Exfoliating Your Scalp

So Kinkies, our scalp needs a good cleansing here and there.  We need to remove product build-up, dried up sweat, and the old skin cells that are just laying around chilling.  I'm a fan of sugar body scrubs and I did a video on how to use them on the scalp.  Interested in more details?  Check out the video below!

Why Is Her Hair Longer Than Mine? We Went Natural At The Same Time!!

I don't know how many times I've heard or saw this question.  I would definitely have my MacBook Pro if I was given $5 for every time I heard it!  LoL.  Have you asked this question, whether to yourself or out loud?  What was your answer?

Kinky's Castor Oil Challenge #1 (Winner Announced)

Hey Kinkies!  So we have completed our very first castor oil challenge.  Yayness!!!!  Nine Kinkies, including myself, decided to use castor oil and see if it aided in hair growth.  The original post, with the challenge details, can be found here.  Over the last few weeks, I've seen some great growth by those that participated; however, I was only able to choose one winner.

Kinky's Castor Oil Challenge #1 (Third Check In)

Hey Kinkies!  So we are six weeks into our castor oil challenge.  Nine Kinkies, including myself, decided to use castor oil and see if it aided in hair growth.  The original post, with the challenge details, can be found here.  Here's some results so far:

Kinky's Castor Oil Challenge #1 (Second Check In)

Hey Kinkies!  So we are four weeks into our castor oil challenge.  Nine Kinkies, including myself, decided to use castor oil and see if it aided in hair growth.  The original post, with the challenge details, can be found here.  Unfortunately, we have not had as much participation as expected but the show must go on... Here's some results so far:

Kinky's Castor Oil Challenge #1 (First Check In)

Hey Kinkies!  So we are a few weeks into our castor oil challenge.  Nine Kinkies, including myself, decided to use castor oil and see if it aided in hair growth.  The original post, with the challenge details, can be found here.  Here's some results so far:

Kinky's Castor Oil Challenge #1

Hey Kinkies! I'm kicking off my first challenge - a JBCO Challenge!! Although it's okay for my Kinkies to use any castor oil, it appears that the majority of them are using JBCO and that's what I'm using too!

UHM - Copy Cat Carnival #2

Hey Kinkies.  It's take two on my participation in Untrained Hair Mom's Copy Cat Carnival.  I previously participated in April 2012.  If you missed that blog post, click here.

Well, I'm back at it again, looking to 'copy' a new hairstyle, especially since my princess loves to experiment.  The original blog posting that I am copying the hair style from is posted on My Baby Girl's Curls.

Check out my princess's hair...

Of course my daughter loved the hairstyle, as did I.  The twist out was totally cute!  You can definitely use this as a protective style and add flair like beads, hair holders, barrettes, and/or bows to it.  I'm totally looking forward to the next Hair Carnival and I can't wait to see the blog that copied me!!

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik, Twitter, Tweet Kinky and YT, KinkyKinetik.

~Keep it Kinky~

So, I'm Natural... Do I HAVE To Use 'Natural' Products?

Survey says: It's your hair, it's your choice!

Now, don't get me wrong, I strongly encourage the use of products that are all-natural.  Why?  Because they not only aid in the health of your hair but it also affects the overall health of your body.  Remember, the products that you put on your hair, skin, and scalp ultimately end up in the blood stream.

So, is using natural products the way to go?  In my opinion, YES!  I suggest using products that are, for the most part, natural, limited in the amount of chemical additives and synthetic ingredients.  So Kinky, are you talking about all of the products found at beauty supply stores, online, and big stores like Target and Walmart?!?  No, I'm not talking about those 'natural' products full of synthetic ingredients.  I'm also not talking about those products that are targeted towards us naturals, yet don't have an ounce of a 'natural' ingredient in it (and if it does, it's not in the top five ingredients).  I'm not talking about the over-priced 'natural' products with ingredients that you can barely read, let alone pronounce.  I'm talking about the natural products that come from the earth.  The butters, the herbs, some oils...  Those are what I encourage others to use and what I strive to use for me and my daughter.

