Fabulous Diva Hair

Melanie was featured in our Natural Bride series. She’s back, by popular demand, to talk about her hair in detail.



Where do you live?
M: I live in beautiful Oakland CA. I love my city!! Currently, I work the front desk at a local hair salon.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I was so [...] http://bit.ly/a0UT7d

In March 2009 Kerr-Ann debuted her big chop on BGLH in our ‘New to the Natural Movement. series (yeh, I was having a militant moment back then).

Since then her hair has sprouted.

I caught up with her to find out about her regimen (which, obviously, is working really well)…
The last time you were on [...] http://bit.ly/d4mAoP

When performing the Brazilian Keratin Straightening treatment (BKT), the Keratin Complex by Coppola Treatment, the Global Keratin Treatment, or any other Keratin based treatment the straightness of your hair is only as good as the flat iron you are using.  We have reviewed a number of flat irons and straightening irons and have found [...] http://tinyurl.com/38sh2dp

Hey guys! So this is just a little mid-week fun sponsored by Sixteen Stone Vintage Submit a picture of you rocking your best vintage look to blackgirllonghair@gmail.com (put Vintage Natural in the header) for a chance to win this gorgeous comb clip.

Comb clip in action…

Luckily I won’t have to do the difficult task [...] http://bit.ly/cpcRX6

When I wore my hair naturally in two-strand twists or in a twist-out style, I relied on shea butter to moisturize and strengthen my hair. But I always thought shea butter was too heavy for relaxed or finer hair types.
Fortunately, I was wrong. There are many products on the market that use the moisturizing powerhouse [...] http://tinyurl.com/35hknsw

Lea Michele, the star of my fav new show Glee, puts her hair through the ringer each and every day.  Lea Michele’s hair routine starts with blow drying, then straightening with an iron, and then adding extensions!  My gosh that is a daily routine.  What is her secret to keeping her hair healthy?  Use protection [...] http://tinyurl.com/25a3rgy

I love that I have accepted what others may loathe about their blackness. I truly love my hair.


Where do you live?
T: Maple Shade, NJ (considered a Philadelphia Metro area). This upcoming fall I will be attending Rutgers University for Early Childhood Education.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
T: My hair had been chemically [...] http://bit.ly/cYrQgs

Nikia Phoenix

After doing a big (or moderate, or little : ) chop many naturals monitor their hair growth via measurement. Not exact science… more like APL (arm pit length), BSL (bra-strap length), CL (chin length) etc, etc.
For some naturals, keeping track of hair progress is a huge motivator. For others it devolves into a stressful [...] http://bit.ly/d3SWzC

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic found a short cut to creating perfect beachy waves!
Beauty Anonymous reviews Lunasol Lip Palette EX01 from Skin Modeling Eyes Starter Kit!
The Makeup Divas is having another giveaway! Enter to win Elizabeth Arden’s New Spring Fragrance Pretty Eau de Cologne Splash.
Elke shares the latest video makeup tutorials from Eco Beauty.
Beauty and Fashion [...] http://tinyurl.com/273go93

It seems the love is spreading I’m really excited to announce that Clutch Magazine did a story about our Love is in the Hair giveaway!

Writer Laquita Thomas-Banks asked me a few questions about why I came up with the concept and what the response has been. To read the full article, click HERE.
Clutch [...] http://bit.ly/axGelO

The lightness of my skin doesn’t make me any less black than I feel, and the way I wear my hair doesn’t make me any more. It simply makes me, me!



Where do you live?
E: I’m a Chicago girl, born and raised, currently calling the Logan Square neighborhood home base. I work as a consultant in [...] http://bit.ly/9t75Cj

This is a dilemma that faces many naturals! Peep the question:
Hi, my name is Dominique and I need some help! My hair texture is very similar to John Legend. Everyone thinks that I twist my hair to give it an extremely coily look, but it naturally grows that way. I absolutely love my hair texture, [...] http://bit.ly/bbTWBC

I know we dedicate a substantial amount of time on BGLH to discrediting hair grease, lol. But I loved this post over at Fly celebrating the design of a product that — love it or hate it — is very unique to our culture and integral in our history.

Photo Credit
Click HERE for the full post.
document.getElementById("post-11544-blankimage").onload(); [...] http://bit.ly/bChzht

Isis submitted this question about length.
I’m 18, I attend an HBCU, and I’ve been natural for about a year now. I usually keep these twists extensions in for 2 months at a time… and I see partial growth.



