Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Giovanni and Kinky-Curly Don't Mix...
...at least, not in my spray bottle.
I keep a little red spray bottle handy at all times for whenever my curls need a mist of moisture. It's a simple mixture: Giovianni Direct leave-in conditioner and water. But this morning, I noticed it was going to be particularly humid today, and feared that my coils would turn into fluff. I figured I could prevent that with mist that also provided a little hold. In goes the Kinky-Curly Spiral Spritz. I dropped some into the spray bottle, shook it up, and when about my day.
Fast-forward about four hours later, while I'm sitting at my desk. I'm rummaging through my bag for my iPod when I pick up the spray bottle.
It's chunky inside.
Ew.
I shook it up, thinking maybe it just need a good -- well, shake.
No luck. It's still chunky.
Ew.
I don't know why the Giovanni and the Kinky-Curly don't like each other, but when the two liquids come together in a spray bottle, they make a solid. A lumpy, chunky, piece-y solid that floats on top of the water.
It's actually pretty gross.
*sigh* Take two.
I keep a little red spray bottle handy at all times for whenever my curls need a mist of moisture. It's a simple mixture: Giovianni Direct leave-in conditioner and water. But this morning, I noticed it was going to be particularly humid today, and feared that my coils would turn into fluff. I figured I could prevent that with mist that also provided a little hold. In goes the Kinky-Curly Spiral Spritz. I dropped some into the spray bottle, shook it up, and when about my day.
Fast-forward about four hours later, while I'm sitting at my desk. I'm rummaging through my bag for my iPod when I pick up the spray bottle.
It's chunky inside.
Ew.
I shook it up, thinking maybe it just need a good -- well, shake.
No luck. It's still chunky.
Ew.
I don't know why the Giovanni and the Kinky-Curly don't like each other, but when the two liquids come together in a spray bottle, they make a solid. A lumpy, chunky, piece-y solid that floats on top of the water.
It's actually pretty gross.
*sigh* Take two.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Purple Hair, Puuu-urrrple Hair...
Here's something weird.
My hair is purple.
Okay, not hot, shocking violet. And no, I didn't dye or color it. It's just something I've noticed since I've let my hair be its natural color. (Before this blog, it was colored in almost every shade of red, brown and black possible.) My hair is basically black, but in the sun, it shines purple.
It's so weird.
I noticed this, of all places, in the car. I had the sunroof open on a sunny day, and when I looked up in the rear-view mirror to change lanes, I saw a red-violet/magenta-y kind of color reflecting in my strands.
"My hair is purple," I said to my friend, who was riding in the passenger seat.
"What?" She likely thought I lost my mind.
"My hair is purple," I said again. "Look. It's reflecting in the sun."
My friend looked. "Omigosh," she said. "Your hair is purple."
It's the weirdest thing I've discovered about my hair thus far. And I have no idea where it comes from. I mean, on one hand, it's kind of cool, but on the other hand, I really want to know how I ended up with hair that reflects violet.
Why is my hair purple? The world may never know.
Have you discovered anything about your hair that's out-of-the-ordinary?
My hair is purple.
Okay, not hot, shocking violet. And no, I didn't dye or color it. It's just something I've noticed since I've let my hair be its natural color. (Before this blog, it was colored in almost every shade of red, brown and black possible.) My hair is basically black, but in the sun, it shines purple.
It's so weird.
I noticed this, of all places, in the car. I had the sunroof open on a sunny day, and when I looked up in the rear-view mirror to change lanes, I saw a red-violet/magenta-y kind of color reflecting in my strands.
"My hair is purple," I said to my friend, who was riding in the passenger seat.
"What?" She likely thought I lost my mind.
"My hair is purple," I said again. "Look. It's reflecting in the sun."
My friend looked. "Omigosh," she said. "Your hair is purple."
It's the weirdest thing I've discovered about my hair thus far. And I have no idea where it comes from. I mean, on one hand, it's kind of cool, but on the other hand, I really want to know how I ended up with hair that reflects violet.
Why is my hair purple? The world may never know.
