Amber's Hair Diary: Creativity and Inspiration + Winter Hair Change-Up

Creativity and inspiration.  Two words that can mean anything to anyone.  They can be found in everything and everyone, and they are the reason why I love the beauty industry. I am able to take a creative idea and turn it into living inspiration. I want to engage with everyone about hair, educate as well as be educated. One of the best ways for me to to start that conversation is with my own hair.

The seasons are changing soon which means so is my hair!  In my past I never actually had a hair stylist who seemed to truly care about their own hair, and well now I question why I would ever go to a hair stylist who doesnt keep their hair amazing at all times.  No, this doesn't mean that I only put people into crazy styles,   but it does mean that I am challenging myself and experimenting, and learning new techniuques often.  I strive to be good at every type of hair styling from your every day looks to editorial looks.  I am seeking inspriation for my creative expressions in everything so that I am able to meet the hair styling needs of every guest I come into contact with.  

texture (photos from pinterest)

hair color inspiration. rich browns, coppers, and blondes. 

(photo from pinterest)

Lately, I have been finding a lot of inspiration from shapes, colors, and textures in nature. And also, from researching other Hair Stylists and the kind of work that in my mind shows a depth of creativity and inspiriration. I love the work from Hair Stylist Peter Gray. 

With all that being said below is the video that is the inspiration for my winter hair change-up. My educator at school showed it to me and I fell in love. It is Dazed + Confused I Was a Punk Rock Princess.   The Hair Stylist/ Director is Peter Gray. With other credits going to:
Fumi Nagasaka (Director)

Peter Gray (Director)
Cathy Edwards (Fashion Editor/Stylist)
Peter Gray (Hair Stylist)
Laura Dominique (Makeup Artist)

The last look in the video is our inspiration.  My educator Kelly at school has been given free creative reign. So I am excited to see the results.  They should be done by the end of the day to day.  Keep tabs on our Facebook wall and Instagram and there will be a follow up post as well.   It is amazing inspiration full of bright color and geometiric shapes! 

Photo Credit  Fumi Nagasaka (Director)

Peter Gray (Director)

Cathy Edwards (Fashion Editor/Stylist)

Peter Gray (Hair Stylist)

Laura Dominique (Makeup Artist)

DISCUSSION: Naturally Innocent

This DISCUSSION is in response to the 12 year-old Florida girl who faces expulsion because she wears her hair naturally curly:

Vanessa VanDyke said she was given one week to decide to whether cut her hair or leave Faith Christian Academy in Orlando, a school she's been going to since the third grade. But for now, she and her mother do not plan to change her hair because it is part of the 12-year-old's identity. But her natural hair style comes with a cost.

"It says that I'm unique," said VanDyke. "First of all, it's puffy and I like it that way. I know people will tease me about it because it's not straight. I don't fit in." (source)

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As more children with natural hair begin to face the harsh reality of world views and stereotyping at at younger age in schools, we find ourselves in front a very sensitive debate.  How do you balance a child's authentic existence with the rules of their environment and the unfair nature of this world?

While I don't have children, I have tremendous respect for the parents that find themselves in this situation.  I don't see many parents bending on what seems to be natural to their children.  They simply choose to honor their child by finding a school more understanding and supportive of them.  I find that to be a beautiful affirmation of who they are while giving them the space to understand themselves in a harsh world.

As a community, I think we should help affirm the choices of those children and their parents by simply continuing to extend the natural hair love we have for each other to our little ones as well.  When I see a little natural cutie, I can't help but let them know it.  I suppose its my way of letting them know for every person they encounter that may think they are different, there is someone who thinks they are a part of a community.

How do you help the children in your life find balance between being themselves and any cruel encounters they might have with others about their hair?

