Why the TSA maybe searching your hair

So, I saw this video on FaceBook and it made me wonder about why people have been getting their hair searched when going through TSA. This video confirms why they are looking through our hair. Yes, it is intrusive, but it is also for our safety. I will be traveling overseas in 2012 and I'm already mentally preparing myself for having my hair searched.....

I feel so bad for the girl in this video because she probably was forced to do this! She looks scared and confused. I would be crying and angry with those men all in my hair like that. 

Barbie has a fro!!

I was on theroot.com today one of the few African American websites I browse because of its intelligent content versus other black media outlets that seem to report more about entertainment than real news. Ok rant over that's for another post, but I saw this post about #NaturalHair Barbies!!!

Now growing up I hated Barbie my Aunt Tee would buy them for me as a kid and I would barely look at them. So, now that I've seen this Barbie I actually want to buy one lol! Please check out this post its something kind of awesome! http://www.theroot.com/buzz/barbie-goes-natural-christmas

http://www.theroot.com/buzz/barbie-goes-natural-christmas

Me vs Twist - The Saga of my life

So I twisted my hair and guess what when I took them down my hair went right back to an Afro LOL me & twist don't get along :0( I've tried a lot of different things to get my hair to do the cute twistout look but my hair wants to be a fro lol.

One product that I love for twist and I've blogged about before is Shea Moisture's Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. 

This product can be found in your local Target or Walgreens store, its inexpensive and it really defines your curls when you're twisting it. Yet, my hair still poofs up after its been twisted, maybe one day my hair with work with me and not against me lol

Your Man Does't Like #NaturalHair

So, your man doesn't like your #NaturalHair well watch this video and let this man give you suggestions on how to help your man explain your #NaturalHair Journey

My Crochet Tam

So I called my self crocheting a hat for the first time and it came out really big. I love the hat anyway because I made it. If you are wearing hats this Winter remember to either sew a satin liner in the hat or wear a satin bonnet under your hat.

Sorry

Hey if you have been trying to view my blog, I am sorry for the interruption I was unaware that my blog had been attacked!!! Well, the problem is fixed and I will post up some tips soon

Nappturally Yours,


MoZaic

All Wrapped Up

Its time for fall and winter hair care!! Aren't you excited I know that I am!. I love fall and winter fashion but I dont like winter hair care so much lol!

So, I was thinking what can I do to to start off the fall season before I choose a protective style I want to wear this winter. Well, I decided on a head wrap. Since I'm a loose natural I have to twist put it pony tails or braid my hair before bed because my afro is so much longer and before I put on a head wrap I make sure my hair is in some type of protective style.

You can use whatever piece of fabric or old stretchy skirt you have in your closet. I chose a piece of fabric I bought to make a wrap skirt with. Its roughly about 5 yards and I love the pattern. Now keep in mind Im not a head wrap guru so I don't know how to do the typical Erykah baduish African Queen wrap, but I just do whatever looks good on me.

What are your favorite ways to wrap your hair?

I Love My Fro

Just wanted to post a few pics of my afro. I love it so much!!

Clean Combs & Brushes: How often do you clean your tools

Another part of taking care of your hair requires clean tools. Combs, brushes, rollers, & clips are all tools we may use while styling and maintaining our hair everyday & they require cleaning often to help us achieve the best results.


No one wants to use the brush filled with hair and caked with product on freshly washed hair so chile
PLEASE CLEAN YOUR TOOLS

You should clean your tools that you use the most like brushes, combs & even hair bands when you wash your hair. I clean my brushes, combs and Afro pics every week because that’s how often I wash my hair. I usually start cleaning my tools about 30 minutes before I wash my hair, so I will have a clean comb when I detangle.

How I clean my combs, plastic rollers & brushes

Fill bathroom or kitchen sink with warm to hot water enough to cover the brushes & combs

Pour a cup of ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) in the water to loosen up the oil and product

Let the combs & brushes soak in the water vinegar mixture for about 10 minutes

If the water is cool add more hot water if you want

Pour ¼ cup of castile soap or soap of your choice in the water (You can make it as soapy as you want

I have a little scrub brush for your nails I use to clean the combs & denman brush bristles but an old toothbrush works too.

Other brushes you can let them soak and uses your hands to get any extra buildup off of the bristles

After you have cleaned your tools lay them on a towel to dry & now you can wash your hair!

So My Hair is Making Me Fat!!!

Today I ran across the most funniest article to me that talks about how the Surgeon General says black women can't loose weight because they don't want to mess up their hair. If my hair is whats keeping me from loosing weight Im cutting my hair off today LOL

That claim is bulla and its just pure laziness if people don't work out because of their hair. If someone said that to me I would give them a quick side eye followed by a Girl Boo!

