Classy Black Women

She Know She Need a Perm !

9:21 AM | 3 comments | , , , , ,



It’s sad how some black women talk about their hair. 

When I first decided to go all the way natural in my first declarative post I said that I wouldn’t become what others call a “natural hair nazi.” And I still stand by that…

But now, as I read certain posts and comments from certain black women regarding hair I’m starting to see why some natural hair divas have been going off all these years.

Some of these chicks who go natural know they need to throw a relaxer up in that head!

On Twitter, paraphrased, but yea this is one comment I read recently. It took everything in me to not go all naturalnazi on this one girl! I know it’s straight up ignorance, but man where did this start and God where will it end?

Who taught these young girls that the kinky curly hair that grows out of their head by way of nature is ugly or need fixing? Why aren’t they ashamed of the fact that they are ashamed of their own God-given hair?

I cringe when I see young girls and women walking around with hair that is relaxed within an inch of its life, looking lifeless, uneven and damaged, because they so want it to be straight. When even one trace of kinkiness grows out their heads they rush to get back to having “good hair.”

Good hair isn’t hair that is bone straight even when you get out of a pool—good hair is healthy, strong and grows long no matter its state.

Good hair is not broken off edges because of wearing lace front wigs and too-tight weaves or heat damaged ends because of going overboard with a flat iron. Good hair is when all of your edges and ends are in place, exactly where they should be.

Good hair is shiny and has great elasticity (doesn’t break easily). Good hair is versatile, meaning you can put it in a wide variety of styles that look great, whether straight, curly, wavy or in a neat updo. Good hair is good without the need for chemicals to change the way it looks. Good hair comes in black, white, yellow and brown.

Alright, I’m off my soapbox. But I just pray for the day that more young black women get this wake up call and see the beauty in natural hair as well as relaxed looks if that's what they choose! Also that they learn how to take care of their relaxed hair more successfully. 

Don’t knock what you don’t understand yet.

In the meantime, I’m happy to hear that natural hair companies owned by blacks are starting to take more market share in the black hair industry as reported at Clutch Magazine this week. 

Remember this lil post I put out a year or so ago? It's ringing more and more true as each day passes. Please people, let’s use this as an opportunity to keep some money in our community for once!  Learn from the past!

Love 
Tabby






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List of Black Owned Beauty Supply Shops

9:16 PM | 0 comments | , , ,


Can we start an updated list of black-owned beauty supply shops around the country?

I read a post by a black male blogger lamenting the fact that black people, black women in particular, spend so much of their money on hair supplies sold by Asian store keepers.

I personally lament black men who harp on issues affecting black women while ignoring their own roles in consumerism and negative media images (just where do they think the money they spend on the latest basketball sneakers go? Most likely to Asian-owned enterprises).

However, I must agree that it bothers me to see so many Asian-owned shops in black communities, particularly beauty supply shops. Instead of pointing the finger of shame at black women, I am into solutions.

So one of my goals for the Classy Black Lady Beauty Blog is to develop a directory of black-owned beauty shops around the United States (and beyond). It will start off small and grow as time goes on, but I need your help.

If you know of a black-owned beauty shop in your area, please post the name, address and phone number in the submission box below or the comments area. It will be a part of a compilation to be posted on the Classy Black Lady Beauty blog.




Keep the submissions flowing in!


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Natural Hair Journey Update #1 - Classy Black Lady

3:29 PM | 2 comments | , , , , , ,



Update #1 of the Classy Black Lady Natural Hair Journey... pics at the end!

I have to apologize for not updating the Classy Black Lady beauty blog with more details of my natural hair journey. I have been working on what seems like thousands of things at once...

But to summarize, my journey has been going great! I'm so glad I finally made that decision. I'm now at about 6 months without a relaxer.

Little Chop
First off, I didn't plan on doing a "big chop," but I was kinda forced into doing a "little chop." My hair grows pretty fast so it got to a point where the natural hair was just overtaking the last bit of relaxed hair on the ends. So I snip snipped to try to even things out.

Hair Products
Second, I've settled on a very basic set of hair care products:



- grapeseed oil (bought a bottle of quality stuff from the supermarket)
- coconut oil (think from BJs or Costco)

I also use flexi rods to get my hair curly. More on that later...

Hair Care Regimen
When I first decided to go natural I tried a few things. I tried flat twists, which worked OK for a wavy look but it is hard to tame. Still getting the hang of that.

I also flat ironed my hair really well to see how straight I could get the roots if I ever decided to wear that style. It came out pretty straight -- you don't need a relaxer for that look.

I finally settled on wearing my hair mostly curly using flexi-rods. It's quick, simple and cute (see pics below). Here is my process:

1) First I wash my hair using my Herbal Essences shampoo and condition it with Aussie Moist. I let it sit for a while and then carefully comb it out using a very large toothed comb.

2) Next I spray my Infusion leave-in-conditioner in my paper-towel dried hair. I'm on the hunt for an even better leave in conditioner -- thinking about trying this one, it has some amazing reviews on Amazon.

