I need to workout but...

So about a month ago I started this crazy workout plan called Insanity...maybe you've seen the infomercials maybe you haven't. Nevertheless, it is a 60 day DVD workout regime that I started because I am determined to loose a couple pounds before my birthday. Before I started the workout I was really excited! I was so happy! I was excited to get back into working out and I was excited to see results! I use past tense because although I'm happy about the results I've accomplished thus far (5 to 6 pound and at least 2 inches from my waist), this so-called love affair I have with working out is taking a toll on my hair.

2 weeks ago I left the salon, hair swinging and flowing during a gorgeous Saturday DC afternoon. As a woman with natural hair, it's something about a fresh blow out that doesn't compare to relaxed hair (no offense to my relaxed beauties but I digress), however; my hair was looking fabulous! I can count at least 5 women that stopped me that day to compliment or ask where I had gotten my hair "done". But the dark clouds quickly came to rain on my parade when I went home that evening to workout.  Before Insanity, I never really used to sweat while working out, very strange but true. About 20 minutes into my workout perspiration started to build against my neck and those lovely natural curls aka "roots" were no longer beautifully pressed near my neck. With a recent short cut in the back this is not a good look.

Now not to be worried because of course I can break out the FHI and press my roots again. But not only is this irritating, it is also very unhealthy for my hair if I have to put heat on it everyday. I once read in Essence that most African American women forgo working out because of the hassle we have with our hair. In addition, my self and some of my friends have confessed to working out harder the day before a trip to the salon. Personally, I know 2 friends who recently did the "big chop" and one reason was because they were avid runners and was tired of sweating out their hair. Of course there were other reasons as well. And surprisingly, these two women had relaxed hair....so it's a loose-loose situation! In the battle of Natural vs. Relaxed no one wins.

I need to workout but...after spending $65 on my hair every two weeks I need for it to last at least 4 days! When I leave the salon on Saturday, I want to know I can make it to Thursday without needing to press it everyday. However; as much as I love my Crown & Glory I know I will not compromise my health or fitness for my hair. Instead I've found several ways to keep my hair intact, which includes pin curls, scarves, and sometimes a combination of both.

If you are one of those women scared and hesitant to go hard on your workout because of your hair then just get over it sista! We all know there is enough we have to deal with as far as common health threats against African American women so let's be proactive and take our health into our own hands...even if you have to go to the gym in the satin silk scarf you wear to bed. When it comes to your health, "cute" must go out the window! In the words in my Insanity workout dvds..."Dig DEEPER!"

Ever see an infomercial and you think to yourself...."This isn't true!" Well think again because this workout is real!. Watch this clip of my Insanity workout regime and it just very well may inspire you!

I am not my hair...or AM I???

We've all heard the song before and at least every woman has sung this tune at one point in their life. I even proclaim this phrase every now and then. However, when I sit back and think, I wonder...maybe I AM my hair more than I would like to believe. Very often than not, my hair dictates my mood, I don't know why but it does. 


For some reason, many women choose to drastically change their hair after a major life event. Break up/divorce among the most common, new career move, new family addition, etc. Why? In my opinion, our hair is the easiest, quickest and most accessible change we can make to transform ourselves into a "new person" after the particular major life event. We have total control over it and no one can tell us "No" because it is all OURS. We don't have to consult our husband, ask our boss, or wonder what effect it will have on our children...everything about our hair is  in OUR control. Recently, after my move to DC, I got a new hair cut and left the salon feeling like a brand new woman! I was starting a new chapter in my life with my new job and living in a new city so the new cut of course made the chapter complete. So, I took it upon my self to take a poll (via Twitter of course) and posed a question to my female followers:


"Why do you think black women, or women in general, are so emotionally attached to their hair?"


Responses: 


"Our hair can do so many things but it's frustrating when we have to do so much to make it look great...I guess we or I don't feel sexy and pretty when it doesn't look how we want." 


"We are obsessed with our hair because it is an extension of who we are...it's so crucial to our identity." 


"When my hair isn't down and "popped" I don't feel as pretty and my mood, flirtatious nature, clothing choices, etc. changes."


Within all of these responses I couldn't help but notice how this one little fraction of our body we call hair can take control over our entire being, defining mood and altering personal confidence. And yes, I too am a victim of this! So where did this begin? Some would argue it is due to popular culture of what's beautiful and socially acceptable, but I'm not going to go that deep. I just believe women like to look and feel their best at all time. And why shouldn't we? 



So is it a crime if I AM my hair??? I say no! Hair doesn't define the woman but allows her to express her creativity, which in return reflects who she is. Therefore; to some extent we are all our hair but it doesn't define our entire existence. So yes, I am my hair AND I am so many other things as well. Hair is just a morsel of my personality. For several black women hair is nothing but an accessory, we change it often to match our clothes, professions, etc. Now of course I'm not oblivious to the typical stereotypes of African-American hair by other races and sadly enough even our own, but let's try to enjoy our beautiful tresses along with the many styles we are able to do experience and not focus on what others think of our Crown & Glory. 