With that said, I know that there's some naturals, male and female alike, out there that still swear by the mineral oils, the sulfates, the parabens, the silicones, the TEAs, etc.  And your thoughts Kinky?  Do you (and your research) boo!  As long as you are aware and thoroughly informed of what you're using, how you're using it, and the potential effects, then all I can honestly say is, to each their own.  Certain gels, shampoos, conditioners, and stylers have the aforementioned types of [not so good] ingredients in them.  Are there alternatives to them?  Yes.  Should you try those natural alternatives?  Definitely!  Is it a guarantee that your hair will come out the same way if you start using all-natural ingredients?  Possibly (I refuse to make that guarantee and then y'all blame me saying, "Kinky told me X.Y. and Z...").  So, take a chance!

This is not a ploy to have certain companies shut down as they don't truly make all-natural products.  I'm also not here to publicly bash certain brands.  I just want to say: be warned Kinkies!!  Just because the label says it's natural, or organic, doesn't mean that it is!  Hell, feces are natural, would you go around using it in your hair?  (I truly hope that no one answered yes or even thought about it.).  Now, that may be an extreme example in some eyes, but you get the point right?!?  [insert nodding in agreement here.]  Good!

I know that I touched a bit on what some consider natural (or unnatural) in my blog post called You Ain't Natural.  However, today I just wanted to elaborate on the use of certain ingredients while living your 'natural' lifestyle.   I say do your research and make the decision ON YOUR OWN of what products you will use in/on YOUR hair.  If you're like others who ask me what to use, please understand that I would  suggest the all-natural alternatives for continued, long-term use.  However, please continue to use your discretion with what you use on your hair, your skin... Please also understand that what works for one, may not work for another.

I hope it helps!

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik, Twitter, Tweet Kinky and YT, KinkyKinetik.

~Keep it Kinky~ 

Kinky (And Her Princess') Weekly Regimen And Some Kinky Tips

I have been asked whether or not I have a hair regimen.  My answer, yes and no.  Yes, because I do almost the same thing each week.  No, because the products vary.

Every Sunday, I shampoo our hair.  Lately I have been using the shampoo bars that I previously reviewed.  Why do I shampoo instead of just cowash?  Simply put, I have been doing product reviews.  I honestly feel that once you are starting to use and/or review a new product, your hair (and scalp) should be free of any other products that you previously have used.  I think that is the fairest way to determine if a products works well for your hair and you are allowing it to do what it is supposed to do, without having left over products on your scalp (and hair).

My daughter and I mostly wear twists and twist-out styles so I would twist our hair, sometimes in a cute style, while using some form of a moisturizer (water and/or product) and styling/sealing that in with some other product (butter, oil and/or natural gel that contains the aforementioned).

Similar to the reason why I shampoo, I don't do a deep conditioning treatment each time I shampoo.  Why?  If a product claims that it will moisturize your hair or claim to do whatever else, I like to use the product itself to see if it really performs as it is supposed to.  If I am reviewing an entire line of products (or most of their products), I will use those products based on the directions provided.  I try to avoid mixing some products as not all products work well with others and again, I want to see if the product can perform without extra 'help.'

At least once a day, we spritz our hair with either water or a moisturizing mist/spray that we have.  When showering, sometimes we won't use a shower cap, this allows some moisture (and steam) to get into our hair. Often times when it rains, I won't use an umbrella... unless of course it is a heavy downpour.

When I take down our twists, I use an oil, butter, or other product that I am doing a review on.  I don't really retwist our hair.  For me, it never seems to have that same definition.  I may pineapple our hair but instead of doing it at top, I may do it going to the back.  That method seems to work better for me.

Nightly, we use our satin caps and/or silk satin scarf to tie our hair up.  I don't like to unveil our hair until we finish getting dressed as putting shirts, sweaters, dresses, etc., over our head can mess up your style.

When I am not working on a product review, I do like to do a deep conditioning treatment at least twice per month.  I do scalp massages at times and trim split/frayed ends whenever I notice them.  Oh, and when I am applying a product to my hair, I smooth it in from root to ends.

I hope that I didn't miss anything and I hope that this helps you with determining a regimen, if you don't already have one.