3) I mix some grapeseed oil and coconut oil in the palm of my hand (about the size of a dollar coin) and rub it all through my roots to the ends.

4) I use the banding / stretching technique using ouch-free hair bands while the hair is still wet. This is to loosen up the kinks at the roots before flat ironing or styling. Basically just section off my hair and put it into smaller ponytails (see how it's done here).

5) I let the hair air dry for hours, then take the rubber bands out carefully (looking for an alternative to standard black bands because it sometimes causes breaking/snapping -- open to suggestions!)

6) I then spray my hair a bit with my Chi Iron Guard protectant spray (forgot to add it in the pic because I don't use it that much -- I heard grapeseed oil is a sufficient heat protectant) and use a blow dryer to quickly dry and fluff out the hair. This preps it for flat ironing.

7) Section off hair, add a bit of the Silk Elements glossing polish and flat iron.

8) Section off straight hair again and add a little bit of the Organic Root Stimulator Smooth-n-Hold Pudding throughout the hair. Not too much though because it can get too greasy. Sometimes I put some Motions foaming setting lotion, but lately I've found that I don't really need it.

9) Finally, twist in flexi rods (here is a tutorial on how to do that -- love this sister's videos). I use the TRESsemme holding spray when I take the rollers out to keep the curls from falling too quickly.

The Results...
Here are a couple of pics of what my hair looks like after I go through my little regimen with flexi-rods:




Nice and fluffy and curly.

Next Steps
Next I think I'm going to do two large "goddess" cornrowed braids to wear while I'm growing my hair out. I need something with very little maintenance for a while. I'll post pics if and when I do so.

After that I'm seriously considering a Henna treatment. I heard it makes the hair very strong and deepens the color. 

My main goal is just strengthening and lengthening at this point. 

Stay tuned for more of the Classy Black Lady Natural Hair Journey and please feel free to post your own comments, suggestions and links to photos!!





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My Decision to Go Natural: Classy Black Lady Hair Journey

8:48 PM | 0 comments | , , , , , ,

This Classy Black Lady's going au naturale. Yea, AND what?

So ladies, I’ve finally decided to do it. I’m going to transition my hair to au naturale. I’ve been using relaxers on and off for over 15 years.

A lot of people really enjoyed my post from about a year ago on how to grow relaxed hair long, and it does work. Growing black hair, regardless of whether it's relaxed or natural, is all about how you care for it.

Now thanks to my ongoing regimen, and leaving my hair in protective styles for the most part, my hair is finally down my back (a few inches above my bra strap) and I think it’s time I learn how to deal with it in its natural state. I want puffy Diana Ross hair down to my behind dammit!

Now I’ve kinda already been easing into this decision by cutting my relaxers down to twice per year but now I’m serious.

However, don’t expect me to become a natural hair Nazi. I still remember how annoying it was to be berated by women for using the “creamy crack.” LOL Funny, but still annoying.

Women make these decisions on their own, they don’t need anyone making them feel bad about their current choices. Instead, I'll just provide some info as I learn.

I made the final final decision to go natural after watching a few YouTube Videos. I’ll be posting a few of them soon.

So please add your email to the link at the right to follow the Classy Black Lady Beauty and Fashion blog to get updates about my little natural hair transitioning blogging journey. They’ll mostly be short and sweet. Yes, I will include products. Also, I’m a bit shy so I’ll just be posting pics from the back of my hair now and again. Here and there.

I’ll also provide tips I learn along the way to help you transition successfully if you’ve been thinking about how to do this like I was.

I’m planning to go with three main styles:
- Scrunched curls (wet look)
- Twist outs (tight and loose waves -- I really like BIG hair with defined waves)
- Natural flat-ironed hair (straight style)

By the way, I’m pretty sure I'm either a 4B or 4C so you know you’re getting the real deal when it comes to working with kinky natural hair.

Stay tuned!

Love Tabby 

(the beginning, no relaxer for about 4 months -- tried to do the curly crunch first using this YouTube video by ST3PH0890)


Pretty cool. More experimenting needed.


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Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin: Quick Review

6:53 PM | 0 comments | , , , , ,

Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin is a cool and simple to use tool to keep handy for medium to long hair.  Protect your ends as you grow your black hair with the spin pin.

In my post about how to grow black hair long, I discussed the importance of wearing your hair in up-styles about 90% of the time--the only exception is when you're out for a hot date.

Well a couple of months ago I decided to try the Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin. It's a very simple tool that allows you to create neat or messy but secure buns in your hair. You can place a bun in the back, top or sides of your head in a few simple steps.

The Goody Spin Pin is unique because it twists through your hair bun with a simple push to keep it in place. Just spin it out in the opposite direction when you want to remove it from your hair.

