Keep Your Hands Out Of My Fro!

There seems to be a lot of people out there who feel like their natural hair creates quite a stir in public. For some reason, probably because of its sheer awesomeness, people feel the need to just come up and touch it! I have experienced this myself where people will walk up to me, compliment my hair, and proceed to put their hands in it! I know, craziness. Like total strangers, not even people I know. It's must have the same strong appeal that a bulging pregnant belly has that makes you wanna just reach out and get your hands on it. But that, just like touching my hair, is a total invasion of personal space. I try not to freak out on people but geez! So what do you do when people come up to you and ask to touch your hair? How does it make you feel? Complimented or like an animal at the zoo? Do they even ask?
Here is what some other people out on the web have to say about their close encounters with random hands:

Can I Touch Your Hair? Black Women and The Petting Zoo

Don't touch my hair!

My Black Ladies: How do you handle people touching your natural hair?

Hand-in-Fro Disease

Go Bare!

My favorite makeup at the moment is Bare Escentuals bareMinerals. Well, it has been for the past 2 1/2 years. I use the bareMinerals Foundation in tan, Warmth, and Tinted Mineral Veil. Each of these comes in a small pot and the minerals themselves look like powder. I love mineral makeup because the ingredient list is short, it does not cake up my face, and it looks very natural. I get compliments all the time on my skin and I know it is the bareMinerals. The foundation buffs into your skin and leaves no lines of demarcation like a traditional liquid. The warmth just makes your skin look healthy with a little color, but not bronzed. And the mineral veil just lightly covers to make your face look luminescent and flawless. I usually don't wear a lot of makeup, sometimes I do eye shadows for a special occasion. But I usually always wear my bM, especially because it has SPF 15.

Here are the ingredients in the foundation, warmth and mineral veil:

bareMinerals foundation:
Titanium Dioxide is widely used in cosmetics and skin care for its thickening and whitening properties. It provides a physical sunscreen and provides UVA and UVB protection.
Zinc Oxide is also a physical sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. It provides thickening and water resistance. Is known to be “calming” to the skin and will reduce irritation and promote healing. (It is in Desitin ointment for diaper rash and calamine lotion.)
Bismuth Oxychloride is a pearlescent mineral that provides the “glow”.
Mica is a sheer, translucent and skin-hugging mineral. Reflects light from the face, creating an illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone.
Iron Oxides provide the color to the foundation.

bareMinerals Warmth:
Mica. (+/-): Bismuth Oxychloride(CI 77163), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Kaolin (CI 77004).

bareMinerals Tinted Mineral Veil (Paraben-Free):
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Stearate. (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).


Has anyone else tried Bare Escentuals? If so,what did you think?

Ok...So some results!

I just finished showering, washing, conditioning, etc, etc. I changed the routine a little, when I got ready to deep condition I realized the jar of Pantene was empty! Oh well. Also, I decided on a whim to try the Aphogee2-Step Protein treatment. Because I have been seeing a lot of breakage

I figured I might need to try treating with protein every 2 months or so. I picked up the sample packs at the BSS a few days ago when I was looking for Shea butter (they didn't have it and that's why I went to the Mega BSS today). I read a few threads on Naturally Curly before hand to see what others who have tried it had to say. This thread was particularly helpful. The packets come with a protein treatment on one side and a conditioner on the other. I figured one might not be enough so I bought two. They were around $2.99 I think.

This is what I did:

1. I washed with the Giovanni 50/50 shampoo.
2. I got out of the shower and wrung my hair out and separated it into halves. I used one pack of the protein treatment on each side of my hair. I raked it through with my fingers to make sure it was evenly distributed. -side note, this crap stinks like nothing I have smelled before!
3. I sat under my hooded dryer until I felt my hair was pretty hard all over.
4. For some stubborn drippy parts I used a hand held dryer with a diffuser to finish drying the protein.
5. I got back in the shower to rinse. I rinsed slowly with warm water then I used my hands to make sure I got it all out.
6. I used the Aphogee moisturizing conditioner (step two in this process), one pack for each side. I left it on while showered.

At this point, I was nervous. I did not know what the protein treatment had done. It felt mostly like my hair always does, just not as soft. I followed the instructions completely so I was hoping for some good results.

7. I conditioned my hair with Herbal Essences HH conditioner and detangled with my Goody detangling comb.

***This is where I noticed a difference. I could see in the mirror that my curls had more definition and clumped together better than they usually do. I was able to detangle pretty easily too! I lost a good amount of hair because I haven't detangled in over a week but I spot checked some strands in my comb and they were shed hairs not broken hairs. So far so good!***

8. I made about 6 sections of twists, then rinsed the conditioner. (I do this so my hair resists the urge to re-tangle itself, believe me it would rather be one massive clump of curls than remain detangled!)
9. I got out of the shower. I took down the first section in the back and applied DeveCare One Condition. I then applied the Shea Moisture Leave In. Finally I added raw Shea butter to my ends.
10. I two-strand twisted this section into about 3 twists, coiling the ends around my finger instead of twisting all the way down.
11. Basically just repeated this process all over.

Shea Moisture Leave In: I love this stuff! It is thick but I just rubbed it in my hands a little and it melted beautifully into my hair. It smells pretty good too. I think this product has the right amount of moisture I need while being heavy enough to weigh down my hair before I twist. I will definitely be adding this to my twisting routine. I will try to post a pic tomorrow after I take down my twists. Hopefully the proof will be in the pudding and I will like what I see!

Nubian Heritage Body Butter Lotion: I used this after I got out of the shower before I started twisting. It has a nice smell, orange cream just like the DevaCare One Condition. It was thicker than a traditional lotion but very spreadable. It did not absorb quickly into my skin and took some massaging to disappear. But, once it was in, my skin felt very hydrated and moisturized. I will have to use it some more before I can say if it's a keeper or not but so far I really like it!

Nubian Heritage Raw Shea Butter Body Wash: This I LOVED! It smelled different once I was using it than it did from just sniffing it in the bottle. I only had to use a small amount,about the size of a quarter or so, and it lathered mildly. That little bit went a long way and it felt incredibly soft. It was creamy and smelled fabulous! It was a soft, sweet herbal scent that could be appealing to both men and women. It was not herbal like incense but just a soft, warm scent that stayed on my skin after I got out of the shower. I can't wait to use this one again!

So that's what I got so far! Only time will tell with the Aphogee whether or not my hair is stronger. I will keep using the body products and also see how my hair does after a week.

New Products I'm Trying

Shea butter comes from the kernel of the fruit of the shea tree- indigenous to Africa. For generations the women of Burkina Faso have used the emollient 'butter' that comes from the processing of this kernel. They harvest the fruit from May to July and have historically used the shea butter for protecting, nourishing, soothing, replenishing, and smoothing the skin and hair.