Please read the article found on the Chicago Sun Times website: http://www.suntimes.com/7393166-417/surgeon-general-gets-it-wrong-black-womens-hair-not-to-blame-for-obesity.html

Brahmi & Neem Treatment

Sunday nights are hair love nights for me. I love to wash and condition my hair to prepare for the next week. So, last night I decided to do a Brahmi & Neem powder treatment on my hair. Brahmi and Neem are herbs found in India and are used for Ayurvedic hair care and medicinal purposes.

 Brahmi is a creeping herb and is also known as the water hyssop because of the habitat it loves to grow. Using this herb in your hair will prevent hair loss, premature graying, controls dandruff, promotes growth, Thickens your hair, & strengthens your hairs root. Another benefit of Brahmi that some see as a disadvantage is Brahmi darkens your hair. After using Brahmi people always ask if I dyed my hair jet black, but it’s the Brahmi and not a chemical!

Brahmi

Neem is a part of the evergreen family and its tree can grow as tall as 50ft. Neem is one of nature’s super plants because it has anti-bacterial, fungal, & viral properties. The powder and oil forms of Neem are very beneficial to external & internal health. Neem can be used to treat burns, eczema, ring worm & rashes. If used on the hair it will help control dandruff and eczema. Taken internally Neem will help purify the body and rid it of parasites and worms ewwww! Herbs like Neem are bitter so if you do take this for cleansing purposes you may want to take it in a capsule or put it in a shake to hide the taste.

Neem

Ok enough education now on to how to apply this treatment


Things you will need:


1 old plastic container (small-medium butter/margarine tub)


1 Plastic shower cap


1 package of Brahmi Powder


1 package of Neem powder


1 spoon


Relaxer Application brush


Gloves


Optional Items


Essential Oils for smell


Carrier oil of choice


Gloves


FYI: Your hair should be sectioned into 4 sections for easy application


If you have TWA to medium sized from like mine you can use about half a package of powder and since we are using 2 powders you want to use & estimate 1/3 of each powder into the bowl

For long hair you will have to use 1 whole package so you will use half brahmi and half neem using a medium sized bowl


Once the powder is in the bowl you want to put water in to make the mixture I use warm water so it won’t be cold on my scalp. I’ve never measured the amount of water I’ve used. Just start slow until you reach the consistency of slightly thick cake batter.

***Oils: If you choose to use oil use a lighter oil and only use a tablespoon you don’t want it to be greasy.


***Essential Oils: You can add oils that promote hair growth and stimulate the scalp like Peppermint, Rosemary, Ylang ylang, & cedarwood. Also to make it smell even better add some lemongrass to the mixture a few drops of each will take away the herby smell from the powders.


Ok now you can apply the mixture to your hair by first taking down one of the sections and apply the mix by making parts in the section like applying perm.


After you have done that to all the sections take the remaining mixture and apply to you hair using your hands.


& be careful not to let it sit on the counter tops too long and can stain a lil bit like henna.


Let the mixture sit on your hair with the shower cap for 30-60mins


Rinse the mixture from your hair in the shower only using water at first


Then use your shampoo or natural soap of choice to wash your hair.


Rinse and repeat about 2 or 3 times to make sure it’s all out then you can condition however you want.


Have fun!!!!


This is a pic from the next day I always sleep in pony tails! Excuse the sloppy parts lol I was sleepy!

Getting It Straight The Brazillian Way: Formaldahyde Confirmed in Brazillian Blowout

 Picture Link

The popular treatment to straighten curly & knotty hair has been confirmed by the FDA of having the dangerous chemical formaldehyde as an ingredient. Formaldehyde is mostly known as embalming fluid when preserving bodies for burial. I looked up the MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet for this chemical and I wasn’t surprised at the effects it can have on humans. So, many have the desire for long beautiful straight hair, but how much are you willing to pay for straight hair? Your health? I found the original story here on MSNBC http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44428236#.TmfennONp9A.

So, if you don’t know what formaldehyde is he is a brief intro to this chemical.

Formaldehyde MSDS:  http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924095

Formaldehyde is a flammable, colorless and pungent smelling substance that is used in a variety of ways from preserving dead bodies, making cigarettes, making many materials used to build homes & buildings. This substance is also a known cancer causing agent called a carcinogen and has been linked to several different types of cancer. Cancers like leukemia and lung cancer are common diseases that are associated with exposure to formaldehyde. (Formaldehyde and cancer)

Long term and short term exposure to this chemical can cause a lifetime of ailments. Chronic or extreme effects of this chemical on people include:

• Birth defects
• Reproductive issues
• Skin burns & discoloration
• Irritation to the respiratory tract
• Bronchitis
• Convulsions
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Kidney issues

And the list can go on. So why would someone put this chemical in our hair products or any other products we may handle on a day to day basis? (Formaldehyde material safety)

The reason why cosmetic manufacturers are allowed to use such harsh chemicals is because the cosmetic industry is not regulated by the FDA. Other chemicals just as dangerous as formaldehyde are used in product we use every day, but because it works for us we never bother to question why this chemical are in my products.