How long will it take to reach my neck? I don’t know what to do…




Isis, your hair [...] http://bit.ly/bqtQur

Where do you live?
R: I am currently living in Southern Illinois. I’m a graduate master’s student studying history at Southern Illinois University. My home town is Chicago, South Side!!! But I plan to head to the South to work on a PhD in summer 2011.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
R: Going [...] http://bit.ly/blMUkF

Where do you live?
M: I live in Holland/Amsterdam. My mother migrated from Ghana to the Netherlands in 1983. Seven years later I was born. Holland is interesting for its sparkling culture. It’s rich in diversity and the Dutch are willing to learn about other cultures.
Natural hair is well accepted. There is, of course, a [...] http://bit.ly/a5C9E6

The process of going and staying natural has been really empowering because I took power away from society and I kept it for myself. I now decide what beauty means to me and what it means to be feminine.


Where do you live?
C: I live in Baltimore, MD but I am a New York City [...] http://bit.ly/a5d9aM

Our style icon today, the lovely Cherekena, made a very, very interesting statement in her interview today:
I really cannot stand when people act like I am trying to make a political statement with my natural hair. That is a pet peeve!! I feel like relaxed hair makes more of a statement than natural hair.
When [...] http://bit.ly/cF0Gxy

For someone who is considering going natural, what are the benefits and disadvantages of doing a dramatic big chop versus a gradual transition, and vice versa.
Which did you do when you transitioned?
document.getElementById("post-11442-blankimage").onload(); Tweet This Post http://bit.ly/cjCkK5

In honor of Earth Day, StyleBell is having a special sale on Earth Friendly Hair Care products including Giovanni, Klorane, and L’ANZA All Natural Hair Care Products!

Are you looking for an all natural hair care line that doesn’t have any of those nasty chemicals?  Giovanni Hair Care is your answer!  Giovanni’s formula incorporates vitamins, [...] http://tinyurl.com/2b2ksmb

The women applied to work at a Six Fligs in Largo, Md., where the population is 93 percent African-American. Check out the video and let me know your thoughts.

document.getElementById("post-11438-blankimage").onload(); Tweet This Post http://bit.ly/dkB2C2

This spring it’s all about letting your locks embrace the whimsical, refreshing atmosphere of the season. Below, Hallie Bowman, Celebrity Stylist for Pantene, shares an inside look at what to expect.
“Last season, we saw a lot of conventional looks – super sleek, tamed texture, perfect twists and classic chignons. When I think spring, I think [...] http://tinyurl.com/y4454tg

When did you and your husband meet?
M: We met in 2001 in San Diego CA at a party. He said to me that when he first saw me, he told all of his friends he was going to marry me! What a charmer. We were married March 13th 2009 at the Lake Merritt Sail Boat [...] http://bit.ly/bc6bPp

The other day I read an interesting article on Afropunk.com. The author was questioning whether kinky hair will ever be widely considered sexy.
My initial reaction was OF COURSE! But as I continued to read, I kind of understood how that question came out of the author’s own experience. After a string of failed attempts at [...] http://bit.ly/cQA1us

Where are you from?
S: I’m originally from California, grew up in Los Angeles and knew that as soon as I graduated high school, I had to move on.
I currently live in Chicago, where I’ve been for the past seven years. I love it here! Winters (and summers) are tough on my hair, but [...] http://bit.ly/96hGG8

The World Natural Hair Show was held in Atlanta, Georgia on April 10 & 11. BGLHer Pamela (check her out HERE) was there and snapped some gorgeous pictures.
Enjoy these, compliments of Pamela.






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Are you in NYC? Are you a General Hospital fan?   YOU’RE INVITED to meet Finola Hughes!
Emmy Award-winning actress, style expert and new Viviscal brand spokesperson Finola Hughes will be at C.O. Bigelow in New York Tuesday, April 20th 2010, to sign autographs and share her personal experience with Viviscal. Hughes, most widely recognized [...] http://tinyurl.com/y7ngpk3

Walk into the Eugene O’Neill Theatre these days and you enter the Broadway sensation, FELA, a spectacularly moving treatment of the life of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti. The production and the space in which it happens memorably join sociopolitical awareness with artistic creation. When you enter the theater, immediately you are enveloped by still [...] http://tinyurl.com/yyko3jr

Where do you live?
S: I am from Flint, Michigan. I am an Assembly Worker at General Motors and I have a B.S. in Criminal Justice.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
S: I really didn’t decide to go natural It just happen, I tried to go natural for a couple of months while I [...] http://bit.ly/d5x5s8

I’m happy to say that I inspired my younger sister to grow out her relaxer. She’s currently in the midst of a long transition, and super excited whenever she sees new growth.
What about you guys? Have you inspired any family or friends to give natural hair a try? Share your stories below
document.getElementById("post-9579-blankimage").onload(); Tweet [...] http://bit.ly/awjuQF

It’s Sunshine!
You can find her in the May issue of Essence in a feature on natural hair!

