ROOTS & RHYTHM: Beyonce - "Grown Woman"

Melissa's lust for Beyonce's current protective style completely changed the rhythm for today!  Today is my best friend's birthday and because we speak in music, I chose a birthday song for her.  While Janelle Monae finally won with "Electric Lady", "Grown Woman" by Beyonce was in rotation this morning.  It seemed right to share it here today.

This is a busy video. We get natural and straight hair plus lots of African-inspired patterns, textures and sounds.  While I find the hair, fashion and imagery interesting my absolute favorite part of this video is Ms. Tina.  She is so regal!  I want to slow clap every time I see her.  She's here to remind us that Beyonce is really just "Tina Light".

Tina Knowles on her 60th birthday via Iam.Beyonce.com

When I first heard this song, I thought this was her way of saying she released the album she wanted to make.  But the more I listen, I hear it differently.  Instead of projecting the energy of the song outward, when it is directed inward, I realize a statement of personal power. Regardless of how we choose to express that power or what we create, we all have genius quality within us.

"It took a while, now I understand just where I'm going.  I know the world and I know who I AM, 'bout time I show it."   -Beyonce, "Grown Woman"

Beyonce made noise with this album as usual, but the sounds were different.  She brought some interesting conversations to the main stage. We'll get into them here and at ASwanLife during February.  Stay tuned.  We want to hear your thoughts, too!

Although the video has not been officially released outside of the album, you may be able to watch "Grown Woman" here courtesy of Pepsi.  Below is a live performance at Chime for Change 2013.

                      

Happy Friday!

CELEB STYLE: Beyoncé in boxbraids

Beyoncé is always changing it up. Lately I've been loving her casual style. Her look is quite trendy with a mix of hipster chic! Check out the Queen of R&B rocking this new set of box braids. I love the blond color and the length! Even Beyoncé takes a break with this great protective style. 

Are you loving Bey's new look?

Photos courtesy of iam.beyonce.com

CELEB STYLE: Willow Smith rocks a full head of curls

 

I don't know if this is a wig our her hair, but I do love Willow Smith's wild and full look. Willow was spotted  this past weekend at the ROCNation Grammy Brunch in LA. The fab teen is actually signed to the label and due to put out new music within the year. Of course she's always rocking a new and blog-worthy look. 

Do you like Willow's curly top? 

HAIR LUST: Curly Cue

The longer you stay on your natural journey, the more you realize that simplicity is the key to maintaining your sanity! When I saw this photo I though it spoke to the glory of a simple look. Some days it's ok to let you hair do it's thing.

Amber's Hair Diary: Getting Back to My Roots

More often than not I am concerned about the diaries of other folks hair and not my own personal journey. Black History Month is not far away and as I become more involved in the industry I find myself wanting to know more about the history of Black hair and wanting to share that knowledge as well. I want to know more than the Madame CJ Walker aka Sarah Breedlove stories.

As I have been researching info to use and share with my peers and fellow hairstylists I am finding that so much info about Black hair is sparse and scattered or simply all based on conjecture and assumption. I tend to find lots of info about the politics of Black Hair but not on hair itself. But as the debate continues surrounding "I am not my hair" and "I am my hair" I think having some historical context might help, and not just in the context of slavery but before slave trade and in other parts of history throughout the world not just focusing through western eyes. 

Having a background in theatre and knowing the important of research within the field I am realizing that History of Black hair is a void that needs to be filled, and a history that covers not just the politics, but the styles and trends, how hair changed as the world has changed etc. I thought it would be cool to introduce you to some of my fav trends and facts surrounding Black Hair History. 

 The Ducktail aka The Black Man's Mullet.

Started in the 80's in the Fillmore area of San Francisco.

(excuse the "kind of" but picutres of a true ducktail are far and few between)

Cicely Tyson not Bo Derek was the first woman to rock cornrows, making them a lasting trend on the hair scene. 

In Yoruban culture, braids were used as a form of communication, mark of initiation; they convedyed state of mind, religious beliefs, marital and social status of women in society. Here we see women stating in different ways that they are their hair. Below are some of the braiding styles. 

Ṣuku- a braiding hair style either short or long knots, it runs from forehead to the back or crown of the head.

Kolẹsẹ- as the name suggests (without legs), it is a braiding style, each knot runs from the front and terminates at the back of the head, close to the neck.

