What to get the HairNista who has everything

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.blogspot.com

What's on your Christmas list? Your hair Christmas list, that is. There are a few gifts that are perfect for the girl that has everything! And what HairNista wouldn't be thrilled to find this under the Christmas tree tomorrow morning?

1. Huetiful steamer. This hair steamer is on the top of my gift list. Why? It's something that I might not buy for myself, but would get it as a splurge or like it as a gift from somoene else. For you deep conditioning addicts, it's a MUST! $116.95

2. Curlbox - A monthly subscription of curl goodies? Yes, LAWD! This is the perfect gift for the product junkies in all of us. And I promise it will be the best $20 a month you ever spent (do you know how fast you can blow a $20 on absolutely NOTHING?) that's chock full of 5-7 products for natural hair from brands such as Karen's Body Beautiful, Hair Rules, Brown Butter Beauty and up and coming natural hair brands.

3. A gift card to your favorite natural hair salon. Let's be honest, some natural hair salons can cost a grip. But that still doesn't mean that they aren't worth every penny -- an enviroment that your hair is affirmed in, that stocks products you actually use, where you don't get the sideeye for finger combing your hair and your stylist knows the lingo -- pre poo, co-wash, APL, BSL, etc.

Source

 What's on your natural hair Christmas list?

HairSpiration: Short Natural Hair

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

I love a short cut -- whether relaxed or natural. But these actresses' natural cuts are so beautiful that even. I'm eyeing the clippers! I love it when a woman with natural hair wears -- and owns -- her short hairstyle. Not because she has to (big chop as a transition) but because she chooses to (not grow out her hair).

Essence.com profiled some of the best short natural hairstyles worn by Hollywood entertainers and models.

Couldn't agree more!




Love ery'thang about this pic -- her hair +makeup -- of 12 Years A Slave breakout star Lupita Nyong'o

The Walking Dead actress Danai Guirra wearing a splendid short cut

Model Alek Wek is a short hair veteran, with her signature style gracing countless magazine shoots and catwalks

Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis has one of the most recognizable natural hairstyles in Hollywood

Best Man Holiday actress Monica Calhoun looks absolutely STUNNING in her short curly do! I wish she would banish wearing wigs/weaves in her acting roles forever; they do nothing for her natural beauty and all the hair covers her beautiful natural features.

Erica Campbell of Mary Mary Responds to Criticism over Form Fitting Dress

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

Erica Campbell of Mary Mary has responded to criticism about her body hugging dress.

"I’m taking it in stride and I’m keeping it moving,” Campbell told ESSENCE.com, after plenty of online backlash.  “When we took the picture I felt beautiful, I felt confident, I felt sexy and I felt strong.”'

“I thought I looked cute,” she says jokingly, “but it obviously offended some people, which was never my intention.”

Naturals in the snow

That hair pick, tho!
Source

Holiday Hair

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

I don't know about you, but Christmas parties and family get togethers and such are usually on the agenda this time of year.

And what to do with your natural hair usually comes up. You want something festive, chic, special and just a bit over the top. I got you.

Here are a few YouTube videos to get your holiday hair ideas flowing!

Erica Campbell of Mary, Mary shocks church in tight dress

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

If you want something to talk about, get the church folks riled up. In this case, church tongues are wagging about the dress Erica Campbell of gospel music duo Mary Mary wore --  a skintight, white number. I'm a shoe person, so I noticed those first. FIYA! Forgive me.

Now back to the dress...

The chuch  -- not a typo -- is all on Facebook, social media and the blogs talking about this dress. And the comments are none too good. Some say the dress is too tight (now, 41-year-old Campbell doesn't show a drop of skin; she's covered from head to calves).




Erica Campbell of Mary, Mary, via Essence Magazine

Is it appropriate?

I'm not mad at Campbell. She's got kids, and she looks great. I'd wear the dress, but I'm no gospel star. Mary, Mary has always pushed the fashion envelope (I like most of their clothes) along with the now defunct group, Trinitee 3: 5-7.

Man weaves: Would your man rock one?

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

Who knew?

Seems as if Black women aren't the only ones getting weaved up; apparently, Black men are too, and pictures of their weave work began showing up on Twitter recently as reported in this Clutch Magazine article.

Let's be clear: These aren't the long, flowy Katt Williams' type of weave, but more like the fill-in-a-fade type of hair accessory. Now, I've seen some pretty good looking hairpieces, err, weaves on bald men in Hollywood, like Bruce Willis and Woody Harrelson. But they are white; I've never seen one on a Black dude.

Or have I? Steve Harvey's box top hairline on the Steve Harvey Show in the 2000s looks mighty suspect: Might it have been a weave?

