big boss. (I have cropped him out, as he is an elected official and may not appreciate me just using his likeness all over my blog:). Anyway, I am wearing a braid out. I tend to wear my hair like this, or in a basic puff for work. Ladies, natural hair is appropriate for all settings!! Have you ever experienced issues in your place of work, due to your natural tresses? Share your stories here!

Hey Natural Princesses,

New Years Eve hair challenges have led many of us back down the road of Creamy Crack. During this crucial time of year, we have to support each other. Exchange ideas with each other, share new products, and stay focused on the ultimate goal: Healthy Hair!!

So, how is everyone doing with their natural tresses this holiday season? Do you remember a time when getting your hair done, almost always meant some type of straightening? I do! That used to be the basis of all of my really “done up” hair styles. Now naturals, many of us have a completely new outlook on this. For me, I still believe in having formal hairstyles, specifically for the holidays. Yet, it no longer means having bone straight hair. I could of course, flatten my hair with an, or pressing comb, and still achieve a straight, formal look. Yet, for this entry, I thought we could talk about different ways of working with our natural texture, for holiday styles. You can still have just as many different choices, but working with your own texture. Wearing natural hair up into a cute bun is super cute for the holidays. Wearing your natural curls down is also an option, maybe using some handmade or store bought accessories.

Remember, get creative!! As the picture shows (courtesy of thirstyroots.com), doing multiple buns and twists can be so elegant!

So, do you all still feel as “done up”, wearing your hair in its’ natural texture for formal events, such as New Years Eve Celebrations? Share your thoughts here!

Transitioning, Sticking to it!!

Hey Princesses!!

Let me explain this picture. This shot is a relaxed woman's nightmare! Look at all that new growth! This is me, 8 months into my transition. As you can see, I have a good 3 inches or so, of new growth. You can also see my stringy ends of relaxed hair, hanging on for dear life!! Handling two textures of hair, is what we encounter, while transitioning.

Transitioning to natural hair can be very difficult, but fun at the same time. The truth is, we have lost many of women during this very critical time! They decide they cannot "handle" their hair, and they go back to the creamy crack. I have done many "hair interventions" with friends:) "Step away from that perm, slowly, with your hands and gloves up!"

When that new growth comes, I know, it can be scary. After all, new growth has been our enemy. Yet, trust me transitioners, you will learn to welcome new growth, and realize it is very natural. Your hair should be growing!

When you are transitioning out of the relaxer, and back to your natural curls, you have to be creative in making your hair look great! After all, you are working with 2 textures of hair. Products will work differently on each texture of hair, giving you the threat of looking a hot, dusty mess. We can not have this princesses! Here are some basic guidelines, and helpful hints for transitioning.

LIMIT DIRECT HEAT USE
When transitioning, the line where your natural and relaxed hair meet, is very fragile. It can break off quite easily. For this reason, I recommend limiting, or perhaps eliminating the use of direct heat. Some women choose to blend their curly new growth, with the remaining relaxed ends. To do this,they will flat iron or press their hair frequently. While this may be OK to do sometimes, it is not healthy to do regularly. If you choose to straighten your new growth, be sure to use some type of heat protectant product before straighting it. Yet, please remember: it's a good idea to get used to seeing yourself with curly looks anyway! Explore what your hair can do in this transition phase, without having to straighten it so frequently.

TRY ROLLER SETS
It may be pretty old school, but a great way to blend your new growth with the remaining relaxed ends is doing a roller set. Try satin rollers, or flexi ones you can find in beauty supply stores. Roller sets can last for days if you sleep with a satin bonnet on. This way, you are not manipulating your hair each day. This method is a great way to begin embracing a new, curly look that is coming for you! Plus, if you take your time and do a roller set correctly, you can create casual, and formal looks. Check this YouTube video out for an example on how to roller set.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Transitioning is your time to educate yourself! Go on YouTube, find Natural Hair Meet Up Groups, Facebook Groups, etc. There are so many people out here in this journey, let's connect with each other. You can get style ideas , and tips that may make your transition easier than you ever imagined! There are also some great books out there about natural hair. Make sure to learn all you can about this subject! Caring for natural hair is totally different from caring for chemically treated hair. Become an expert in caring for your tresses, it's your Glory!!

Do you have any tips, or concerns about transitioning? Share them here!!

Weaves Gone Wild!

Hey Princesses,

To those who are sitting at their computers wearing a weave right now, please don't take offense by my title! It just kinda flowed, and was catchy, ok!? And sorry Wendy Williams, but this pic was just perfect for this entry, How you dooooin????

There are many viewpoints on wearing weaves, by different individuals. When women go natural, there are many who decide that along with the chemicals flying out of the door, so do the weaves. Natural is defined differently, by each of us. It could mean the elimination of chemicals only. It could also mean the elimination of chemicals, and any synthetic/human hair pieces or tracks.

During the transition period, (When we are growing our relaxers out) many choose to wear wigs, half wigs, braids, etc. to protect our fragile transitioning hair. After this, it is often a woman's last experience with weave. It is almost a release of all things artificial on our heads, chemicals, and hair that comes in baggies!

In my view, I have to say that if a woman chooses to pop on a wig occasionally, that does not make her less Natural than those of us who choose to stay away from extensions. If a woman wants to achieve that straight, swingy look without using a flat-iron, I say go for it. It at least saves your hair from potential heat damage. You can achieve the bone straight look without worrying about "sweatin' it out". I know you know what I mean! Worrying about working out, getting it wet in the shower, etc. At least weave won't "revert".

So how do you feel about this? Do you feel if you are Natural, and decide to get a few tracks, you are a victim of "Weaves Gone Wild?"