If the above question comes to mind you may really need to ask yourself, how much do I really love my hair? Heat protectant does exactly as its name suggests by protecting strands from heat emitted from heat styling tools such as blow dryers, curlers as well as flat irons. Many ladies feel that skipping the process of applying a heat protectant is okay because of the long held thought that black hair is coarser than other textures; therefore, there is no need use one.
However, is that really wise thinking when it comes to haircare? Just because out of all the textures found throughout the world black hair seems to be the “toughest” this does not mean our hair is super-powered to withstand any damage. Black hair is susceptible and vulnerable to damage if not properly protected.
So then, in order to avoid heat styling damage that occurs when hair is exposed to heat always apply a heat protectant product. Not only do these products give protection, but they also optimize the performance of your heat styling tools! This means faster styling that is safe and will not affect the health of your hair.
Hair Quickie: The songs Burn Baby Burn or Hot In Herre shouldn’t come to mind when its time to dry your locks. A major cause of blow dryer hair damage is simply because many women dry their while it is too wet. Straight out the shower or sink hair needs to go from sopping wet to more manageable if damage control is what you are after. Therefore, how dry should tresses be before you whip out the dryer to do battle?
Hair should be around 60 percent dry before going in with a heated styling tool. Super wet hair takes longer to dry and prolonged exposure to heat ups the chances of damage likely occurring. Always protect strands by aiming to absorb as much moisture as possible with soft towel (cotton t-shirt if available) and by applying a heat protectant product.
The Mielle Organics mission to Empower, Excite and Educate was woven through the event. Africa Miranda engaged the crowd with social media trivia and giveaways and Sister Scientist presented a segment describing how chemicals affect African American hair and the importance of the ‘LCO’ method (liquid, cream, oil) to retain moisture and length. Smith, who made a grand entrance created a fan and media frenzy taking pictures and greeting several of the guests.
Mielle Organics Founder & CEO Monique Rodriguez and Yandy Smith.
Smith attended the event with her daughter Skylar and husband Mendeeces and spoke to the audience describing her natural hair journey including battles with chemical relaxers and hair dyes. Showing off her natural hair free of extensions, Smith encouraged the guest to ‘Take the Challenge’ with Mielle Organics by committing to using natural hair products and being more conscious of lifestyle choices. Smith also spoke passionately about the importance of supporting women and African American owned business saying, “It’s so empowering for me to do business with and support someone who looks like me”.
Mielle Organics launched the ‘Take the Challenge’ initiative in 2014 and has gained a tremendous following of eager and savvy natural hair product consumers. Since then, the company has grown to being sold in over 217 countries and has amassed over 175,000 customers worldwide. The event concluded with Co-founders Monique and Melvin Rodriguez announcing that Mielle Organics products would be sold in
Mielle Organics (M.O.) is a new all natural and organic hair products line for adults and children. After mere months in the natural hair care industry and achieving over $1.5 Million dollars in sales, Mielle Organics is widely recognized for its results-driven products and excellent customer service.
The company wholeheartedly believes that what is consumed by the body is displayed in outward appearances. They promote natural, organic ingredients, and are proud to exclusively use natural products derived from rooted plant oils and natural herbs. The products are paraben free, no harsh chemicals and no harmful preservatives; everything is made from love and nature and is not tested on animals.
Africa Miranda gives prize to winner of social media contest
From Left to Right: Sister Scientist, Bravo Tv’s Africa Miranda, Monique and Melvin Rodriguez with their daughters, Vh1’s Yandy Smith and Remy V Fab Style Ambassador Chris Curse
Style demos by Remy V Fab Style Ambassador Chris Curse
Sister Scientist describing the importance of LCO method to retain moisture and length.
Natural Hair Bloggers From Left to Right: Donedo, Nae2Curly, Takeya Monique and Michelle Thames
Yandy Smith and daughter Skylar Harris
Thoughts? Talk all things hair with us by dropping us a comment or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Hair Quickie: All hair is not created equal therefore you can not expect a particular hair technique to fit all either. For instance, just like texture black women have varying levels of thickness when it comes to their strands. Women with what is considered “thin” hair have often been told to only condition the ends of their tresses. This being because it was believed that ends tend to be drier thus needing more attention. Moreover, another reason is because the weight of the conditioner was thought to be too heavy and could weigh down the hair.
Nevertheless, the truth is that fine locks are very fragile and need the support of conditioner in order to avoid damage. Water only makes thinner hair more prone to breakage because hair can stretch up to 30% in length. Applying conditioner not just on the ends of strands but at the roots will help add moisture and give limp hair extra strength. If you are still afraid of product weighing your thin hair down too much stick to a light conditioner inside of a thicker cream or formula.