DISCUSSION: Naturals Cracking the (Dress) Code

In the wake of so many KNOWN instances of employers and schools creating rules that unfairly forbid natural hair and natural hairstyles, it is easy to become an unofficial member of the Liberty and Defense of Natural Hair Association. (Since I just created this association 2 seconds ago, I voted myself founder and CEO.) However, I've noticed recently that some naturals can tend to take the natural hair liberties too far. When you work in a corporate office, there are usually dress codes and rules regarding your appearance. In case no one has ever mentioned it: THIS INCLUDES YOUR HAIR.

And by "your hair", I mean your naturally kinky, coily, curly hair. Yes, even you have to abide by certain rules. I'm not referring to the school who told the 7 year old Tiana Parker that her dreadlocks were a problem. Nor am I referring to Farryn Johnson, the Hooter's waitress who was fired because she colored a streak of her hair blond. Ashley Davis' situation is also excluded. She worked at a bank in Missouri, and was told 2 months after she was hired that she needed to cut off her 10+ year old locs to keep her job. That's not the same as being professional when the job calls for it. This discussion is about how you choose to wear your hair when companies request that while you are at your desk or cubicle, you maintain a corporate or business casual appearance. Having textured hair doesn't exclude your hair from needing to be business casual as well.

If you are in the number of naturals that love to experiment with their hair, that's fabulous. I'm all for it. I personally haven't had time for much experimenting since I've begun working again. But I have big plans to do something new to my hair.... eventually. I don't, however, plan on testing the rules at my new job with a hairstyle that is definitely not work appropriate.

Being natural can allow you to express your free spirit just as much as it fits your out-of-the-box personality. However, when you are in a work environment the focus should be on your work, NOT on your hair. I know there are those who will say "Well my work should speak for itself, and they shouldn't judge me for my hair". It's no different from coming to the office with super messy, tousled beach wave style hair. Or showing up on Tuesday in a club dress and high heels. The texture of our hair is not a reason to bypass dress codes. Besides, if you are just LOOKING for a reason to rouse the people who provide your income, there are several more creative and entertaining ways to do so. Try spilling a drink on your computer... and then maybe another 2 or 3 colleagues' computers. Bring a bottle of merlot and chocolate for a day of Netflix on company time. Flip your manager's desk all the way over. Go out with a bang!

But wearing styles that were made for photoshoots and hairshows are not appropriate. They do not add to your company value, and they can distract you and others from work. I do not ever agree with companies firing or having different standards of appearance for those with textured hair versus straight hair. There are enough battles to fight without creating unnecessary ones. This is not about adhering to Western beauty standards. It's about adhering to company policies. Natural hair is versatile enough to be funky and professional. Enjoy the freedom of your natural hair. There is so much you can do with it and still manage to stay within the lines of professionalism.


Do you test your limit with hair in the workplace? Where do you draw the line on work appropriate hairstyles?

ROOTS & RHYTHM: Diana Ross - "Love Hangover"

This summer, The Bob made a strong return.  As we begin to settle into new cuts and colors for Fall, I was wondering if The Bob would continue through the Fall.  With such classic style, it can be seen as a safe bet or a radical change depending on the woman.

One of the most classic cases of the The Bob is "The Boss" Diana Ross.  This stage of her hair represented her well because much like her hair, her personal style is very sleek and elegant.

 

 

 Straight or with curls, Diana's bob was always perfect, something that is obviously coded in her genes.  While she went with a sleek bun in this performance, Diana Ross' performance of "Love Hangover" on "Midnight Special" in 1979 represents her personality and style very well. 

                               

So, who wore the bob this summer in a way that we'll still talk about more than 30 years from now?  Are you working your natural in a Bob?  We would love to see it!

Product Review: Taliah Waajid Products

I have been thru my product junkie phase and have settled into the products I know I love. Products I know I will give me consistent results every time.  I rarely have products to review because I rarely try new products.  It seems a bit redundant, but after years of trial and error I know what my 'go-to' products are and also what I will recommend to others.