Have you discovered anything about your hair that's out-of-the-ordinary?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Hair-Raiser of the Day
Never have I updated THREE times in one day, but I kinda have to today.
I'll preface this by sighing and saying... "Only on the internet."
Solange (inadvertently) caused a shockwave when pictures of her close crop hit the Internet today. I, like many hair, beauty, and entertainment bloggers, posted the picture. I knew readers would enjoy seeing a celeb rocking a cut so many women are contemplating. And You ladies had nothing but good things to say, much like the readers of Afrobella. But elsewhere in the digital universe... well, apparently, all hell broke loose.
Let's just say that blogosphere and Twitterverse had less than friendly things to say about Solange and her hair. And with every new comment, I couldn't help but think... "She didn't even ASK for this."
Folks are speculating whether she is "trying to make a statement," is "looking for attention" or is even "trying to be like Amber Rose." The only affirming comments have come from the natural hair circles.
For those with questions, here are some answers... on Solange's Twitter page she says, one) this hair isn't new, it's been cut for a few weeks; two) she's cut her hair like this TWICE before; and three) the photo was snapped while she was taking her son to school (which makes me question our whole celebrity-obsessed culture and wonder if I was complicit by posting the photo myself.)
If you take cue from her Twitter page, you'll see that she's quite annoyed (at best) by the whole thing. And I think she summed up the ridiculousness of the "controversy" as best as anyone could:
From @solangeknowles:
I'll preface this by sighing and saying... "Only on the internet."
Solange (inadvertently) caused a shockwave when pictures of her close crop hit the Internet today. I, like many hair, beauty, and entertainment bloggers, posted the picture. I knew readers would enjoy seeing a celeb rocking a cut so many women are contemplating. And You ladies had nothing but good things to say, much like the readers of Afrobella. But elsewhere in the digital universe... well, apparently, all hell broke loose.
Let's just say that blogosphere and Twitterverse had less than friendly things to say about Solange and her hair. And with every new comment, I couldn't help but think... "She didn't even ASK for this."
Folks are speculating whether she is "trying to make a statement," is "looking for attention" or is even "trying to be like Amber Rose." The only affirming comments have come from the natural hair circles.
For those with questions, here are some answers... on Solange's Twitter page she says, one) this hair isn't new, it's been cut for a few weeks; two) she's cut her hair like this TWICE before; and three) the photo was snapped while she was taking her son to school (which makes me question our whole celebrity-obsessed culture and wonder if I was complicit by posting the photo myself.)
If you take cue from her Twitter page, you'll see that she's quite annoyed (at best) by the whole thing. And I think she summed up the ridiculousness of the "controversy" as best as anyone could:
From @solangeknowles:
dont. need. your. attention. or. your. co-sign. i am #3. trending topic. before. IRAN. &. some of you cant even locate it on a map. its sad.
dont. want. a. edge. up. or a perm. because. im not trying. to make this "a style" or a statement.
i. just. wanted. to. be. free. from. the. bondage. that. black. women sometimes. put. on. themselves. with. hair.
this. phase. of. my. life. i. want to spend . the time. the energy. and the money. on something else. not in the hair salon.
im. not. mad. at . all of you. that have made your opinions known. and have sent negative. energy. my way. i expected this of you.
you. have. the right to have. an opinion.
ONLY reason i responded to this i have is because i was disappointed to see my name more talked about then #iranelection
we. gotta. do. better. people.
Not So Fast...
From D-Listed...
After she was spotted with her natural crop yesterday, Solange attended a party for Dita Von Teese with this fringe-y 'do. Afrobella shared the link on Twitter.
Thoughts?
(An aside... I'm feeling the lip color.)
After she was spotted with her natural crop yesterday, Solange attended a party for Dita Von Teese with this fringe-y 'do. Afrobella shared the link on Twitter.
Thoughts?
(An aside... I'm feeling the lip color.)
Solange Goes Bzzzzzzz...
From The Fashion Bomb:
I didn't think I'd see a Knowles sister with a close-crop (though Beyonce has been seen with natural crinks and curls when she's without her signature lace-fronts). What say you?
