Brandy's All American Girl

"BRANDY NORWOOD BOUGHT HER DAUGHTER A BLACK DOLL FROM THE AMERICAN GIRL STORE . . . BUT WHY THE DOLL'S HAIR LOOK LIKE THAT???"- Actual Media Takeout Headline

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I spotted this pic of Brandy with an American Girl doll in her hands. I thought the doll was cute and I liked the fact that the hair was not bone straight like most dolls. It kinda looks like my hair when I've blown it out a bit. However, to be honest, I really wanted to get a better look to see if Brandy was still rocking her braids so I kept scrolling down. There was only one other pic ( a close-up of the doll) but then I came across the thread of comments left below. It wasn't until then that I actually read the headline. I can't say that I was especially shocked but some of the comments just reeked of ignorance, in my opinion. Here were a few...

"American Girl is supposed to be a HIGH END doll company. They can't be putting out RATCHETNESS for our children . . ."

"Looks like its from Brandy's wig line!! And its a hot mess. Lets just pray Brandy aint DRIVE to the store!" "MTO...really? Stfu w/ this nonsense. Its a black doll. The texture of the doll's hair is representative of what most of us black women hair is like. At least the doll's hair isn't a nappy fro. Gtfoh. MTO racist as hell with all these race driven stories." "A lot of those dolls are old fashioned... That's kinda why I like them... But so many black women fry and dye their hair out... This is what our hair would look like if we kept shyt out of it... Long, coarse, and thick..."

"So a doll with the hair texture of black girl is "ratchet"? That's the reason why little black girls grow up hating themselves." ...and so on and so on. Interesting to say the least. Do you all ever see comments like these posted online? Do you ever jump into the conversation or just consider it trashy and stay out?

You Tubetorial: How To Style a Toddler's Natural Hair

Haha this is so cute from You Tube's Chocolatetresses! I love the serenade at around 3:50. He's singing a throwback!

Whew this takes patience but hopefully it will inspire those of you with little curly fellas out there.

Guest Blogger Piece: What About our Kinky Curly Boys?

Hello everyone! I got the following email from one Naturally Leslie reader who wanted to share her perspective on natural hair for boys. It hit home with me because, as I already shared a short while back, I am expecting a little boy myself! I appreciated reading her piece and was glad to share it with all of you.

by Monica- Hair & Heart

There are a ton of blogs and youtube channels devoted to girls and their curls. How to style them, dress them up, keep them healthy etc. There is almost no information online devoted to young boys with highly textured hair. What about those of us with little princes who don’t want to chuck up the deuces to that beautiful hair and “just get a fade”? Its not often you see a young boy with long hair and if you do they probably have that “good grade” of hair (as my grandmother calls it). Every now and then I may see a prince with locs or cornrows but almost never free flowing a la Jaden Smith. Its frowned upon to have your son rock his curls after learning how to talk, as the old wives tale goes.

My son, Kai, is 2 ½ and I decided that I am not going to cut his hair (again…this will be explained later) to conform to the norms of African American society. My son has a beautiful head of hair. His curls have tightened up a bit since he was born, but they are still gorgeous. He has always been mistaken for a girl since he was born as well. Even while wearing a blue outfit, with airplanes and tiny chuck taylors. I began to think that maybe it was his hair, which I used to keep in box braids. I began to see that most people think that having long hair was more of a feminine aesthetic. My thoughts were confirmed by my BF’s mother when she stressed that he really should get his hair cut. Her reasons were that “he needs to feel like a boy” *side eye on deck*. After much thought, I lopped off a few of his braids. I gave in ya’ll, I cut my baby’s hair . We took him to the barber to complete the job I started and he cut Kai’s hair to this <> long. It was literally 1 ½” long and lop sided. The “barber” cut his hair with industrial scissors so I had to go back and cut even more to get rid of any split ends that may have emerged from the butchering of his tiny head.

I cried….and cried….and cried. For a week straight. I don’t know if it was because his hair was gone or the fact that I gave into pressure and did something I didn’t want to do in the first place. After that I vowed to never cut his hair again. That was about 8 months ago. His hair is almost as long as it was pre-cut. I started my own blog that focused on natural hair kids especially boys to help other mothers in this predicament. What to do with their hair to not appear girly? Does long hair really equal feminine? Doesn’t boy hair require just as much care and attention as a girl’s does? All these questions have been on my mind. His journey is just beginning but I do not want him to feel like he has to look a certain way to fit into the “boy” mold, especially when it comes to his hair.

To see more from Monica (including some ridiculously adorable pics of her little guy Kai, check out her blog here.

A "Long & Kinky Hair" Fotki Feast!

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If you like browsing hair albums as much as I do, you might enjoy carousing your way through this list that I just stumbled onto at Nappturology 101 (one of my favorite blogs btw). This particular list showcases naturals with bra-strap length and beyond hair. Nice collection to get inspired!

Even Our Commander in Chief Has Hair Issues!

LOL. No disrespect Mr. President. You know what they say about the White House aging folks far ahead of their time. President Obama is a handsome man and I can understand wanting to keep the grays at bay! Take a look at the side-by-side below and decide for yourself.