Do you have a regimen?  If so, what's yours?

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and Twitter, Tweet Kinky Kinetik

~Keep it Kinky~

Do You Know The Length Of Your Hair?

Hey Kinkies.  Below is a chart to help you in determinining what 'length' your hair is classified as.  As you look at the chart, I want you to ask yourself: am I more concerned about length or the overall health of my hair.  I want to remind you that just because your hair is long, it does NOT mean that it is healthy!  You could have heat damage, split ends, a strand of fairy knots... Lord knows what else.  

I used to focus on how long I wanted my hair to be (you know that image of long, flowing hair that TV helps to embed in our brain?!?)  Now, I focus on the health of my hair.  With healthy hair comes great length!

Hope it helps Kinkies... Make sure you check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and as always...

Keep It Kinky!

I Am Knot Going Out With My Hair Looking Like This!!!

We have all heard of the pineapple method right?!?  That's when we gather our twist, braid and/or bantu knot out at the top of our head and hold it together with a scrunchy.  We then resemble a pineapple.  Well I tried this method last week and it was an ultimate fail!  I just HAD to do SOMETHING with my hair but didn't know what...  I could NOT wear it the way it was.  It was either do a wash and go, uh scratch that, it's cold in Jersey. The other option was a puff.  Let's see how I made out... 

Uh uh, do y'all SEE this?

  

Now what in the world am I going to do with this?  I can't go outside looking a mess!  My twist out is looking like a twist OUCH!

Hmm, all the while I THOUGHT pineappling would work.  Guess not!!   I have to figure SOMETHING out!!

But wait a natural pickin' minute - do y'all REALLY see this?!?

Ok Kinkies, I got this!  No need to worry!!  Nothing some water, a bit if product (or natural oils/butters) won't fix.  Get an over-sized ouchless headband, wrap it around your puff twice (not too tight), smooth your edges and voila - a puff that's presentable!!  

SB - Too bad I don't know how to make a comic strip with photos!  LoL.  I hope you enjoyed this Kinkies!!  :-)

Please feel free to check out my other product reviews and come visit me on my Facebook page, Kinky Kinetik

That's Knot A Good Bobby Pin To Use!

Snag!  Yup, that's what some bobby pins do to your hair.  Just because you have them laying around, doesn't mean you need to use them.  I do a search and 'throw out' of my bobby pins when I am either using them to create a hairstyle, when I see them laying around somewhere in the house and/or when I'm going through my stash of products and tools.

Well I don't know which ones to throw away Kinky!  Have no fear, Kinky is here!! (cue superhero music while Kinky stands with her hands on her hips, cape blowing in the wind). Hehehe.

I'm going to label 'A' as a silent offender.  Some Kinkies may think that it is okay to use silent offenders but trust me, if you have ANY bobby pins with one or more of the ball tips missing, I suggest you throw them out!!  Not only can using these contribute to you getting split or frayed ends, it can also cause you to scratch and possibly damage your scalp, depending on how you're putting them in your hair.  These pins are silent but deadly!

'B' is alright with me!!  'B' has both ball tips and is smooth all the way around.  'B' has no ridges when you slide your finger along the coating that keeps the ball tips in place.  These are the bobby pins that you SHOULD keep.  Sporadically, you should inspect them after multiple uses, to ensure they are still smooth all around and not turning into a silent offender or 'C' bobby pin.  I have found that even new bobby pins, namely some of the ones from the dollar store/Dollar Tree, can be brand 'new' yet need to be thrown out as they are not of good quality and/or have those ridged surfaces I mentioned before.

The 'C' bobby pin is the blatant offender.  If you use these in your hair then you are asking for trouble in the split and snagged ends area.  Depending on how you put the bobby pin in your hair, you also run the risk of snagging other parts of your hair.  I have personally run into this and I had to carefully and strategically remove them from my hair.  No, I didn't purposely use a damaged bobby pin - either I did not know it was snagged when I put it in (lack of inspection) or somehow, some way, it became snagged while in my hair.  Nonetheless, I ensured that once removed it made it's way to the garbage, where it served it's life sentence.

