ROOTS & RHYTHM: The Jacksons - "Can You Feel It?"

"A great soul serves everyone all the time.  A great soul never dies.  It brings us together again and again." - Maya Angelou

His voice is ringing from radio signals everywhere today!  Can you feel it?

Happy Birthday, Michael!!

SELF-CARE: Food For The Soul

Small changes often have the biggest impact.

As we all know, the journey to healthy hair goes straight through the kitchen.  Because we can obtain much of what we need for healthy hair and skin through our food and water intake, radiant natural hair really is the result our lifestyle.  As we move into Fall, I'll share more of what I've gained from that aspect of my hair evolution.

The first way I created balance in my eating habits was to participate in Meatless Monday.  One day a week without meat forced me to be more creative with what I usually considered "sides".  Many of the recipes also included oils that were beneficial to hair and skin which made me realize it was easier to get them into my diet than I thought.  Once I found a few favorites, it was easy to experiment and alternate meals throughout the rest of the week.

The avocado is a great healthy fat and more diverse than most realize.  Salads, smoothies, chocolate mousse... Yes.

Salads are great ways to take a quick dose of nature because everything, including any oils, are in the most vital state.  Oil-based dressings like olive oil or sunflower seed oil give us the most stable nutrients because they are not altered by heat.  Building meals based on what it gives the body is another way I like to experiment with new, healthier food options.

Early in my food quest, I met "The Opares" as my friends and I call them.  Dr. Nana Opare and his wife, Ama, own Opare Institute in Atlanta.  Ama is a wonderful gourmet raw vegan chef and now shares with vegans, vegetarians and those who want to be anywhere in between.  She's also very open to those who are curious about vegan and vegetarian food choices.

Ama and Dr. Nana Opare, Opare Institute, Atlanta

If you've been looking for a place to get some ideas on healthy meal alternatives, you'll enjoy Ama at Food For The Soul.  You can also find them on Facebook here.  Tell her I sent you!

And how much do we love her locs?!

HAIR LUST: Melissa shares her turban and her fashion!

Our editor, Melissa, is sharing her FAB Sneaker Style on our sister site, Fab Glance. Go to her page to see how she rocks this fabulous turban with . . .  SNEAKERS! Oh yeah, she tells you how to do this headwrap too. How do you rock your headwraps? Check her out!

WANTED: New WRITERS for NIN!

Yay! This site is growing and we need more help. Nope, the other writers aren't going anywhere, however we are looking for new voices to share their experiences and share the load. The readers want more articles about natural hair experiences, product reviews, and (of course) more events. 

You MUST have writing experience, have a strong social media following (or like sharing on social media), be a Nashville (surrounding area) resident, and like public speaking. College students and  MALES are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are looking for NEWLY NATURAL team member (less than 3 years) because we want people who are willing to share their journey. Most older naturals, have the routine down, which hurts the writing process.

New writers are required to write at least ONE post a week, share that post on their social media platforms, and be willing to aid in the development of the Natural in Nashville community (events, meet-ups, etc).   

This is an ONE YEAR UNPAID position with options to receive free product/promotions and attend events.

If this sounds like you, please submit the following info to melissa@natural-nashville.com:

• TWO writing samples (or a website where you work can be found)
• Your bio
• Fave picture featuring your hair

Product Review: Aveda 2014 Fall Collection Romantic Grandeur

Aveda is preparing to launch their Autumn Collection: Romantic Grandeur.  Each collection that Aveda launches speaks to hair, fashion, and makeup trends for the season at hand. I am typically a MAC girl at heart because I never have to worry about colors that compliment my skin tone.   I love the fall collection because it is one of the first for in my mind that meets the needs of any woman.  It is defined by rich softness. It is bold and yet demure. 

Starting at Top from Left to Right. Lipsticks: Sheer Fig & Goji Berry. Lip Liner: Fire Maple. Nourish-Mint Lip Glaze: Rose Blush & Mangosteen. Eye Definer: Fresh Plum & Delphinium. Eye Shadows: Winter Lilac, Aubergine, Ivory Lotus, Golden Cyprus, Allspice, & Gypsum Grey

 Lipstick in Goji Berry with Fire Maple Lip Definer

Lip Glaze in Mangosteen  

There are also some beautiful hair techniques that I can't wait to try on my natural clientele.  

Sophie

The Sophie is wearing a Modern Roll a Janelle Monae esq Updo with a rich Garnett Color as the base. 

Alice

Tippi Shorter also has some amazing techniques using braid base and colored weaving thread to redefine shape and movement for textured hair. 

 my personalized version of the Sophie Haircolor.

How do you feel about some of these looks and do you think you will be rocking some of these trends for the fall.  How would you recreate these looks to make them your own? 

prebook with me to create our own fall version or Romantic Grandeur at True Blue Salon Nashville 

615.329.4454-Amber 

all of these images are owned by Aveda Corp.

