Betty Chambers Has Spoken

ESSENCE Ad Network

Hair Care: Weaves
Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Company History

In 1998, L'Oreal (French) purchased Soft Sheen, a company owned and managed by African-Americans, which targeted the "ethnic" hair market. Making the move to dominate this market, L'Oreal followed up with the purchase of Carson, Inc. The resulting brand was SoftSheen-Carson.

Today, weaves are an open secret.

I didn't catch onto weaves until the last few years. I think my ignorance ended with Oprah Winfrey and Beyonce.

I used to think most, if not all, black actresses and singers had the greatest heads of hair in the world. These women were blessed, able to withstand relaxers, heat, and constant abuse that people like me could not. I thought if one was rich, or had the right genetics, they would have hair like the woman in the picture.

Hair Care

Primary beneficiary: the advertisement promotes caring for your weave like real hair.

Secondary beneficiary of this magic potion: the natural / relaxed hair beneath the fake hair.

Yet, black (hair) magazines never provide good hair care advice. There will be articles coupled with this product. I can only see this leading in one direction: baldness.

The advertisement builds on the fantasy that caring for the weave is tantamount to taking care of the real thing. No, it is not. Natural / relaxed hair, and the scalp, require tender loving care. A weave only allows one to neglect them - compounding the problems it hides.

Hot Enough for You?

As of this writing, it is 94 Fahrenheit degrees outside. I'm thinking: could I wear that thick and heavy thing in this heat? No. I'd be scratching my scalp off. My own hair makes me hot enough. Right now I'm sporting bantu knots to stay cool.

I can't blame clever business people. They realize if some black women never want to show their own hair, they can convince them that synthetic material, or human hair, can be treated better.

Alright, then.

Labels: Beyonce, Carson Inc., damaged hair, hair, L'Oreal, natural hair, Oprah Winfrey, relaxed hair, relaxers, Soft Sheen, SoftSheen-Carson, weaves

posted by GoldenAh

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I Would Relax My Hair, But
Tuesday, April 15, 2008

It's been well over a decade since I relaxed my hair and I don't feel like re-learning how to deal with my hair. Whenever I would consider making the change, a multitude of issues come up:

The warning on the box still says eye and scalp injury. I've seen pictures of relaxer scalp injury. It ain't pretty. It's downright sad and scary.
It burns! It burns! In retrospect, it was crazy of me to go through torture just to get straight hair.
I'm cheap. I don't want to spend money on salon visits or a ton of expensive miracle products - just to stop breakage and hope it makes my hair grow.
I like my hair thick. I value my hair line and nape. I don't want to worry about a relaxer causing hair loss in those areas.
I don't want to wait until my scalp heals after getting a relaxer, before I can do anything else to my hair or scalp.
It smells toxic, which is it. It stinks too.
I'm lazy. What may be convenient to others isn't to me. I don't want to follow any complex rules regarding my hair. These rules seem to grow. Here are some that may be required, before heading off to the salon: base the scalp with heavy oils, do not scratch the scalp, deep condition the hair, do not wash the hair, [another rule], etc.
I enjoy my free time. I don't want to visit a salon every 6-8 weeks losing an entire Saturday.
Hair salons employ scissor happy staff. There are hair dressers who don't (wont?) wash the product out completely.
If it is supposed to permanently straighten my hair, then why must I use flat irons or certain techniques to re-straighten it?
Using different relaxers is really tricky. One can love certain products only to have them discontinued. That's cruel - I sense a conspiracy, yo.
I don't know, or care, about the differences between no-lye and lye relaxers. I wouldn't want to risk eye or scalp injury or baldness just to find out which one works.
After losing hair with relaxers, I view it as a gateway product (yeah, like a drug!) to weaves and wigs. If a relaxer was supposedly good for hair, then weaves and wigs would not be necessary. It is just going from bad to worse. (Don't get me wrong, I wear wigs on occasion.)
I am terrified of involuntary baldness. I've read the horror stories. That's too much stress for me.