Hmm ... All I know, dudes bettnot say nothing about disliking women's weaves if they get one!

 

 

They look good, I have to admit.



More kinky weave?

 I guess I'm just thrilled that we're seeing weave with a natural texture that blends. None of these dudes -- at least not yet -- is rocking a weave with a completely different hair texture. But it leaves oh so many questions:

Who is their supplier? Where do they buy them from? How much does it cost? How do they install it?

Genderless weaves

Shoot, this could revolutionize weave for women, too. Just did a big chop but want to fill in hair? Got alopecia? Get it weaved up.

Seems like most of these man weaves try to hide a thinning or an absent hairline. Know what? I'm not mad at 'em. Women straight trip over thinning edges, bald spots and receding hairlines. Why wouldn't we expect Black men too as well? Hair Club for men may always not work for brothas. And not every man can rock a bald head.

What do you think about man weaves?
 

Woman Sues BP over Natural Hair, Ethnic Attire

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com 

We love to say, 'it's just hair.'

But ask Melphine Evans, and she'd tell you otherwise. Evans alleges she was fired as an executive at BP Oil for wearing braided hair and ethnic attire -- yet another story of a corporation discriminating using hair or ethnicity in its employment practices.

Melphine Evans is suing BP Oil for firing her for wearing braids and ethnic attire

We've said it before and we'll say it again: No one should be fired for wearing natural hair -- or ethnic clothing, for that matter. Still, it's a common theme. We've seen it plenty of times before, whether it's a TV station allegedly firing a TV reporter who wore natural hair or a school threatening to kick out a 12-year old girl in Orlando, Fla. with natural hair.

Michelle Obama Wears Marchesa

By Tenisha Mercer
HairNista.Blogspot.com

FLOTUS turned it up wearing a beautiful off the shoulder Marchesa gown and a headful of bouncy curls at the 36th Annual Kennedy Center Awards. A very elegant yet flamboyant look for Michelle Obama.

Her Grecian chiffon gown is an on-trend color that's beautiful. And she's no longer wearing the bangs that she debuted about a year ago.

Photo: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Does Beyonce need to comb Blue Ivy's hair?

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

She's a celebrity baby, for sure. And she's as adorable as she wants to be in photos on Beyonce's Instagram account, but there seems to be a common thread about Blue Ivy Carter -- her hair.



Blue Ivy Carter and her Dad

Increasingly, commenters bash Beyonce's hair combing skills and criticize Blue's free form afro. We knew Blue would be subject to criticism, but really tho? These are some of the comments from a recent Huffington Post article: 

Comments on Huffington Post

More comments about Blue Ivy's hair

What is the name for this mess? Hairism? Texturism? Kinkism? Because, essentially, these commenters invariably point out that Beyonce needs to comb Bey's hair and point out Blue's hair texture. They all seem to say the same thing -- that Blue's hair texture isn't "good" enough.

Different Ways to Wear Your Beanie Hat with Natural Hair

Beanies are a cute way to add some winter pizazz to natural hair styles. Check out how Naptural85 wears her beanies.

Quvenzhane Wallis wrocks natural hair in Annie

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

I love this pic!

Actress Quvenzhane Wallis looks adorable in her curly do.

Actors Jamie Foxx and Quvenzhane Wallis on the set of Annie
Source: Global Grind

Blue Ivy Sighting at LAX

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

Adorable Blue Ivy was spotted in her famous momma's arms at LAX Airport on Sunday, taking a nap.

Bey be killin' it in those heels. Not sure how she's lugging around a sleeping 2-year old AND walking on stilts, but go girl! Photos courtesy of NecoleBitchie.com.

Peep the curls:

Sasha Obama and Those Shoes

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

Move over, Malia Obama.

Your lil' sis, Sasha, is coming for you on the style front.

Almost taller than Malia, the 'she has grown up before our eyes' Sasha was spotted on the White House lawn with these shoes. And they are banging! You'll be pleased to know they're from Asos and cost $72.60.

Sasha isn't a cute little girl anymore. At 12, she's putting her fashion foot forward -- literally. The cut out Oxfords are an age appropriate look for the pre-teen. We love the stacked heel, leather loafer look, because they're a style that many age groups can wear.  Metallic? Not so much. Black, please and thank you!



Sasha Obama puts her best foot forward

You just know that the Obama daughters are going to be fashionistas -- just like their Mom!



A closer look at the shoes

Why and THE hell would you fight over who created this hairstyle?

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

Call it the battle of the doobies. Days after Rihanna rocked a doobie on national television at the 2013 American Music Awards, stylists are already "claiming" the "style."