Just a bit about my standard hair regimen I am a fan of layering on product, I tend to over use product on my first application so that by days 3-7 of my hair I have perfect moisture balance.  

So, this week I finally opend up my Taliah Waajid sample bags that I got at the Nashville Natural Hair and Wellness Expo back in September.

The sample bag came with the Great Detangler, The Curl Sealer, Curly Curl Cream, The African Healing Oyl, Lock it Up, and the Kinky Wavy Natural Style and Shine.  For This review I will only be reviewing the first 4.  The last two I havent opened. 

I used the Taliah Waajid Great Detangler first. I don't have a lot of hair but it is still thick and gets tangled even at this short length. I detangle in the shower with my conditioner and then applied the detangler to slightly damp hair. I find that my products works best if I let my hair air dry with no product for about and hour after I have shampooed an conditioned. I applied detangler, then The Taliah Waajid Curl Cream and finally the Taliah Waajid Curl Sealer.

The detangler and the curl cream were fine but once I added the curl sealer all of the product on my hair began to form lovely little snowflakes, which then proceeded to get worse. I am not a fan of any product line where all of the products are not compatible with one another. After the products were completely dry,  my hair was crunchy and hard to the touch.  

On the flip side I do love the African Healing Oyl, it has a great scent. I've used in on hair and skin and got soft results.

A Pro to the line is that the products made my curls stretch as opposed to shrink which was nice. However, I am rarely concerned with stretching my curls because I have learned to embrace shrinkage. For me its about softness of hair and the ability of a line of products to all work together without flaky results. I may try the curl sealer independently and see what results I get because I liked the consistency and feel of the product.    

I've got a product ingredients book on the way, recommeded to me by one of my awesome educators at Aveda. I want to know more about the chemical properties of products and what causes them to react with other products in negative or positive ways. I will share more info once I've educated myself more.

Have you tried any of the Taliah Waajid products?  How did you like them?

HAIR LUST: Happy Little Updo

 

Ahh! Nothing like the simplicity of a quick up-do. An up-do, on natural hair, can take a three day old twist-out to a new beginning. Just find some bobby pins or hair combs, at a bit of water and olive oil to moisturize, and smooth your hair up to the high heavens. This model's hair is super-cute and super easy to achieve. Give it a try!

Candice's Hair Diary: Dear Big Hair, I Care

Yes. Yes I do care about my big hair. I've been rocking a legitimate afro lately. I wouldn't be honest if I said I haven't enjoyed walking around with an eye-catching fro. I went a few weeks where I wore my afro every which way. I wore it to the side, in a high puff, in a low puff, and free as a bird. It was so much fun... until the single strand knots started coming. Single strand knots are like the loud, annoying drunk person that comes in the party and starts accidentally knocking things over. And I have a bad habit of snapping them off with my fingers. I know I'm not supposed to do that, but they are so annoying. I soon figured that it would be best for my hair and I if I put the afro away for a while. So all I have done lately is reminisce on the fun times I had as I let my fro frolic in the wind.

Since single strand knots had to rain on my parade... I had to do what's best for Khani (Yes. My hair has a name. Doesn't yours?) and put her away. So that's what I did. I tucked her away and let her get some rest. Because wearing a fro for that long takes work. I thoroughly detangled my hair nearly every day. I moisturized every day. Did I mention that I detangled every day?! That takes commitment. Oh the ladies in the 70s must have been all about that detangling life. I miss my big afro hair, but I've been wearing stretched and protective styles the past few weeks. I appreciate the break from detangling, and the minimizing of single-strand knots. Also the moisture retention, ease of manipulation, and time saving--- okay. So protective styling has its own benefits. Get into this totally accidental chunky twist style. I was preparing to take these down when our editor Melissa coerced suggested that I keep them in as a protective style. 

Talk about THICK hair...  

