Jul 31, 2014

ROOTS & RHYTHM: Janelle Monae - "Electric Lady"

We know its Thursday, but we could not wait to get to the root of this rhythm.

We got another taste of the "Electric Lady" yesterday when Janelle Monae released the video for the title track from her latest project.  Janelle is working the fresh college girl energy for sure.  While she has matured, she does not seem to age much.  Her afro is just as lovely as the perfect coifs she is famous for. And there's a band.  I'm in.


With cameos from "Electro Phi Beta Emeritus" T-Boz, Estelle, Esparanza Spalding, Monica and Kimbra the video comes alive with a house party I can relate to.  But where is Solange?  Her youthful energy would have been perfect for the video!  The scene is not short on people we know and love.  Who else did you spot in the crowd?

Seeing the video finally revealed to me why "Electric Lady" is my favorite song from this work.  To me, it is a battle cry.  A song for a new woman that is being born everyday.
"Don't let that circuit break you down.  We about to birth a whole new nation. A million Electric Ladies..."  - Janelle Monae

And most of the births begin with returning our hair to its natural state.  For some of us it takes more time, but eventually most women that remove chemicals from their hair begin to remove it from other areas of their life as well.  We take a greater concern in our health and wellness in mind, body and Spirit.  Its not something that is forced upon us. For so many of us the choice to grow our hair in its natural state was the equivalent of putting on a crown.  Over time the care that is offered to our hair becomes a ritual of self-care that becomes a lifestyle.

That is why Janelle Monae seems to shine each time we see her.  Her hair, her skin and the twinkle in her eye are all usually the result of a body well cared for.  A glam team is definitely part of her secret, but to love yourself and honor what your body needs to be at its best is all we really need.


Jul 29, 2014

CELEB STYLE: Lisa Bonet Loc'd Goddess


UGH! Does Denise Huxtable, I mean Lisa Bonet NOT SLAY! Geesh, she has always been the purveyor of independent style, freshness, and "eff-it, I do what I want"! I don't know the source of this photo, but it shows that Ms. Bonet has been living nice off those Cosby Show checks - I'd love to look as secure as her when I get her age.

Check out our previous post: Wasn't Denise Huxtable ALL THAT!

Jul 25, 2014

Roots & Rhythm: Erykah Badu - "Apple Tree"

A few weeks ago I did a quick survey on Facebook to see what artists keep you moving through life and one of my favorites came up: Erykah Badu.

We've shared Erykah here before of course, but with such varying looks over the years, we can talk about her hair and music and what she has inspired for a while.  This led to me to think of the most dramatic change I've made when it came to my hair.  I would think that it was when I cut my hair to start my locs, but somehow I think my recent cut was more shocking to others - and to me.  What about you?  What was your moment?



We've seen Miss Badu explore with length, color and texture over the years.  Have you had a similar hair story or was your journey about steady progress with a sudden, drastic move. Take a trip down memory lane on this Flashback Friday!



"Apple Tree" from her Live album is one of my favorite songs from Erykah Badu.  This version is classic.  If you've ever seen her in concert, you know that she may do anything from play the drums to dancing or telling stories and rhyming.  If you are a fan and have not seen her live, please do!  Enjoy this mini concert performance used as promotion for the Java Jazz Festival in 2012.

Kenya McClain, this one is for you!  Thank you for being a part of the Natural in Nashville community!




Jul 24, 2014

TIPS & Techniques: When's the right time to throw away your products?


This post is for all my product jukies who have too much stuff under their bathroom cabinet - it's time to throw away some of those products!  Looking for that holy grail, you start to amass more products than you hair can use. Sometimes you think about saving something for that friend or selling it to a colleague. But when is the right time to just THROW THEM AWAY! The list below will help you sort through that box of products just collecting dust.

But first, WHY should you throw away products? Jessica Wu, and MD of Dermatology practicing in Los Angeles said it best:
"Most beauty products are designed to stay fresh and stable only for a limited period of time. After that, they start to break down, so your cream might not work as well, your makeup may streak or change color, or — worst case scenario — you could develop a terrible infection.”
So, you need to throw products away because, over time, they may not work as well as they did when you first purchased them.



