ROOTS & RHYTHM: Jill Scott - "Whatever"

As I look back over Roots & Rhythm for the month, I realize we celebrated Black History Month by acknowledging the most powerful force among us: love.

From the love between man and woman to the bond of sisters, we unintentionally celebrated the love and beauty that has created the legacy and the genius that we honor at this time.  A perfect end seems to be one of my favorites from Jill Scott: "Whatever".

Jill Scott and her son, Jett, on the cover of Ebony. (May 2013)

While the song is a lovely smooth groove, the video is on another level.  It shows the reward of dedication to building a relationship by projecting images of the family that grew from the love of two people.

Jill is especially elegant in this video opting to let her hair go free in her "golden" years.  Her afro has hints of silver as the video begins in 2040 and rolls back to 2014 and ultimately 2004 when the relationship began.  As we see younger Jill, we see regal buns both simple and finished with intricate braiding.  

In between we see children and grandchildren come into the picture with afros, sweet baby afro puffs, and locs.  I love that the natural beauty that Jill posses in the video - and life - is reflected in those chosen as her children in the video.

Jill Scott and her son, Jett, in Ebony. (May 2013)

More than anything, this video is a beautiful reminder of one of the greatest rewards of this life: to create a legacy of love that will carry on for generations.  

May it inspire us all to create our own history, both personally and professionally, to be celebrated in the years to come.

                              

Discussion: Memories of greasing my scalp

Black History month is coming to a close. But most black people celebrate our heritage and history everyday. However, I thought it'd be cool to give you a flashback to a part of our history that most ladies can remember - getting your scalp greased.

When I saw the photos, below, of all the different hair grease, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I loved the smell of Ultra Sheen, anything with coconut, and that Royal Crown. But I knew when my mom took out the Royal Crown, the hot comb was coming out too - OH NO!

No matter how painful the hair-styling process, I loved when my mom would grease my scalp. After tussling with washing, then blow-drying, greasing my scalp was the calm before the storm. The storm being the tugging and pulling of getting my hair cornrowed. Whew LAWD, my mom had some heavy hands!

Greasing the scalp and getting my hair done was also a time to listen to my mom. Sometimes she'd be on the phone with friends - so I got to hear the grown-up gossip. Sometimes we'd watch a movie and we'd discuss the various characters. Sometimes she'd give me a stack of magazines to read (Essence, Ebony, Jet, and National Geographic). Most times we'd listen to her favorite albums: Stevie Wonder, Bill Cosby comedy, or Earth Wind & Fire. No matter what, we'd share a wonderful closeness and communication - it was great time for her and I to bond.

What's your fave memories of getting your scalp greased? Do you remember you favorite grease? Do you still grease you scalp today?

LINK LOVE: Erykah Badu on Yo GABBA GABBA

 

I was cruising the internet streets when I came across this SUPER CUTE video of Erykah Badu, her super afro wig, singing on Yo GABBA GABBA. If you aren't up on Yo Gabba Gabba, you are LOSING . . . or you don't have kids. Yo Gabba Gabba is cute little show that infuses music, fun characters, and lots of multicultural guests to teach and entertain children. My goddaughter loves this show so I'm quite familiar. 

Lots of times some of your favorite rappers, actors, and singers are special guests on the show. This time, Erykah came to play. She sings a cute song with the characters. If this video doesn't make you smile, you are a sour-puss!

Amber's Hair Diary: Growing Up Natural

There are more women than we may think that have grown up and spent most of their lives with natural hair. For me when I look back at my childhood I like to think about how my family and parents really encouraged my sister and I to embrace and love who we were no matter what society might have been saying.  

Today when I came across the BGLH post about 10 Naturals We Loved in the 90's  I started thinking about what pop culture elements or people were there in my life that really helped me to grow into the person you see today.  I realized that books played a big part in our household and honestly most of the books I had growing up were stories of little black girls, girls who looked like me. 