Besides giving my hair a break, I've also gone back to my kitchen mixologist ways. I've been making everything from face masks to shea butter mixes. My life has seen a rise in stress lately. Everything was getting out of whack... my skin, hair, diet... EVERYTHING. I really had to make an effort to find some time to decompress and get some rest and relaxation. Thanks to the recent holiday, I succeeded. And if you're wondering what r&r looks like:

My day of conditioning. I gave my hair and skin some much needed attention.

I don't mind showing the crazy side of my conditioning routine. It had been way too long since I paid attention to my skin. But neglect always shows itself eventually. I started to develop a gross breakout, so I knew it was necessary. My hair and skin benefited so much from the attention. I almost felt bad for forgetting to pay attention to myself. I came out on the other side looking like a normal human being. I came out on the other side looking like a normal human being and feeling like a shiny new penny. That's how I feel once I buffed away the stress and put some moisture back into my face and hair. I'm thinking of setting an appointment with myself so that I remember when it's time to do a deep condition and/or a facial. 

What's your favorite protective style? And how do you remember to make time for yourself? Let me know in the comments below.

DISCUSSION: Is Natural Hair Too Much Work?

If I had a dollar for every time someone said "Natural hair is too much work," I'd be able to buy myself something nice. (Not brand new car, but a really good Groupon or two.) Conversations usually start off with a hair compliment, and (if I'm sporting a nice twistout) talks about "good grades" of hair. You should see the looks on their faces when I tell them that I am not a "silky" natural. I usually show them pictures of my untamed hair and they can't believe I'm a nappy, kinky, coily natural... just like them. They usually end with someone explaining their return to relaxers by saying natural hair is too much work.

Properly caring for your natural hair may seem like a lot of work, but we at Natural in Nashville have found a solution. It's a genius solution that we're about to present to you. Are you ready to have your mind blown? Here goes: When you feel like taking care of your hair is a lot of work you should--

SIMPLIFY YOUR HAIR CARE ROUTINE!

Now that you've gathered yourself, we should elaborate. Many of us go through a stage in our natural hair journey known as the "product junkie phase". It's the stage where we try any and everything to get the Tia and Tamera hair. During this stage, your bathroom hair cabinet will be nearly impossible to navigate. And you will become convinced that you need to use 3 or more of these products regularly. No wonder people tend to think that caring for natural hair is a chore. When your wash day has 17 steps and 12 product applications for completion, OF COURSE you'll be overwhelmed. Hair should be cleansed, conditioned, moisturized, and protected. That's the short version of what your hair needs.

• Clean your hair so that it can breathe and not be weighted down with layers upon layers of products.
• Condition your hair so that it is optimal for styling and manipulation. Deep conditioning should be done regularly.
• Moisturize your hair whenever it is dry. The best moisturizer: Water. Aloe Vera is an excellent moisturizer as well.
• Protect your hair. Water evaporates from hair because it is exposed to the elements. Seal your hair with an oil or cream based product. This is especially important if your hair is prone to dryness.

Do you see how simple that is. Unless you are doing mini-twists or another time-consuming style, this should cut a lot of time from your hair routine. There is an option to include styling products, but that's a world of its own. One of my best twist-outs happened when I used all of the above steps, protecting AND styling my hair with a mix of shea butter and coconut oil. I'm not suggesting that you forsake all styling products. Everyone isn't meant to be a kitchen mixologist. But simplifying your hair routine really isn't hard. You don't need 12 products for 4 steps. You can keep your hair looking fabulous and have a life that isn't confined to your bathroom mirror.

Remember that you are not your hair. Life is not hair. It's pretty common to want to experiment. It took mos of us a while before we learned that there is no 'miracle product' that you can put on your hair once and it maintains your hair's moisture, condition, and shine until your next wash day. However, if hair becomes more of a chore than it is a joy, it's time simplify change. Delegate some the dreaded, excess time spent on your hair to things that actually make you happy. Read a book. Learn a new language. Sing in the rain (in your newly learned language). Go pet caterpillars. Simplify your hair care routine so that you can spend more time in your happy place and less time focusing on your hair.