I went to the Beauty Supply Store (BSS) today to get some more African Shea butter since I ran out last week. Because the BSS in my area is HUGE (it could literally take you 8 hours to walk around and look at everything!) I decided to see what else was on the aisle with the Shea butter. There was an array of African soaps and plenty of creams and lotions. It was quite overwhelming! I found the Shea Moisture Leave In Conditioner that so many people rave about and I am going to give that a try today when I do my twists. I also found a brand of products that looked interesting called Nubian Heritage. I've seen them before but never really paid them much attention. I decided to buy the NH Raw Shea Butter Anti Aging Revitalizing Ultra-Moisturizing Body Wash wit Soy Milk, Vitamin E, Frankincense and Myrrh (phew that was long!) and the NH Body Butter Shea Butter Cocoa Butter Mango Butter Lotion with Vitamin E. From what I could read on the bottle, the security tag was inconveniently placed over the list, I liked the ingredients and they smelled nice too. They have an array of soaps, washes, lotions, butters, etc at reasonable prices (I payed less, $8.99 for 13 oz., at the BSS than they are listed for on the website ) More than that, though, I really liked the history of the company. On the back of the NH Body Wash bottle it says this:

"Unlike multi-national corporations that exploit the people and resources of Africa, Nubian Heritage buys Shea Butter from villages throughout West Africa, investing directly into African communities and families."

(The lotion I purchased did not come with a pump but with a top like the body wash.)

I looked up some of the ingredients that I was not familiar with. From what I found on Naturally Curly, others have used these products and like them. This thread talks about the ingredients in their lotions, which smells like an orange creamsickle by the way. I like using just raw Shea butter all over, and probably still will on my feet and elbows and knees, but sometimes it is too greasy to go under clothes if I need to jet quickly. So I thought trying a lotion that is made from butters but has a lighter consistency to see if that might work better.

This is the plan for my hair:

Wash:Giovanni 50/50 Shampoo
Condition/Detangle: Herbal Essences Hello Hydration, rinse
Deep Condition: Pantene Pro-V Time Renewal Replenishing Mask
Leave In: Saturate hair with Shea Moisture Leave In
Do two-strand twists all over
Seal: Raw Shea Butter on the ends of each twist


I'm off to try these new things and I will post later about the results. Happy Saturday everybody!

Spoke to soon! AKA Barbie

Here she is, miss AKA Barbie herself. This is what the sorority's site had to say:

In commemoration of Alpha Kappa Alpha's 100 years of sisterhood and service, the Sorority unveiled the AKA Centennial Barbie Doll during its international convention in Washington, DC.

Produced and marketed in partnership with Mattel, this represents the first Barbie in Mattel's franchise to honor a sorority on a milestone celebration.

Artisans conceived and crafted the doll with creative input from AKA. According to International President Barbara A. McKinzie, the finished product is beautifully fashioned to reflect the grace, elegance and beauty of Sorority members and captures the symbolism of the organization.

The doll's unveiling culminates a process that began when Mattel learned of AKA's Centennial. As a show of pride, a representative approached the Sorority with an idea that would be memorable, capture the imagination of its members and be a keepsake that members would cherish for a lifetime. Inspired by these criteria, the company suggested the memorable doll.

McKinzie said the Barbie Doll's symbolism goes beyond the obvious. "In addition to her beauty, the doll conveys a positive statement about African American women. This message makes the doll a treasure on several levels."

http://www.aka1908.com/news/barbie/

My grandma's an AKA. She'd love it. I'm just sayin.

Why Black Girls Still Prefer White Dolls

Ya'll, this hurts my heart. You probably remember the story about 17 year old Kiri Davis who redid the doll (black doll vs. white doll) test that was originally done in the 50's. If not, read this article to get the scoop. Anyway, I guess it is just so sad to see a new generation of young black girls who still wish they could look like blond haired, blue-eyed white girls. How can we change this in our society? I would like to think that by so many of us going natural, young black girls will begin to get the message that all hair types are beautiful, not just straight hair. I fear, however, that while some progress is being made there is still so far to go. Just look at the dolls that are on the shelves at WalMart or Target or any other mass retailer. I bet you would be hard presed to find any dolls of color and especially a doll with natural hair. All the Barbie dolls with natural hair I found on the internet are crazy expensive (although really cool looking). I have never seen one of them in a regular store. I don't know... I don't have an answer for this. What do you all think? Would you buy your kids Barbies? Dolls in general?

Oh...and by the way. Read on:

January 11, 2008
Barbie created for sorority
CHICAGO

The nation's oldest black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, celebrates its 100th anniversary this month with serious goals and something just for fun.
A collectible Barbie has been created by California-based Mattel Inc. to honor the organization and its history of service.
The new Barbie's design will be revealed at the Chicago-based sorority's anniversary celebration next week in Washington, D.C., the site of its founding.

http://community.meacfans.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5171044881/m/1701051574

I wonder what she'll look like? One can only hope right?

Heat Damage

Hey Guys! I was thinking back on my natural hair journey and one of the biggest lessons I have learned in my 9 years is that heat is bad. Ok, well, not ALL heat is bad. But constant thermal straightening can wreak havoc on your hair. I posted early on about this being my second round of growth after a BC. I chopped first in 2000 then again in 2007. The reason for the second chop was massive heat damage due to excessive flat ironing. And by excessive I only mean once a month (sometimes twice). The front of my hair was completely limp and I had no curl definition whatsoever. I would blow dry, flat iron, then hot comb my roots! (GASP!) I know, it was bad. When I wore a twist out I literally had to take a tiny curling iron and curl the ends to give it some semblance of a shape. Since my 2007 chop, I have only heat straightened once and I am determined not to do it again. I was so paranoid that I might have wasted chopping the second time around by permanently straightening the front part again that I couldn't even enjoy the straight look. Don't get me wrong, I loved the versatility of going between nappy/curly and straight but I must say I LOVE having perfect curls all over my head, especially in the front! I had to learn to embrace my natural styles for any occasion, whereas I straightened before if I didn't know what to do for a wedding, party, etc. My goal is to never straighten again. I know I know, that is a lofty goal. But I think the health of my hair is worth it. Below are some tips on dealing with hair damage and what you can do to avoid it:

(A healthy hair and a damaged hair, UGH!)

There is no quick fix solution to damaged hair. If the damage is minor then regular treatment will restore it to health. However, with major damage like split ends or excessive heat damage, only scissors will do the trick!

1. Keep up with deep conditioning and protein treatments to avoid dry, weak tresses.

2. Avoid using heat tools where possible. There are other healthier options of styling!

3. If heat is used, use a temperature controlled tool (never stove heated ones) and use heat protectant on the strands beforehand.

4. Always make sure to freshly deep condition if heat is to be used.

5. Clarify after swimming to remove chlorine residue.

6. Air dry where possible or blow dry on a cool setting.

Taken from: http://ezinearticles.com/?Managing-Heat-Damaged-Or-Relaxer-Damaged-Hair&id=1712186

Of course, adjust them to your personal routine but I think overall they are helpful tips. If you must straighten, at least choose a good tool that regulates plate heat. Click here for info to help you choose the right straightener for you. Believe me, use heat with caution so you don't have to start over from scratch like I did!