These are my Top 5 Books for Kids Growing Up with Natural Hair:

1. Fred Crump Jr FairyTales 

 

These were the best books ever. My sister and I both still have the copies we read growing up along with new ones that we have purchased as we got older.  Fred Crump took old fairytales and used an all Black cast.  The characters always had thick curyly hair, or braids, or cornrows. Reading his book I always felt like a queen or a princess and I never had to wonder why none of the characters lookede like me.  

2. Liza Lou and The Yeller Belly Swamp by Mercer Mayer

This book is by the same author who did the Berenstein Bears Series.  Liza Lou is sassy and stays in plenty of trouble with her tightly coiffed fro.

3. Tar Beach by Faith Ringold 

Tar Beach taught me I could fly. 

4. Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor 

 This book let me know that we can't write our future without knowing our past. 

1. Jambo Means Hello Swahili Alaphabet Book By Muriel Feeling Pictures by Tom Feelings

This book opened my young eyes to worlds beyond America that shared a common history. 

What books did you read growing up or would you reccommend for young minds that are growing up natural?

WHO'S THAT STYLIST?! NATURAL STYLIST Directory COMING SOON!

Just in time for the NINmeetup - we've decided to compile a handy list of Nashville's natural hair stylists and hair salons. Nashville first online natural hair directory is coming soon and we want YOU to be on it. Natural in Nashville receives more than 12,000 views a MONTH! Think of the potential customers that you can reach. You need to be in this DIRECTORY!

Are you an AWESOME hairstylist or owner of a natural hair salon and you'd like to be listed on our page? Please contact me at the email below. We have several listing options to get your name and your business to our readers. See below:

Who Are You:

• Must have a website, FB page, or online social media page that showcases your work
• Working in the Middle Tennessee Area
• Licensed Stylist who specializes in Natural Hair
• Salon Owner with stylists who specialize in Natural Hair
• Loctician working in a salon or home
• Braider working in salon or home

Listing option and payment: 
 
$10 (one-time payment) - Your name and/or salon listed in our handout just in time for the #NINmeetup on March 30, 2014. Each attendee will receive a copy of the listing in their gift bag.

$20 (recurring payment) - Have your name and/or salon listed on our handout for the event AND have your name and/or salon listed on our NEW web directory for 3 months! Renew your listing on the directory every 3 months (or pay a one-time $80 for the entire year). 1000's of readers contact our page for information on stylists in the Nashville area. Have your name, salon, and link, available for a potential customer.

All payment can be made via paypal.

Got questions, wanna be in our directory? Submission/Payments are due by March 15. Contact Melissa at naturalnashville@gmail.com for info.

HAIR LUST: Fierce Elegance

The lust for this updo is so real I may have to go for it.  And you have to love the way she's carrying it.  Total win!

ROOTS & RHYTHM - Sister Sledge "We Are Family"

I cannot begin to describe how excited we are for our first Natural in Nashville Meet Up.  The possibility of bringing women together to connect and strengthen our natural hair community here in Nashville truly made us happy.  Your response made us ecstatic.

Sister Sledge

Since our last NIN staff meeting, Sister Sledge's "We Are Family" has been playing on my mental airwaves.  Music will always work when words fail.  It is the perfect song to describe how we feel right now!

Love the braids!

I knew a quick search for these ladies online would create all kinds of natural hair happiness.  And of course the internet did not let me down.  I got everything from cute updos and sleek buns to full afros and intricate braiding.  Hair lust!

A recent picture of Sister Sledge.  Their hair is still beautiful!

This is exactly what we hope to see at the meet up - everything!  That is the true beauty of natural hair:  there is no limit to creativity.  We can't wait to see your creativity up close and personal!

Here is a performance of "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge in 1980.  We can't wait to have all of our Sisters with us!

                                     

Discussion:What You Should Expect from Your Hairstylist

I am probably going to get a lot of flack for this post, but only way we are going to change salon culture and not just Black salon culture is by changing our expectations.