Have you ever been overwhelmed by your hair care routine? What did you do to simplify it?

LINK LOVE: Janelle Monae at the Ryman via FabGlance

 

Did you go to the Janelle Monae at the Ryman Auditorium? I did! And I wrote about it on my fashion & lifestyle blog, www.fabglance.com.

And yes, I got to see that FAMOUS pompadour in person and it's just a glorious as it appears to be in pictures. Janelle is just a gorgeous person all around. She gave a heck of a performance. The whole venue was roaring when she left the stage. Wanna know more?

CLICK HERE to read the full story!

LINK LOVE: '3 Reasons to Use Heat' via Natural Hair Rules

Blow-out before a re-chop (source)

Natural Hair Rules just posted a great article on their website about how INDIRECT heat can work for your advantage. I'm here to tell you that indirect heat can be a blessing - especially as you hair get longer, thicker, and more dense. Sometimes, just getting the excess water out of your hair and stretching your hair can aid and ease in styling:

"You don’t  have sit under the hooded dryer or bonnet dryer until your hair has completely dry, you just want to stay under long enough so that your hair is at least semi-dry or set. This may take anywhere from 10-15 minutes or 30-45 minutes depending on your hair." (source)

Natural Hair Rules gives you three great reasons to use heat on your hair. Add these options to your routine and you may be surprised.

READ MORE ON Natural Hair Rules

HAIR LUST: The Seasoned Afro

You have to love and respect an afro that is seasoned to perfection!  I love everything about her energy!

DISCUSSION: You KNOW it's time for a haircut!

 

Since I've gotten my haircut, I've come to realize, I was REALLY neglecting my situation. So stuck on holding on to length, I neglected healthy hair. No matter how long you hair is, it's imperative that you schedule routine maintenance on your natural curls. Wear and tear cause ends to split and became frayed. Frayed ends are a NO-NO and will cause you hair to break off. 

Getting you ends clipped is one of the ways to ensure natural hair success.  Maybe you aren't stubborn when it comes to trimming your hair, maybe you just don't know. Below I've listed some tips to help you figure out when it's time to clip those ends:

1. You have a TON of single strand knots - Single Strand Knots (aka Fairy Knots) happen when really curly hair tangles within itself, leaving little knots on EACH strand of hair. Once your hair has a single-strand knot, the only way to get rid of them is to clip those ends. Read more on Single Strand Knots 
2. Your hair is SHEDDING like crazy - It's normal for you hair to shed. 100's of dormant hairs will depart your scalp on a daily basis. However, when it looks like you have more hair shedding that your used to, it may be time to clip those ends. Shed hair sometimes attaches to single strand knots and pulls the extra hair out during detangling. 
3. It takes FOREVER to detangle - Every natural girl complains of detangling sessions. But when detangling is followed by knots, and extra shedding, then you need to trim. Frayed ends are more prone to tangles because they’re rougher and can easily get caught on one and other causing knots.
4. Your hair is uneven - When I wore more hair in an updo most times, I never really appreciated the full length. But when I'd blow it out, I noticed the right side was long than the left. It happens. Unless you like wearing you hair in an asymetrical bob (a-la Salt & Pepa 1987) then it's time to get that trim.
5. Your hair starts to lock - In shorter hair naturals, wearing you hair in wash-n-go styles tends to make you forgo detangling sessions. So, your ultra curly hair starts to loc, clump, or tangle. (source). Tangles that intense can only be removed with getting a cut. Don't let it get that way - get a trim regularly.
6. You curls aren't CURLING - So you have a uniform curl pattern. But now, you curls aren't curling quite right. You may have a lot of frizz too. It's time to clip those ends and reveal those curls again.

These are just a couple ways to indicate when it's time to get a trim. No matter what the issue, you should routinely get you hair trimmed AT LEAST three times a year. Visiting a professional stylist can help you decipher how often to trim you ends and a professional stylist can help you figure out other issues/obstacles that may be holding you back from healthy hair.