Outside of these hassles, what is supposed to be the benefit of a relaxer?

Labels: damaged hair, hair, relaxed hair, relaxers

posted by GoldenAh

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I Like Shopping For Hair Products But
Thursday, April 10, 2008

I'm not willing to spend any money on the boutique stuff. There is a great deal of expensive products out there. I notice that companies are really focusing on kinky, curly and dry hair. That's great that they're realizing not everyone has oily straight hair.

Once I see that a bottle of magic hair potion, goes for $12-$24.95 at 6-8 ounces, I go, "No way. It's not happening." Even if the product promised to make hair grow one inch a month, I still wouldn't fork over the money.

That Smell

Why do companies believe that hair (or skin care) products should include so much fragrance?

Not everyone wants to smell like melons, apples, oranges or mangoes. (Love the taste of mangoes, I just don't want to wear them.)

How about a fragrance free sample? Or maybe a separate bottle or packet to add the scent?

I've been mixing my own concoctions lately and the blessing is that I can add the scent(s) later. The raw ingredients I put in are basically odorless. There are a lot of products I do like, but after a while that smell be killing!

Samples and Experimenting

I've found that what works for me are inexpensive products. I started out looking for cheap items, and found I can stay on the natural bandwagon. Reasonably priced products are not out of reach. I reach for generic items as much as brand name products just to check quality.

At times, there is no difference.

I say this, because I see that in some forums women who think of going natural think they need to spend a lot of money. I've even read that being natural is expensive. At first, I find that sentiment hilarious. (Don't mind me I laugh at inappropriate things.)

I think a woman who's going natural has to focus on the specific hair problem and seek an inexpensive remedy:

If it's dry, look for moisture.
If it's sticky from product buildup, search for a clarifying product.
If it's hard to comb, find a detangler. In the case of natural hair, several steps to detangle may be required.

Frankly, I wish companies would sell more items in the sample size. I found Garnier Fructis at Wal-Mart, because of the samples.

Maybe I'll write and ask for a super-rich creamy product - sans the fragrance.

Labels: cheap, expensive, fragrance, Garnier Fructis, hair, natural hair, samples

posted by GoldenAh

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Garnier Fructis
Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Dry Hair

Everyone has different hair requirements. I am a 4a-z with hair that is fine, medium density, kinky, coily, textured, cottony, or nappy. It is rarely hard and never coarse.

Did I mention how fragile and delicate my hair is?

I envy people who can comb, flat iron, and blow dry nearly every day. It's hard keeping my hands out of my hair. At a minimum, I let three days pass before I comb it again.

What I want from a hair product is that it leaves my hair feeling soft, moisturized, and easy to comb. It's amazing how many products do the first two and not the last one!

Research

Periodically, I must switch products.

I read hair boards, searching for conditioners and gels with the best reviews. I evaluate based on hair type. I don't ignore other hair types. I note those with similar problems: dry hair, often brittle, which leads to breakage.

Garnier Fructis Moisture Works Fortifying Cream Conditioner

For now, this product works. I love the smell, and I can comb my hair after I've washed with it.

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream

The first time I used this product it left my hair a sticky, clumpy mess with a lot of white residue. I don't know if I finally figured out how to use it or what, but I love this stuff now.

It is excellent for helping me unravel my twists or plaits. The drier my hair is the tighter it gets. This product makes my hair slide apart wonderfully and easily. There's no snapping plaits apart with this.

Overall, I'm satisfied with Garnier Fructis for now.

Labels: damaged hair, Garnier Fructis, hair, kinky, nappy, natural hair, plaits, two-strand twist

posted by GoldenAh

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Hair Matters: Don't Do it Again
Monday, March 31, 2008

Trying Something New

I went against my own credo to leave my hair alone and stop experimenting. Out of curiosity - because I'm always curious - I decided to try something new: leave conditioner in my hair.