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Hey, I'm not hating.

DIY Hair Recipe: Abuela's Avocado & Shea Masque

I saw this recipe over at Latina.com and thought it sounded like a nice treat for curls and kinks.

For the shortened version, keep reading below. To see the entire article, click here. Thanks Abuela!

For this recipe, you’ll need one ripe avocado, two tablespoons of olive oil and a quarter cup of melted shea butter. Then just follow these five easy steps:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and blend well until you get a smooth, thick mixture.

2. Shampoo your hair as usual. Apply the hair masque from roots to tips.

3. Cover your hair with a shower cap.

4. Leave the hair masque on for about 30 minutes. For even better results, sit under a hooded dryer.

5. Rinse out the mask with lukewarm water and style as usual.

"I Can't Wait"....for Brandy 2011

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Maybe I've been under a rock or something but I just heard Brandy's latest single I Can't Wait and I really like it! I appreciate the pulsing beat- how it skirts around the techno/dance club vibe that saturated the airways during the latter part of 2010 while not completing succumbing to it. I love how her last few albums have a mature pop sound that cannot be boxed into R & B but retain a sense of soulfulness that can only be attributed to the unique huskiness of her voice. Seems like she's had a good year with her show co-starring alongside brother Ray J and her stint on Dancing with the Stars. I am a fan of her voice and sound (not to mention her latest set of box braids!) and I hope 2011 proves to be a continued success for her.

Had you all heard the song already? If not, take a listen below and tell me what you think.

A Beautiful Side Note

I found this post about model Miranda Kerr to be so beautiful and I wanted to share...

On the 6th of January I gave birth to our beautiful little son Flynn. He weighed 9lb 12 ounces (a very healthy and big baby boy). I gave birth to him naturally; without any pain medication and it was a long, arduous and difficult labour, but Orlando was with me the whole time supporting and guiding me through it. I could not have done it without him.~Miranda Kerr via her blog: www.koraorganics.com

This process of becoming a mother has been both a whirlwind and a long 8 months at the same time! We just took birthing classes a week or so ago and since then, I have been scouring the internet for information and videos about birthing naturally. Through the classes I realized that childbirth does not have to be the scary, impossible, terrifying process I once thought it would inevitably be, what society always tells us it will be. Yes, pain is a factor and it is, well, labor. But I realize now that this is what our bodies were made to do and we have everything inside of us that we need to do it. It has been amazing to learn about what birth can be and to allow myself to discard the untruths of what it is not.

I realized too far into this pregnancy that I would rather deliver at a birthing center than at a hospital. I would prefer to have a midwife and a doula and I plan to have a water birth if I have another child. Not to knock hospitals, though. I toured mine and I think I will like the experience as well. I just saw some of the most beautiful images of women bringing forth life as they used the water to help soothe the transition and it looked like something I want to experience in my journey through motherhood.

(The following video is one that I found in my search. It seemed very peaceful, yet powerful. If you don't want to see a natural childbirth, don't watch!)

In addition to birth, I can't wait to breastfeed! Well, at least I hope I am able to. I know so many women who struggle and simply are not able. I feel like I have a good foundation of knowledge from the courses I took and I have dreamed about it on several occasions. I'll have to keep my fingers crossed on that one!

Lastly, I know many of you are also mothers. I want to hear your birth experiences, if you care to share. Tell me what it was like for you to bring forth life and to nourish your little one. What were the highs, the lows, the unexpected moments?

Carol's Daughter Sale!

If you're a CD fan and getting low on any of your fave products, now might be a good time to check out their website. Currently they're running a promotion for 40% off! Don't get me wrong, I don't get paid to push them. I just got an email, won't be using it, and thought I would pass along the news for those of you who love yourselves some Carol's Daughter. Enjoy!

Natural=Expensive? One Natural's Perspective on Products

If you went natural before the wave of online blogs and sites dedicated to natural hair, you probably bought whatever you saw on the shelves of your local store. If you've gone natural since, you no doubt have heard the endless lists of ingredients to avoid, ingredients to look for, chemicals, preservatives, yada yada yada. Nothing wrong with information right? Maya Angelou did say "when you know better, you do better" and I think she's right. So it is always interesting to me to hear perspectives of natural ladies who have been around before the latest "hype" if you will. I remember when I went natural 11 years ago, there were no forums or blogs, at least not like today. I tried different things and stuck to what worked.

Lately, there have been tons of natural hair lines popping up around the web. It's really cool to see so many women taking control of their own hair and making products that work for them. However, one of the coolest things about going natural to me was having freedom from "needing" certain products to make my hair healthy and look good. If I buy something now it is for fun, not because I feel I have to have something in order for my hair to thrive. How many of us grew up using grease and water and our hair did just fine? Does that mean I will go back to using the thick blue gunk in a jar? Probably not. But I realize that it is less about what I use and more about how I treat my hair.