It's a common story and we all know it.  I grew up going to black salons, sitting for hours unacknowledged to only be seated in a chair, turned away from the mirror and finally when they finished, after numerous baby daddy phone calls, inappropriate conversations, and numerous snack breaks,  to find that they had done nothing I had asked.

You get in the car.  Pull down your visor to see if there is anything that can be done to salvage this mess. Reposition your rear view mirror so you don't have to keep catching this disaster in your line of sight.

I've honestly been trying to figure out when did this become the standard from which a lot of salons work from. But I would rather not waste time trying to discover how the problem began but instead I am aiming to be a part of the solution. Here are a few tips for what you should expect from your hairstylist, and if they aren't meeting up with these standards, it might be time to make a move.

1. Being a Hairstylist is a Customer Service Job. You should always be your hairstylists top priority when you are in their chair.  
2. Its not about them it's about you. If it seems that you end up listening more than they do. Cut em loose. 
3. On the flip side you do need to have trust in your stylist.  This comes with time, but here are a few key indicators that will help to build that trust, 
1. Timliness- your appointments should always start on time or as close to it as possible. meaning withing 15 minutes of your arrival.  If this is not possible your stylist should be smart enough to ask you to reschedule if time is an issue.  Just letting you sit is a no, no.  
2. Thorough consultation.  Your stylist should be asking you questions about your hair at every appointment and taking the time to educate you on your needs and wants.  Don't let your stylist get too comfortable. Afterall your hair in an investment.  
3. Honesty. What your hairstylist has to tell you may not always be what you want to hear. They should be taking into consideration your lifestyle, habits, hair texture etc which means sometimes having to say no if it means protecting the integrity of your hair. 
4. Keep it professional.  Getting to personal with your hairstylists and allowing them to get to personal with you can create problems in the long run. 
5. Don't be afraid to speak up and say no.  Sometimes its just not a good fit, just because its your best friends favorite stylist doesn't mean she is the stylist for you.  Its like finding that perfect little black dress.  It may take you a while but you will be happier in the long run if you wait it out. 
6. If they state to you that they only deal with certain types of hair, run.  As a hairstylist in an industry that is ever changing they should be contstantly educating themselves and moving as the industry moves. If they have placed themselves in a box as a hairstylist then you will most likely want to hide your hair in a box as well. 
7. If the salon isnt clean and their habits in dealing with your hair aren't clean, its time to go. I have no negotiations on this one. Clean is clean.  I don't care if they can give you the makeover of a lifetime if their habits aren't clean you're playing with fire. 

Ladies what expectations do you have of your hairstylist and what expectations do you think they should have of you?

HAIR LUST: Locs Manicured

I really love locs. I like free-form locs and I like manicured locs. I love locs because no matter the maitenance technique, every head of locs looks different. I loved this photo (found on tumblr via @loccrush) and had to post it for this week's Hair Lust post! If you've started your loc journey, follow Loccrush, she's surely an inspiration. Her locs are gorgeous!

Nashville Naturals: Fly Wash and Go Styles

Meet Ebony (on the left) and Toni (on the other left)

This Sigma Gamma Rho duo was spotted a couple of weeks ago. It was hard not to notice that they were both rocking some awesome wash and go styles. I couldn't help but ask them for a picture. I was totally taken by them.

Ebony has been natural for 4 years. I asked about her wash and go, but it was more like a "style the night before so you can get up in the morning and go". She did the whole style the night before, and got up and refreshed in the morning. But her definition is AMAZING!!! I love it.

Toni has been natural for 3 years. Her curls and waves were also great. She keeps her wash and go true to the definition. Whatever she uses, it's working! 3 years of growth has me wondering what her length retention  is. My guess is 99.8%.

If you see a member of the NIN team out and about, don't be afraid to say hello. And if we notice your hair, don't be afraid to smile for the camera.