Sunshine debuted her big chop on BGLH back in July 2009 when she participated in guest blogger week. She said
“I was living in Atlanta when I started to reevaluate things. Never before in my life had I seen [...] http://bit.ly/cRRE8r

Enter for a chance to win “Sothys Spring Renewal” package worth over $80 including Cellu-Guard® Face and Body Self-Tanning Cream & Soins Soleil Age-defying tinted care lotion at Beauty and Personal Grooming.
15 Minute Beauty Fanatic checks out Clinique’s Instant Lift for Brows, was it as easy to use as they claim?

Phyrra’s Indie Spotlight [...] http://tinyurl.com/y2bb9m7

We have Elle’s best Summer Hairstyles for 2010!  What is in?  Nicole Richie’s ‘messy side-braid’ and Jessica Alba’s ‘high bun’ (to name a few.  Can’t pull those looks?  Bohemian, straight and slick, and head bands are the rage as well.  Take a night off and experiment with a new summer hairstyle.  It’s always fun to [...] http://tinyurl.com/y4x43q9

“Beauty is all around us and it doesn’t come in just one cookie cutter image. It sounds cliche but there truly is beauty in every woman. It’s just up to us to seek it out.” ~Lybra



Where do you live?
L: I consider myself having dual residency. I was born and raised in DC (Go-go [...] http://bit.ly/ajiazr

Gratuitous picture of Wakeema Hollis…

The comments coming in on the water and hair post have been really interesting.
Aisha says:
YES! Water-resistant styles definitely hurts our hair. For me, I have to strike a balance between wetting my hair and the over-manipulation that can come from that. For example, co-washing everyday would be too much [...] http://bit.ly/9i3MtQ

Cali, aka ChiselleCouture, was referenced a few weeks ago as one of the best natural hair YouTubers on the Web. As a result I added her to BGLH’s Resources page. Her YouTube channel is awesome. So definitely check it out





Where do you live?
C: I live in Washington DC. I’m a free spirit, that’s [...] http://bit.ly/9625QX

Kate this Kate that.  What is the obsession with Kate Gosselin’s hair?  Her hairstyle during the Jon and Kate Plus 8 show was just whatever but now she has become a hair icon almost like Sarah Palin.  Of course it forces me into having to talk about it since I write about hair.
Kate has been [...] http://tinyurl.com/y6lp8g2

Not just for you clothes think hair color – bright blue, green, and pink hair color! Think Lady Gaga. The trend started at New York Fashion Week in Spring ’10 shows such as Proenza Schouler and Zac Posen. Cynthia Rowley caught onto this trend with her Fall ’10 show. Wella master colorist Eva Scrivo created [...] http://tinyurl.com/y5fhfn3

So I was watching Essence’s ‘It Girl’ casting video today and saw a very familiar face. Sherrin was featured as a BGLH style icon back in August 2009 and made enough of an impression on Essence Magazine at their LA casting that they featured her in their recap video.
Yup, that’s all her hair!

The winner of [...] http://bit.ly/d3D8Jq

Want some fun Eco-Beauty Tips from the experts? Kelly Ripa to hosted her first-ever Webcast in support of Earth Day and Global Green USA discussing various Eco-Beauty ideas.
As part of the exchange, known as the first-ever “Green Idea Swap,” Kelly took questions from a live Web audience with the help of three eco lifestyle experts: [...] http://tinyurl.com/y2fybnq

New York Readers this one is for you! In celebration of Earth Month 2010 and to further programs for sustaining the planet, Origins invites you to a FREE star-studded Origins Rocks Earth Month Concert featuring Grammy Award-Winner Macy Gray, on April 19th at Webster Hall New York City. Origins chose to partner with Macy [...] http://tinyurl.com/y7lzucm

When I was young my Mom washed my hair once a week, but by the time I hit high school and my mom left my stylings up to me, I was barely washing at all. Once a month maybe. But I dreaded it. I didn’t even know what detangling was. All I knew was that [...] http://bit.ly/9naooo

Sooo, I’m still getting pictures. And I don’t know if this will become a regular feature so I’m just going to post everything I get now.
I have to say, I am utterly SHOCKED that this post was a hit. I came up with the idea, spoke to my fiance Norm about it, then to Shari. [...] http://bit.ly/aMsCTA