TIME TO THROW AWAY:
  • It's past the expiration date - most products have an expiration date stamped on the bottom. Just like food, if the expiration date has passed, then it's time to toss that product.
  • Smells Funny - That smell like 'peaches and creme' product that didn't quite make your curls curl quite right doesn't smell good anymore - it's time to throw it away. Change in smell indicates a breakdown in the formula. It's not gonna work as well anymore.
  • Color Change - Color change is the best way to tell that's it's time to let a product go. Color change is another indication of a chemical breakdown. Which means the product won't work as well as it did when first purchased.
  • Growing Mold - Yeah, for all of you who make you own products or purchase homemade products, if those products aren't stored in a cool spot, they will mold. Don't try to scrape it off, just throw it away.
  • Just a dab left in the corner - Yeah, I know that Uncle Pete's Fancy Curl Creme costs $50 a jar, but c'mon homie it's time to let it go. Constant opening and closing breaks down the chemical formula. 
What's the best way to preserve you product - make sure to store it in a COOL dry location. Also, keep the lid closed.

I hope this helps. As you progress in you natural journey, you'll buy less products and have less waste. Until that time comes, make sure to swap out products with friends - that will save you from a throw away pile.

Jul 23, 2014

HAIR LUST: Summer Sisters


Nothing like letting you curls hang free on a hot summer day. These gorgeous sisters showcase their summer curls so lovely as they luxuriate on the grass. Sometimes summer is all about keeping it simple.

What's your favorite summer style?

Jul 20, 2014

DISCUSSION: Would you rock the Braided LACEFRONT WIG!



So, this picture floated across my timeline earlier today - you know black twitter exploded! Lol! Apparently, the braided lacefront wig is phenomena that not many knew about. Whoop, y'all late! 


Brandy been rocking lacefront braided wigs for a minute now! If you watch the "Put It Down" video she changed her hair style no less than four times. There's no way you can fit all those braids under all those different wigs. The braids … are a wig too! Lol, Hollywood Magic!


I'm not knocking the idea of a braided wig. People been rocking braided wigs since Ashford & Simpson days! However, I think it's the lace front and the baby-hairs that got people going crazy. It's pretty fly though! 


So, would you rock this wig? It's the ultimate protective style with a dash of trend thrown in. PLUS, you don't have to worry about pulled edges or lost time (8-12 hrs in a chair). Hmmm … I've almost convinced myself to get one! Lol! 

Wanna buy a lacefront braided wig? 
Check out www.wig-parlor.com

Jul 17, 2014

THROWBACK: Queen Latifah's braided crown


I had to post this photo of Queen Latifah. I found this picture on Pintrest and it toolk me back to the days that everyone rocked that 'Afrocentric' look. We weren't  #teamnatural yet, but it was the trend to rock everything that referenced Africa. 

Queen Latifah's goddess braids are a technique I hadn't seen used in a long time. It's a great protective style that one could rock for a week or so. And who doesn't love a throwback! 

Jul 14, 2014

HAIR DIARY: Loc Renewal Happiness

I finally did it.  I brought my most recent free form stage to an end last week. I can't remember when this one started, but I'm quite sure it lasted about 7 months.  During the break from maintenance, I was consistent with washing and hot oil treatments which gave my roots new life.  I've even found a new love for maintaining my locs.  Cutting my locs was a hard decision, but one I'm glad I made with each passing day.

I'm very happy with the way my locs are coming in and the new strength of my roots.
(With Queen Afua)
The first stage I wanted to reach was more growth on the sides and the front and I got my wish.  I even have new locs forming.  With that said, if you see me out and my baby locs are doing weird things, you are obliged to tell me!

I've also realized that I cannot rule out another hair cut at some point.  Because of the amount of hair growing in, many of the smaller locs may need to be cut off over time to create balance.  I don't think I'll do any maintenance again for few months since this period of growth went so well.

After a lovely yoga practice with Queen Afua, you can see my new growth showing through.
(With Ona Hawk of Firehawk Yoga.)
This weekend I finally had the opportunity to meet two lovely women who understand my desire to free form and to cut my locs when it is right for me.  Ona Hawk, a fellow Kemetic Yoga Instructor, has beautifully free locs to match her lovely Spirit.  I've shared my appreciation for Queen Afua here before and by the time we met, she had done a big chop of her own!  It was a timely reminder that I am not so much attached to my hair, but my ability to express where I am and what I feel through my chosen style.