Models Wanted: Natural In Nashville Meetup Spring 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen I cannot tell you how excited we are for the Natural in Nashville Meetup in March. On that day we will be doing some natural hair demos and we will need models to accomplish to demos.  In order to be a model you would need to be available to come in and have your hair done on March 29th at the Aveda Institute. You will have to pay to have your hair done and the price is $30 plus tax. Amber will be directing and styling all hair models. 

We need a total of 4 models. 

1. short natural hair
2. mid to medium length natural hair 
3. long natural hair
4. medium to long locs.  

We will not be cutting or coloring hair only styling. If you are interested please send a message to our Facebook page   with your email as well as a photo of your hair. We will contact those who we would like to have as models. 

#NINmeetup Spring 2014: Tickets NOW AVAILABLE

It's OFFICIAL. Tickets are now available for the #NINmeetup! Admission is free BUT space is limited. If you want to get in the building - you have to have a TICKET. So, what's on the agenda:

• Two FUN networking Events
• Haircare demonstrations from the Aveda student-stylists
• Panel discussion with special invited VIP guests
• Swag bag with product samples
• Vendors selling lots of cool stuff
• Light appetizers

 CLICK HERE to RSVP and receive your tickets.

Make sure to share with your friends!

FAQ's

• Sorry, we cannot allow children under 12 years-old to attend the event.
• Youth over the age of 12 are allowed, but they must have a ticket.
• Space is limited - NO TICKET = NO ENTRY
• DONATIONS will be accepted if you'd like to give to the site

WE CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU!

Candice's Hair Diary: Return of the Mini Twists

Happy Monday!

Let me preface this by saying that these mini-twists were not my idea.  I was forced coerced nudged to revisit this style by Melissa. I had been considering the style prior to the suggestion, but I decided against it. My hair has gotten longer, and I thought that it would take entirely too long to install mini-twists.

The top right is the beginning. The top left is the finish line.

In short: I was wrong. It took nearly the same amount of time that it did the last time I did mini-twists. If I exclude the breaks I took during the install (to eat, talk on the phone, and choose movies on Netflix), I spent between 6.5-7 hours on my hair. BUT... I've had them in for 3 weeks. I still have about a week left before I take them out. I've curled them and I've washed them; even the wash and set process only took about 15-20 minutes. Hair in this protective style is very low maintenance, but even a protective style needs a little TLC to stay in tip top shape. I used water and aloe vera gel to moisturize. I followed that with coconut oil or shea butter to seal in the moisture.

Straightening my twists after curls was as easy as 1. wash, 2. condition, 3. pin

and set

My twists are definitely coming down this week. I've seen what can happen when you leave mini-twists in too long. I don't want to have to deal with the tangles and knots that come with twists that try to become locs. It's been a good ride so far. Also, my urge to cut my hair has been quenched. I've been wearing my twists either curled or slightly shrunken. I LOVE rocking shorter hair. Especially since I've been craving a cut and my face is slightly more "short hair compatible" lately.

Short hair and loving it. Results of a flexi-rod set on mini-twists

I've already said that I'd never do mini-twists again because 1.) They are so time consuming to install. 2.) My arms get tired. 3.) They are so time consuming. But truth be told, I spent 6.5 hours on my hair. Before it's done, I will have gotten a whole month of super low maintenance styling. I think that it's a fair trade. Actually I come out on top doing mini twists. So... yes. I wouldn't have done this style again without some urging from a friend. But I may do them again I might do them again before the length of my hair makes them a little less worth the time of the install. Plus... PLUS I got to rock hats during the winter. Big-haired naturals are all too familiar with the hat struggle. It seems small, but sometimes it's the little things that make it all worth while.

I'd say this is protective style is a win in the winter or summer. What's your favorite protective style?

ROOTS & RHYTHM: India Arie - "Brown Skin"

When love is real and right in our lives, it will bring us balance and inspire us to be at our best.  In my experience, I've found that the way we love another is really a reflection of the way we love ourselves. Qualities we find inspiring in another are usually clues to our greatness.  Likewise, the things that we find challenging are often keys to unlock that greatness.

A lovely image of India Arie. Hair lust!