Well, I hope this helps some Kinkies.  As with some of the hair products we use, we also need to be careful when using some styling tools.  Thanks for reading and be sure to check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik.  As always, Keep It Kinky!!

How You Doin'? Naturals...

Awright!!  So, that was said in my Wendy William's voice.  Why?!?  Because I absolutely LOVE her!!

On today's show (1/9/12), Wendy said something to one of her audience members that REALLY made me smile.

A woman and her mother-in-law were on the show and the woman asked Wendy what she should do as her mother-in-law would not put a relaxer in her gorgeous, healthy appearing hair.  She stated that she wanted to get a chemical relaxer to keep her hair straight as she is now working out (we ALL know what happens when we sweat and/or gets our natural hair gets wet).  Wendy replied with: keep it natural as long as you can!  ...Stay natural as long as you can!

Being natural (now) and hearing the message from someone such as her, who touches so many other women's lives... I could only cheese (smile) and have 'aww' moment.  DID YOU HEAR WHAT SHE SAID LADIES... AND GENTS?!?  What a message!!  To those who consider going back to the creamy crack... do as Wendy said and KEEP IT NATURAL AS LONG AS YOU CAN!  Your hair will thank you... trust me! ;-)

And to Wendy  - in my opinion - that was some of the BEST advice given... EVER!!

In case you care to know, here's my history with Wendy... a sure friend in my head...

I've listened to Wendy back when she was on the radio.  She always 'said it like she meant it...' and as of today, she's still saying it like she means it on her live TV show.  I relate so much to Wendy as not only do I also say it like I mean it (which gets me in trouble sometimes - I'm learning though) but I also give good advice (as I've been told).

But anyways, I also had an opportunity to not only be in the audience of her show, but also ON the show (From G's to Gents - six week sneak peek - with Mr. Bentley).  The picture below is of me on that very day... and look at Wendy's pic, we're [almost] posing twins!!

Thanks for reading and as always... keep it kinky!!

Check out Kinky on Facebook --->  Kinky Kinetik

K-Y Jelly... Not Just For Sexing!

So when I say I JUST saw a post about this, I literally JUST saw a post about using K-Y as a hair moisturizer.  I ran right over here to talk blog about it!

Now, I know I already talked about using Monistat on hair and I said thought I had seen it all.  Apparently, I was so WRONG.  (If you didn't read that post about the Monistat, click --> My Scalp Has A Yeast Infection) Some people are literally using any and everything for growth and moisturizing their tresses.  My question is why?

Is hair growth THAT important that you want to resort to usage of Monistat?  Is your hair THAT parched that you have to use lubrication?  Hmm, probably better off using mineral oil... at least it seals in moisture.  (Disclaimer: I do NOT support the usage of mineral oil... I was just being a bit sarcastic.  Please, please, please think of what you are putting in our body.  Know that the stuff noted above will seep into your hair shaft and scalp and travel throughout your body.   Are oils, water, butters and other products geared towards hair NOT enough?

Anyways, just ranting for a bit.  To each their own.  As always - keep it kinky!

You Ain't NATURAL!!

So, there's continued talk among the natural community on what being 'natural' is defined as.  In the past week, I think I have read at least a dozen posts about what is or isn't 'natural.'

While perusing the web and looking for other's definition of natural, I found the following definition by "Unique": your unaltered God given hair as it grows through the epidermis from follicles deep within the dermis.  Not chemically altered, colored, curled or straightened by relaxers, texturizers or other chemical agents and is also free of any and all extensions.

Well Kinky, what are your thoughts?  For the sake of the blog and my fan page, I will be somewhat politically correct.  Based on the definition above, as well as the thoughts of others that I have encountered, you're not natural if:

~you color your hair,
~you wear weaves, wigs and/or extensions,
~you were adopted,
~you don't eat organic,
~you use sulfates, parabens, 'cones, etc.,
~you don't use 'all natural' products,
~you don't remember the date you started to transition and/or did your big chop,
~you're not of African American descent,
~you straighten your hair with a hot comb and/or straightening iron,
~you wear polka dots on Friday,
~you transitioned instead of doing a big chop, and/or
~you don't wear your hair in an afro.