I didn't think I'd see a Knowles sister with a close-crop (though Beyonce has been seen with natural crinks and curls when she's without her signature lace-fronts). What say you?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
When Hair Makes Headlines
You gotta love when you make headlines for changing your hairstyle.
First Lady Michelle Obama switched it up yesterday when the White House hosted a country music concert in the East Room. The day included a morning workshop for students, and is the second in a series of arts and education programs that the first lady launched last month.
But of course, people couldn't ignore the hair.
On HuffingtonPost.com: "Michelle Obama Shows Off New 'Do"
From Us Magazine: "Michelle Obama Debuts Sleek New 'Do."
And on the Daily Mail: "Stylish Michelle Obama Shows Off Elegant New Bob." (This piece also has a cool pitctorial of Shelly's past hairstyles.)
The funny part is that it's unclear whether she even cut her hair. It's possible she just pulled it back... just like she did a few months ago when she visited the Department of Transportation. Everyone fell out of their seats thinking she'd made a date with some scissors. But really, she simply styled her hair away from her face.
It's amusing. And it's one of the few times where I want to say, "Geez, people... it's just hair."
First Lady Michelle Obama switched it up yesterday when the White House hosted a country music concert in the East Room. The day included a morning workshop for students, and is the second in a series of arts and education programs that the first lady launched last month.But of course, people couldn't ignore the hair.
On HuffingtonPost.com: "Michelle Obama Shows Off New 'Do"
From Us Magazine: "Michelle Obama Debuts Sleek New 'Do."
And on the Daily Mail: "Stylish Michelle Obama Shows Off Elegant New Bob." (This piece also has a cool pitctorial of Shelly's past hairstyles.)
The funny part is that it's unclear whether she even cut her hair. It's possible she just pulled it back... just like she did a few months ago when she visited the Department of Transportation. Everyone fell out of their seats thinking she'd made a date with some scissors. But really, she simply styled her hair away from her face.It's amusing. And it's one of the few times where I want to say, "Geez, people... it's just hair."
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Why Wait?
Last week I featured a pretty fly and funky style from AmberMag.com -- sideswept curls adorned with a rhinestone pin.The consenus was that the style was, in fact, pretty fierce. Some of the commenters said they were looking forward to trying it... but only when their hair had grown long enough.
My question... why wait?!
The beauty of natural hairstyles is that they're open to interpretation. There's no rule that says you have to have shoulder length curls to do a sideswept 'do. There's no law that says you can only wear headbands with a TWA. So don't limit yourself or your hair!
If you see a style you like, find a way to put your own spin on it. Even if you have a little 'fro, you can recreate the side-swept look with cornrows or flat twists on one side of the head, while letting the rest of coils spring free. If you hair is medium-length, keep the twists going so they fall over the side (like my friend Talia did here).I like to adapt styles on the regular! For instance, I've always loved the look of roller-set locs, but I clearly don't have locs of my own. But no matter, I wanted to try the look -- so I did two-strand twists and put those babies on Flexirods. The next day I was greeted at work with rave reviews.
Point is... there's not pre-requisite for being creative. Your hair doesn't have to be a certain length, color or texture to pull off something fly. So don't be afraid to try out and adapt styles. All it takes is a little creativity and inventiveness, and before your know it, you'll have a signature fly style to call your own.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Veronica's Style Arsenal
Every curly girl worth her coil knows she needs to have a cache of tools on hand to pull off her signature styles. I have a collection of pins, bands and combs that I call my Style Arsenal. It all sits to the right of my bedroom dresser, making for easy access, especially when I'm on the go.
This particular selection of tools allows me pull off any style I can think of before heading out the door. And it ensures, at the very least, that I never have a bad hair day. (You can check out the YouTube version of this post here.)
PREPPING
A spray bottle is key to keeping hair hydrated while styling. Filled with water or the right mixture of products (mine has water and Giovanni Direct leave-in), the spray bottle becomes a KEY aid in styling hair. It's better than using most commercial styling sprays, because they can dry quickly and leave flakes or build-up on the hair. Moistening hair with your own personalized mixture of water and conditioner will make it easier to detangle, braid and style.