In "Brown Skin", India Arie beautifully describes the way love is reflected in romantic relationships.  For her, the essence of who they are is reflected in the beauty and similarities of their skin.  And while our skin is an obvious reflection of who we are, in sharing her desires to know him, India reminds us that real love will always take you deeper.

This video feels like Saturday afternoon at the park during the first week of Spring.  It is new and fresh, which is exactly they way love should feel.  India was in her locs during this video and I forgot how much I love a well placed headpiece!  As one half of a loc'd couple, I especially love that her love interest reflected her down to her roots.  The exchange between them on the bench is what love should always look like: pure, happy and free.

While we most often see this love in romantic relationships, the true essence of love that makes us want to be better individuals is at the heart of every relationship.  Here's to the ones who reflect our best and can love us in a way that makes us love ourselves even more.

Sending love to you all today and everyday!  Happy Valentine's Day!

DISCUSSION: 3 Phases of being a Natural

 I spent the weekend with one of my friends who is newly natural. It was kinda of nostalgic listening to her ask questions about every product under the sun. I remember how clueless I used to be when I first went natural. And I remember all the mistakes I made - but each mistake led me to learning more about my hair.

i thought it'd be fun to discuss the 3 phases of being natural. Hopefully our newly natural readers can have soe faith on this journey. Believe me it will be exciting.

PHASE 1: THE BIG CHOP, BIG REVEAL/FIRST TIME USER

For many of you, the Big Chop will usher you into this Natural Hair world. Whether you transitioned (grew you hair to a desirable length without adding chemical straighteners) or just took the razor to your scalp - you are here! I'm also including the BIG REVEAL/FIRST TIME USERS as some ladies have been natural for YEARS, but covered it up by wearing weaves or braids. Nevertheless, this is the first time you've had to take care of your hair and you may be clueless.

• Your family thinks your crazy for cutting off "all that pretty hair".
• You've chosen a natural hair maven to copy and she's you new hair idol.
• You and You-Tube have become best friends finding techniques that may work for you
• Oh SNAP, you became a product junky! Curl-definers, moisturizers, shine enhancers, you have them ALL!
• Oh yeah, everything needs to be natural - no parabans or sulfates, or heat, not here!
• Every natural hair girl you see you ask her about her regimine, making mental notes to try that process.
• Some days you love your hair, some days you hate it, and some days you are TWO STEPS away from going back to the creamy crack! LOL!
• You spend your lunch-break reading natural hair blogs like Natural in Nashville.

PHASE 2:  Two Years Natural, thinking about making this a life decision

By second year of your Natural Hair journey you've got the hang of some things, but you still have questions. By now you've got a bit of length and you are trying new styles. You may even have a go-to look that you know is guaranteed to look cute and get compliments.

• You've visited a natural hair salon and she cut your precious strands too much claiming you needed a trim. You were MAD!
• You may have tried color or henna to enhance your style
• You've figured out that sometimes 'un-natural' products help. 
• You've mixed some products in your kitchen, DIY is your deal!
• Your friends come to you for natural hair advice
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil is your best friend - it's in that spray bottle, in you kitchen, and even mixed in you fave shampoo.
• You don't mind giving away products to friends. Didn't work for you, might work for her.
• You have your 'go-to' blogs, you-tubers, and products.
• You still have bad hair days, but nothing that an elastic head-band can't fix.
• You think about LOC'ing your hair - you experiment with braids and extensions.
• Sometime, you still have hair envy - your curls just don't pop the way you want all the time.

PHASE 3:  Welcome to the comfort zone!

I'm not saying that it will take you three years to get comfortable being natural, I'm saying by year three, I guarantee you'll be comfortable.  By year three (and beyond) you've found the length that works for you and the products too. No longer the product junky you once were, you've become the guru for family and friends - you may even start a blog or a You-Tube channel.