Laura Govan always sets the standard when it comes to rocking a mean haircut. Govan once again does not disappoint in the hair department as she takes short hair up a level…literally. If you are worried about hair diversity when it comes to shorter lengths do not be dismayed from living out your hair dream. Whether long or short there numerous options for when you are feeling a little more creative.
If you follow Laura on Instagram (her profile can found by searching for @lauragovan) you will notice that she keeps her tresses seriously looped off. Moreover, we love pixie and cropped cuts on her because when you have such a beautiful face why hide behind it will loads of hair anyway? In a recent photoshoot lensed by photographer Erick Robinson (he’s on the gram as well as @imerickrobinson) Laura displays her fierce super high pompadour with sides fashioned in gorgeous finger waves.
Her hair is a beautiful mix of vintage as well as modern hair design. As a side note we loved that her couture and makeup were more streamlined so that the focus could radiate off her lovely mane. Therefore, if you are a daring gal who likes to walk on the wild side with elegant flair then this style will suit you to a “T!”
Thoughts? Talk hair with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Lately, on various social media platforms we have been seeing memes portraying what it’s like when #GrowingUpBlack. One childhood memory that comes flooding back into our minds deals with a scarf and a single pink foam roller for our bangs. Oh yes, growing up any black girl can remember learning how to tie up her hair at night. Why was this a necessary step when getting ready for bedtime? It is because our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, you name it recognized that this simple technique could provide protection against hair damage.
Nevertheless, what about if you wear a particular hairstyle such as braids, is it still necessary to perform the tie up at night? Some may make the argument that braids are a protective style in itself so tying them up is not really a needed step at night. However, is this truly the case?
Yes, braids are a protective hairstyle, but without proper care you can still cause hair damage. Always tie up your braids at night in order to protect them from any friction that occurs as the head rests on pillows and bed sheets. Moreover, never use cotton scarves, aim for one that is made with satin, silk or nylon. Cotton scarves have actually been known to pull on extensions or any hair protruding from your braids. Therefore, keep braids looking their best as well as protect strands by wrapping up your hair regardless of the hairstyle.
For thousands of years women have sought to have hair that can be truly deemed as a “crown of glory.” Women have tried natural remedies and have even attempted more unconventional methods in order to lengthen their strands. For instance, in ancient Egypt the fat from hippos, snakes and crocs were applied to the scalp in hopes of encouraging hair growth. Cleopatra is also of said to have recommended an concoction of ground up mice, bear grease and horse teeth.
Now before you go laying mouse traps it should be noted that Cleopatra’s suggestion didn’t work so well and her lover Caesar turned to fashion to hide his receding hairline. You may recall this prominent figure wearing a hair wreath and now you know why.
This just goes to show that hair growth has been an important issue for centuries and women as well as men are willing to try anything to attain length. One method that is used frequently in more modern times is growing out hair by wearing a wig. I personally have used this method and with much success. My hair went from damaged and above my shoulders to healthy as well as to the middle of my back.
My natural hair after I stopped wearing wigs
Growing hair by wearing a wig was successful for me because it allowed my hair to “breathe.” We do some much to our hair via heating tools, rollers, you name it that sometimes it can be beneficial to give your hair a little vacation from all of those contraptions. I have found that by wearing wigs especially if it matches my natural texture, I can reduce the amount of heat used on my hair and encourage it to grow faster. In my experience I have found that the more I just leave my hair alone the more growth I achieve. Therefore, it is no wonder why women have flocked to get braids or sew-ins to grow their hair. Such styles allow locks to grow in a controlled and protected atmosphere.
However, there is one mistake that can completely blow the wig technique that will actually have you losing hair instead of growing it. I know because I made this same error and I would like to help you avoid it. Whatever you do at all cost, DO NOT FORGET to care for your hair underneath your wig.
Now I’m sure you are thinking but Arianne that’s it, that is so simple! Yes, it is but it is something that often goes to the wayside due to the ease and simplicity of wearing a wig. Wearing a wig will have your hair styled and ready to go in minutes or less with you out the door.
For example, for blending reasons I prefer to wear half wigs because I believe it gives you a more natural look since part of your own hair is visible. This also gives you more versatility to change up part position and your hairstyle in general. When I was wearing wigs I would part my hair leaving some out near my crown while pulling the rest back into a bun. I’d then slide on my wig and get on with my day. A process that took five minutes tops even on a bad day.