Goodness.  Did I miss anything?

Well how do YOU define 'natural' Kinky?  I feel that you are natural if you do not get a perm, relaxer and/or texturizer... or use any other 'chemicals' to alter your hair texture.  Now, there are some that say that coloring your hair not only changes the color but the texture too.  However, I did not experience this when I colored my hair, and I used henna, box color and a mixture from a stylist/colorist before (not at the same time of course).

I think it is fine to wear weaves, extensions and/or wigs.  However, you may just need to use caution if/when you do.  The usage of weaves, extensions and/or wigs can help when doing protective styles.

I do prefer to use all natural products on my hair, just for overall health reasons.  So no, I don't use parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum/petroleum, silicones, etc.  If you do and that's what makes you and your hair happy - then so be it.  I guess I would rather that than you use a relaxer.  Just please do your research on what you do use [on your hair].

Some of the other statements above were added for comic relief and to show how big of a deal some are making out of what natural is or "ain't."  Opinions are like hair follicles, everyone has SOME!  LoL.

But on a serious tip (old school right), if you don't have a relaxer, perm or texturizer, regardless of whether you choose to, or not to, do the above things, then I, Kinky Kinetik, still consider you natural...  What you do, feel, know, think and/or believe makes you happy, beautiful and confident being a natural, then so be it!  Whatever YOUR definition of natural is is what YOU will have to live with and accept.  What I, or anyone else says possibly does, but shouldn't really, matter when it comes to what you define as 'natural.'

As always, keep it kinky!

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik, Twitter, Tweet Kinky and YT, KinkyKinetik.

Hair's Some Drama For You!

So, if you haven't heard, you will soon hear about the 'anonymous' letter that was sent to African Export (whom I love by the way).

In this letter, one 'concerned black woman' talks of how certain natural hair sites are owned by those of a different 'hue.'  The concerned black woman (CBW) name dropped a few websites and vlog/bloggers and basically implied that they are bankrolled under Naturally Curly (who reportedly bought Curly Nikki).  The letter also mentions that instead of representing freedom and independence, the natural hair community is dependent on other races to provide the information and services that we, as people of African American descent, need.  We are noted as relying on Brazilians for blow outs and Koreans for beauty supplies...

So what are your thoughts Kinky?  To be honest, I could believe that some are paid off to do reviews and promote products.  I've felt that way even prior to starting my own blog and Facebook fan page.  Why did I start the two?  To share both information and my thoughts.  (You can read my 'about me' and 'info' sections on FB and blogger to learn more.)  But anyways, natural hair vlogs/blogs and fan pages now seem like the 'in' thing to do and some may look at being natural as a trend.  Some may also be profiting from this 'trend' and 'in' thing to do.  If that's the case, then to each, their own!   I'm not going to hate on them, CBW, because they're getting opportunities that I'm not... I'm going to take what some of them say, possibly with a grain of salt, and continue to formulate my own thoughts and opinions on certain products and such.

Now, I can't say which vlog/blogger is or isn't being paid off by 'white women,' as that is not a concern of mine and I don't have the desire and time to attempt to research it.  All I can truthfully say is that I am NOT being paid (sucks right?).  I feel like this: before I started my Facebook fan page and this here blog, I must admit that I partially felt the way CBW does with regards to people being paid to do natural hair things.  To a degree, I still feel the way she does!  On my personal FB page, I posted a status a few days ago that said: if everything  or everyone is your best, favorite, etc., how are you showing your loyalty to any one thing?!?  There's a difference from liking and loving.  I posted that as a status message to basically say that if you try 20 products and you 'absolutely love' all the products, I can't take you seriously and I'm wondering how you think someone else will!  To me, people like that may be getting paid or kissing up to get paid.  I'm just saying... you don't have to agree.

Of note, I've done, and am working on, some product reviews, some products I have paid for myself.  My reviews will continue to be based on how I feel about the product, not what they suggest I say.