• Some of you friends or co-workers can't remember you with relaxed hair.
• You've had your hair heat straightened and you weren't scared about it.
• Sometimes you are a know-it-all about your texture
• You are thinking about Re-Chopping your hair.
• You are no longer attached to the elastic headband, although, you know exactly where to find one.
• You wince at the sight of a lady with broken relaxed hair
• #TeamNatural #NaturalNazi - you don't care as long as you hair looks good.
• Your hair has converted strangers to start the journey
• A good trim, you know who can do it and when it's necessary.
• You family is finally happy with the way your hair looks.

I hope you enjoyed this list. Of course alot of this is meant to be funny but some of it is very true! I just want you newly naturals to know, IT GETS BETTER it just takes patience.

Readers, where are you in your natural journey? What have you experienced?

PRODUCT REVIEW: Beautiful Textures Curl Definer Styling Custard

It's been so long since we've posted a product review. When you become an advanced natural it becomes easy to spot products that will work for you and ones that won't. However, I've been holding on to this Beautiful Textures Curl Definer for a long time, I thought I'd give it a try. Let me get into it.

 

As you can see, Beautiful Textures Curl Definer Styling Custard is very watery. Usually, with my 4b hair, I shy away from products that have a watery, loose consistency. However, I'm attempting to go heat free and I want to see what my curls can do. So I attempted a wet-set using the Beatiful Textures product.

The label touts 'amazing manageability for curly, wavy, and kinky-curly hair' and I was looking for defined curls with my twist-outs. The label also says it's NON-FLAKING and will stretch curls - all attributes I was looking forward to experiencing when trying a new product. Take a look below at our QUICK new product review guide.

• Product: Beautiful Textures Curl Definer Custard
• Price: Between $6-$8
• Where Purchased: I was gifted this product, but you can purchase from Wal-mart.
• PRO: Great price for amount of product, lightly scented, easy to use
• CON: Left my 4B hair flaky and crunchy, left too much residue in my hair and NO curl definition, left hair DRY and un-managable (I had to wash it again just to get product out of my hair).
•  Curl Standard (1-5 curls): I give this product 2 CURLS. I wouldn't recommend this product to people with Type 4 hair.

HAIR LUST: Island Locs

Loc AND location lust!  Take me there!

HAIR LUST: Valentine's Curls

Happy Valentine's week! I saw this this cute photo on Pintrest and thought it'd be the perfect way to capture the essence of Valentine's Day.  Be carefree, un-bothered, and happy no matter if you single or attached. Ok, but how much do we love her big hair!??

ASHIYA'S HAIR DIARY: #HairStrike2014

I decided last year to allow my hair to free form for the health of my locs, but please allow me to shift my intention a bit...

#HairStrike2014.  I'm here for it.  My decision not to loc my hair originally is in the Spirit of the original intent of the strike.  I am rebelling against my own need for perfectly manicured locs at the expense of their health.

But now I'm here for Pam Oliver.

Why?  I see the hair.  I get it.  The weekly roast, I don't understand.  On one hand, I feel it.  It's Pam Oliver and she could have her pick of any hair stylist in any city she broadcasts from during football season.  But on the other hand, its Pam Oliver.  She's earned our respect in many ways other than being our sister.  Is it right to express our harshest opinions publicly EVERY week?

Of course, I am bothered by this discussion for personal reasons and I fully recognize it.  My niece is learning to maintain her own hair.  She had a bit of resistance at first and I'm sure it was because of the work we all know it takes to learn and care for natural hair.  She's grown from the constant bun to some very cute protective styles, which tells me she's getting the hang of this natural hair life already.

So do me a favor, give Pam Oliver a break this coming season.  If not for her, for my niece and all those just starting out on their natural journey.  Our collective power can be a source of understanding or ridicule.  It is up to us, but we must be consistent.

I debated about sharing publicly because it is not my intention to judge, but what better place than Natural in Nashville to start a positive ripple effect?

I always look for the balance in social situations that frustrate me and this week, I found it.  Tell me: are you coming to our first meet up?  I can't wait to meet you all!