Breakage Woes...

Hey guys! I mentioned before that recently I seem to be dealing with some breakage issues. I have been changing my products and regimen around and manipulating more than usual so that probably has something to do with it. I also have been wondering about moisture/protein balance that I have read about on the net. Apparently it is possible that you may be using to much protein and not enough moisture or vice versa. Some naturals say they cannot use anything with protein as it makes their hair feel crunchy. If you already know this about your hair then, hey, go with what works. Every natural is different! But, for those of you who want more info about this fascinating moisture/protein balance thing, hop over here and gorge your eyes on a ton of information regarding just that! You might want to get yourself a snack ahead of time though, it is kinda long and will take some mental digestion. Click here to get your fill of moisture/protein info. Hopefully it is helpful!

Here's an excerpt:
Understanding the difference between breakage and shedding is an important part of any healthy hair regimen. Many people use these terms interchangeably to refer to any hair that falls from the head. In its true sense, shed hair is hair that has reached the end of its growing cycle and naturally falls from the scalp along with its root attached. The root is a tiny white bulb on the scalp originating end. If a hair does not possess this white bulb, then it is not a naturally shed hair—rather, a broken one. Shed hair tends to be longer in length than broken hairs which are generally short pieces of varying lengths. If you have stretched your relaxer for a great number of weeks, your shed hair will have the curly new growth present on the area next to the scalp, and you will be able to see where the relaxed hair begins. Some find that garlic shampoos or products with garlic extracts help curb shedding. But remember, shedding is a natural, internal process and may not respond to topical, external treatments. So don't be alarmed if nothing works for you. Changes in diet, hormone imbalances, birth control pills, and pregnancy can also affect the rate at which hair is shed.

Breakage on the other hand is not natural, and is an indication of an imbalance of important forces within the hair strand. Broken hairs do not fall naturally from the head, but are typically a sign of mishandling or abuse. The proper treatments, will help stop breakage in its tracks.

From: http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=22392

Amel Larrieux...Stunning.

I love Amel Larrieux. I don't think I appreciated her talent or her beauty when she first came out while I was in middle school. I love her voice and oh my goodness she has the most amazing hair I think I've ever seen! I was curious to know what she does to it and found her regimen on www.longhaircareforum.com.

She sings so beautifully but there are two songs in particular that move me most.

Disco Diva Donna Summer Returns with Crayons

Hey guys! Another music post. I was inspired to write this one by my step class at my gym, of all places! A new routine of my favorite class included the track Stamp Your Feet from this lady's latest effort. This past May marked the return of disco diva Donna Summer with her new disc, Crayons. Of course she is more my mom's generation than my own but I have always been fond of her familiar disco and dance hits. Songs like Last Dance and She Works Hard for the Money are total classics. So imagine my surprise to see Ms. Summer back on the scene with an album of completely new songs, her first in 17 years. It's surprisingly fresh, modern and energetic, as colorful as the title might suggest. I love the cover art because of the colorful lights and sparkly earrings reminiscent of disco balls which are like a shout-out to her club days. Not to mention she looks beautiful!

Amazon.com had this to say: The Queen is Back! Legendary singer songwriter Donna Summer is back with her first studio album in 17 years. In the thirty plus years that Donna Summer has been making music she has never confined her artistry to just one genre. Although Donna is, and will always be, "The Queen Of Disco" to many fans, her hits have spanned multiple musical genres from Rock to R&B to Inspirational and of course, Dance.

Summer helped to define the 70's pop music generation and Crayons has all the characteristics that made Donna an icon. Containing a potent mix of the up-tempo tunes and ballads, the new album showcases incredible new material that is written by Donna (who wrote or co-wrote the majority of her hits of the 70's and 80's).

My favorite track is Stamp You Feet closely followed by Crayons, the title track. Here is a preview of each track:

Wondrous Coconut Oil!

I'm in love! I posted last week about an update to my hair regimen using a baking soda rinse, ACV, and coconut oil. Well, I wanted to give it a few days before I gave my official stamp of approval for this product and on a scale of 1 to 10 I give a solid 10! There are so many oils out there promising to do so many things but I found that pure, organic coconut oil fulfilled all my hair and scalp wishes! I mentioned having dry, flaky scalp. Well, the baking soda rinse definitely did its job in cleaning my scalp. I liked the Shea butter but it was a little heavy on my hair and scalp. The coconut oil completely moisturized my scalp and I have no flakiness or itchiness at all! My hair stayed moisturized and the shine was unbelievable. Read below the awesome qualities of coconut oil (and some comments from me, lol)!

Since their childhood, people living in most of the coastal areas of the world, more specifically in the areas where coconut grows in abundance, such as in the Indian Subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Philippines etc., know the one and the only, the sweet smelling coconut oil as their only hair oil. Coconut oil has been in use as hair oil for ages and it has shown remarkable results. Certain components in it keep the hair strong, vitalized, nourished and protected from effects of ageing. Let us see those components and their effects on hair.

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• Lauric Acid: One of the most responsible reasons behind hair fall and hair loss is microbial action on the scalp and hair roots. So, to protect hair against them, what we need is an antimicrobial agent. Lauric Acid present in Coconut Oil is one of them. It is basically a triglyceride which yields a monoglyceride called Monolaurin when acted upon by a species of bacteria which breaks the glycerol bonds. This monolaurin has excellent antimicrobial properties.

• Capric Acid: This is yet another triglyceride present in Coconut oil, which, like Lauric Acid, yields another monoglyceride called Monocaprin due to bacterial action, having antimicrobial properties similar to that of monolaurin.
• Vitamin-E: Almost every aptly educated person knows the importance of vitamin-E for skin and hair. It keeps scalp and skin healthy and hair rejuvenated. (I left the cocnut oil in but some other methods suggest using it as a deep conditioner/pre-wash.)
  
• Moisture Retaining Capacity: Coconut Oil has high moisture retaining capacity, since it is not broken down easily nor evaporated, being very stable. It does not let moisture escape thus keeping hair moistened and soft. This prevents breakage of hair. Coconut Oil is a far better conditioner for hair than any synthetic one available in the market. (My hair has stayed moist all week. I've noticed normal shedding but less small broken hairs.)
  
• Anti-Dandruff: The various fatty acids present in Coconut Oil serve as very good anti dandruff agents and are way better than any anti dandruff shampoo. A regular application can help you get rid of dandruff for ever. (OMG, so far so good. Bye bye dry scalp!)
  