All in all, I do believe my loc renewal has been a success.  I'm excited to see how my locs form as they return to their original length.

Jul 13, 2014

Win TWO TICKETS to Naturals in the City 3, July 19!


On Saturday, Memphis will host the 3rd Annual Natural in the City Health & Wellness Expo! And guess what, I'm going to be a speaker! I'm so excited to represent Nashville's natural hair community in Memphis! You know I'm going to represent! Oh yeah, I want YOU to come! Below, win a pair of tickets to the event.

What is the Naturals in the City Hair Expo? Its an event that focuses on natural hair, natural living, and natural products! 
This expo will include natural hair seminars, products, wellness seminars, products, and vendors who are marketing their natural products. Celebrity stylists, naturalists and wellness entrepreneurs are among those scheduled to appear. This will be an opportunity for vendors to present their brand of products to a new untapped market for consumers who are health conscious of natural solutions. The wellness part of the expo will introduce consumers to natural skin foods, natural tattoos and natural health foods.
You are guaranteed to have a ton of fun, be informed, and inspired at the same time. Take a look at the video below:


 

Wanna win pair of tix to the event (Remember it's in Memphis)? 
Leave a comment below, with the year you decided to go natural + your email address. Two winners will be selected on WEDNESDAY (7/15)!!

Jul 11, 2014

Roots & Rhythm: Your Roots. Your Rhythm.

Roots & Rhythm is one of my favorite features of Natural in Nashville. So much of our life is expressed in the music of what we can easily see similarities in ourselves and some of our favorite artists.  While some might argue that fans begin to emulate artists if they appreciate their music, I see something different.

It is obvious at times that some people assume the identity of others, but quite often we find the courage to be who we are when we see others stand in their authenticity.  It is natural to connect with those who are like us in some way regardless of celebrity.  Authentic similarities are a beautiful reminder that we are all the same in the ways that matter most in life.  We are all on a journey for love, peace and happiness.

               Kristel as featured on Black Girl Long Hair.


"What we play is life." - Louis Armstrong
I share music with the intent of the Natural in Nashville community being on one vibe, even if it is for three random minutes on Friday.  I usually post a song that touched me during the week or one that speaks to a shared cultural experience, but I often wonder about you.

Who is that artist that never leaves your playlist?  Let me know!   I want to groove with everybody.

I'll let Zhane say the rest!  Happy Friday!


   

Jul 10, 2014

Throwback: Pump It Up Spritz


Who remembers PUMP IT UP SPRITZ? The 'hair spray' should have been outlawed for all the chemicals it harbors. But, it was the gold standard of Up-Do's across the nation. One squirt of Pump It Up and a Hurricane couldn't move your 'do! Lol!

So, someone posted a HORRID photo of me on Facebook today - I was wearing a sad outfit from the Gap (men's section), green contacts, and a MICROWAVE ponytail! LAWD! You couldn't tell me nuthin! Pump it Up Spritz was the currency in my side-hustle, living in the dorm days. 

All the girls came to my room for the crunch microwave ponytail and gel-ed down Aaliyah swoop! Times were hard - you needed hair styles that could stand the test of time. 

Whew! We've come a long way! Did you rock with Pump it Up before your #TeamNatural days?

Jul 9, 2014

Hair Lust: Willow Smith for Teen Vogue, August 2014



I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Willow Smith has more style guys than most GROWN women! The 13 year old musician/actress posed for Teen Vogue's August 2014 issue. In it she talks about her ever changing style, the reason why she didn't take the Annie role, and her music. The interview is apart of the magazine's Most Influential Teens issue! See more pics on www.fabglance.com

But how much do you love her new blond 'do?! She reminds me of our writer, Amber, who's never afraid to try a new look! Have you tried something new this summer? Hit us up in the comments box!

Jul 8, 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: DIY Flaxseed Gel

One of the things I am very conscious of with my loc renewal is product build up.  I really do feel like I have a new set of locs and that allows me to do all the things "I wish I had known".  I've worked with flax seeds before and can easily see how the gel they produce could work to maintain locs without leaving a lot of build up behind.

Flax seeds via thehealthsite.com.