So what got me thinking about al this was AyannaNaeela's video below. It's a response to another YouTuber's comments about the expense of natural hair products. What do you think? Does natural=expensive for you? Have you found you spend more money now than you did before you went natural? If so, what do you attribute it to?

Did You Catch the Globes?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE awards shows! Maybe it's the dresses, the hair, the jewels, the speeches. Whatever it is, I am totally addicted and watch all of them right up to the Oscars. Well, tonight's show was the Golden Globes and Hollywood was out in full force. Some of my favorite ladies were there looking gorgeous and totally glam. Take a look...

All photos from People.com and Essence.com

Did you watch? If so, what was your favorite moment?

Hairspiration! Pretty Natural Styles

Essence is featuring some of the hottest hairstyles going on right now. Their gallery features designs on all types of Black hair but my interest was especially piqued with their array of natural coifs. I love all the textures, colors, and designs. Here are a few of my favorites!

All photos are from Essence.com

Great stuff huh? To see the rest, click here. Then, report back and tell me what you think!

Got Game?

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There are not that many shows out there with a predominantly Black cast. The Game was one of those such shows but was canceled a while back. Now, it's prepped to make its comeback tonight, January 11th at 10pm on BET. So my question to you is, did you watch before and will you be watching this time?

Brandy Back in Braids

Of all the extensions Brandy tends to wear, braids are my favorite. Sometimes, the fairytale/Pocahontas/Rapunzel look is just too much for my taste when the hair is super shiny and bone straight. While these braids are quite long, I do like the way they frame her face and they are her signature look from years past for sure. They are quite similar to the ones Solange was just spotted wearing from New Year's. As I mentioned before, I want something similar, maybe not so thick and definitely not so long.

So what do you all think? Do you like her "new" look?

Brandy at the BET premier of "The Game"

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Requests for Afro Twists!

Hi natural ladies and gents! Lately so many folks have been asking me about my afro twists from 2009. Many of you want to know where I had it done and what kind of hair was used. So here ya go! Below is the most current address and phone number I have for the shop.

Falou Natural Hair Care & African Braiding

2806-C Randleman Rd.
Greensboro, NC 27406
(336) 339-2468

I am not endorsing these ladies because I've been paid or anything like that. I simply liked their work and was really pleased with the look. It was an awesome protective style that lasted a long time. Also, I know how hard it is to find something you like so when you do, you just wanna share! If you want to see my first post on the afro twists, click here. If you go to get your hair done and don't mind sharing, I'd love to see pics of your results!

Like I said, it was back in 2009 so if you've been since then and something has changed, please share for the good of the group!

Peace!

Les

Natural Hair in Latina's February Issue

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I wonder what styles Latina has in the pages of it's February issue! According to the cover line, there will be styles for all types of "natural" hair. Interesting...

Plans for 2011: Hair & Beyond...

Happy New Year wonderful Naturally Leslie readers! I hope you had a super safe and fun holiday season. I tried not to eat too much or spend too much but I must say I definitely indulged with the family when I could. It was so great to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday as well as my first Christmas with the hubby. It was also fun to see snow back in NC and I got to spend a lot of time with mom and some old friends.

I don't know about you all but 2011 promises to be a big year for me! I'll post some pics below to see if you can tell what's in store...

Maybe you can see in the puffy cheeks...

Or the expanding girls (ahem) and gut!!

Noooo it's not too much holdiay food. I am excited to share that the hubby and I are expecting our first little bundle of joy! He'll be making his debut in early March and I can't wait. I feel blessed to have had a great pregnancy thus far including the typical nausea at the beginning and feelings of uber chunkiness here near the end. In the pic above I'm painting letters to hang on the wall behind his crib. (I'd forgotten how much fun arts and crafts can be...not to mention soothing!)

With all the thoughts, fears, worries, anxieties, etc that come with impending motherhood, one thing I don't want to zap my time and energy is my hair! I posted earlier about the changes to my regimen and while they are working wonders for my hair, I can't imagine having a spare moment for my strands immediately following the birth. I would rather be cuddling my little boy than detangling and twisting!

In thinking about what I wanted to do with my hair for the delivery and first months of his life I thought back to my afro twists from 2009. I LOVED them but I also remember they were a bit bulky. That was cool at the time but I think I want to go with something a bit sleeker. When I was in 7th grade, I got box braids a la Janet Jackson from Poetic Justice. I think that is what I'm going to go with, albeit updated for 2011, for the birth and some time beyond.

I'm inspired by these looks:

I loved Jada's braids that she sported back in '09.

Solange recently rocked long braids for New Year's Eve. I love the look but won't go this long:

I plan on using the crown and glory method to take care of my hair while in the extensions. I will post more about that routine along with pics once I get my hair done a few weeks before my due date.

As for posting, I still want to share my trip to the Oyin store in Baltimore as well as my review of the products I purchased while there. Also, I would love to hear what is on your mind! There are so many blogs about hair and beauty nowadays that I would like to know what topics you all interested in. I am open for suggestions and ideas!

Finally, what are your plans for the new year? Did you make any resolutions for hair or beyond? Do share!

Love you guys! ;-)

~Les