Now, I'm asking myself: Why did I do that?

I did it, because I wanted to see if I could emulate a loose curl, kinda wavy look for my hair that I get when I put in conditioner. I may still seek out a product that does it, but I don't want a sopping wet, heavy mess that feels like a jherri curl.

What I Learned

I've been seeing breakage on the ends I haven't seen in years. It's not as bad as used to be in the past, but any little amount is alarming to me.

So, I will note to myself: never leave conditioner in the hair again. Sometimes one can overdo it and I have to keep it simple. My hair doesn't want more of anything, it requires less.

Wet Two-Stand Twists

Recently, I've discovered that I can't twist my hair while it's damp anymore. That used to be the fastest way for me to take care of my hair. I'm not big on detangling, or combing hair. I don't see the point. I don't trim my hair either, unless there's a knot I can't undo.

My hair knots up in twists so bad, I can't open the twists without cutting the ends or snapping the hair apart. It's horrible. I don't know why. It doesn't matter what I put in my hair. I just know I can't twist or braid it while damp. I have to wait for it to dry.

That sucks.

At a current length of being an inch or so from bra-strap, or between shoulder blades, my styling options are being challenged. I have to stick with big plaits, but not too big. At the moment, eight plaits work.

The oil of choice, right now, is castor oil. But since I can't wet my hair at the moment unless I'm going to wash it, this is the product that softens my hair.

Maybe it's the weather and come the Spring / Summer the dryness and tightness will go away.

Labels: castor oil, hair, kinky, nappy, natural hair, two-strand twist

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Hair Dryers: I Own Three
Sunday, March 2, 2008

The Bonnet

I believe in going easy on my hair by not manipulating it too much. I might comb it weekly, biweekly, or more. However, I don't ascribe to the belief that naturals should walk around with a damp or wet head. Perhaps if I lived in a hot climate, instead of the northeast, I would consider that option.

I use the bonnet dryer after I wash my hair, which is almost weekly. I keep the setting on medium heat setting, never high. My ears hurt on high heat. I stay under the bonnet for 10-20 minutes.

I have to use a hair dryer after I wash my hair. It prevents my third day headache and head cold. I envy people who can wash and go. I cannot. I get sick walking around with a wet head.

Hand Held Dryer

The next dryer I have is the common hand held type by Revlon. I bought it because it was one of those new ionic which dries quickly, without static, and keeps my hair soft. I always use it on the lowest setting.

I pull my hair taunt with a concentrator when I use this. It doesn't get it straight, but provides a nice stretch. Even after I use this dryer, which is rather infrequent, I still sit under the bonnet for 15 minutes. I don't take any chances.

The Hand Held Straightener

Last, but not least, is my newest acquisition: Infiniti by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Wet Dry Straightening Hot Air Styler. Repeat that three times real fast. (Who comes up with the stupid names for these things?)

I'm loving it, which means I cannot use it too often. Bad girl that I am, I used high heat to get it straight (stretched). I was in a hurry, next time I'll stick to medium heat.

Hair Types

For my hair type, this is almost as good as a flat iron (I have one of those too). The Hot Air Styler has four tension settings. My hair is very delicate. I kept it at one - the loosest.

One thing I notice about some products is that the manufacturer gives straight hair the lowest, most gentle settings, and advises thick, very curly, sometimes even fine, hair to use the highest settings. I think that's why there's often damage to nappy, kinky, cnapp, coily, and curly hair.

Nappy, curly, and kinky is not the same as strong, coarse, hard, unmanageable, or problem hair. People have to start with the lower settings, be gentle and stay with it for a while before moving onto a higher or stronger option.

I accept, for myself, that certain kinds of hair should not be straightened (often) if the only way is to damage it. If hair wont go back to its curly or kinky state it is damaged. Lots of split ends are a sign as well.