We can’t demand safe products until we the people hold the companies accountable for using the dangerous substances that they use. In the black community our hair and skin products are laced with chemicals galore and no one says a thing. When a person does question the integrity of the ingredients in a product amongst peers, the person becomes the adversary and common responses from the sleepers are we’ll all die from something or we’ve been using it all this time and nothing has happen. Yet, the truth is lots of things have happen, but we don’t ever think it’s the products we use.

Formaldehyde used in a hair treatment is very scary to me because the product is placed on your head which comes in contact with your scalp and is then absorbed through your skin that covers blood vessels and veins attached to your brain! When will the black community take responsibility for accepting whatever is handed to us? This is more than a corporate integrity problem this is a communal knowledge problem.

People in the black hair world get all up tight when you mention ingredients you shouldn’t use on your hair and body, but shouldn’t they be rejoicing that someone is warning them about the effects of products they use every day.

How may wake up calls will it take before we take a stand against the use of anything in cosmetics….Today I’m taking a stand, what about you?

References

Formaldehyde material saftey data sheet. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924095

Formaldehyde and cancer risk. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/formaldehyde

Pi Nappa What!! My take on the #NaturalHair sorority

So the latest in #NaturalHair news is about this new Natural Hair Sorority Pi Nappa Kappa. 

Pi Nappa Kappa 

Twitter has been in an uproar about this sorority. There have been people who support it and those who don’t and it seems that the main reason why people don’t like the idea of a sorority is because it seems to only single out naturals and shun people with relaxed hair. I personally think it’s a clever idea but I don’t think it’s necessary. There are many #NaturalHair meetup groups that people have available to join and this sorority in my opinion it just seems like another meet up group but on a larger scale. Maybe some want to feel as if they are a part of some type of organization. 

Another reason why I don’t agree with the whole greek org idea is that the letters Pi Nappa Kappa take away from the actual greek alphabet. Nappa is not letter in the greek alphabet. I believe those who are members of a Greek org within the divine 9 have paid their fair share of dues to wear the letters that they do and it’s almost disrespectful. Maybe I’m looking too deep into this, but this is what I feel at the moment. The sorority does foster some good.

The group is promoting some positive behaviors in their pledge listed here:
1. I am a smart, special, valuable person!
2. I respect myself and I respect others.
3. My words and actions are kind and honest.
4. I will respect the dignity and essential worth of all individuals.
5.I will promote the diversity of opinions, ideas, hairstyles and backgrounds which is the lifeblood of the sorority.
6. I will promote a culture of respect throughout the natural hair community.
7. I will not tolerate bigotry, discrimination, violence, or intimidation of any kind.
8. I will practice personal integrity and expect it from others.
9. I will always be proud of my natural born hair.
10. I accept only my best in all I do.
I am PROUD to be ME!

Since, natural hair has made its comeback there has been a divide between women with relaxed and natural hair. This is another reason some say the sorority needs to be stop, but when you think about it the other natural hair meetup groups need to be shut down as well. A website I follow that is a hub for hair of all types is Hairlista.com. Hairlista has done a very good job with keeping the peace on the site between #NaturalHair extremist & #Relaxer extremist. A lot of people like to keep division between natural and relaxed people but there are those who offer advice to all no matter the hair type. 

Guess Who Bizack

Hey Natural Hair Divas I've been so MIA but I'm about to make a come back!! I'll be posting some products and treatments I love so be on the look out


Nappturally Yours,


MoZaic

The Incomparable Jilly from Phily

I saw this photo of Jill on frolab.com and just had to steal it! She's such an inspiration in music and hair for me!!

The Golden Time of Day

Here is my favorite song by Frankie Beverly and Maze its so inspirational and I could ride in the car for hours with this playing!!!!

A Perm Gone Wrong -

This just goes to show how ignorant we are to how damaging relaxers can be to our scalps! Thank God I'm Natural now no more torture.

DIY- Moisturizing Avocado Conditioner

Hey Divas,

I was in a hair mood last night and decided to deep condition my hair. So, I went to the kitchen and pulled out an Avocado so I can do something a little different. Avocado's are very moisturizing and contain lots of fatty acids which are good for you to eat. In order to get the full benefits of the EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids), minerals and vitamins of this super fruit you must eat it! Vitamins and minerals are absorbed in our bodies through the consumption of the things we eat and take. Rubbing an avocado on your skin will not help you absorb the protein or vitamin A that is found in Avocados.