COMBING/PARTING/DETANGLING
A wide-toothed comb detangles hair, making it easier to braid, cornrow or flat-twist for a style. Start at the ends of the hair and work your way up when combing.
The tail on the end of a rat-tail comb is useful for making parts without tangling the hair. I DO NOT use the rat-tail comb for any reason other than parting. My hair will cry out in anguish if I try.
GATHERING
Skinny headbands are one of the most versatile tools to have. You can do puffs, ponytails and updos -- all with a simple band. Use them as they are to simply pull hair off the face, or double one up to form puffs and ponytails. It's insanely easier than trying to bobby-pin an entire head of hair into place. But don't count out pins just yet...
SECURING
Bobby pins are key in allowing you to add detail to your style.
Small bobby pins hold small sections of hair in place. If you want to hold down an individual braid or secure a flat-twist, these are indispensible.
I've never used a roller pins to pin down rollers, but I have an arsenal of them to pin down my hair. They secure medium to large sections of hair.
Curved wrap pins are the unsung heroes of the hair pin world -- they're larger than bobby and roller pins and are capable of holding a lot of hair in place. They're particularly effective on thick and textured hair. Criss-cross two of these (or two of any kind of pins) for secure holding power.
So there you have it ladies... the simple tools in my personal styling arsenal. What about you? What do you rely to create cool styles with your hair?
This particular selection of tools allows me pull off any style I can think of before heading out the door. And it ensures, at the very least, that I never have a bad hair day. (You can check out the YouTube version of this post here.)
PREPPING
A spray bottle is key to keeping hair hydrated while styling. Filled with water or the right mixture of products (mine has water and Giovanni Direct leave-in), the spray bottle becomes a KEY aid in styling hair. It's better than using most commercial styling sprays, because they can dry quickly and leave flakes or build-up on the hair. Moistening hair with your own personalized mixture of water and conditioner will make it easier to detangle, braid and style.COMBING/PARTING/DETANGLING
A wide-toothed comb detangles hair, making it easier to braid, cornrow or flat-twist for a style. Start at the ends of the hair and work your way up when combing.
The tail on the end of a rat-tail comb is useful for making parts without tangling the hair. I DO NOT use the rat-tail comb for any reason other than parting. My hair will cry out in anguish if I try.
GATHERING
Skinny headbands are one of the most versatile tools to have. You can do puffs, ponytails and updos -- all with a simple band. Use them as they are to simply pull hair off the face, or double one up to form puffs and ponytails. It's insanely easier than trying to bobby-pin an entire head of hair into place. But don't count out pins just yet...SECURING
Bobby pins are key in allowing you to add detail to your style.
Small bobby pins hold small sections of hair in place. If you want to hold down an individual braid or secure a flat-twist, these are indispensible.
I've never used a roller pins to pin down rollers, but I have an arsenal of them to pin down my hair. They secure medium to large sections of hair.
Curved wrap pins are the unsung heroes of the hair pin world -- they're larger than bobby and roller pins and are capable of holding a lot of hair in place. They're particularly effective on thick and textured hair. Criss-cross two of these (or two of any kind of pins) for secure holding power.So there you have it ladies... the simple tools in my personal styling arsenal. What about you? What do you rely to create cool styles with your hair?
Monday, July 13, 2009
Work It.
Another fly hair style, as seen on AmberMag.com.
I'm in love with this, especially since I was planning to try a similar style this week. The rhinestone barrette just sets it off.
What do you think? How would you put your spin on this style?
I'm in love with this, especially since I was planning to try a similar style this week. The rhinestone barrette just sets it off.
What do you think? How would you put your spin on this style?
Message in the Music: History
Jamie Foxx said it at the BET Awards:
"Did we miss it? Did I miss something?"
He was talking about grief many of us felt when Michael Jackson passed away last month. Not only were we stricken by his sudden death, but we were also hit with guilt, feeling we missed an opportunity to really appreciate MJ's musical genius while he was still on this earth.