Protection

I deep condition and apply setting lotion to my hair before using the Hot Air Styler. I was extremely pleased with the results. My hair came out fabulous. It felt soft and rather silky. However, it didn't last long, because I have a hot head. Plus, I don't know how to keep a style past day one.

I am so tempted to use this every time I wash my hair, but I must not!

Labels: damaged hair, hair, hair dryers, nappy, natural hair

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Hair Again - The Vanity Check
Monday, February 4, 2008

I lurk on a number of hair boards. I'm surprised that there's still a debate over hair types. Let me be specific: some black women (almost monthly) often wonder whether 100% African Americans (black parents and grand parents, allowing for multi-ethnic, multi-racial great-grandparents) can grow hair past their shoulders. My hair type might be what they seek: nappy, cnapps, 4 a-b-c-z, cotton-like, fine, medium, and completely uncombable. Combs are so overrated. (snicker)

There's quite a demand for proof of long hair. A good search into

fotki could provide these ladies with the answers they seek. I'm constantly impressed by the variety of natural hair styles I see. I wish I was as creative. I can't create clean and precise parts for nothing. The pictures are of unraveled bantu knots (aloe vera and castor oil) before I condition wash.

I don't post responses; this blog isn't a response to those requests. I never doubted that black women can grow long hair - almost every girl I knew during my childhood had long hair.

I was one of the bald ones. It bothered me sometimes. I was certain that it was genetics since my aunts weren't long haired. I only knew what one of my grandmothers looked like. Her hair was shoulder length, so my expectations weren't high. As I got older I figured that this dry and cold climate was my enemy. I was always making plans to live in the South. All the women down there seem to have very long hair.

However, over the past few years, I've finally figured out what worked: moisture and leaving it alone. Duh.

Labels: bantu knots, black women, hair, nappy, natural hair

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Hair at End of Year: Did I Make Progress?
Saturday, December 15, 2007

I suppose these are pictures of progress. I don't see much of it.

I blow dry to get a little stretch. That's the case in all of the pictures. Going by the rule of half an inch a month, I thought that by December I'd gain at least 4 inches.

Well, if I did, I don't see it. However, it's not that serious with me. (Liar!) Taking care of my hair for health and length is a hobby. Some people body build, I hair build.

As for the weight, I'm running in place. I don't like getting my head wet during this season.

Stinky Sinuses

I just got over a head cold that wouldn't quit, or was it a sinus infection? It was one of those cases where everything smelled funky; my breath was foul most of the time. Not a fun problem to have.

I saw a doctor: You know what they like to do? Have me take two antibiotics plus another drug for the next two weeks, and pretend that's a remedy. Turns out that castor or coconut oil in the scalp is better.

Hair Recipe

I've been experimenting with a new hair concoction:
• shea butter (the gritty stuff),
• aloe vera or curl activator,
• castor oil,
• carrot creme,
• and a few drops of ylang ylang.
• Stir and saturate hair.

Does it make a difference? I use castor oil for the winter. It makes my knotty hair so smooth I can run a fine tooth comb and brush through it - while damp - like it is straight. Wow! And I'm the Queen of Knotty Strands.

I want my hair longer. I'm not satisfied. I'll stop having issues with it when it reaches my elbow, bra-strap, or I get bored. Whichever comes first.

Labels: castor oil, hair, nappy, natural hair

posted by GoldenAh

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Personal Goals: Starting All Over Again
Tuesday, October 2, 2007

I'm resetting the clock on my goals. I try to carry them out roughly every 3 or 6 months at a time. I don't wait to make a New Year's Eve resolution, I do this all the time.

Success?
Have I succeeded? In some areas, I've made progress. It is easier to change the external with regards to weight, hair length, skin, etc. than the internal.

My hair is still heading in a nice direction. I'm cutting off an inch, or more, at the end of October. On the full moon? Perhaps. It's knotty at the ends, and I want to get the comb through it easier.