• Styling: Coconut oil can be good styling oil for hair too, as it melts on heating and then condenses on cooling. So when you apply it on your hair, it thins and spreads evenly due to heat of the scalp. Soon afterwards, as the hair comes in contact with air, the oil on hair condenses on cooling and thus works as a styling gel or cream. (I noticed this during the past week. When I would go outside during the 32 and below weather my hair would feel hard. As soon as I was inside, though, it would be soft again. It was a little weird at first but now I know what was happening. My twist-out held beautifully and was super defined all week!)
  

If you ever visit coastal parts of India, like West Bengal, Kerala, Coastal Tamil Nadu etc, you will be surprised to see lots and lots of old men and women, in their 70s and 80s, still having thick jet black hair. Thanks to the coastal climate, the rice and fish meal and of course, to the pure coconut oil they use on hair.

This article is contributed by Aparup Mukherjee.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of this amazing oil!

Transnational Blackness and Miss France 2009

I love this article about the crowning of the new Miss France 2009, 19 year old Chloe Mortaud. You see, Mortaud is biracial (her mom is African American and her dad is a White Frenchman) and also binational. It is interesting because it addresses France's reputation for being a "colorblind" society, which apparently means they acted blind to people of color rather than acting as if color differences do not exist (which is usually what happens when people claim to be colorblind). It addresses Mortaud's questioned worthiness as the winner and also how President Obama's historic political journey in America has impacted the world's ideas about Blackness. I think sometimes we, as American blacks, have been so enthralled with what Obama means to us, specifically, that we have forgotten or don't realize the ripple effect he has made on the whole world. I hope more people of color around the globe see positive changes in their societies and being black can be something good instead of always being relegated to the bottom of the totem pole. Hopefully it can begin to create world where we no longer need totem poles at all. I love her hair BTW.



Here is the article in its entirety:

Miss France and the New Black

Blackness is fast moving to the center of the world’s psyche. For proof, look no further than last month’s crowning of a binational and biracial Miss France 2009. Chloe Mortaud’s selection as the face of French beauty and elegance has so few precedents that the French media have named her, perhaps cheaply, “Miss Obama.”

In one symbolic photo circulating on the Web, Mortaud, whose mother is African-American and whose father is French, is being kissed on either cheek by the two runners-up. The image’s symmetry communicates the bleak uniformity of traditional universalizing in French culture. The two runners-up look like pasty twins. Mortaud bursts through with a bit of brown and a confident smile, announcing that multicultural pluralism has arrived.

The photo represents a new vogue that blackness is experiencing around the world. “Black is the new America,” as Pakistani blogger Asad Haider put it. Once a generic signifier of outsideness, the concept of blackness may be slowly changing to represent a much desired centrality.

Although she is a media darling, not everyone is happy about the breakthrough. Marine Beaury, the first attendent to Mortaud’s regional crown, has contested her loss in court. Around the Web, some French commentators have complained that Mortaud is not pretty.

The very discussion of Mortaud’s worthiness represents an advance in the way the French deal with race. The enduring myth of a colorblind France has obscured the relative invisibility of non-white French people in France’s public life. The French government does not keep statistics on race. The official position is that there are no differences among the races—therefore, there is no reason to keep an account of it. That means disparities among racial groups cannot be quantified. However, a trip to an impoverished banlieue (suburb) of Paris or Marseille, where “race riots” in neighborhoods inhabited by large numbers of African and Arab immigrants have made world headlines, shows a qualitative difference.

Thanks in part to the Obama effect, French blacks who have traditionally been divided by designations like Caribbean, African or mixed ancestry, have started to make claims on transnational “blackness,” a feeling of a mutual experience if not shared origin. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, the wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy said she hoped that the Obama effect would reshape the French elite by incorporating more people of color. (Never mind that it was her husband, who was the minister of the interior during the well-televised riots of 2005, who called the African and Arab youth protesting the death of two children “riff-raffs.”)

The 19-year-old Mortaud embodies the emerging pride and awareness around a global notion of blackness. Other than French and English, Mortaud speaks Spanish and Chinese and studies international business. “I want to incarnate … today’s French diversity,” she said according to the Associated Press.

In a video interview with Men’s Style, Mortaud names Halle Berry, who is also biracial, as an idol. Mortaud also identifies herself as “black,” which is rare in France when speaking about someone who is biracial. Presumably, she learned this from her black American mother, along with a worldview deeply influenced by the African-American experience.

As a true transnational, Mortaud delicately balances her Frenchness with American blackness. In the same interview with Men’s Style, she insists that she likes classical music (as any Miss France must) then quickly affirms her love for hip-hop and the artist Akon.

As Mortaud reportedly said, “This vote of the French well represents what is going on in the world.”

W. Hassan Marsh is a freelance journalist from Atlanta who has lived and traveled extensively in Francophone countries. He blogs at The Maroon Wanderer.

Article taken from: http://www.theroot.com/views/miss-france-and-new-black

She was at the inauguration too! I wish I spoke French so I knew what she was saying! She starts crying so I assume he asks her what this historic election means to her. Just a guess.

What is Your Culture?

Today in my Cross Cultural class we discussed the idea of culture. How do you define what your culture is? One of our first projects is a reflection paper in which we define our culture and values, both as we learned them growing up and as we see them now. This is a hard question. How many times have you really stopped and thought about what your culture consists of? Is it my race? My religion? The foods I eat and the music I listen to? Or, is it all of the above? Is my culture uniquely Black or uniquely American? Do I consider myself Black or African American? So many questions run through my mind when attempting to address this issue. Wikipedia defines African American culture like this:

African American culture in the United States refers to the cultural contributions of African ethnic groups to the culture of the United States, either as part of or distinct from American culture. The distinct identity of African American culture is rooted in the historical experience of the African American people, including the Middle Passage, and thus the culture retains a distinct identity while at the same time it is enormously influential to American culture as a whole.

African American culture is rooted in Africa and is a blend of chiefly sub-Saharan African and Sahelean cultures. Although slavery greatly restricted the ability of Africans in America to practice their cultural traditions, many practices, values, and beliefs survived and over time have modified or blended with European American culture. There are even some facets of African American culture that were accentuated by the slavery period. The result is a dynamic culture that has had and continues to have a profound impact on mainstream American culture, as well as the culture of the broader world.

After Emancipation, unique African American traditions continued to flourish, as distinctive traditions or radical innovations in music, art, literature, religion, cuisine, and other fields. While for some time sociologists, such as Gunnar Myrdal and Patrick Moynihan, believed that African Americans had lost most cultural ties with Africa, anthropological field research by Melville Herskovits and others demonstrated that there is a continuum of African traditions among Africans of the Diaspora.^[1] The greatest influence of African cultural practices on European cultures is found below the Mason-Dixon in the southeastern United States, especially in the Carolinas among the Gullah people and in Louisiana.^[2][3]

African American culture often developed separately from mainstream American culture because of the persistence of racial discrimination in America, as well as African Americans' desire to maintain their own traditions. Consequently, African American culture has become a significant part of American culture and yet, at the same time, remains a distinct cultural body.^[4]

So, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Is there anything you would add or take away from this definition?