Are you looking for the perfect shampoo, conditioner, or treatment that will transform your curly locks into soft silky straight hair?  Think Brazilian straightening treatments without the bad chemicals.  Look no further Keratin Complex by Coppola is your answer!  Keratin Complex by Coppola is the TOP straightening system as rated by Beauty Editors and Bloggers!  [...] http://tinyurl.com/y9p2t3a

Jessica Simpson has gone short!  Yes a short hairstyle that is.  Jessica Simpson’s personal stylist Ken Paves had a little fun and created this fun short hair do on one of Jessica’s many plane travels!  I love how she has that sort of 70’s look.   What do you think of it?  Don’t worry ladies I [...] http://tinyurl.com/ycwh4ol

Where do you live?
D: I’m from and currently live in Anchorage, Alaska. I’m a college student, a grant writer for a non-profit and I own a small pet sitting business, I like to keep busy.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
D: I went natural in the spring of 2007 kind of because of [...] http://bit.ly/d7KiDG

What with all the recent talk of single black women and triflin’ black men, I thought it was time to inject a lil’ positivity into the situation. And my friend Briana, over at Boutique Unique, is going to help me do it!
Email photos of you and your boo to blackgirllonghair@gmail.com (put “Love is in the [...] http://bit.ly/9YtvDK

So you guys know I’ve been on the hunt for wedding accessories. I’m loving these headbands from Pretty Afrika. They’re definitely in the running…


For Pretty Afrika creations, click HERE.
Tweet This Post http://bit.ly/9SPd6n

Enjoy these weekend beauty reads from my blogger friends:
As part of the best affordable cosmetics series, Beauty and Fashion Tech covers the best drugstore eye shadow.
Beauty Junkie in SF finds a beautiful and luxurious primer that also protects you from the sun in Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.
Girl Gloss loves the new MAC Lip Stain Markers.
Phyrra [...] http://tinyurl.com/yajdua4

Are you looking for a fantastic new shampoo that has no parabens, mineral oil, petroleum or artificial colors and also SLS/SLES and Sulfate-free. Look no further! I have just used the NEW Carol’s Daughter Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner and absolutely loved it.
Description: The Carol’s Daughter Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo and [...] http://tinyurl.com/yau2kow

When did you and your husband meet?
K: We met through a mutual friend while attending Mississippi State University in 2005 and didn’t have any contact after that. When that mutual friend died in May 2007, we exchanged numbers, for emotional support but we still didn’t call each other. One day on Facebook I [...] http://bit.ly/dwpAlr

A Denman brush

We had an interesting conversation at our last meetup about whether brushes are a good styling tool or just contribute to split ends.
Apparently BGLHer Monet has been reflecting on the same thing…
I have a question about brushing: just when is it safe to use a brush?

I was reading an article about hair breakage [...] http://bit.ly/aRaHA2

Where do you live?
M: I’m from Shelbyville, KY, but I stay in Louisville, KY for school. I am a student at the University of Louisville and I am majoring in Art. After I graduate I am hoping to become an Art Therapist.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
M: I had been contemplating [...] http://bit.ly/c09IDH

We originally had this discussion on January 5, 2010. BGLHer Vanessa emailed me recently with a different perspective. Check it out…
I’m a transitioning (this is my 3rd go round…3rd times a charm right!?) African American female in the Air Force and from what I’ve seen around me natural hair is allowed and not frowned upon. [...] http://bit.ly/dCxj1S

Did any of you get a chance to go to see the Cherry Blossoms in DC last weekend?  Of course I missed it again this year!  I have fond memories of seeing and smelling the gorgeous flowers against the DC backdrop in my early years.  Pure bliss!  bodycology, an incredible and affordable body care company,  [...] http://tinyurl.com/ydt2xfr

Where do you live?
A: I am reppin BMORE and I still live there! I was laid off at the end of 2009 and I currently going to grad school. I am working on my master’s degree.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: I decided to go natural because I was sick of perms. [...] http://bit.ly/9x3qVL

Recently we had a lively, 120-comment-long discussion about whether natural black women fit best with non-black men. I had some thoughts on that, but decided against doing a follow up post. But Jill Scott’s recent commentary on interracial relationship really got under my skin.
In an OpEd in Essence Magazine Jill says;
My new friend is handsome, [...] http://bit.ly/bHJNDf

Check out BGLHer Ojanay’s conundrum…
I am a devoted/huge fan of your well informed site. I have been natural for 8 months and because of this new phase in my life, I have been more in love with myself than I have ever been before (I loved my new virgin curls so much, I did a [...] http://bit.ly/9SCPAK