I used the tutorial by @Locrush as a guide after a quick exchange with her on Instagram about the process.  I made three batches before I finally had one I felt comfortable using on my hair.  When I considered the size of my locs and how much I would actually need to hold my locs in place, I felt like the first two batches were just too thick.  My remedy was to reduce the boiling time of the seeds and allowing it cool into a thinner gel.  It worked well and third time was a charm.

               

By creating a thinner gel, I'm hoping to reduce the chances of having any extra product left behind.  It seemed to work better than I thought because I wasn't looking for a really tight hold, I just wanted to create some control with some of the new growth.

For me, the most challenging part was straining the gel.  I used the same process demonstrated, I do think you're only as good as your tools in this step of the process.  I don't think the tongs I used were wide enough to really squeeze the gel and it didn't go as smoothly for me as in the video.  The seeds produced more than enough gel, I just couldn't squeeze it all out.  This is a process that definitely has to happen while the gel is warn as shared in the tutorial.

DIY Flaxseed Gel
I decided not to add any honey or oils until I nailed the right consistency for me, so I may explore the oils soon and pass on the honey.  DIY flaxseed gel is a win for me!

Jul 3, 2014

UPDATE: WHERE HAVE WE BEEN?!?!


OMG! I know you are wondering, "Where has the team been?" What have we been doing, and GOSHDARNIT where are the posts? Lol! Sorry! We apologize. You know what happened? Life happened! Below I'll share a couple of updates and let you know when we'll get this train rolling again. 


MELISSA, The Editor-in-Chief: guess I'll start with myself. I've been traveling all summer long, with more travel ahead of me. Most importantly, I'll be speaking in MEMPHIS at the NATURALS IN THE CITY Natural Hair Event. Then I have to have surgery which will take me out the game for about FOUR WEEKS! Ugh! I know!

When September comes you're gonna see a bunch of changes with the site and with the team. I'm working hard (behind the scenes) to set up a strong foundation to handle such changes. Of course you know I run TWO WEBSITES (check out www.fabglance.com) and making sure both sets of readers are entertained and informed can be alot to juggle. No complaints, because I love what I do - but I need longevity to stay in this game. So sometimes I need to lay low in order to go big.



T-SHIRTS: real talk, manufacturing t-shirts takes money on the front end that you may not receive in the back end. I know I promised NEW t-shirts for the summer, but I think we are gonna produce more shirts in the fall (September). They will be nice!



ANOTHER EVENT: yup! I want to do another event. Like I said about the t-shirts, events cost money. BIG MONEY! But we LOVE to see you all in person so we are DEFINITELY going to do another event. I wanted to do something in August, but that's not gonna happen, so we are leaning more towards OCTOBER. In everything, I want excellence! Never wanting to do anything half-way, sometimes telling myself NO is the hardest part. You know we'll keep you posted about the next #NINMEETUP.

BUT CAN Y'ALL POST MORE ARTICLES? Umm - yeah we can. Posting articles takes research and time. It's summer! We want to play outside! Lol! But for real, I'll take the lead and start posting more articles. Especially during my recovery in August; I'll have some time to write a bunch of stuff that's been sitting in my queue for months. No, I'm not lying, the team has at least 25 UNFINISHED articles just waiting for us to buckle down and finish. We LOVE our readers and we APOLOGIZE for not posting daily like usual.

Make sure you follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, and TUMBLR! Those are spots where I post little gems, pics, and sometimes contests. Stay connected!  


First up, our girl Amber graduated from AVEDA!! Not only did she graduated, she won like a kabillion awards and scored a new job. She'll be a stylist at the TRUE BLUE salon on West End in Nashville.

And, Ashiya is working hard and making changes too. Not only did she chop her locs (aren't you loving this cut) but she's started a business with her family and she's steady advancing in her yoga teaching skills. SWAN HOLISTIC will be up and running soon; bringing quality yoga classes and teaching to you!



 And last, but not least, Candice has been working hard too. She got a fancy-nancy switch/promotion at her job, some very fly Havana Twists (seen above), and SHE GOT ENGAGED! Yup! We had to give the new fiancé some time to be happy abt all these new changes.

So you see we haven't forgot about you. We are just living life for a moment. But I promise, you aren't ready for FALL 2014 - it's gonna be bananas! I encourage you to take advantage of the summer, live life, take a ton if pics, and stop worrying about your hair! We love you!
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