I am loving this class, by the way, and I will probably post on it from time to time so bear with me if this is not your cup of tea. I think race relations in this country, especially now that we have a Black president, are back on the table for open discussion and I enjoy hearing from others what they think. It can sometimes be uncomfortable to address but when done respectfully and with an open mind can be very healing as well. As always, thanks for reading!

The Transfer of Power...

May God Bless our 44th President of the United States of America!

Barack Hussein Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Moment in History...Happy Inauguration Day!!!

Good morning everyone! I am overjoyed to be alive on this day, witnessing this incredible moment in our country. I feel proud to be an American, something that I cannot say I have always felt. But today, this day, I understand what it means to love your country. Yes, we have flaws and obstacles to overcome. But there is a renewed sense of purpose that is spreading in waves over this nation. A call to action by our president Barack Obama, this nation's first Black president, to serve, to uphold our end of this bargain. I will be watching all the festivities today from my living room here in Durham, NC, watching as the fresh white snow falls outside my doorstep. I cannot imagine a more beautiful way to spend a Tuesday morning.

Here is today's schedule of events:

The inaugural festivities are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. CST on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. The Inaugural Ceremony will include:

• Musical selections of The United States Marine Band, followed by the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

• Sen. Dianne Feinstein provides call to order and welcoming remarks. The California Democrat is the incoming chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee - the first woman to hold the post. She has served in the Senate since 1992.

• Invocation by the Rev. Rick Warren: His selection sparked protests from the gay community and the National Organization for Women. Warren backed a recent ballot measure banning same-sex marriage in his home state of California.

• Musical selection of Aretha Franklin. Obama sang a bit of her hit Chain of Fools to the queen of soul at a Labor Day rally.

• Biden will be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

• Musical selection of John Williams, composer/arranger best known for movie scores such as Star Wars and Jaws. With Itzhak Perlman, (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Gabriela Montero (piano) and Anthony McGill (clarinet).

• Obama will take the Oath of Office around 11 a.m. CST, using President Lincoln's Inaugural Bible, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. It will be the first time a president is sworn in by a chief justice whose confirmation he opposed. In 2005, Obama voted against Roberts after President George W. Bush nominated the then-appeals court judge as chief justice.

• Obama gives the inaugural address. The speech is expected to be the most widely watched inaugural address ever.

• Poem by Elizabeth Alexander: A professor of African-American Studies and English literature at Yale and the author of four books of poems. She is America's fourth inaugural poet. She will read an original poem at the inauguration.

• Benediction by Rev. Joseph E. Lowery: Lowrey is a black Methodist civil rights leader who founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with MLK.

• The national anthem by The United States Navy Band, the Sea Chanters.

• After Obama gives his inaugural address, he will escort outgoing President George W. Bush to a departure ceremony -- Bush and his wife plan to leave the Capitol in a helicopter -- before attending a luncheon in the Capitol's Statuary Hall.

• The 56th Inaugural Parade will then make its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House. More than 10,000 participants will follow the new president down the 1.5 mile route, from NASA astronauts and U.S. Border Patrol representatives to high school marching bands and Girl Scout troops.

...And these are the official inaugural balls:

The Obamas are expected to attend all 10 of the Presidential Inaugural Committee's 10 official inaugural balls in the evening.

• Neighborhood Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center. ABC plans to broadcast from the ball for Washington residents, capturing the first couple's first dance. Performers include Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Faith Hill and Mary J. Blige. 7 p.m. CST.

• Obama Home States (Illinois and Hawaii) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

• Biden Home States (Pennsylvania and Delaware) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

• Midwest Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

• Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

• Western Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

• Commander in Chief's Ball at the National Building Museum.

• Southern Inaugural Ball at the National Guard Armory.

• Eastern Inaugural Ball at Union Station.

• Youth Inaugural Ball at the Washington Hilton. This ball is for those 18-35 years old, and MTV will broadcast it. Fall Out Boys will perform. 9 p.m. CST.

Happy Inauguration Day January 20th, 2009 to all of you!

Black. Beauty.

"I have no problem with whatever the next big look is," says model Alek Wek. "Just don't try and tell me that only one look is beautiful." - Alek Wek

Scouring the internet for info about nude lip gloss, I'm on an eternal quest for the perfect nude lip, I came across a picture of Sudanese super model Alek Wek. I remember when she first came on the scene in '95 I thought she must be the fashion industry's attempt to compensate for a lack of black models in on the runways. I thought, they found the darkest, most "African-looking" woman they could to try and pacify those of us who wanted more black representation in the media. I cringe at those thoughts, not because her skin isn't dark or that her features are not uniquely African. But more because underneath the surface there was a tinge of..I don't know, colorism? I don't even know if that is a word. But I guess what I mean is that I felt like she was only there as a token, not as a real representation of black beauty. I am ashamed of those thoughts and do not feel that way now but I also know that back then I was brainwashed into thinking like many of us do. We are socialized to see light skin as being better and dark skin as less beautiful. Short kinky hair versus "good hair". Ya'll know what I mean. It took time to accept my own natural self but I guess it was just part of the process to really come to appreciate and love ALL shades and textures of Black beauty. Thank God I no longer believe as I did at the tender age of 13! I am so grateful to be different today, to have been freed from the shackles of a culture which teaches us to hate our Black selves. It is truly freedom of the mind and spirit. I am so glad I saw that picture of her and I think she is absolutely, unequivocally, stunningly, BEAUTIFUL!

Happy Birthday Dr. King!

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year's celebration marks not only the birth and legacy of a great American leader but also the beginning of a new era. I watched the inaugural concert yesterday thrown in honor of our new president elect. There were tens of thousands of people at that mall in Washington, all tightly packed together in the cold for a common purpose. It looked very reminiscent of August 23, 1963 when tens of thousands of people stood to hear Dr. King deliver his I Have a Dream speech after the march on Washington.
There are many famous lines from that great speech that are heard year after year in schools during black history month and on TV:

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

"And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Many Americans never thought they would live to see a Black president. My 88 year old grandmother has been glued to the TV for the last 2 years watching this history unfold before her eyes. I watched as she voted, first in the NC primary and then in the general election from the passenger seat in my mom's car. I watched as the returns came in back in November and those words flashed across the screen announcing Obama's historic win as the 44th president of the United States of America. I saw the tears of joy in her eyes and the pride she felt on her face. How amazing must it be to have lived during the time of Dr. King and to see the first Black president!

A new poll by CNN says that 69% of Blacks feel that MLK's vision has been fulfilled. I do believe that we, as a country, have come a long way since the 60's, but there is much further to go. I still think people are judged by the color of their skin and many still find themselves being treated unequally. But, I also think the hope and fervor that president elect Obama brings has created a shift in the way we view what is possible in America. I sincerely hope that people do not think that all the work has been done and attention no longer has to be paid to inequalities and injustice. Hopefully this historic moment will not be just an emotional high but a catalyst for more change in our society. Yes it will require changes to be made in the government on a national and state level but it will require all of us to change too. It is a great calling that we all have a responsibility to answer to. If each person does something then it will be possible. It's up to everyone to figure out what that "something" will be and I feel privileged to be alive now, witnessing this moment.