When I originally grew my hair out I was like a well-trained military general. I was militant about applying leave-in conditioner plus a hair oil every single day. Or I would wet my hair to add moisture then apply my Mane N’ Tail conditioner to keep my strands well-nourished. I would do deep conditioning treatments as well as hot oil treatments and scalp massage. The result? My hair grew several inches in mere months.
The problems came when after I achieved my desired length I became quite laxed in my hair routine. I wasn’t so consistent and eventually my lack of care began to show. I lost literally palmful chunks of my hair and I also experienced my fair share of shedding. My tresses also became dull in appearance with the development of split ends.
Therefore, what is the hair lesson to take away from my hair growth experience? Whether you are wearing extensions or wigs always continue to give proper care to your own natural hair. Moreover, once you achieve your desired length continue to keep up the good hair practices that got you there. As I have learned the hard way, hair journeys are never ending and if you deviate off the right path you can suffer some bad consequences. So then, stay focused because your hair will either reward you or punish you for the way you treat it.
Thoughts? Talk hair by leaving a comment or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Are you the type of hair-lista that loves to live on the edge? Has your hair seen more changes in color than the Care Bears rainbow? If so, you may just be a future candidate for The Undercut.
The Undercut is exactly what it sounds like when it comes to the look and feel of this black hairstyle. An undercut is where the back sections of your head/hairline is cut or buzzed very short. Some daring ladies even choose to the extend the look to include the sides of their head (think Rihanna).
We came across a few undercut styles on Instagram which reignited our love for the style, yet the one featured up top was our absolute favorite. The diagonal design and the purple hair color just sent us to the moon. Below you will find a little more inspiration that may just convince you to give this a look a try!
Hair Tips: Once you get an undercut done the compliments will roll on in, but the maintenance can be a headache without the right products. Hair never stops growing which means your hair is not going to stay looking perfectly cut. In between reshape hair cuts keep hairs slicked down and in place with gel or mousse. This will also help maintain the look until you can blend the hair together if you are over the undercut and growing out your hair.
Thoughts? Make it rain in the comment box below or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
This year hair trends dipped back all the way into the decade that was the nineties. Bantu Knots reemerged as a stylish and high fashion hairstyle that was even spotted coming down a Marc Jacobs catwalk. Nevertheless, time seems to be the killer of most hair fads that find their way into the spotlight. For example, what happened to twisties that were worn at the crown or mini ponytails with most hair hanging down straight (google Aaliyah.)
Since cool hair seems to come and go it is quite the feat when one hairstyle seems to stand the test of time. When it comes to Bantu Knots numerous celebrities have worn this modern hairstyle and we would like to briefly pay homage. Here are 8 black celebrities who all prove why Bantu Knots are still the bomb.
Lauryn Hill
Rihanna
Mel B. aka formerly Scary Spice
Halle Berry
Jada Pinkett Smith
Janet Jackson
FKA Twigs
The late Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes
Bonus: When Solange Knowles took over as the Art Director for sneaker brand Puma this was the ad campaign designed for the Wild Wonder Puma Collection. Notice anything?
Thoughts? Talk hair with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
No, these are not mini-buns as some have began to refer to this hairstyle. What is shown in the various photos within this post is a natural black hairstyle that is known as Bantu Knots. How can you recreate this style and why might you want to wear it?
Let’s start with the latter portion of the above question first. Here is a quick stat that is proving that black women want to show off the true beauty of their locks. Sales for perms and relaxers are drastically declining as more and more women opt for healthier hair options. Chemicals used in those harmful relaxers have led to burns, unhealthy scalps and hair loss that for some have resulted in baldness.
Since more women are jumping on the natural bandwagon this means more natural hairstyles need to come to the fore. Bantu Knots are perfect for fun, causal outings and can even help you achieve a cute curl pattern without using heat by performing a twist out. Less heat can mean less damage for your precious tresses.
You may start off like this…
But end like this…
Or this.
Moreover, when styling this hairstyle you will be adding moisturizer/oils which will help give your hair the much needed hydration it needs. Black hair tends to be dry so it is essential to add moisture to your locks often. Doing so will encourage healthy hair growth and stronger hair.
Therefore, how can one design Bantu Knots? Now, for anyone girl who has ever attempted this hairstyle there is a trick to it. Watch the following video to see in real time how to get the Bantu Knot style easily and simply!
See it is not too bad right? Well, that is why even our little divas can use this style to their cute advantage too! This next video demonstrates how to create Bantu Knots using the double strand twist method. It is shown on a tiny cutie pie but really even us older gals can use this same technique.
That’s all she wrote! Have fun creating those mini-buns, oh we mean Bantu Knots (wink, wink)!
Thoughts? Talk hair with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