ROOTS & RHYTHM: "Oh MY God" - Tribe Called Quest

"Listen up everybody . . . the bottom line . . . I'm a black intellect . . . but unrefined . . ." - Q-tip

Ask anyone, who knows me, who my favorite rap group is - they will say, "Mel loves A Tribe Called Quest"! Anytime life gets hard, or I need to clean up, or I need to write, I turn on my Tribe Called Quest playlist and I get into my groove.

So, as this week progressed and the situation in Ferguson got even worse, I found myself praying for Mike Brown's family and listening to music that soothed my soul.  So what better than Tribe Called Quest's song than "Oh My God"? Because I literally said "Oh MY GOD!" every time I watched the news this week. But it's deeper than that.

The video opens up with the group going to the local bodega (convenience store) and joking with the owner. This is the same thing that police are saying Mike Brown and his friends did - except, they are saying he robbed the store.

In the video, everyone gathered in the streets to celebrate the filming of this video - no fear of police, just having fun. In Ferguson, everyone is gathered in protest - plenty of fear but plenty of solidarity.

Looking at this video, I see young black men, ready to take over the world. Looking at Ferguson, I see young people compelled to change the world, but scared of a world that doesn't want change.

This tone and vibe of this song and this video are a firm reminder of my past fun, freedom, and antics. Knowing I was poor, but not letting it define me. Why can't we, black people, kick it with friends, act the fool, and live life without fear of being misrepresented, shot at, or arrested? Why can't we be 'black intellects - but unrefined?" Oh My God - indeed.

DISCUSSION: Removing braids, shed hair, and bald spots - HELP!

As a person who rocks braids more than wearing my hair out, I've had my experience with taking down my braids and thinking, "OH MY GOD! I'm gonna be bald, my hair is shedding like CRAZY!"

Shed Hair vs. Hair Loss vs. those braids you thought were "so cute" is a real fear. We've heard stories of that friend who lost her edges or had bald spots after rocking a braided style. Maybe her braids were too tight, maybe her scalp too sensitive, or maybe she whipped her hair back & forth a bit too much. Either way she's decided that 'braids are the devil' and the hair that is balled up on the floor is her evidence. So let's discuss the differences and what you need to do.

When I take my braids out - I get a BALL OF HAIR too - What's up? - That's SHED HAIR. Seeing a bunch of shed hair, after removing braids, weave, or a protective style is scary yet totally normal. Remember, we usually shed 50 - 100 hairs PER DAY!

The average protective style or braid installation lasts for about 6-8 weeks. Doing the math - that equals 2,100 - 4,200 hairs locked into your braids during your installation. SO when you remove the style, you'll see all this hair and you will think - I'M GOING BALD! But you aren't it's just shed hair that wasn't able to fall out because it was braided tightly into your installation.

I removed my braids/weave and now I have a BALD SPOT/No EDGES! Help! - Now, if you remove your braids or weave installation and you find you have a bald spot (or broken spot or sad edges) this is not the end of the world. But it does mean your installation was TOO TIGHT and your hair follicles gave up the ghost. It sucks, but the hair will come back. Nightly scalp messages with essential oils, leaving your hair out of tight protective styles, and light manipulation will stimulate hair growth in that area.

BUT my hair is STILL shedding, I think I'm going bald for real! - Now, you've taken down your braids or removed your weave. You've been being gentle, and it STILL seems like you hair is shedding more than usual, it's time to see an expert. First step, go to a hairstylist who you trust. She can tell you if your hair is breaking, shedding, or if you are experiencing true hair loss. She may even suggest you see a dermatologist. Sometimes hair loss or excessive shedding can be fixed by adding vitamins, changing our diet, or adding/removing a product.

Don't be scared to ask the question to get the results.

So if you see any of these issues after removing your braids - don't IMMEDIATELY blame the braids, their could be a number of reasons why your hair decided to say good-bye.

HAIR LUST: Blue Hair Beautiful

If you've followed the blog for any time you know I (Editor - Melissa) am addicted to blue hair! It's such a fun way to rock your natural. 

Some people use hair chalk, others go permanent with dye. No matter how you rock your blue hair, rock it with pride!

ROOTS & RHYTHM: Georgia Anne Muldrow - "Dimension"

This week we have another opportunity to pay homage to the 'Fro with a peek at Amber's playlist:  Georgia Anne Muldrow's "Dimension".

Lovely artwork of Georgia Anne Muldrow.

Instantly, Ms. Muldrow's energy reminds me of what we love about hair.  While technically, her her is "like" many people we know, it is Georgia Anne herself that is the beauty in her hair.  The way she carries herself and her expression through her style all make her hair that much more beautiful.

Georgia Anne Muldrow.

In "Dimension" she shares lyrics that are a powerful reflection of the images we see.  Though some of the images look softer than others, each one shares the same strong, dynamic energy.  Georgia Anne Muldrow's afro and vibe remind me of the afros of 60s and 70s.  Perhaps because this was the time it was most radical to wear the afro.

Georgia Anne Muldrow.