What do you all think? Has the dream been fulfilled? Or, is this historic moment just the beginning of a new call for justice and freedom for all in this country?


Here's a clip of Dr. King's I Have a Dream speech:

All Natural Skin Care Tips

Hey guys! I was checking my email this morning and saw these natural beauty tips! Most of these tips can be replicated using common foods and products found at your local natural foods stores. Click on the links to get even more great tips and info regarding skin care and natural beauty.

1. Is your lifestyle sabotaging your skin? Imbalances in your life show up on your face and skin. For example, a poor diet of fast food lacking fresh fruits and vegetables is a recipe for bad, unhealthy skin. Depression, anxiety, and stress create tension in your skin, especially on your face, sometimes causing uneven blotches and wrinkles. Sun damage and dry, cold, or windy weather strip the skin of vital moisture and circulation, leading to prematurely older-looking skin. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and lack of sleep all show up on your skin. Take a hard look at what your lifestyle is doing to your skin, and make some healthy changes to protect and rejuvenate it.

2. Eat skin superfoods In China, it was a tradition in the imperial courts for the empress to pass down to the princesses her skin-beautifying recipes and preparations. While many of these ingredients were exotic, expensive foods, readily available foods for skin health from these beauty recipes include cherries, peanuts, black soybeans, walnuts, and jujube dates. Also, citrus, a confirmed healing food packed with antioxidants, benefits your skin health. For dry skin, eat more flaxseed oil, sesame oil, olive oil, and virgin coconut oil. Every day, eat avocado and handfuls of nuts and seeds, particularly pine nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, and sunflower seeds.

3. Exfoliate like the Chinese courtesans The outer layer of your skin regularly renews itself by shedding old cells and replacing them with new ones. An effective way to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles is to speed up the shedding process. Instead of using expensive procedures like dermabrasion, chemical peel, and laser therapies, gently renew your skin with products from nature. For centuries, Chinese imperial courtesans used natural exfoliation and polishing agents to loosen and strip skin cells off -- seaweed, kelp, pearl powder, dried plum, winter melon seed, persimmon leaf, and cane sugar. Most are available in health food stores and Chinese groceries.

Make a mask with any combination of these natural ingredients. Moisten with water and mix in a blender with aloe vera gel or egg white to make a paste. Use a wet sponge to gently scrub your face with the paste, using small circular motions, until your face and neck are fully exfoliated. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes, and then wash off. Avoid getting in your eyes.

4. Detoxify for skin beauty
In Chinese medicine, it is believed that impurities in our bodies are expelled in many ways, one of which is through the skin, our largest elimination organ. Sometimes, these impurities become trapped and we see the result as pimples and other blemishes. These impurities come from environmental pollution, pesticides, preservatives in our food, and a range of other toxins that age our skin. It is important to help the body cleanse itself so that toxins do not cause internal unbalance that shows up on your skin.

Herbs that detoxify the body can be found in a formula called Internal Cleanse, available in most Chinese herb shops. It contains plant substances such as dandelion, chrysanthemum, peppermint, white mulberry, and licorice, which support healthy liver and gall bladder function, the organs that play the largest role in detoxification and elimination so that the skin is not overburdened. I often recommend to my patients our Exquisite Skin, a nourishing herbal formula that lubricates the skin and assists in detoxification.

5. Natural beauty with natural products
Many of today's personal care and cosmetic products contain carcinogenic chemicals that are absorbed into the skin. There are few regulating laws in the cosmetics industry, and that's why there are often harmful chemicals in them. For instance, your lash-enhancing mascara may have formaldehyde as an ingredient, and there might be plastic resins in your lipstick. You may find asbestos-contaminated talc in eye shadow and blush, and foundation makeup often includes chemical solvents. These are all suspected carcinogens. Choose natural makeup alternatives found in health food stores that use colored clays, vegetable oils, and other natural ingredients. For more information about natural beauty products that I recommend, click here.

6. Use yogurt for superb skin texture
A traditional tonic for healthy skin, yogurt contains lactic acid, a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid that promotes a smooth skin texture by gently peeling off the dead skin layer. Yogurt is especially beneficial for sensitive skin that cannot withstand commercial alpha-hydroxy acid preparations. Used over time, it can also lighten spots and even out a patchy skin tone. Here's how to get these results for yourself: Apply organic plain yogurt like a cream to your washed face. Leave on for 15 minutes, wash off with cold water, and finish with a moisturizer. Afterwards, to reduce any redness, apply a cold pack for 10 minutes.

Taken from: http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/17126/7-all-natural-secrets-for-skin-beauty/

Beauty...Standard. Isn't that an Oxymoron?

The idea that there is one type of beauty or that one look is "standard" while all others are variations or "sub-standard" is absurd. I had this thought when I saw the cover for the first issue of Vogue India. My first thought was.. "Wait, I didn't know there were blond-haired, blue-eyed Indian women!" Then I saw this cover of the first issue of Vogue China. And again I thought, " Wait, I didn't know there were blond-haired, blue-eyed Chinese women!"

And then it hit me. That's the same blond-haired, blue-eyed chick on BOTH covers!!! Come to find out she is Australian model Gemma Ward. Australian!!! I got nothing against Australia but what the heck is she doing on the India and China covers??? I am not big into fashion magazines and maybe I missed something but it just seems like putting a White model on the covers with famous Indian and Chinese women is a bit insulting. Why couldn't these models/actresses stand alone, at least for the premier issues? Is this another example of how White beauty standards permeate other cultures or is it simply typical fashion magazine protocol??? I guess I would go for the latter over the former...except the Indian women have blue contact lenses and flank the blond chick like book ends. Maybe this is why so many Asian women are getting eyelid surgery to mimic more western-looking eyelids and why skin lightening creams are being pushed in India by companies that also claim to push a "campaign for real beauty" here in the states. Hmmm... sounds frighteningly familiar to a skin bleaching, hair straightening, identity stealing concept of beauty we have here too. We gotta stop this madness.

By the way, on the Indian cover are two Indian models: Monikangana Dutta and Lakshmi Menon and three Bollywood superstars: Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra and Preity Zinta (this is a foldout cover and the other three women are inside the front flap). On the China cover are Chinese models Du Jaun, Wang Wingin, Tong Chenjie, Liu Dan and Ni Mingxi.

Is Natural Hair Sexy??