Going forward I would like to sing.... "I am my hair and I am also strong and I am smart, successful, funny, etc." **Insert India Arie Voice here**


For your viewing pleasure...

Good friends, AND Stylists, are hard to come by

A few days ago I had a going away dinner in Chicago with my friends. We went to a great Mexican restaurant ate very well, had a couple of drinks and a few tears for dessert.  Afterwards I left feeling very blessed and loved so I started thinking about friendships. I looked up the word friend in the dictionary and here is what I found:

1.   1. Friend: a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.

2.     2.  Friend: a person who acts as a supporter of a cause, organization, or country by giving financial help or other help.

After reading the 2 definitions above I can honestly apply those definitions to all my girls. Good friends are hard to come by. Period.  Not everyone has your best interest at heart and it takes a long time to figure that out in some cases. Therefore; I believe it’s very rare for a group of 10 girls to genuinely like each other and not have drama between the bunch.   

After further assessment of this topic I started to think…good stylists, like friends, are hard to come by too! In my opinion a stylist should not only be your professional consult but your friend as well.  The same care and love I receive from my friends, I need to receive from my stylist when she’s handling my Crown & Glory.

Have I lost you yet? Ok, I’ll break it down…

Per definition #1, a friend is a person with whom one has a bond or mutual affection.  I need to have a bond with my stylist as well. If a stylist or friend rubs me he wrong way or I’m not feeling their energy then the relationship is not going to work.  If I think you are genuinely a nice person, and I see your positive interactions with others, then we can make something happen. There’s nothing worse than a negative stylist with a snappy attitude just waiting to take their anger and frustration out your hair. Thanks but no thanks, I’ll pass!

Per definition #2, a friend is a person who acts as supporter.  Whether it is from a friend, boyfriend, parent, sister or stylist who doesn’t need support?  If I decide to chop my hair off or grow my relaxer out, I need for my stylist to support my decision. Support just doesn’t mean you agree with me. You are there for me throughout the process ensuring my hair stays healthy and giving me tips along the way.  Some stylists will do whatever to get your dollar. Afterwards, you leave the salon feeling cheated. A friend and supportive stylist will consult you along the way of your different hairstyles, telling you what works and what doesn’t work.  A supportive stylist will console you when you make the “big chop” and decide to go natural.  And afterwards not only do you feel great about the choices you’ve made but, the stylist feels great too because she knows she’s helped you! Friends, just like stylists, make you feel good about yourself, even when you are self-conscious.

At the end of my going away dinner, each friend went around the table to say what they would miss about me and I recipricated when it was my turn. There's no doubt that I will miss all my great friends in Chicago, but I will also miss another friend that wasn’t at the going away dinner - my stylist, Nikkole Willis owner of Bhava Hair Studio.

  My love for Chicago will forever run deep....

Today was a good day...

So for some reason, in the past two days I've been in a very good mood. Maybe it's because I'm about to close one chapter of my life and start another. Maybe it's because Chicago finally has some decent Spring weather...finally! I'm not sure and I can't quite put my finger on it but I know for sure, when my hair looks good, I feel good!

And today was one of those days. Yes, I said it. I (as well as my hair) looked good today.

And what woman doesn't feel good when her Crown & Glory is looking nice, honestly? Have you ever been trying to get ready to go out with your girls and you spend 30 minutes trying on 3o different outfits but nothing seems to work? Then you notice your hair is still wrapped or pin-curled so you can't get a complete "feel" for the whole look so you try it again after your hair is finished. Well maybe it's just me, but I feel MUCH better when my hair is popped! (That means it looks really nice for you slow people).

Call it vain, arrogance or confidence but for me, my hair is a direct reflection of my personality and I think it is the most important first impression one can have on people - even more than clothes. Now some would disagree with me on this. People take a lot of pride in their clothes, which is a great thing. I'm not knocking you if you do! However, I believe keeping your hair healthy and well groomed is a direct reflection of your personal hygiene, which in my opinion is way more important than clothing.

So yeah, today was a good day. The sun was out (80 degrees in Chicago), my shades were on and my perfectly feathered light brown hair, parted down the middle was flowing in the wind!!! What's better than that?

Miss Jessie's Products Now Available at Target!!!

How many times have you walked into your local Target, Walmart or CVS and noticed the small "African American" hair section at the end of the hair care aisle? After rows and rows of Pantene Pro-V, Garnier Fructis and Herbal Essence there is a small section of Luster's, Organic Root Stimulator, and B&B products. Don't get me wrong, I love all products despite manufacturer but I became well aware of this fact a long time ago around the age of 13. So when my friend told me Miss Jessie's products were now being sold at Target I couldn't believe it, I was shocked! Could it be...finally, more hair care products made by us and sold by us in a national retailing corporation...yes it is!

Miss Jessie's hair care products hit Target stores March 28th, 2010 and when I went yesterday, April 10th, with a friend to pick up some items all but two products were sold out! To make it even better, Miss Jessie's products owned a clearly visible display of 3 rows at the beginning of the hair care aisle - the front facing rows all customers can see as they walk through the store.