Next Goal:
I want to lose another 10-15 lbs. I won't aim higher, because it takes a very long time for me to lose even a pound. I lose roughly 2-4 lbs a month, if I don't slack off.

As for my hair, my goal is for it to reach 3-6 inches past the armpit. If I can wear it 2-4 inches past the shoulders, even with shrinkage, I'll be pleased.

The 2 Most Difficult Goals
These long standing goals relate to dealing with people. I'm the introverted, shy, retiring, quiet type. Everything that I read, hear, and know about achieving these last 2 goals cannot be achieved without constant and continuous contact with people.

The Introvert's Dilemma
These are very rough tasks to ask of an Introvert. It's been a struggle all my life, and I have to continue to deal with it. There are so many things I could have accomplished by now if it wasn't for my Introversion.

It's like going through life covered in several suffocating veils. I spend half my time trying to yank these things off, while trying not to enjoy the cover, solitude, and isolation they provide.

No Time to Waste
It's very very important for me to achieve these last 2 goals. To be frank, these are life changing and necessary.

So, from now until the end of the year, or the beginning of the new year, I've got major goals to continue carrying out.

Labels: goals, hair, personal goals, skin, starting over, weight

posted by GoldenAh

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Vanity Check: Hair and Body
Monday, September 3, 2007

When one is as vain (sometimes) as I am, I like to periodically do the head and body check.

Finally, lost another inch, down to 39-30-39. I was able to squeeze into a pair of Levi's size 12 (super stretcher!). Counting from my highest weight (almost two years ago), I've lost 40 lbs.

Oh the vanity! My hair is finally (sorta) armpit length - if you pull hard enough! Well, if I flat ironed (I'm tempted) it would be armpit length. But my hair is soooo delicate, any heat and there would be immediate breakage. That's just the way it is. So most of the time I keep it twisted, bundled up, or under wraps.

The hard part begins when it gets cooler, I get really really hungry. All the cold foods and drinks I had for the summer, I cannot tolerate even in late late summer.

Gotta find warm filling foods that are still low in calories. Boy, that's gonna be fun, especially during the coming get fat holidays.

Labor Day is a funny concept. It's celebrated by people not working. Just thought I'd toss that lame joke in here.

Heads up: the political season officially begins, I might start writing about it.

Labels: breakfast, hair, health, weight, weight loss

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Hair Confession: Nappy Head Check vs Relaxed
Thursday, August 16, 2007

I do not believe that black women who do not relax / perm their hair are more politically or socially aware, or even nicer / friendlier than those who do. Nope.

People are complex, complicated beings. A hair style doesn't tell me anything about them.

I think a number of people do make interesting assumptions. Think of the evening news after a mass murder has been committed.

What do the people usually say? "But he was such a nice, normal guy." My favorite is, "That doesn't happen in this kind of neighborhood." I always want to slap the person who utters that kind of nonsense. They are so caught up in their idea of specialness. Anything can happen in any neighborhood. Sheesh.

I do, however, make assumptions with regards to relaxed versus natural hair styles. My thoughts relate to health and normalcy.

I read my share of magazines, and the first thing I do is seek out pictures of black women. I'm always curious as to how the media is portraying us lately.

I'm moderately pleased to see that natural hair is quite popular. The hair styles range from nappy kinky coily curls in Afros to twist outs big or small. All of which I regard as normal.

Yeah, I said it, normal. My internal programming says that a black woman with a natural hair style is normal. Whenever I see relaxed hair, I regard it as abnormal. I'll explain why.

A relaxed hair style makes me think: Wow, I hope she's okay.

I know that may be out of the norm thinking. In fact, a hair study shows that relaxers don't make black women sick. In an age where coffee is good for you one day and bad the next, I'll take that report with a truckload of salt.

This report comes about because researchers have found that a particularly aggressive breast cancer targets black women more than white women.

I'm not making any assertions that relaxers cause breast cancer in black women.

I automatically think there is a connection: I can't help myself.

