Straight Hair, Don't Care

By Tenisha Mercer


Threw my natural hair up in a top knot.

Got my hair straightened at the Dominican salon on Saturday. Day 4 and it's super straight.

Happy with the results but I went to a new Dominican salon. Note to self: NEVER go late evening when stylist is tired, and after she blowed out my daughters' hair. She was a bit heavy handed, and I'm not sure if I'm going to give her another chance do do my hair -- though, I may go back to the salon.

Straight Hair Pains?

Hair hasn't been straightened since July. My hair has grown but actually, my hair has thinned out a lot (thyroid issues, growing older) over the years. So much so that I was surprised to see my little thin, pathetic ponytail.

Straight hair is a good change of pace for me but my hair is SO straight --  like relaxer straight. And that's a bit different for me. My relaxed hair was NEVA this straight. Add the thinning and I do miss my volume. Thin and straight ain't necessarily the business.

But it's really part of the reason why I love natural hair -- the ability to go from curly kiny to pin straight with the flick of a brush and blowdryer. Natural hair is the ultimate in versatility.

Straight Hair Part 3

By Tenisha Mercer


I'm convinced that natural hair is the most versatile hair on earth.

I went from this two weeks ago:



Natural hair while in humid ASS Savannah, GA

 

 

To this:

 

 

 

 



Straightned natural hair

Straight Hair Part 2



Straightened hair in a top knot, side view



 





Natural hair in a top knot in July

Hurricane Sandy, Gratefulness and Natural Hair

By Tenisha Mercer

Hurricane Sandy floods NYC

As Hurricane Sandy barrels up the East Coast -- leaving a devastating path that has claimed dozens of lives and is expected to cause billions of dollars in damage in its wake -- it makes me think about how grateful I am for the little things in life.

Yeah, I know this natural hair blog is about my two vices -- natural hair and fashion. But if a hurricane were heading to you right now (saying prayers for those of you in Sandy's path) would that matter? Would you really care how your curls look? Would I even care about my product stash or trying the 'latest" and greatest product?  Would I obsesses over finding the  perfect scarf or making sure my accessories are on point?

Why Natural Hair is The Least of Our Worries

I wouldn't give a damn about my hair.

I'd be hunkering down, hopefully in a safe place, and grateful that, hopefully, I'd come out unscathed. It's all about survival, NOT hair.

We've got some cold, blustery weather in ATL today. In the grand scheme of things, tho? I'm sure that folks who died, who were injured,  whose properties are damaged in the U.S. and the Caribbean, and the millions now without power would much rather be in a position that I'm in than to have all of their possessions washed away.

Let's put it all into perspective: Sometimes, it takes an act of nature to really understand what we should be grateful for.

What are you grateful for?

Natural Hair Pic of the Day

Love her twists! Source

Natural Hair Pic of the Day: Chrisette Michelle's Blond TWA

By Tenisha Mercer

Chrisette Michelle's faded brush cut has grown out -- and now she's debuting a blond halo of curls -- a TWA with slicked down sides and some inches of growth on top. 

Michelle has one of the best asymmetrical faces (the shape of her face is to die for) so I'd probably like just about any short hairstyle on her.

What do you think about Chrisette Michelle's new look?

How To Wash Natural Hair

By Tenisha Mercer

Washing natural hair is part of a basic regimen that, done right, will yield a clean scalp and detangled curls. Done the wrong way, it lead to a tangled, matted mess. Though it's a basic part of any natural hair routine, washing your natural hair incorrectly (it's a skill and it's nothing like washing permed hair) can lead to hair setbacks.

Here's how to do it the right way:

1. Determine how often you want to wash your hair. Some naturals prefer every few days, while others prefer every few weeks or so. Let your hair determine how often you will wash it. If you exercise or sweat heavily, wash it more frequently. Many naturals start off washing their hair every few days, but let your hair determine the rhythm. 

2. Detangle. Nothing worse than tangles kinks and curls. Detangle BEFORE you wash. It's best if you wet the hair with a spray bottle with some oil or use a conditioner with good slip (Herbal Essence or Aussie) are great choices. Detangle hair in sections, using your fingers first or a wide toothed comb. Comb from the bottom up. Make sure your hair is completely dentangled before washing. Washing tangled hair quickly leads to more knots and matting.

3. Pre-poo. After you detangle your hair, add oils like olive oil or coconut oil to your hair. This process helps your hair during the washing process -- especially if you use shampoo. It also helps to cut down on tangles. It's best to pre-poo the night before or at least a few hours prior to washing. If detangling the night before, make sure your headwrap is secured and isn't left loose (twist or braid the hair).

4. Use Conditioner only. It's best to use a conditioner (Herbal Essence conditioners or VO5 are great cheap conditioners) because it doesn't contain sulfates, which dry natural hair. Use the conditioner just like you would a shampoo (also known as co-wash) because it contains enough cleansing agents to cleanse the  hair. Use shampoos sparingly, if at all, and only when you want to completely strip the hair of product.

5. Wash in sections. Many naturals find that washing the hair can lead to tangles, so it's best to divide the hair in sections  (braids or twists) and wash it in the braids and twists. This cuts down tremendously on tangles. Make sure you use your fingertips to thoroughly cleanse your scalp (the conditioner and the water will clean the length of your hair).

Bonus tip #1: Wash hair in the shower. The downward motion of the shower  wateris usually enough to detangle mild knots and tangles. And washing your hair in a standing position, using the force of the water, works with your hair, not against it. And, you can also use your shower comb or your fingers to detangle. Be gentle! Wet hair is more prone to breakage.

Bonus tip #2: Be patient. Wash when you aren't in a hurry and have time to detangle. After you're done washing your h air, gently squeeze out excess water, use a T-shirt to blog dry or let drip dry (a cotton towel is drying) and don't forget to deep condition  and/or apply an oil or leave-in conditioner to lock-in moisture.

Do you have any hair washing tips for natural hair?