Ipakọ-Ẹlẹdẹ- this braiding style starts from the back of the head, but ends at the front.

Panumọ-(keep quite) – hair style, with two different starting points, the back and the front. The knots meet at the center with a little opening.

Ojompeti (rain soaked ear) – braiding starts from one side of the head, ends close to the ear.

a Suku hair style

If you have any info on the History of Black Hair please share it here. What are some Black Hair traditions that you love?

ROOTS & RHYTHM: Aaliyah - "Rock the Boat"

It is hard to believe that this year will mark 13 years since Aaliyah's passing.  She would have celebrated her 35th birthday on January 16, which makes her loss very real for me.  To see a life end that began the same year as mine offers a very real reality check.

Aaliyah Dana Haughton: January 16, 1979 - August 25, 2001

More than anything, I see her life and her departure as inspiration to live now.  While it is hard to understand someone leaving so young, it is a bittersweet joy to have watched her to what she loved until her last moments.

Classic Aaliyah.

This week we honor Aaliyah's life and legacy: an picture of elegance and grace determined to create body of work that exhibited her talent, beauty and heart.  Here is her last gift to us: "Rock the Boat".

And we lovingly accept the reminder that summer is coming.

Angelic.

We miss you, Babygirl.

                                               

HAIR LUST: Style Mash-Up

Lovely locs, shaved sides.

Here's what I would imagine my locs would look like if I had Melissa's courage.  I just can't let go of 11 years of growth!

SAVE THE DATE: Natural in Nashville's first OFFICIAL MEET-UP!

 

OH-MY-GOODNESS! Didn't I tell ya we had some big things coming for NIN in 2014?!! Well here ya go! You guys have been asking and we've obliged! Our first official meet-up is going DOWN in Nashville on March 30, 2014. In the past we've been a supporter of other meet-ups and natural hair events in Nashville, so we are super excited to do our own thing!

I can't tell you the DETAILS yet, but you know I'll keep you posted. So mark you calendars, make sure to be the first to get a ticket, because this is going to be a fun event focused on educating you about your hair!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Google+ to stay updated on the developments. We'll be looking for volunteers and doing a couple of ticket giveaways! The team can't wait to meet you!

HAIR LUST: Teyonah Parris' cascade of curls

Last year, we wrote about actress, Teyonah Parris and her lovely hair!

Well, cruising the Pintrest, I found another picture I knew I had to share! Would ya look at this? Sometimes the simplest hair creations are the most effective. In this photo, it seems, Teyonah has her hair in a faux-hawk with just a couple of hair combs holding it up. Super simple and a gorgeous look!

Candice's Hair Diary: Winter Regimen

I know that it's been a while since I've done a hair diary. The hard part now that I'm back on track is that I have so much to say, and so little time to type it all. Basically, I've been having a big old love fest with my hair. It's been a lot of fun. I've been natural for years and sometimes I feel I'm just getting into the swing of things. I asked Melissa how I should set my natural anniversary. Is it the day I stopped getting relaxers, or is it the day I had all the remaining relaxed hair cut off? What do you think? Leave your answer in the comment section.

That day I tried something a little different... 

I've been wearing my hair slightly different to keep boredom at bay. I received this compliment from a fellow natural the day I wore a simple puff. It totally made my day. And the one time I let my hair not be so big for a couple of days, I fielded questions all day about my "haircut". Sometimes I played along, but mostly I would explain how some natural hair works, and then stretch a curl out so that they could see that all of my hair was there.

All day I got questions about my "haircut". I was very entertained.

So... I've been having the best hair days ever lately. My afro has been big and lush, my curls have been curly, and I've even seen a decrease in my single-strand knots. I really can't complain about the relationship between Khani and I. I treat her well and she returns the favor. My winter regimen is so easy! I wash my hair every 10 days or so. Right now, I'm very satisfied with Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Shampoo, or their Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo. I deep condition (which means I use regular conditioner with a plastic bag and a blow dryer) with every shampoo. I switch my conditioners often, but the same Trader Joe's brand conditioners or Carol's Daughter Chocolat conditioner have been staples for months now.

After washing and conditioning, I moisturize my wet hair with aloe vera gel and seal with a homemade shea butter mix. I retwist it most nights, and remoisturize with water, aloe, and shea butter. When the water doesn't make my hair come back to life, that's a sign that my hair has been coated with shea butter, and it's time to clean my hair again. Simple works for me. And it works really well. The styling that I get to do with Khani (my hair) has taken a turn for the better.