As I have been reading different blogs and searching the internet for info about natural hair, a common theme keeps coming up: Do Black men think natural hair is sexy? I remember when I did my first chop I never even gave it one thought. Granted, I was in high school, but still. I had a black boyfriend but I never once worried about if he would still like me or support my idea. Come to think of it, I was more worried about what my mom and grandma would say than him. It is so sad to read about the women who decided to embrace their beautiful natural selves and their men reject them. I cannot even imagine. Is it a matter of self hate or internalized racial oppression? I mean, black men have grown up in the same environment as we have, been spoon fed the same images of White female beauty as the standard and norm. So I guess it is not too hard to believe that what we found appealing would also be what they have come to expect. In a way, some men see natural hair as ok for a man but somehow unfeminine for a woman. Of course, this is changing as more and more beautiful black women are accepting and rocking their kinks, coils, curls, locks and fros in public. But I still read stuff about women who are afraid to go all the way out of fear of what their partner might think. On the one hand I say I am blessed to have such a supportive boyfriend who loves and accepts my hair just as it is. He never knew me as a relaxed girl anyway but still, he adores the curls and kinks on my head. On the other hand however, I feel like if he didn't accept it or like it he could keep it moving! Not to be harsh but my natural hair comes with this package just like ears or my nose or any other part bestowed upon me by God in heaven! I personally think sexiness and beauty radiate from within. If you are confident and happy with yourself, that shows and other people can feel it. When I look at Erykah Badu or Jill Scott or Goapele or India Arie ( and many many others) I see beautiful sexy women! They are talented and own their natural hair. I think we need more images in the media and in every day life. Young black girls AND boys need to see positive images of natural black beauty so that it becomes the norm for them. I am excited to think about the day when I (God willing) am able to have a son or daughter of my own and I can teach them to love and appreciate themselves just as they are. Hopefully there will be a whole generation of young ones coming up that have natural haired mommas who pass that down to them. So...what do you ladies (and gentlemen if you're reading this) think about this issue? What experiences have you had with this and how did you handle it? What advice could you offer?

A New Routine... Baking Soda, ACV and Coconut Oil ( Love this Stuff!!!!)

Hey guys!! Today I tried a new routine instead of my normal wash and condition. I mentioned a few posts ago about scalp buildup and irritation. In the past I have always used Neutrogena T/Gel for seborrheic dermatitis and it usually takes care of the situation. Thanks to a comment from Anonymous, I decided to try baking soda and apple cider vinegar for a more natural approach. I read different comments online about how people use these two common household products and decided to use the baking soda/water mix first, then condition, then rinse with ACV/water. I bought some organic coconut oil for my scalp too to moisturize afterwards. This is what I did:

1) Rinse hair with water under the tub faucet.

2) Mix two tablespoons of baking soda in two cups of warm water. The water was murky at first but once the baking soda dissolved it became almost clear. I poured this mixture over my whole head making sure to get it on my scalp, especially in the places I have the most trouble (the front hairline from ear to ear and the top of my crown area). I massaged it into my scalp with the pads of my fingertips and left it on for about 3 minutes.

3) I rinsed the mixture out of my hair with lukewarm water.

4) I applied Nature's Gate Aloe Vera Moisturizing Conditioner all over my hair avoiding my scalp. It was like a thin opalescent liquid cream - very different than the Herbal Essences Hello Hydration I'm used to. I wouldn't say it made my hair "slippery" but I was able to detangle fairly easily. I let the conditioner sit for about 5 minutes while I mixed the ACV/water.

5) I mixed 2 capfuls of ACV in one cup of water. The scent was definitely strong but it didn't really bother me. After I rinsed all the conditioner out of my hair I rinsed with the ACV/water mix by pouring it over my hair. I left it on a few minutes then rinsed with cool water.

I have to say that since I used three new products on my hair I am not sure what effect the ACV/water mix had on my hair. But I CAN say that the baking soda mix completely cleared all buildup from my scalp! I was psyched!!!!!

To style I did the usual two-strand twists all over my head. I used an organic coconut oil by Spectrum ( I bought this at Kroger but I think you can find it in almost any grocery store) to moisturize my scalp and my hair. This oil is solid at room temp so I put the glass jar in a bowl of hot water to liquefy it. I poured a small amount into a bowl that I used to dip my fingers in while styling.

I also used a small amount of Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter on my ends.

About midway through, though, I decided that I need to focus on protective styles more. I have been manipulating my hair a lot and I noticed some breakage. I also need to be more consistent with the deep treatments with heat, I am sure that will help as well. So I finished twisting and let it air dry a little before I decided to pin up my twists. I tried to make sure all the ends were tucked under other twists and I secured the sections with bobby pins. There was no rhyme or reason for how I pinned up the hair, I just grabbed a few twists, tucked the ends, and pinned them down. I kinda like how it looks, I think next time I might make more twists so there is less scalp showing. But for the most part I think I will wear my hair pinned up all week and only take it down to wash, condition, deep condition, and re-twist. I don't know how long I plan to do this protective style but I do intend to try and maximize moisture and minimize breakage.

Here was the end result! (and don't ask me why the date is so wrong on my camera, only God knows)

My clean scalp (YEAH!!!!):

My twists before I pinned them up:


Back views of twists pinned up:





A side view of my pinned up twists:


Another side view of my pinned up twists:

Brandy is Beautifully Human

I am so glad that Brandy has a new cd this year. I have been a Brandy fan since she came out in '94 with her first album, Brandy. I remember watching her in Moesha and I always wondered what her real hair looked like under all those braids. Well, it's been a few years and a few albums later and I still don't really know. But anyways....

I like Brandy because, no matter what has happened in her life, good and bad, she seems to have come out on top. I don't care that she told the world she was married when legally she wasn't. I can only imagine what she must have been feeling to think that her fans would judge her for having a baby out of wedlock or that she would be criticized for not being a good role model. And it must have been heartbreaking to be involved in a fatal car accident. I just admire her for admitting to what she feels are her mistakes and I am so glad to hear her back on the music scene.

I got Human for Christmas from my brother and I have to say I really really like it. It is very melodic and she really bares her heart and soul lyrically. To me it's more a mix of pop and r & b with some dance numbers mixed in. Her voice is smoky and deep, which I love, and at times it sounds breathy and ethereal. It's just refreshing to listen to and it has pretty much taken up permanent residence in my CD player in my car. Check out her latest video for the bittersweet ballad Long Distance:

Healthy Scalp...Naturally!

Hey guys! This was a comment from anonymous, in response to my last post, that I thought everyone might find useful. I agree that if it's not natural it's probably not the BEST thing for your hair. I have used the Neutrogena before and never had any problems as long as I condition well afterward. But I am sure many of you would rather use this natural alternative. So whatever works best and leaves you most satisfied I suppose! I have never tried this method for my scalp issues but I am inspired to so maybe this weekend! Thanks anonymous!!!

Hi Les,
Please consider a natural alternative becasue anything that dries your hair ALSO dries and disturbs the ph balance of the scalp.