*****

Now as for relying on Koreans, Brazilians, whites or an elephant for our hair needs, I think we should use what we feel works for our hair.  If you learn about a great product from a Brazilian, get dope weaves from the Koreans or an awesome style from a 'white' website that shows a black face, then so be it!  Shoot, just because it's 'black owned and operated' - does that mean that we HAVE to use them as a resource?  If you say yes then I beg to differ.  Just because a black person sales and/or promotes a product, I am not obligated to buy it, or suggest it to others.  Oh, you don't want to say? Okay fine, I will!  It's not always other nationalities that are trying to profit off of blacks and bring 'us' down, sometimes we do it to ourselves!  (Did I put a foot on my soapbox?)  With that said, I won't knock another kinky for using Aussie and I won't commend another kinky for using African Pride.   

The letter by CBW has me thinking a few things: is she mad because she wasn't afforded an opportunity to do reviews?  is she doing reviews and just not being paid?  is she beefing with another vlog/blogger? is she sincerely upset that blacks are not behind the sites and products? 

Shoot, if organizations and people can/may/do profit off of prisons, charter schools, etc., what makes one think they won't do it off of a natural hair industry, which is booming?!?!

I guess I won't ever know... but anyways kinkies, this is my reaction and thoughts about the letter.  I guess it shouldn't matter about the who, what and why.  I think what matters most is that we are natural, getting tips, finding what works best for us, and running with that. We can't and won't be able to control that people are profiting, possibly lying in reviews and getting needs met by others of a lighter hue.

Jay-Z said believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see...  with that said, it is what it is... I can't knock their hustle!

View African Export's blog and CBW's letter here --->Letter from a CBW...

But Mommy, I Don't Want To Wear My Hair Like That!

You know, it gets under my skin when I see what some parents do to their children's hair.  They either don't do it (yet theirs is done) or it is styled in such a way that makes you want to question their frame of mind.  I know some of you may think: who is Kinky to judge?!?!  However, I can bet my entire month's paycheck that you've felt some kind of way about a child's hair that you have seen in passing.

First, let me start with sewn-in weaves.  Now, I've worn sewn-in weaves; however, I'm grown.  A few years ago, I walked into my daughter's kindergarten class and I saw a KINDERGARTNER with a sewn-in weave.  How do you know it was a sewn in Kinky?  Because I inspected it! I saw the braids and I saw the tracks!  (Shoot, I had to be sure!)

Now, I honestly think that a child in kindergarten is too damn young for a sewn-in weave.  To date, this girl still wears sewn-in weaves (now in 3rd grade) along with extensions.  But are extensions any better?

 

I've seen children in extensions and man oh man, does it get under my skin when they have them all down their back... in class whipping their hair back and forth.  My daughter is now in 3rd grade and I see some of her friends, and younger students, with extensions to their butt.  I feel as though little girls should look and act like little girls.  No, they don't have to be in bows, pink and lace; however, we don't need to have our children looking grown and then eventually playing the part of 'acting grown.'  Now you may be thinking: What's the difference between their [own] hair being down their back and the extensions Kinky?  Well, for one, the extensions put stress on the hair, especially if they are kept in too long and everyone doesn't take care of their braids.  Then comes the part of having to take them out, which can be even further damaging.  Secondly, I think some people are so obsessed with having LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG hair, you can only imagine the perception that child (and the work of their parent) are  creating.  That child may think that it is better to have long, flowing hair when in actuality, they should really be happy with what they have.

Hmm, should we go with braids instead of a relaxer, Kinky? Honestly, I think almost ANYTHING is better than a relaxer!  Yes, a relaxer may give you that 'manageable' hair that you yearn.  Your hair may be silky and smooth; however, you're sacrificing your child's/your health for it.

Relaxers contain harsh chemicals and may cause scalp damage/irritation, affect hair growth and cause your hair to thin.  In addition, there may also be risk to those that are pregnant and choose to get a relaxer.  The fact that some products are labeled as 'no lye' may be misleading consumers to think that there are no harsh chemicals.  Truth be told, there are STILL harsh chemicals in a relaxer; however, the type of chemicals may vary.  