QUESTION: When's the last time you got a trim?

 

Ashiya's Hair Diary: Color Happy

When I first met Amber her hair was a beautiful, deep purple that I grew to love instantly.  The technique was flawless. So much so that I did not know her hair was purple until I was close enough to shake her hand.

I think we pretty much decided to color my hair that day, but past experiences made me hesitant.  Over three months, Amber graciously answered every question I had and reviewed every picture I sent her while deciding on a color. Through her willingness, I found the comfort to go back to myself.

Color Prep at Aveda Institute Nashville with Amber. (Photobomb by Debbie)

The color I had was over 12 years old.  I colored my hair before my locs so it was a mix of a bad color choice and color that faded with time.  Ultimately, I wanted to go back to my original hair color and through a detailed session of "21 Questions" at Aveda Institute Nashville, Amber created "Golden Chocolate Brown".  I can honestly say this color is everything I wanted.  My hair is a much darker brown than it was, but the sun the brings out the golden chocolate highlights.

"12 Year Old Color" VS. "Golden Chocolate Brown"

In addition to coloring my hair, Amber also addressed one of my biggest concerns: moisture balance.  She decided to do a botanical treatment by Aveda and I honestly think this decision took the results to the next level. It seemed to relax my locs causing them to absorb oils and water better.  My locs also look fuller and healthier overall.

While we have not set a regular color schedule, I do look forward to continuing the botanical treatments. To honor the health of my hair, we decided to give my hair a break and make the following changes to my current hair regimen:

• To care for my color, I am adding the Color Conserve Shampoo from Aveda.
• To deal with thinning locs, I am adding the Invati System from Aveda.
• To encourage hair growth and a healthy scalp, I massage my scalp with an oil/product of my choice and use a paddle brush to stimulate hair growth.
• To balance the stress of coloring my hair, I will allow my locs to free form for the remainder of 2013.

During our consultation, Amber offered me a list of words to describe how I wanted to feel when I left and I chose "energized" and I hit the mark.  Many thanks to Amber for hearing my requests and reviving my hair. 

Color Happy.

Nashville Naturals, please visit Amber at Aveda now that she is on the floor. Coloring my locs was a wonderful experience for us, but a few of her classmates were able to learn something new about natural hair because Amber had the opportunity to color locs.  

To schedule an appointment with our resident stylist here at Natural in Nashville, call Aveda Institute Nashville at 615-567-5417 and ask for Amber C.!

Roots & Rhythm: Mary J Blige - "Reminisce"

Mary J. Blige arrives in Nashville today to lend her voice to the CMA Christmas Special set to air in December.  The special will be recorded tonight at Bridgestone Arena where Mary J. Blige and Lady Antebellum will join the line up previously announced.

Mary announced her plans for recording "A Very Mary Christmas" earlier this year, which probably solidified her on this year's roster.

Mary J. also revealed her natural hair recently and it looks like she's been growing for a while now.  When I think of some of my favorite styles of Mary's Past, I can't wait to see how she rocks her natural crown.

Naturally Mary.

Before Mary starts spreading holiday cheer, let's go back to 1992 to one of her most classic tracks.  Enjoy!

                       

Natural Leader: Queen Afua

If you don't know Queen Afua and her work, please visit the City of Wellness Institute.  Queen Afua has been a champion of holistic wellness and education for more than 30 years.  As an author, speaker, educator and natural health practitioner, she has helped thousands of people return to optimal health naturally.

As a practitioner and teacher of "the ancient ways", Queen Afua's work is focused on a lifestyle that reflects the culture of those who respected nature as the ultimate healer.

Queen Afua celebrated her 60th birthday this year.  She looks amazing and is definitely creating Hair Lust here.  Here's to the healing wisdom of nature!