Listen... when I say my hair has been giving me everything lately?! It definitely has.

I've even started getting some shine back. I started off with shiny hair, and then all of a sudden it became a "low luster" brand of kinks and curls. It was something I noticed, but I didn't throw a fit over. I feel like I'm getting that old thing back. I really have no complaints with my big and cooperative hair lately. I've been wanting to get it straightened and maybe trimmed, so that's next on the to-do list. So far, it's been tolerating the winter blasts and dry artificial heat really well. I'm going to stick to my regimen until I find a reason not to.

Versatility. 2 days, 2 completely different styles.

I know Valentine's Day isn't for another month. But Khani and I have been sweethearts and I can't get over it just now. I should serenade her Keith Sweat "Make it Last Forever" song. (Don't judge me when there are people who talk to plants.) It's funny that this love fest began again once I reminded myself that "It's just hair." Go figure. 

There is room in this curly love circle. Got something nice or awesome to share about your hair? You can also share your winter hair care tips in the comment section.

ROOTS & RHYTHM: Elle Varner - "Rover"

Elle Varner is known for both her big voice and her big hair and this week she gave some fans a big shock.

Elle Varner debuts blonde.

Elle is blonde.  At least for a short time as she experiments with a lighter look with a wig.  Her color choice seemed to spark mixed reviews.  Some people loved her debut, especially with the red lips. Others thought that her color choice was a departure from something more natural and an attempt to "fit in" the music industry.

Elle's darker hair color on the cover art for "Rover".

I think Elle had the most interesting - and appropriate - response.  She shared a picture of her grandmother, a blonde herself.  If natural hair is in fact natural, then blonde may be a natural choice for Elle Varner.

A bolder look for Elle Varner.

Regardless, it looks like she's having just as much fun now as she did on stage in Nashville. And THAT seems natural. You can definitely hear it in her latest single "Rover" featuring Wale.

Happy Friday!

Hair Lust: This Cool Couple

I don't know if these two are friends or lovers but I do know that they are super cool and ultra fly! Nothing like having friends whom you can share your awesome style sensibilities. Loves it! 

INSTAGRAM FAB: Follow these lovely ladies!

 

Every Friday on our Instagram page (@NaturalinNash) we feature some of our favorite (and sometimes little known) natural hair divas. We love sharing our favorites and we guarantee you should follow these ladies and see your Instagram timeline light up with lovely hair, stylish looks, health info, and inspiration. 

• @SwankStylista, Raven Roberts, is wardroe stylist and editor of Obvious Magazine. Everyday she showcases style inspiration and fashion trends. Make sure to check out her website, www.swankstylista.com.
• @JamieVenice, is an entrepreneur and Tennessee native who is the co-owner of E & J Interiors, a local business in Memphis,TN that specializes in interior holiday staging, consulting and design event assistant. Make sure to follow her!
• @GirlGoneNatural, Melonie Bledsoe, is a blogger, YouTuber, and Zumba instructor. Many of you know her as the co-creator of NASH NATURALS Facebook community. Melanie is a friend of NIN so you know we had to give her a shout-out!
• @Storm_Monae has an awesome Instagram page that boasts healthy recipies, fashion, and inspiration. Oh yeah, her gorgous hair is so swoon worthy!

Make sure to check our page every Friday to see who we feature. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and maybe we'll follow you!

ASHIYA'S HAIR DIARY: Loc Workout

I've reached that point in my wellness journey where my hair and my fitness routine are at odds. Again. When that happens, there's nothing else to do but get creative.

Play after yoga class.  This is my current bun for yoga, but it won't work for all practices.

Depending on the activity, a high bun works perfectly.  During runs and most yoga practices a bun keeps my hair away from my face and dry.  But there are times in yoga when headstands and other inversions won't work with a high bun.  I've adjusted the height, but I still end up removing the bun before my practice is done, which I find annoying.

My last resort: Princess Leia

Before I channel Princess Leia, I think I am going to try braiding my hair.  I don't have a particular style in mind, but it needs to be easy because I don't braid so well right now.  That leads me to a classic: two french braids that can be tucked at the ends.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.