So basically, say you want a bun on the top of your head (very cute):


1. Dip your head forward and comb your hair up so that it's all at the top of your head


2. Grab the hair tightly as if you're about to put it in a ponytail

3. Wrap your loose hair around your hand to the left or right until it resembles a bun. Keep holding it in place

4. Grab your Goody Spin Pin -- position it at the back of the bun and PUSH the Spin Pin. It automatically spins into the bun

5. Let go and examine your cute, simple, secure bun!

The Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin is a wonderful hair tool to have on hand. It doesn't snag on your hair -- the metal material is very smooth and gentle.

The package comes with two pins -- I like to leave one spin pin in my bathroom and another in my room so that I can grab them quickly when I'm on the run. It was definitely worth the investment IMO


Love
Tabby






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IMAN Luxury Pressed Powder Review – Classy Black Lady

12:23 PM | 0 comments | , , , ,


If you've been on the hunt for a great pressed powder foundation for African American women, search no more black ladies! IMAN's Luxury Pressed Powder matches your skin tone, removes shine and provides full even coverage for your black skin.

Hello Classy Black Ladies! I am very pleased to provide you with this review of IMAN's Luxury Pressed Powder.

I have been searching high and low for a pressed powder foundation that will not only match my skin tone but also *not* make me look like I just stepped out of Michael Jackson's thriller video shoot! I like my dark skin tone with its golden undertone and I want it to look that way whether I have foundation on or not.

It seems that I visit the beauty section of my local pharmacy every month looking for a new pressed powder. I've tried powder foundations by L'Oreal, Maybelleine and all the major brands, but they do not match my skin tone and do not provide even coverage.

I've also tried liquid foundations, like Maybelleine's Dream Liquid Mousse (my last brand) but they just made my face look greasy and uneven.

About a month ago I was sorting through my foundation options in the beauty section of my pharmacy yet again, and picked up a new powder press foundation by one of the majors. I sighed, knowing that it would probably not work out, as I walked toward the register.

Then, like a beacon of light, I happened to look back toward the beauty section and saw a display for IMAN cosmetics. I'd never seen her beauty products in my pharmacy before.

I went over and picked up her Luxury Pressed Powder in Earth Dark. It came with a free promotional item—her IMAN Luxury Lip Shine lip gloss. The entire product package cost about $15.

I went home and immediately tried on both the foundation and lip gloss….. the results??

WOW! I was truly amazed. The color didn't seem like it would match my skin tone when I looked at it in the case, but when I put it on my face it blended perfectly. The pressed powder provided full coverage over my skin and didn't make me look like a Black Zombie! Yay! It looked like my own natural skin tone. Here is a snippet of what my skin looks like with the IMAN Luxury Pressed Powder on (along with the Lip Shine):


IMAN Luxury Pressed Powder results (absolutely no airbrushing done to this pic)

I applied the Lip Shine and thought that I had just stepped out of a magazine shoot. I mean Ms. IMAN has really outdone herself with these fine products. Simple yet beautiful and affordable.

The Verdict

So I have finally found a pressed powder foundation that I can call my own. If you've been on a similar quest, try out IMAN Luxury Pressed Powder. They offer Earth Dark, Earth Medium, Clay Medium/Dark, and Clay Medium for the variety of skin tones of black and brown women.

The fact that this product is manufactured, sold and advertised by a black woman is just the icing on the cake! Support black businesses whenever you can.

I would love to hear your own reviews of IMAN Luxury Pressed Powder—post your review in the comments area below.

Love Tabby








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To Grow Black Hair Long... Change Your Clothes?

5:16 AM | 0 comments | , ,

Too many of my fine, classy black sisters are clueless as to why they can't seem to grow black hair past the shoulders when it's relaxed. You know the drill—you get about one to two inches of thick new growth in between your relaxer, your hair looks a bit longer after the new relaxer, and within a matter of days your hair is right back to square one as far as the length.

There's a very simple and logical reason for this. You're not protecting your ends! It's not rocket science at all.

Sisters, your lack of black hair growth past your shoulders could be simply due to your clothing.

Let's break this down. We have to work double time to protect the ends of our hair shaft and grow black hair long. Black hair strands are more delicate and vulnerable to stress compared to other hair types - especially when relaxed.

So once your hair reaches shoulder length it starts to brush up against your clothes. Cotton clothing is particularly bad when coming in contact with the ends of your hair. Just like you wouldn't wear a cotton hair scarf to bed, you shouldn't wear your hair down over cotton clothes (or a similar fabric like flannel) if you want to grow black hair long.

After you relax your hair, you let it brush up against your shoulders (cotton clothes), the ends break off and you're back to square one despite your new growth. You need to protect those ends at all costs to grow black hair beyond your shoulders.

So if you want to grow black hair long, take one or more of these simple steps:




1) change your clothes -- wear satin shirts (or satin-feel), spaghetti strap tops, or strapless dresses. Keep your shoulders dry and cool also if you choose spaghetti straps or strapless clothing.

2) put your hair up whenever you're wearing clothes that could damage your hair ends.

3) Buy a satin robe so that when you're lounging around the house you can let your hair down without worrying about breakage.
Simple eh?

Read my other article about black hair care with COMPLETE, step to step tips for how to grow black hair long.


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