That's why it was hard for a lot of people (at least me) to listen to his music after news broke. How did I not notice how great this was? How did I miss the message he was trying to send? Some of us are still feeling it.
Two weeks later, my sadness has been replaced comfort and contentment. Through all his troubles, Michael was able to speak to the world, leave an incredible musical legacy and still smile through it all. (That smile, y'all, I tell ya...) And as I've been "digging through the crates," so to speak, I've discovered a lot of messages that I overlooked in my 26 years of listening to Jackson music.
So now I share them here with you guys. Even if you weren't a Jackson fan, there is always something can be garnered from the lyrics. Enjoy. :-)
He got kicked in the back
He say that he needed that
He hot willed in the face
Keep daring to motivate
He say one day you will see
His place in world history
He dares to be recognized
The fires deep in his eyes....
Don't let no one get you down
Keep movin' on higher ground
Keep flying until
You are the king of the hill
No force of nature can break
Your will to self motivate
She say this face that you see
Is destined for history....
Every day create your history
Every path you take you're leaving your legacy
Every soldier dies in his glory
Every legend tells of conquest and liberty
Every day create your history
Every page you turn you're writing your legacy
Every hero dreams of chivalry
Every child should sing together in harmony
History - Michael Jackson
"Did we miss it? Did I miss something?"
He was talking about grief many of us felt when Michael Jackson passed away last month. Not only were we stricken by his sudden death, but we were also hit with guilt, feeling we missed an opportunity to really appreciate MJ's musical genius while he was still on this earth.
That's why it was hard for a lot of people (at least me) to listen to his music after news broke. How did I not notice how great this was? How did I miss the message he was trying to send? Some of us are still feeling it.
Two weeks later, my sadness has been replaced comfort and contentment. Through all his troubles, Michael was able to speak to the world, leave an incredible musical legacy and still smile through it all. (That smile, y'all, I tell ya...) And as I've been "digging through the crates," so to speak, I've discovered a lot of messages that I overlooked in my 26 years of listening to Jackson music.
So now I share them here with you guys. Even if you weren't a Jackson fan, there is always something can be garnered from the lyrics. Enjoy. :-)
He got kicked in the back
He say that he needed that
He hot willed in the face
Keep daring to motivate
He say one day you will see
His place in world history
He dares to be recognized
The fires deep in his eyes....
Don't let no one get you down
Keep movin' on higher ground
Keep flying until
You are the king of the hill
No force of nature can break
Your will to self motivate
She say this face that you see
Is destined for history....
Every day create your history
Every path you take you're leaving your legacy
Every soldier dies in his glory
Every legend tells of conquest and liberty
Every day create your history
Every page you turn you're writing your legacy
Every hero dreams of chivalry
Every child should sing together in harmony
History - Michael Jackson
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Smile...
Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by...
If you smile
With your fear and sorrow
Smile, and maybe tomorrow
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just...
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still worthwile
If you just...
Smile, even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by...
If you smile
With your fear and sorrow
Smile, and maybe tomorrow
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just...
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still worthwile
If you just...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Star Style: Teyana Taylor's White Party Look
Teyana Taylor rocked this look at Diddy's annual White Party. It's kind of fauxhawk-ponytail hybrid, and it's hot.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Highly Textured Featured on Texture Playground
Hey friends!
Cool news... I've been featured on one of my favorite natural blogs, Texture Playground. Fleurzty was kind enough to have me answer a few questions about blogging for her "Who's Who?" series. Check it out by clicking here.
And thanks, Fleurzty! :-)
Cool news... I've been featured on one of my favorite natural blogs, Texture Playground. Fleurzty was kind enough to have me answer a few questions about blogging for her "Who's Who?" series. Check it out by clicking here.
And thanks, Fleurzty! :-)
Friday, July 3, 2009
I Say It's My Birthday...!
I'm celebrating my 26th today, YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!