I will also be in the pool more this year, which is my biggest concern.  I think smaller braids under a cap will work best. I hope pinning the braids down will create a smoother surface for a cap to fit tighter.

During my initial research, I landed at Speedo to find their Fatskin3 Hair Management System. Apparently, Speedo has created a fabric cap to hold long hair in place under their competition swim caps.  At $30 for this piece alone, I'm guessing it would work well under wigs, too.  

This cap promises to hold long hair in place under swim caps.  Is it worth the investment?

If there are any swimmers with hair tips for a newbie, please share!

HAIR LUST: Ledisi's Curly Crown

Ledisi's Curly Crown.

I absolutely adore everything about this look!  I am clearly a sucker for curls and this skirt?  Love!!

PRODUCT REVIEW: Shea Moisture Shampoo

I recently participated in a Twitter discussion for yoga entrepreneurs hosted by Black Enterprise and much to my delight, I won a yoga mat for sharing my experience!  And even better, the mat was a gift from a Natural in Nashville favorite: Shea Moisture.  As a thank you, I had to share something I haven't said specifically: I love their shampoos!*

Thank you, Shea Moisture!!

Product
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo; Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo.

Price
$8.49 - $10.49, depending on the retailer.

Purchased
Target is one of the more popular distributors of Shea Moisture products.  Walgreens offers the shampoos at buy one get one free relatively often, which I love.

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo

Pros/Cons
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo
The deep cleansing shampoo came highly recommended from someone I trusted for washing locs and my first wash lived up to their expectations.  I did experience deep cleansing although I had to work a bit to lather.  Once I worked it into my locs, the African black soap played its part and help to clean and free my locs from product, workouts and everyday toxins.  My locs were left clean, not stripped, but I could definitely tell my hair needed to be replenished.

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo. 

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
I shared this shampoos in our Christmas Wishes Giveaway, so it's secret I am a fan. I initially decided to give the raw shea butter a try to test the moisture retention.  This one worked easily into my locs and created a rich, full lather.  I know the previous wash helped, but I like the consistency of the Raw Shea Butter.  I think the thick, creamy texture creates a lather that worked right into the roots and the length of my locs.  While the African Black Soap does the cleaning work, the Raw Shea Butter left my hair with a light, sweet scent that I always get a whiff of at the perfect moment. And it delivered on the moisture retention.  My hair felt softer immediately and the sheen that comes with clean appeared as my locs dried naturally.

Warming up for practice on my new mat from Shea Moisture.
 I think I'm going to wear this ponytail more often!

While I am still open to trying new shampoos, it feels good to have a cleansing and moisturizing option I can rely on again.  Stay close for my review of the remaining shampoos in the Shea Moisture line.

HAIR LUST: Shaved sides sexy!

Now that I've shaved my sides, I'm always looking up pictures of other naturals with shaved heads. Sometimes I worry about the grow back process, but hey, I gotta live in the moment. Any way, check out this FAB natural diva. Her shaved style with bold blond accent is so FLY! You can follow her on instagram -> @lemondelle

MELISSA'S HAIR: Sometimes you feel blue

Hmmm . . .  thinking of a master plan

Now, you know I love my new haircut. However, my favorite way to wear my hair, since my new cut, is straightened. But we all know, heat and natural hair is not a good combination. Well, not all the time. So, I had to figure out a nice protective style to give my hair a rest.

Love wearing my hair straight and slightly textured

Truthfully, I've caught a couple of straight pieces since wearing my hair in my new favorite style. Striaght pieces equal heat damage and "ain't no body got time for that!". So I decided, I needed to get a protective style to continue my healthy hair goals. Just because I shaved my sides doesn't mean I'm ready to shave my entire head - just because I got heat damage.

So, I installed a set of marley braids/twists on my hair. And for a bit of flair, I added a blue streak. Seriously y'all, I've been wanting to rock some blue hair for a long time. However, my super curly, super sensitive hair doesn't do well with advanced color. Added a colored extention to my hair gave me the falir I was looking for. Of course, some people don't like it, and some even called me GHETTO (that's another post entirely) but I like it and that's all that matters.

I'm going to rock these out for about three week. I think I'll install again, but use the full length of hair, I want a more dramatic look. Secretly, my goal is to have long hair and shaved sides like Casssie. To achieve it, I have to keep protecting my hair and stay AWAY from the heating elements. You know I'll keep you posted!