Really? Even if it were true, can you really claim someone swagga jacked a style that isn't copyrighted? Is it the blinged out hairpins? It's so much hilariousness here that it's sickening. Rihanna's stylist, Ursula Stephen, posted a pic of her doing the style on Rihanna on her Instagram page.

Isn't this like someone saying they stole my weave? I'm not even going to repeat half the things this person's claims. Read it here.

UPDATE: Private school in Orlando says they won't expel girl with natural hair

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

Officials at an Orlando private school who reportedly told 12-year-old Vanessa VanDyke to cut her natural hair or be expelled, have reversed their ruling -- sort of. They say they won't expel the girl over her natural hair, but it still doesn't give the young student the ability to wear her hair unaltered.

Faith Christian Academy school administrators told an Orlando TV station on Tuesday, "we're not asking her to put products in her hair or cut her hair. We're asking her to style her hair within the guidelines according to the school handbook."

It's not time to applaud.

Report: Cut your natural hair or get expelled, private school in Orlando tells 12-year old girl

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

Here we go AGAIN ...

In yet another case of a school ban on natural hair, a private school in Orlando, Florida has reportedly given a child an ultimatum -- cut your natural hair off or get expelled.

Vanessa VanDyke sports a halo of shoulder length natural hair. So much so that, according to school officials at Faith Christian Academy, it is a "distraction" and they want to cut and shape her hair. They've given VanDyke, 12, one week to decie what to do.

So far, her mom has refused to cut or alter her hair.

2013 Black Friday Sales on Natural Hair Products

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

For those of you searching for Black Friday sales on natural hair care products, the search is over. Confessions of a Blog Vixen has done all of the hard work for you with this handy dandy list of Black Friday sales as well as Cyber Monday (the Monday after Black Friday). 

AaAmbrosia Hair
Sale Date: Nov 29 – Dec 3
Sale Details: Seasonal Winter Hair Sets $30. Free 2oz Radiant Curl Enhancing Gel’ee on $30+
Featured Product: Honeybush Replenishing Hair Milk

Alikay Naturals
Sale Date: Nov 21 – Dec 31
Sale Details: 15% OFF Sitewide (not valid on gift sets, kits, collections, or services)
Featured Product: Shea Yogurt Hair Moisturizer

All Things O’ Natural
Sale Date: Nov 28 – 29 (12pm EST) | Dec 1 – 2 (9am EST)
Sale Details: 30% OFF
Featured Product: Natty Butter

Rihanna and her wrap

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

Might this 90s hairstyle make a comeback?

Rihanna rocked a wrap (A.K.A. doobie) at the 2013 American Music Awards --- hair rolled round her head, highlighted with a few sparkly hair pins. I'll admit, that I did a doubletake. I thought it was a hat at first (because, why would Rihanna come out with a doobie, anyway) and I was all gaga over her dress (NOT the one pictured below, but this one)

But it wasn't until this article that I said, WTF, it IS a doobie? This has made hair history. Never before a doobie on the red carpet. While I'm typically thrilled when celebs wear their own hair, this is NOT the look I was waiting for.

It's a tad bit... ratchet, and I'm not a fan of wearing this anywhere else besides in the house.

VOTD: "Wash and go's don't work on nappy hair" FUNNY VIDEO!! (Drake - Started ...

Jay Z's line at Barneys isn't for the masses

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

I cheered Jay Z's decision to actively participate in the "shopping while black" investigation at Barneys, after young, African American shoppers at the upscale department store reported they were racially profiled.

Jay had a lot at stake -- his line, Jay Z's New York Holiday, was scheduled to debut. But is this what I've been cheering?

American Music Awards 2013

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

Top music industry celebs turned out for the 2013 American Music Awards in LA on Sunday. Here are a few of the red carpet looks we loved:

 

MC Lyte rules this look. Love her hair! And those shoes, tho!
Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

I love this J-Hud's color combo.

Photo Credit: Lester Cohen/WireImage

Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/AMA2013/Getty Images

I like this look from Ciara.

Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur/AMA2013/WireImage

Rihanna looking grown and sexy in this floor-length gown (have we ever seen her in a floor length ANYTHING?) with a navel bearing slit.

Photo Credit: Lester Cohen/WireImage

Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/AMA2013/Getty Images

 

Zendaya in this super sexy ensemble. She's turning into a beautiful woman.
Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/AMA2013/Getty Images for DC

I like this look from Nicole Richie.

Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur/AMA2013/WireImage

Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur/AMA2013/WireImage

Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/AMA2013/Getty Images

Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/AMA2013/FilmMagic

Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/AMA2013/Getty Images for DCP

Natural Nazi song

They troll natural hair blogs, lurk in forums and generally are all up in your natural hair business with their opinions.