It's only 11 a.m., and I've already gotten a cake, a singing card, a dancing e-card, a bouquet of sunflowers and a huge brownie in the shape of a "V." (Thanks, friends, co-workers and roomies!) Oh, and also a text message from my brother saying "Happy 52nd"... hardy har har.
Each time I celebrate a birthday, I like to celebrate life itself, because it's so fleeting and such a blessing. Last year, I lost a dear friend the day before my 25th. This year, I lost one of my personal icons a week before my 26th. So I say to you, friends and readers, never take your days on this earth for granted. Every day with sunshine is another day to celebrate.
And now, for some b-day body-shaking... :o)
Shake Your Body - The Jacksons
It's only 11 a.m., and I've already gotten a cake, a singing card, a dancing e-card, a bouquet of sunflowers and a huge brownie in the shape of a "V." (Thanks, friends, co-workers and roomies!) Oh, and also a text message from my brother saying "Happy 52nd"... hardy har har.
Each time I celebrate a birthday, I like to celebrate life itself, because it's so fleeting and such a blessing. Last year, I lost a dear friend the day before my 25th. This year, I lost one of my personal icons a week before my 26th. So I say to you, friends and readers, never take your days on this earth for granted. Every day with sunshine is another day to celebrate.
And now, for some b-day body-shaking... :o)
Shake Your Body - The Jacksons
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Back Again... With Happy Lips :-)
Hey chicas,
I know it's been a minute, but this past week has truly been a sad one, with the passing of someone that was so important in all of our lives -- especially mine. But I'm back now, with "Off The Wall" in constant rotation in my iPod, smiling and happy again. Peace is a wonderful thing.
Anywhoo, I needed to tell you about a little gem of a find I picked up in Target the other day. My lips have been EXTREMELY DRY since I misplaced my pot of Neutrogena Honey Rescue Lip Balm. I mean, just dreadful. But when I went to pick up a replacement pot, I found out -- my precious Honey Rescue is discontinued.
How.
DARE.
THEY?!!
Are you serious?! My world has been turned topsy-turvy and worst of all, my LIPS ARE DRY! It's unacceptable. Simply unacceptable.
Luckily, a little fairy whispered in my ear and made me pick up Milani's tiny $4 tube of Crystal Gloss for Lips. And finally, my kisser is returning to normal. It doesn't give the same intense nourishment of Honey Rescue (which forever will be the prototype), but it gives better moisture than most other glosses that just sit on top of the lips, even if they're cracked. (Don't you hate that? It's so gross.)
I picked up a tube in Whisper, and it gives my lips a great, baby pink shine without looking washed out. There are a bunch of other shades, and I've read that "Serendipity" is supposed to be a decent dupe for MAC's "Oh Baby."
What about you? Have you found any replacements for discontinued favorites?
I know it's been a minute, but this past week has truly been a sad one, with the passing of someone that was so important in all of our lives -- especially mine. But I'm back now, with "Off The Wall" in constant rotation in my iPod, smiling and happy again. Peace is a wonderful thing.
Anywhoo, I needed to tell you about a little gem of a find I picked up in Target the other day. My lips have been EXTREMELY DRY since I misplaced my pot of Neutrogena Honey Rescue Lip Balm. I mean, just dreadful. But when I went to pick up a replacement pot, I found out -- my precious Honey Rescue is discontinued.
How.
DARE.
THEY?!!
Are you serious?! My world has been turned topsy-turvy and worst of all, my LIPS ARE DRY! It's unacceptable. Simply unacceptable.
Luckily, a little fairy whispered in my ear and made me pick up Milani's tiny $4 tube of Crystal Gloss for Lips. And finally, my kisser is returning to normal. It doesn't give the same intense nourishment of Honey Rescue (which forever will be the prototype), but it gives better moisture than most other glosses that just sit on top of the lips, even if they're cracked. (Don't you hate that? It's so gross.)I picked up a tube in Whisper, and it gives my lips a great, baby pink shine without looking washed out. There are a bunch of other shades, and I've read that "Serendipity" is supposed to be a decent dupe for MAC's "Oh Baby."
What about you? Have you found any replacements for discontinued favorites?
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