HAIR LUST: Afro Tuxedo Fabulous

With the holiday season upon us, some newly natural haired ladies may feel limited in their flair for dressing up during the holiday season. Girl, BOO! Don't let fear stop you from being FIERCE during this party season. Rock your fro (or a fro'd out wig) to that office party. You'll be the talk of the town and you'll feel fantastic! Let this photo inspire you!

MELISSA'S HAIR: Re-Chop or Big Chop #2?

My recent straightening session

ARGH! I'm all in my emotions and I don't know what to do. Well, I do know what I want to do, I'm just . . . scared.  Let me explain.

So, all summer long, I was weaved up. I wore crochet braids for most of the hot months in order to let my hair grow. Last week, I removed my last installation and I was pleasantly surprised by the length of my straightened/stretched hair. The bangs reaches my top lip and the back is below neck length. And seriously, I've always wanted tho grow this SUPER FRO but now . . . I think I want to rock a short cut.

Me in 2008, with my short permed pixie cut

Back when I had a relaxer, I always rocked a short haircut. I felt most comfortable with short hair and I feel I looked my best. Now, as my hair continues to grow, I see myself fashioning my hair in a short-looking style and never rocking my true fro.

My fro in 2011 - I never really appreciated the short stage

I did a big chop back in 2008, and all I wanted was for my hair to GROW! I wanted it to grow and grow fast, so fast that I never really appreciated the short season. I never really worked with my curl pattern, I hated clipping my ends, and I never really saw my hair. I continued to install weaves and braids in my hair as I yearned for it to grow.  READ MY 'Big Chop Mistakes' here.

Now, it's pretty long, but it needs a lot of care. I think a nice haircut and a re-determination to have healthy hair will give me the zest for having natural hair that I used to love. Plus, my edges are struggling! I feel like cutting my hair will MAKE ME stop pulling it into a pony-puff, installing weave, and putting too much stress on my sensitive edges.

First/Third picture courtesy of www.pretty-girl-rock.com

So, I ran to Pintrest to get some inspiration. And I sure enough I found it especially on my new fave Natural Hair/Lifestyle Blog Pretty Girl Rock.

I've been toying with the idea of shaving my sides, but I didn't want to go to drastic. So, the picture in the middle, is the look I'm going for. I'm really excited and I have a consultation with my fave barber, Tristan, on Tuesday. I think I'm ready to have natural hair that has STYLE and it's not just . . . hair. I'm a bit scared, but I can handle it. It's just the change I need to allow me to re-grow healthy hair and bring some different energy into my life.

Make sure to follow the blog on instagram (@NaturalinNash) to see if I make the BIG RE-CHOP!

Have you re-chopped you hair since going natural? Tell me you story in the comments section!

ROOTS & RHYTHM: Alice Smith - "Fool For You"

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Co-hosts Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross

 Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross return to BET this weekend to host the fourth installment of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! As an ongoing partnership between BLACK GIRLS ROCK!, Inc. and BET Networks, the show serves to honor women of color that have excelled in all areas of life.

While women are recognized for their roles in entertainment, the arts, humanitarian efforts, sports and community activism, the beauty of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is the awards are not always driven by celebrity or star power.  This is a time that women from all walks of life honor those that stand with them daily building a better life for themselves and their community.  

BLACK GIRLS ROCK!, Inc. is a non-profit organization with the mission of improving the self-worth of young women of color by broadening their horizons.  The show is a beautiful tribute to their mission and offers the world a different view of black women and the ties that bind.

With performances from artists like Patti LaBelle, Kelly Rowland and Janelle Monae, it is refreshing to see them share the stage with artists coming into their own.  One artist we hope to see perform is Alice Smith. With a voice like this, we'll hear her rocking for a while.  Here is her version "Fool for You" by Cee-Lo and Melanie Fiona.

                       

Do you plan to watch BLACK GIRLS ROCK! on Sunday?  What performances and awards are you looking forward to?