If you aren't familiar with Miss Jessie's products, the brand is famous for creating styling products for natural hair and naturally curly hair, most of which my friends use faithfully. I have yet to use her products but I hear Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding and Curly Meringue work best, but of course this depends on hair texture. My advice is to try out different types to see what works best for you.

Founded by two sisters Miko and Titi in Brooklyn, the women named Miss Jessie's products after their grandmother. Not only are they the founders of these products, they also own the Miss Jessie's Salon, which provides expertise in natural hair and naturally curly hair. (I must make a trip to NY just for this reason!)

So the biggest question is, why are there so many limited African American hair care products in national retailing corporations? The fact that Miss Jessie's was sold out in Target is a clear indicator there is a demand for these products. For as long as I can remember, my outlet was the local beauty supply store in my neighborhood, which are also owned and dominated by the Asian culture. There have been several times I needed advice about something in the store, however; the owner had no idea of what products could possibly work best with my hair. Instead they were more interested in selling me the most expensive product. But what I can I expect they ARE running a business. Right?

No! I won't settle for that. Business or no business, if I'm spending my hard earned money shouldn't I deserve a decent hair consultation for my Crown & Glory? I guess until then I'll continue to rely on my trail and error test to find what products work best for me.

Or maybe I should take matters into my own hands? Create a place that specializes in selling hair care products for African American women, while providing hair consultations and become an outlet for the under represented black hair care producers who can't afford to make it to national retailers like Target. Hmm...sounds like a lot...but anything is possible.

Find a Target near you for Miss Jessie's products and let me know what you think! (Personal review to follow) http://www.missjessies.com/09_storelocator/storelocator.htm

There's nothing better...

When it comes to hair, together my friends and I have probably covered every style imaginable. 1 friend has chemically relaxed hair, 3 are natural, 2 are in transition to going natural and currently in the "growing out" phase, 2 has extensions, 2 currently went a-la Amber Rose, and between all of that at least one person has the latest Rhianna cut!

Thinking of this took me back to a conversation I had with a white co-worker a couple months ago. This day, I wore my hair naturally curly, which is something I don't do often at work. She was amazed that just yesterday my hair was flowing and straight and today it was a totally different texture and style completely. She then continued to speak about how she wished her hair could transform so she could wear different styles - her hair is simply straight and limp and can not hold a decent curl to save her life. Amazingly another co-worker joined the conversation and mentioned she has the same problem.

This simple conversation and comparison of hair reconfirmed and strengthened my pride of my Crown & Glory. Although we have our ups and downs and I hate my hair from time to time...I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Give yourself a hot oil treatment to heat things up!

Upon my move to Chicago I knew one of many things. 1. I knew it would be extremely cold. 2. I knew it would snow all the time. 3. I knew I would need to upgrade my winter wardrobe to include thermals, several scarfs and winter hats. But...what I didn't know; however , was the dramatic toll this harsh winter weather would take on my hair.

Now from my knowledge, so far, this winter has been a tough one around the country, not just here in Chicago. If you are one who can't make it to the hair salon every week, because I know I can't, there are several easy ways to keep your Crown & Glory fabulous during these frigid temperatures. Heat things up with an hot oil treatment!

Giving myself a hot oil treatment is one of my favorite hair remedies to pamper myself with. Not surprisingly, very cold temperatures will make the scalp extremely dry so a hot oil treatment is a great way help add moisture keep away the unwanted snowflakes on your shoulder called dandruff. In addition, this treatment is a great way to add oil to the hair without weighing it down...one of my favorite things as well!
So you've never given yourself a hot oil treatment before? No problem! It is very simple. Depending on the type of hot oil treatment you purchase there are two ways to prep the treatment. I've used both ways and the results are the same.

1. Immerse packaged item into hot water to heat the oil
2. Gently heat the oil in the microwave in a small mixing bowl

After your regular shampoo and conditioning, simply part large sections of the hair, apply a moderate amount to the scalp and gently massage throughout your entire head. I like to part my hair in 4 large sections by making a long vertical part from my forehead to back of my head and then a horizontal part from ear to ear. Afterwards I part those 4 sections in half and massage more oil into the scalp.

Secondly, you want to make sure the product penetrates. A great way to concentrate the product into the scalp is to sit under a hooded dryer with a plastic cap for 15 minutes. Personally I don't own a hooded dryer so I just use a hand blow dryer to apply to heat to my plastic cap and it works just fine. No time to sit under the dryer? You can also keep the oil your hair for about 30 minutes without heat under a plastic cap. I like to use this time to do chores around the house, cook or whatever.

After the product is set into the scalp, it is important NOT to re-wash the hair or you will undo all the hard work you've just accomplished! Instead rinse the hot oil out with warm water, blow dry and style as usual. Personally, I don't always feel that just rinsing the oil out with water does the full trick so I also like to add more conditioner to my hair after I rinse the oil out....but that's just my preference.

So if this winter is kicking you and your hair's butt..try giving your self a hot oil treatment and see if there is a major difference. Hey, it works for me!