Although they sale 'kiddie' relaxers, there's no guarantee that they are less toxic.  Some may opt for a texturizer; however, it's still made of harsh chemicals.  Better safe than sorry (you ever got a relaxer).

Lastly, let me talk about locs.  Now, don't get me wrong, I love, love, LOOOOOOOVE locs; however, I haven't made that big step to get them.  If I were to ever get them, I think I would get sisterlocs or smaller 'regular' locs... but anyways, this isn't about me now is it? 

I get mixed emotions when I see kids with locs, especially when they are not in the teen years and can decide what they want.  I love locs when they are styled in a cute way; however, I wonder, did that child ASK to have their hair in locs?  


To me locs, and relaxers, are a long-term commitment, moreso than corn braids and ponytails.  When a parent opts to put a relaxer in a child's hair, they're making that commitment to relax their hair for possibly a lifetime.  Or, until the child decides they no longer want to have a perm.  The same goes for locs.  There's a boy that goes to my daughter's school and his mom has locs... so does his three-to-four year old sister.  For some reason, he doesn't.  He has always kept a low-cut fade. 


I know some parents may say, "Well it's MY child and I will put a perm/locs in his/her hair if I want to."  Although it's your prerogative to do what you want with and to your child (we all know there's limits), should we consider what the children want, think and/or feel about their hair?


Once that child becomes a tween and they have either a relaxer or locs, are you as a parent going to allow them to change their hair?  Why did you put a relaxer/locs in their hair in the first place?  Should a child even have a relaxer or weave in their hair?  Since you're relaxing and loc'ing their hair, are you also going to color it?  Did you put those locs in for personal reasons or did you feel as though it was the only way to get your child's hair to grow?  Does your child question how/why you do their hair the way that you do?  Is it really necessary to have your 2nd grader with colored extensions that come to their butt?  Did you put locs in their hair due to cultural beliefs/practices?


After thoughts: I know this blog topic may not be the most popular among the other blogs and posts that I have done, and I accept that.  It took me about a week or so to write this.  I added, omitted, reworded, etc., quite a few times.  I am not intentionally passing judgement and trying to make anyone feel bad about the choices that they make for their children's hair.  I'm not sure that I went about the message in the most politically correct way; however, those that know me know that I am not always politically correct.  I tend to go against the grain, speak my thoughts and speak my mind... perhaps it shouldn't even matter...


However, please understand that I just want you all to be cognizant of the choices made when it comes to your children's hair.  They are people too and have thoughts, feelings and emotions, especially when it comes to their image.  I suggest you ask them how they want their hair, get their buy-in and come to a consensus BEFORE making a commitment to one particular style.  


Please, feel free to share your thoughts and reactions... I'm open to conversation and feedback!


~Keep it kinky!

Long Hair, Don't Care?!? Uh, Well You Should!

So, thanks to Lil' Wayne, men and women alike are going around shouting 'long hair, don't care.' Contrary to belief, you SHOULD care!!

Some women may be obsessed with long hair.  I can admit, that I DO want my hair to be long... just as it was when I had a perm.  However, I do also want it to be healthy.  The thing some fail to realize is that just because your hair is long, it doesn't mean that it is healthy!  At what LENGTH will you go to, just to say you have LONG hair? (pun intended) Your LONG hair can be dull, dry, lifeless and have SPLIT ENDS!!

What causes split ends Kinky?  How can I prevent them?  Some causes of split ends can be:

~Brushing and/or back-teasing you hair,
~Combing hair while it is dry (especially AA hair),
~Not conditioning (and moisturizing) your hair,
~Chemicals (perms, dyes, etc.),
~Not trimming when needed,
~Your clothes (yep, your hair can snag on shirts, sweaters, hats and scarves), 
~Excessive use of heat, and
~Trimming with inferior scissors (household or kitchen scissors that are dull).

What can I do to prevent split ends Kinky?  You can search AND destroy!!

Besides doing the opposite of what is listed above, you can do a search in destroy.  A S & D is when you take portions of your hair at a time and trim off fairy knots and split ends.  Some may elect to do this as opposed to actually trimming their hair entire head.