NIN Spring Meetup - Vendors/Samples Welcomed

Alright! Planning for the NIN Spring Meet-Up is in full swing! The team has decided to do two big meet-ups a year, a spring meet-up and a fall meet-up. We've nailed down the location and ticket prices, now it's time for vendors! If you've got a product you'd like Nashville's naturals to know about, we want YOU to be there.

• We are looking for 4-6 vendors.
• Product needs to be available for purchase in TN (in-store or online)
• Product can be hair, bath & body, or clothing - Sorry, FOOD cannot be sold/marketed at the venue
• We are also looking for SAMPLES to put in our grab bags. If you'd like to send samples of your product, please contact us.

Please contact - melissa@natural-nashville.com and I will email you a vendor packet with guidelines.
The venue holds 150 attendees and you will receive free promotion on the website. This is a great opportunity for independent businesses! 

ROOTS & RHYTHM: 'Til the End of Time' - Timothy Bloom feat V

I thought this song would be a great entrance into the month of love. Just in time for Valentine's Day, I came across this song while cruising tumblr, 'Til the End of Time' by Timothy Bloom featuring V. Back in 2011, Timothy Bloom and his co-writer (then, girlfriend) V. Bozeman wrote this amazing song - then released a more amazing video to match.

Timothy Bloom and V

What I loved about this video is the iconic black love that is showcased by the beautiful couple. Their gorgeous bodies, slowly oscillating while this video goes from black and white to full color, showcasing the most beautiful brown bodies one has ever seen. It's just a sexy video. The visuals are on the edge of intimacy that is usually reserved for private times.

SO FIERCE, NO HAIR REQUIRED!

I don't know what happened to Timothy Bloom - but he needs to make more music. However, V. Bozeman has done well with her career, being mentored by Cee-Lo, she's working on her independent project. V has an amazing voice and her FIERCE style! She is #teamshorthair #shorthairdontcare #baldandbeautiful! I went to her website and was BLOWN AWAY by the snippets of new work coming our way. Can't wait!

LISTEN! AMAZING! Let's cut our hair NOW!

Anyway, lets get to the video. Just enjoy it and lets all collectively wish for the rebirth of amazing R&B music!

THE TREND: What are Faux Locs/Genie Locs?

You know we are on all the social media platforms, so I'd be dumb not to be able to spot a trend. For two years Senagalese Twists reigned supreme as the protective style/extention technique that all the natural girls had to try. Now, FAUX LOCS or GENIE LOCS are the hot topic!

What are Faux Locs/Genie Locs? Simply it's wrapping your natural hair or a synthetic extension with synthetic hair to achieve a loc (dreadloc) look. Some people use yarn to wrap the hair which gives a more natural looking 'loc'. Wrapping with yarn (yes regular knitting yarn) is called YARN LOCS. (click here for a tutorial on yarn locs)

Faux Locs are the ultimate protective style. First you braid your hair, which is a protective style within itself. Then you wrap the braided hair with more synthetic hair to give it a smooth look. Each loc isn't perfect which adds to the traditional loc look and the appeal. Lots of ladies use faux locs as way to figure out if they want to loc their hair permanently.

So, what's the pros and cons of installing faux locs?

Pros: Protective style, long-lasting install, do-it-yourself-able, and versatile look (you can add/remove color while hair is installed)

Cons: Installation process can be 13-20 hours, hair can lose moisture being wrapped, synthetic hair can be stressful on real hair and cause breakage, synthetic hair is heavy when wet, and synthetic hair can snag on clothes due to the finishing process (burning the ends).

Should you install faux locs? Hmm, you hair should be ultra healthy and very strong. You should be ready to wear an install for more than six week. In addition, if you can't install the braids yourself, you should find a PROFESSIONAL to do the job. I know Braids by Ashanti can install faux locs if you live in Nashville.

Wanna do it yourself, check out the YouTube video below. KnottiKurls explains various techniques and her findings of installing Faux Loc DIY style.

(photos found on Tumblr)