Great Alternatives and more effective for dry/itchy/oily/dandruff/seborahis (sp)



1. rinse with 1/2 apple cider vinegar 2 parts warm water- shampoo then deep condition- leave in condition as normal


2. use ur standard no sulfate shampoo and add a teaspoon of baking soda. The baking soda will cleanse/exfoliate and rebalance the scalp shampoo then deep condition- leave in condition as normal


3. add a few drops of tea tree oil, peppermint oil and rosemary to ur standard no sulfate shampoo shampoo then deep condition- leave in condition as normal

A Healthy Scalp is a Happy Scalp!

I know I mentioned before how sensitive my scalp is. If you're anything like me, any gel or conditioner that gets left on the scalp creates irritation, flakes, and dryness. My scalp requires special attention, especially when I have one of these irritation episodes. When I notice tightness and/or scaling and/or flaking, I turn to Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo. You apply it mainly to the scalp (it really dries my hair out)and you leave it on for a few minutes. You rinse and repeat. I usually do not have to use this treatment more than once or twice before the condition goes away and my scalp is back to normal. Check out the Neutrogena site, they have pictures and descriptions of symptoms to help you decide which shampoo is right for you.

There are many types of scalp conditions and you probably need to see the dermatologist to accurately diagnose what you may be suffering from. They have similar symptoms so a trained professional could readily tell you exactly what you have and what you need to do to take care of it if you feel better getting a Dr.'s opinion. Below is some info on some common scalp conditions and disorders taken from http://www.ishrs.org/articles/scalp-skin-conditions.htm:

Scalp Skin Conditions & Disorders

Among the most common conditions of the human scalp are flaking dead skin cells (dandruff), excessive oiliness (seborrhea), and oily crusts adhering to inflamed, itchy, moist scalp skin (seborrheic dermatitis). These conditions usually begin while a person still has a full head of hair, and they persist as hair begins to be lost due to androgenetic alopecia (male or female-pattern hair loss).

Dandruff

The condition popularly known as dandruff is, in its most common and mild form, little more than a normal shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. When the white flakes land on the collar or shoulders of one’s clothing they become an unattractive cosmetic nuisance. Some people experience a heavier accumulation of flakes that adhere to the scalp and fall in a literal blizzard onto clothing, bedding and furniture. When a person has excessive oiliness of the scalp, a heavy accumulation of flakes can be pasted to the scalp in oily mounds and adhere to hair in whitish globs. This condition is most likely when production of skin oils (sebum) is at its peak in puberty and adolescence, or when the production of androgenetic (male) hormones is out of balance. “Oily dandruff” that is not accompanied by inflammation or itching may be a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis that is discussed below.

Common, mildly shedding dandruff is usually managed successfully by regular use of a mild, anti-dandruff shampoo once or twice a week. Over-the-counter shampoos containing ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione tar or selenium oxide often work well to manage mild dandruff. It is a condition of no medical consequence. More severe dandruff with excessive oiliness, crusting and itching may be a form of seborrheic dermatitis and should be managed under the care of a dermatologist or other physician.

Seborrhea—Oily Skin, Scalp and Hair

The sensation of “oiliness” or “greasiness” of skin, scalp and hair is one that most people dislike and believe to be unattractive to other people as well. To some extent, the perception of “oiliness” or “greasiness” is highly personal and may or may not be objectively identified with excess skin oil (sebum) production. A feeling of oiliness in hair may also be associated with accumulation or degradation of hair cosmetic products, or with accumulation of by-products of heavy scalp perspiration. Excess sebum production frequently occurs during adolescence—a peak period from which sebum production usually declines as a person ages.

Excess sebum production is a clinically important feature in many cases of acne, and treatment of acne may include treatment to reduce sebum production. While acne is commonly believed to be a teen-age disease it persists into adulthood for millions of people.

Seborrhea can cause scalp and hair to feel oily or greasy. Unlike seborrheic dermatitis, however, the oiliness is not associated with crusting, inflammation and intense itching. The cause of severe seborrhea should be diagnosed by a dermatologist in order to rule out other conditions and determine the best treatment.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic condition that affects people at all ages from infancy through middle age; however, the two peak periods of occurrence are in the first 3 months of life when seborrheic dermatitis is known as “cradle cap”, and from approximately ages 30 to 70 years.

The most prominent features of seborrheic dermatitis are (1) excessive oiliness of scalp and hair, (2) greasy, yellowish scales that grow into crusts covering red, inflamed, moist scalp skin, and (3) intense itching. In more severe cases the condition involves the eyebrows, cheeks, and folds of the nose. The intense itchiness may encourage hard scratching that will enhance inflammation and open the way to secondary infection by bacteria, yeasts or fungi. The more severe forms of seborrheic dermatitis can closely resemble psoriasis, and may even overlap in a condition called sebopsoriasis. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known.

Of the three conditions—mild dandruff, seborrhea, and seborrheic dermatitis—seborrheic dermatitis is likely to be the most severe and should usually be diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist or other physician experienced in the treatment of skin disease. Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis usually includes daily to twice-weekly shampoos with a product recommended by the patient’s physician. Additional forms of treatment depend upon the severity of disease. as diagnosed by a physician. Although not curable, seborrheic dermatitis is very treatable and can usually be cleared with regular use of prescribed treatments.

Here are some tips for a healthy scalp:

Tips to maintain healthy scalp

1. Know the ingredients of your shampoo

Mild shampoos, with an acid rather than an alkaline base are recommended. Always check whether it contains harmful chemicals that may damage the texture of your hair.

2. Get good moisture for your scalp

Like your skin, your hair needs constant good moisturizing. You can use jojoba oil or shea butter to moisturize your hair. Jojoba oil makes an excellent moisturizer that is loaded with vitamin E and shea butter is a natural moisturizer that makes a great conditioner for your hair.

3. Massage regularly

Besides promoting blood flow to the scalp and hair growth, a good scalp massage also soothes nerves and relaxes the muscles in your brain. Use the balls of your fingertips in a circular motion with firm pressure and upward strokes for an effective massage.

4. Avoid drying

One of the main causes of dry scalp is shampooing with hot water. This can strip the essential oils from your scalp and cause dryness of your scalp. So, to avoid dryness and to retain essential oils in your scalp, wash your hair with lukewarm water. Also, try to avoid excessive blow drying as this can also lead to dry scalp.

5. Don’t over-wash

If you shampoo your hair daily, use professional shampoos that are specially designed with softening agents and moisturizers. As shampoos are designed for your scalp rather than your hair, be sure to concentrate rubbing on your scalp for better results.

(And of course avoid applying thick grease or pomades that are made with petroleum or mineral oils since these can clog the scalp!)

Flakes on the shoulders or in the hair can be embarrassing and frustrating, especially if you have tried everything to get rid of it! We all want healthy, beautiful hair and dealing with a scalp condition can put you one step closer. I hope this is helpful and good luck. I wish healthy happy scalps to all!!