To recap my hair fixation, if I see a natural hair style I think: she looks normal. If I see a relaxed hair style, in the back of my mind, I'm hoping that the woman lives a long and productive life.

Labels: breast cancer, hair, health, kinky, nappy, natural hair, relaxed hair

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Hair Day: Aloe Vera
Wednesday, July 11, 2007

I've recently switched to using aloe vera (no alcohol) in my hair. I was using castor oil grease and olive oil creme, but the stuff exacerbates my acne. I fight acne daily. It's a battle between having clear skin and long hair.

Repeating myself: I wash my hair with conditioners mostly. I use Creme of Nature and / or Suave. I'm lazy. Like I do every time, I wash my hair while in twists. I treat my hair like it is dread locs.

I wrap my head in a towel to remove the wetness. While damp I take each twist, open, and apply a very generous amount of aloe vera. I comb my hair with my fingers to remove shed hair, unless it is the back of my neck and hairline. In those areas, I use a comb, sometimes a small tooth one. I wouldn't recommend it for everyone. The hair in the back of my head is fine / smooth / soft enough for a small tooth comb.

I even put aloe vera on my face after doing my skin scrub / cleanse routine.

The picture above is the hair style I've been wearing since I washed my hair. I sleep with the comb in my hair.

My goal is to wash and wear my hair. I try to leave it alone until the next time I need to wash it. Since I work out daily, that's about every 3-5 days.

My verdict: aloe vera is better than the greasy stuff. So far the hair is still soft and supple. As long as there is no breakage, I'll continue to use it.

Labels: aloe vera, castor oil, creme of nature, dred locs, hair, olive oil

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Another Milestone
Wednesday, June 13, 2007

There are two small differences between the two photos:

I look taller in the bottom (most recent) and my hair is probably an inch longer.

How to tell? Well, it was a struggle to take the first photo. My head is tilting backwards and reaching that twist was a real strain. I made several attempts to hold onto it.

The latest photo (bottom) was an easy reach and my head is level. My Mom was seated when she took it, that's why I look taller.

I can't braid hair to save my life, so my Mom did it for me. She does a terrific job and I plan on keeping them in for a few weeks (if possible).

The real important difference - to me - is the weight loss since April. It's roughly 10 lbs. and I think the difference is noticable. Plus my waist size went from 36 inches to 32 inches.

I know I said I wouldn't mention it until July 2007, but I found the most recent picture to be a nice sign of progress.

Labels: hair, plaits, weight, weight loss

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Hair Day
Saturday, May 19, 2007

And the purpose of these photos are?

It was a bright, lovely day, I was shopping (one of my pastimes), and I decided to take some shots of my hair.

My Mom said my hair looked "shiny". I certainly had enough olive oil in it to cook a meal...

Due to the sunlight and the camera, I look lighter than I actually am. I'm a shade or two darker than this. Boy, is it hard not to frown in the sunlight.

And the hair style? Two strand twists. Frankly, I comb my hair as little as possible. I sleep in a style for a few weeks (!). I wash it weekly and maybe refresh a twist or two (especially the nape area).

Otherwise, it is wake and go hair!

Labels: camera, hair, shopping, sunny day, two-strand twist

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The blunt truth of a picture
Thursday, May 17, 2007

For a number of months (9+), I focused on getting my hair past a certain length. It grows fast, but every winter I'd lose over 3-5 inches.

Recently, I thought I was shoulder length until I did a stretch test: pulling a two-strand twist and seeing how far it would go.

To some people, getting their hair this length is not a big deal, to me it is a big deal. My hair has never been longer than shoulder length, and maybe 1-2 inches longer.

I was pleasantly surprised by the length, but then I found something else to be horrified with.

I need to seriously lose weight. The sad part is that I do work out (daily) and watch what I eat. Aside from the camera-adds-10-pounds-excuse, I need to change something.

Right away!

Labels: hair, health, two-strand twist, weight

posted by GoldenAh

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