Well I ain't trimming my hair!!  How will it GROW if I keep cutting it?!?  To be honest, you really SHOULD cut those fairy knots and trim those split ends.  Why you ask?  Because they are making matters worst for your hair.  And yes, your hair may still grow with the split ends; however, you also risk the 'split' traveling up the shaft of your hair. You risk your beautiful tresses breaking.  You risk those split ends affected the other strands on your naturally, beautiful hair.

So kinkies... I say go for it, trim those ends, do a dusting, search and destroy!!  It seems that that's the only way to get rid of split ends.  Some products out there, such as Nexxus ProMend, allege that they repair split ends as follows:

My only thing is, I have to see it to believe it... I don't know of any PROVEN product, or protein treatment, that repairs hair as above.

If not interested in dusting and you're not sure of how to go about trimming your hair, try using the picture below as a model.  I've actually watched YouTube videos and know of people that use the method below.  A few nights ago when I twisted my hair, I cut the ends based on the same principle.

Here is a picture of some types of split ends:

I hope that the information above has helped you in some way.  Feel free to comment as well as let me know if I missed anything.

Hair's A Secret: Strong Enough For A Man, But pH Balance For My Hair?

When you think of pH, the first thing that may come to mind is that old Secret commercial where they claimed that their deodorant is strong enough for a man but pH balanced for a woman.  Aside from thinking deodorant, you should think HAIR!! Yep, hair!

What is pH?  pH is the "potential of hydrogen," or the measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) a solution or substance is.  pH levels range from 0 - 14. 

There is a scale that one can use to determine how acidic or alkaline/basic a given substance is.  If the pH is measured at 7, such as in distilled water, it is neutral. If it goes above 7, like for bleaches and detergents, it is considered basic or alkaline. If the pH is measured below 7, like for vinegar and lemon juice, it is considered acidic.  The pH on the hair and scalp is usually about 4.5 - 5.

How does pH affect hair?  pH affects the health of your hair.  As such, you need to be mindful of the products that you use on your hair.  Some people may use baking soda to raise their pH level.  The use of apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help hair to be more resilient, smoother and stronger.  If using baking soda on your scalp, you need to understand that it has a high pH level (and isn't natural).

In order to clean the build-up that is on hair and scalp, shampoo has to be acidic.  Shampoos can range from a pH of 4/4.5 to around 8.5.  Permanent hair dyes contain alkaline chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, which can penetrate hair strands to their cores, or the cortexes. As a result, the production of melanin, which is responsible for your natural hair color is affected. Because permanent hair coloring can be highly basic and may have corrosive properties on hair, it is not always a recommended option for people who want to maintain healthy and strong tresses.  (Man I wish I knew this before I died my hair!  Next time I will try some henna...)  Perms have a pH of 11 - 14, while texturizers may be in the range of
8 - 11.

Should I care about my hair/scalp's pH level?  Yes as it helps to keep bacteria and fungi off of our scalp.


I found the following summary on a reply about pH levels of hair:

~pH 2.0: hard; smooth; not resilient; breaks easily
~pH 6.0: not as hard; smooth; very resilient; resists breaking
~pH 10.0: rough; not very resilient; tends to break easily
~pH 12.0: very rough; not resilient; tends to break very easily

As read on other sites, pH for hair is generally good at a level of 4.5 - 5.5.  Products with a pH level of 4.5 - 7 is noted to be good for our hair.

As per information that I gathered from YouTube vlogger, Kimmay:

~ACV is safe when diluted to 4 pH,
~aloe vera juice is 4 and good for a leave in conditioner or water bottle spritz,
~after wetting hair, use an acidifier within the pH range of 4 - 6 to close the cuticle (4 - 5 may be more effective), and
~the safe range for washing hair is a 4 - 7 pH (no harm done).

If you want to test the pH of products that you use, the plastic strips are better to use than the paper strips.  the pH strip can be pricey and they do very when it comes to the level of pH testing (basically, not all strips go to 14). 

Given the above and Kimmay's awesome hair growth, I may try to consider pH and my hair a bit more.  What about you?  What are your thoughts?