Christy

This is a series for style icons who continue to kill it even after they’ve been featured. Christy was originally featured in November 2009. Check out her profile HERE.
Tweet This Post http://bit.ly/c9EW0X

I know everyone wants to be a blond, but what is up with Nikolas Cage’s new blond hair do? His straggly blond hair style is simply messy. Don’t worry ladies he has changed his hair style for a new upcoming movie. He states he has dyed his hair blond to get back [...] http://tinyurl.com/y8w9f3j

I spent much of February preparing for or at Fashion Week, and let me tell you – it’s exciting, sure, but a lot more exhausting than it looks!
However, it’s an exciting way to observe as trends are born. It’s also a way to revisit the classics!
Look at shows like the Venexiana and Woman’s Mafia Fall [...] http://tinyurl.com/y9wxxxd

When did you and your husband meet?
K: We were actually introduced twice; Once in September of 2004 and then again in January of 2006. We got married February 24, 2010 at Lemongrass Fusion Bistro in Columbus, OH (this is where we had our first date)
How was your big day?!?
K: Wonderful! We planned everything in two [...] http://bit.ly/cpayL8

All my Caribbean & Latina BGLHers, I need your help on this! I got this email from BGLHer Nana, who is doing research on colonial influences in advertising. Check it out…
Hi There!

First I have to tell you I am a long time reader and I am enamored by your blog. I recently bonded with a [...] http://bit.ly/c3aIWk

Where do you live?
J: I was born and raised in West Philadelphia. Currently I live in Clifton Heights though, outside of Philly. I am a student at Swarthmore College, majoring in Russian. I am also the co-founder of Coalition for a Free Haiti (CFFH) and currently we are leading Swarthmore’s Haiti relief efforts.
Why did you [...] http://bit.ly/autPWb

R&B singer Chrisette Michele did a big chop! (That’s her rocking the short cut.) She said the following (according to Celebrity gossip site Necole Bitchie) after a recent concert:
“I was tired of black sista’s feeling subject to having their hair pressed and straightened, and damaged, with relaxers, and heat. So I wanted to make [...] http://bit.ly/dDqjmC

Yes folks, we’re doing it again and I’m so excited I took all the feedback from the last meetup and re-worked a few things.
So it’s Saturday, May 15 @ 11 a.m. at the Little Black Pearl, 1060 East 47th St., Chicago. This time we’ll be in a room off the gallery instead of [...] http://bit.ly/bBUR73

When did you and your husband meet?
J: We met in high school. He was in the 11th grade, I was in the 10th and he was actually my first boyfriend! We were married on August 2, 2008.
How was your big day?!?
J: Our big day was amazing. It was everything we wanted it to [...] http://bit.ly/ax8e8I

This YPYT was submitted by Serena, a member of the BGLH Facebook Fan Page. Check it out…

“I am of mixed heritage. My mother is Mexican and my father is black. I have always worn my hair natural more out of necessity (we were broke) than anything else. All my life I have gotten this comment: [...] http://bit.ly/cDgOsL

A monthly BGLH tradition; submit photos of your hair before and after you went natural to blackgirllonghair@gmail.com. I will post them as I receive them throughout the day. (Check back for new postings.)
*****
Adriene


Arnice


Antrenette


Naa-Adjeley


Alkin


Rachel


Nikita


Jessica


Tweet This Post http://bit.ly/a26n9R

Filed under: Weaves & Extensions, Celebrity HairstylesApparently I've been going to the wrong hairdressers my whole life. I had no idea you could put a weave on layaway. Or "dine and dash" on a hairdo. But thanks to Kelis and TMZ, I've learned something new today.

In May of 2009, Kelis rolled up to what TMZ describes as "a fancy schmancy Santa Monica salon," got herself a $5000 weave, then bounced without paying. On the morning of March 29th, the stylist showed up for the trial. Kelis didn't. Victory, stylist. Now Kelis owes $5000.
I'm gonna need to get the name of this salon, and see a photo of this weave in question. I just wanna see exactly what a $5000 weave looks like.Although Kelis lost in court, I have a feeling she isn't too broken up about this story. She's reportedly dating Adewale Ogunleye of the Chicago Bears, and her new song 'Acapella' hit #1 on the dance charts.
It's growing on me, as is her Avatar-inspired gray hairdo -- which she apparently switched up this month.
Say what you will, Kelis is always a trendsetter who does exactly what she wants to do just the way she wants to do it.
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