In that light, we can definitely see why "Dimension" and Ms. Muldrow made our girl Amber's list. Both revolutionary in thought, style and talent. these ladies would most certainly vibe.

Share a song that reflects your Roots & Rhythm so we can jam with you one Friday soon!  Thank you for your share, Amber!  Enjoy your Friday!

ASHIYA'S HAIR DIARY: Give Me Luxury

During my most recent detox, I was challenged with removing the toxic products from my beauty ritual, which was relatively easy for me.  I use lot of oils and very little make up, but I did find room for improvement in my skin and hair care products.  During the purge, I was introduced to a new line of skin care that is absolute luxury.  The ingredients, the feel of the product and my face after each cleaning feels absolutely amazing.  And then I realized I wanted to same feeling for my hair.

Weird body pose, but a great capture of the new growth I'm working with. This was a few hours after washing.

Right now my current shampoo choice is still from the Shea Moisture line.  I do believe I've found the right shampoo cocktail for my hair at this stage.  After washing with a combination of their African Black Soap Deep Cleansing, Yucca & Boabab and Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention shampoos, I finally see the puffy free new growth I've wanted to see for the past few months.  I'm happy to find a combination to support my roots, but I cannot shake the feeling of luxury.  The results are all over my face.

I really do appreciate Shea Moisture products for creating a product with:

• No Parabens
• No Phthalates
• No Paraffin
• No Formaldehyde
• No Propylene Glycol
• No Mineral Oil
• No Synthetic Frangrance
• No Petrolatum
• No Synthetic Color
• No DEA
• No Animal Testing

The next line of shampoo I try has to be as clean as the Shea Moisture line, of course, but I wouldn't mind making more of an investment in my hair products.  I have tried my fair share of professional brands and there are a few that I like, but I'm looking for those clean, toxin-free brands that make you think twice before you put down the cash.  The ones that give you that brief, "I can't believe I spent this much on shampoo" moment.  I do know that price is not always an indicator of quality, but there are also times where you get what you pay for.  

It was my birthday week.  What can I say?  

So what are you favorite luxury hair brands?  Who's got the handmade goods that feel and work just as well as the luxury brands?  Who has quality products that you don't mind investing in?  Let me know!

NIN T-Shirts and Tanks - ON SALE NOW!

www.teespring.com/NINlogotee

Hola guys! Just in time for summer, I've decided to launch the NIN logo tees. We have standard t-shirts ($20), women's fit ($20), and TANKS ($23)! The tanks are SUPER CUTE!

All the shirts go to 3XL and ship directly from the producer.

Since this is a campaign through teespring, if we don't sell 15 shirts (any style) the shirts won't be printed. So purchase one, then tell your mom, your cousin, and your best friend too! The teespring campaign lasts for one week. 

Click the link below to purchase.

www.teespring.com/NINlogotee

Product Review: Oyin Handmade Go Tea

My current Go too is Oyin Handmade's Go Tea www.oyinhandmade.com

It's listed as an All-In-One Grooming Spray that hydrates and softens hair and that is also great for close cuts, facial hair care for men, or to encourage scalp health.

Ingredients: water, vegetable glycerin, aloe vera juice, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, and olive squalane. 

Fragrance: the fragrance is light and refreshing you get the tea tree and some hints of citrus. 

How I use it: I've been using it as a hair refresher dousing my hair with it as soon as I get out of the shower bit also is a great skin toner/moisturizer. When I'm putting it on my hair I also hit my face and neck. Thru out the day as I feel my hair getting dry I spray it on again an it is also awesome for resetting makeup as well. It's also great after a fresh haircut so if you're sporting a short edgy cut this great to have in your arsenal. it leaves hair soft an touchable with no oily residue.  I really have no complaints about this product except that I wish it came in a bigger container. 

I also always aim to support Oyin and any other black owned hair care companies. Not only is it a great product you can feel good about what your pennies are supporting as well. Currently I buy mine online Oyin has been launched in Target it just hasn't made it to Tennessee yet. They are a Baltimore based company so if you are going to be in the DMV area stop by and support their cause. They also have a great shop called Exit The Apple that has rad tshirts, books and other rad items. You can find them on FB and IG! 

If you're interested in checkin out this line this is one of the lines I use on naturals in the salon. Prebook with me and give it a test drive. 

Amber 

True Blue Salon 

West End 615.329.4454

LINK LOVE: Essence.com helps you recover from HEAT DAMAGE

 

It happens to the best of naturals; HECK, it happened to me! HEAT DAMAGE! 

It's one of the reasons lots of Natural Haired ladies don't experience the growth they'd like to see. And it's one of the most difficult mistakes to fix when it's noticed.

Essence.com published a great article on recovering your hair after using too much heat.

CLICK HERE

The point of the matter is, once damage is completed, you have to be diligent about your routine to regain your curl pattern. Sometimes it's just changing your shampoo/conditioner routine, your diet, or you may even have to get a hair cut! 

But it's all a step on the journey of healthy natural hair.