Now, glam fun has written a song about natural hair nazis.

Enjoy!

Jada Pinket Smith's Fashion Fail

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

We all make fashion mistakes from time-to-time  -- even celebs with stylists and Black cards who should know better. And as much as I usually love (most of) Jada Pinkett Smith's ensembles, I'm so not feeling this get up.

At 40+, she's trying too hard and she doesn't have to.

Not feeling the waist length box braids with the shaved sides (instead of making her appear younger, they actually age her at least 10 years). I can't say anything much positive about this look (I do like the leather leggings and the boots). The oversized zebra print chemise/shirt? is so big that it envelopes her small frame and leaves her shapeless.

The leather leggings should help, but they don't with the mid-calf boots (cute, but NOT with this outfit).

I know Jada's sings rock, but this entire look is just too "hard" for her and makes her appear much older. Not sure if that's the look she's going for, but it's all wrong.


What do you think?

What to Wear for Fall: Leather Trench

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

Bey's mulberry leather trench is EVERYTHING.

T Grant/Splash News

It's believed that Bey's rocking the trench in a video. I don't even want to think about the price tag. I've been eyeing leather trenches for a minute (long leather trenches aren't that practical with the warmish ATL winters and I wonder how much use I'd really get out of it) but I'm not dropping $5,000-6,000 for a Burberry one (I wish!).

Here are more affordable, budget-friendly options.

Less than $65 and there may be a 2 order minimum. Sadly, this is out of stock. But I'm stalking the site until it's replenished.

.

$136 -- The fur collar gives me LIFE

Holiday Hair

By Tenisha Mercer
www.HairNista.Blogspot.com

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away.

What are you going to do with your natural hair? Whether you're just chilling with the fam, meeting your new boo's parents, or doing something formal, here are some easy styles that will get you through. After all, with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and desert, who wants to fuss over complicated hair styles.

The styles featured in the videos below are gorgeous!

Sideswept Holiday Style

Alicia James always has gorgeous hair styles, and this sideswept do

Curlformers can be a bit trick and take a little work the night before, but they are perfect for more formal events.

 

 

I like this style too because you can accent it with flowers or holiday themed hair jewelry.

 

 

 

 

12 Years a Slave's Lupita Nyong'o

If you haven't seen 12 Years A Slave, please go. I won't spoil it for you, but it's an excellent movie.

The movie features a beautiful, new and upcoming actress -- Lupita Nyong'o.



Nyong'o at a GQ event - Essence Magazine

You know you're natural when ...

This piece from Huffington Post was hilarious. Can you relate?




Feeling like a human petting zoo whenever someone dares to touch your hair.

Or staring down the person who asks, "Your hair is HOW long when it's straight?"

Doing car stunts just to get to Target before all the other natural hair girls buy up every SheaMoisture, Miss Jessie's or Cantu Shea Butter hair product on sale.

When you get an email that the latest Curlbox has sold out.

Going days (and even weeks) without washing your hair… and still looking fly.

Smiling from ear to ear when you meet a guy who gets it.

Staying up late watching Taren916, Chescaleigh or MsVaughn's hair YouTube tutorials…

... and getting super jealous of Taren916's massive 'Fro, Chescaleigh's topknot or MsVaugh's curl definition.

Waiting for your two-strand twists to dry overnight.

Not going to bed before covering your hair with a satin scarf or bonnet.
Feeling like you've earned a Ph.D. in Natural Haircare because you can explain the difference between a pre-poo and co-wash without even blinking.

Doing the "Beyonce" when your Denman brush just glides through your curls after a deep conditioning treatment.

That moment when you can finally pull your TWA (aka teeny weeny Afro) into a puff hairstyle.

Standing outside in the rain or humidity and dreading the shrinkage that's about to happen.

Not having to give up swimming or working out because you're afraid that your hair will get messed up.

Being uninterested in length checks. As long as your hair is healthy, that's all that really matters, right?


Loving the versatility and freedom of wearing your natural hair however you choose and not having to explain it at all.

Be inspired:

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• Solange

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• Janelle Monae

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• Viola Davis

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• Alicia Keys

  
  

• Esperanza Spalding

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• Tracee Ellis Ross

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• Thandie Newton

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• Shingai Shoniwa

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• Sophie Okonedo

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• Yaya DaCosta

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• Raven-Symoné

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• Goapele

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• Kelis

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• Kim Coles

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• Jill Scott

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• Lisa Bonet

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• Ledisi

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• Corinne Bailey Rae

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• Diana Ross

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• India Arie

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• Erykah Badu

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• Chrisette Michele

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• Nicole Ari Parker

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