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...

Hey Kinkies, It's A Natty New Years Giveaway!!!

Have you ever wanted to try Natty Butter by All Things O'Natural?  Are you still working to find the right products for your natural hair?  Have you decided that for 2012, you will do better for your natural hair?

As a natural, I've made mistakes, changed regimens and opted to not use certain products.  I haven't been as good to my hair as I could have been and I wish that I did more research before and during my natural journey.  I wish that I did not allow 'professionals' do certain things to my hair, creating damage.  Let's just say that if I knew then, what I knew now... things would be a lot different!  With that said, for the new year, 2012, I'm speaking into existence the healthiness of my hair... our hair!

Now is your chance to make a New Hair Resolution AND try Natty Butter!

In order to be eligible, you MUST do the following:

1.  Like my Facebook page Kinky Kinetik

2.  Post a comment on my giveaway note stating: "Enter me, my 2012 new hair's resolution is..."

Optional: follow my blog Kinky's Blog

The giveaway will run from 12/26/11 - 1/1/12 at 6pm EST and the winner will be announced on 1/3/12.  The winner will have 48 hours to reply once announced.  Open to US residents only.

If you haven't, please read my review on Natty Butter.  Click --->Kinky's Natty Butter Review

Make sure that you tell a friend to tell another friend to come by my page Kinky's FB page

Kinky's 2012 new hair resolution: no more chemical dyes and continue to not use brushes or combs (unless detangling with a product).  Also, I'm going to seek to achieve a better moisturizing regimen to ensure that I can retain and maintain lengthy, moisturized, healthy hair.

Happy New Hair Kinkies!!

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!

Merry Christmas Kinkies!

Wishing you all a 'Kinky' CHRISTmas

From Kinky Kinetik

and her natural princess!

~keep it kinky!~

XOXO

Hey Kinkies, It's My 150 Likes Giveaway!!! And I Have A Bonus Giveaway!

As some of you know, I started my natural hair page on Facebook, and this here blog, to help educate others, show them where I went wrong (and ensure they don't make the same mistakes), and help them to show how NATURALLY POWERFUL we are! In doing so, I've gained 150 likes in such a short amount of time!!  Talk about being excited, inspired to keep going, and grateful!

To help me celebrate, my friend over at "my black skin..." is sponsoring my very 1st giveaway!!  (And the crowd goes WILD!!)  One fabulous kinky will win the shirt below.

In order to be eligble, you must do the following:

1.  like my FB page Kinky Kinetik as well as like "my black skin..." my black skin...
2.  go to the "my black skin..." page and tell them Kinky Kinetik sent you.
3.  post a comment  on my giveaway note saying "Enter me, I'm powerful because..."

Optional: follow my blog ( http://kinkykinetik.blogspot.com/)

The giveaway will run from 12/12 - 12/19/11 and the winner will be announced on 12/21/11. 

**Bonus giveaway:  if I get to 400 likes by the time this giveaway ends, I will throw in a $25 gift card to Sally's for ANOTHER randomly picked kinky!  I know we can do it kinkies!

The winner will have 48 hours to reply once announced.

Go tell a friend to tell a friend to tell another friend to come by my FB page, Kinky Kinetik