So, I know your saying yeah yeah chick get to the recipe lol Well, here is what i used, you can adjust the oils in the recipe to accommodate what you have at home already. Enjoy this wonderful conditioner!!

Ingredients & Tools:

1 small mixing bowl

Hand mixer

1 plastic shower cap or plastic grocery bag

1 avocado half

2 tablespoons of Coconut Oil

2 tablespoons of Grapeseed Oil

1 tablespoon of Amla oil or JBCO (these oils are heavier & don't require a lot)

The first thing you want to do is cut and peel the avocado. If you don't know how to cut or peel an avocado here is a link to Simply Recipes that will show you the best way to peel it. You will only use 1 half of the Avocado.

After peeling the half you will use for your hair place the meat of the fruit into the mixing bowl along with your oils. Start mashing the avocado with a fork or potato masher, this makes it easier to mix up without splashing green oily goo every where. Start mixing on the lowest setting on your hand mixer until you the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

When your mixture is smooth and creamy apply it to your hair and put your plastic cap on.Leave the mixture on for about 30-60mins for best results, wash it out and style your hair as normal. Remember to seal your natural or relaxed hair with an oil to lock in the moisture.

The other half of the avocado.... What should you do with it!

Cut and peel it from the skin place it in a bowl with some red onion, tomato, cilantro (if you have it), a little salt & pepper mash it up real quick grab a bag of tortillas and enjoy a snack while your hair is conditioning!

Pray for Japan

The Tangle Teezer

Hey Divas,

All I can say about this brush is OMG! I have never had it so easy to un-tangle my hair before!! It took me to call 5 different Sally's Beauty Supply stores to find it, but it was well worth the search. This brush beats the Denman brush by far I don't even want to use my Denman anymore!!

I used the Tangle Teezer on freshly washed hair conditioned with Kinky Kurly's Knot Today leave in. I didn't part my fro in sections I just started brushing the ends working my way towards the scalp. After I successfully brush my whole head I ran my wide tooth comb through it only to find that I had no tangles!! I do prefer it on wet hair than dry hair though. If you have a child who is tender headed the Tangle Teezer is the tool for you. The bristles are soft and the brush contours to the shape of your hand, making it very easy to handle.

The picture below shows the amount of hair that was in the brush after detangling my hair today.

Please do your hair a favor and buy the Tangle Teezer today on http://www.sallybeauty.com/

The Perfect Headband

Hey Ladies,

I found the perfect headband!!! I hate buying a band for a puff and it's so tight my thoughts are cut off! I was in a rush at Walgreen's and needed a band. The ones I usually buy would have been too tight and I didn't have time to stretch them the way I wanted to.

So, I bought the Goody Fit Adjust & Lock headband and its the best thing I've purchased. Pictured below, its very easy to adjust to the size of your head and comfort level. They were a lil expensive I paid like $5.00 for 2 of them but I believe with proper care they will last a long time.

Goody's Website



So, the next time you're out shopping make sure you pick up this band it's well worth the $5.00 I spent. You can find this product at Walgreen's, Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Publix, & Krogers!

I was going to add a picture of me wearing the band but my camera on my phone wants to act a donkey so I'll post it later when I'm home :0)

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar is great for your hair. No matter if you’re natural or relaxed Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV will work for you. I use ACV in my hair when I’ve used products that cause build up in my hair or if dandruff is getting out of control due to my Seborrheic Dermatitis. Our hair is acidic and a lot of the products that we use are alkaline, so we must neutralize the PH of our hair and remove any product build up we’ve accumulated. Our hair has a PH of about 4.5-5.5 and ACV has a 2.9 PH
level. Using AVC will diminish dandruff and flaking by basically dissolving the yeast from the drandruff away.

Some people worry about the smell of ACV, but don’t worry it will completely go away after your hair dries.

When using ACV I find it easier to put it in a spray bottle or a dye applicator with a pointed tip, like the one below. I find these applicators useful oiling my scalp as well and you can find them at a local beauty supply store.

Using ACV once a week will help fight dandruff and remove all the products we add to our hair. You can make your own custom ACV rinses by adding essential oils to your ACV

So, give ACV a try you’ll be glad you did!

Shea Addiktion Bath & Body - Coming Soon

Hey Ladies!!

Its been a minute since Ive posted I've been working on my business plus Im back in school full time! Well, Im working on my product line and trying to come up with some scents and staple products I want to sell. I got my logo back and I want to display it and get the opinions of my followers! So check it out below and let me know what you think!!

Me & Raheem DeVaugh

I've had an exciting new year so far besides being sick today! Last night I had the pleasure of meeting 1 of my favorite male singers in the whole world, Mr. Raheem DeVaughn. Here are a few pics from last night!