Black hair magazines : When will Natural hair take over?

It’s a Saturday morning; you’re in a local drugstore walking around the woman magazine shelves. Looking like an alive Cuckoo clock, your eyes rapidly move back and forth looking for a natural hair care magazine. Your eyes finally land on the small section where 2-3 Black hair magazines reside. Reaching for the magazine with the cover of a model sporting a multi-colored streak bob on the front, you soon realize that it was quite pointless trying to find any type of inspiration for any fly, fresh hairstyles for natural hair.

It is extremely clear that natural hair care is not incorporated in publications. In the majority of magazines, once you hit the hair section the most natural style you find is on a racially ambiguous model with loose curls and/or they will have medium wave textured hair. Not saying that any of our black publications do not cater to the need of natural hair but only having 2-5 pages a month leaves us yearning for more. The pleasure of being able to sign up for a monthly subscription and have funky and healthy styles for you waiting in your mailbox would be treasure that numerous women would enjoy.

Since natural women do not have too many print options to cater to their needs, technology plays a vital role in connecting information to the modern day natural woman. With an online community of YouTube videos, bloggers and Facebook groups, natural women have taken the power back into their own hands. Coming together on our own not only displays our outcry for more knowledge of how take care of natural tresses but also shows that it’s a major void in the market that needs to be addressed. When it comes to finding new styles or tips I don’t even attempt to comb through any magazine but straight to YouTube and blogs for my hair questions, videos, tutorials, tips and product reviews.

Even though natural women’s online presence is mighty powerful, the simple fact that a magazine is definitely a need for us. Having a weekly or monthly subscription that would have all the information online condensed in a publication would be the next step to propel the acceptance of Black beauty. Every other culture has their one go to place for beauty and hair care tips, now it’s time for our turn.
So how long will it be until the natural hair care takes over or are included in Black hair magazines?

Thank you CoCO and Cream for such a great article:)
- Ellisa Oyewo

Gone Head MS HILL:)

So All you Afro Puffs out there:) Here is a SUPER CUTE STYLE for YOU:)

Easy way to make your own Natural lotion:) YAY!!

We all get dry skin at times. So instead of reaching for that bottle of unpronounceable things how bout making your very own simple version from this easy recipe below:)

SUPPLIES

• Clean bottle or jar
• 1 cup lotion base oil
• 1 tbsp. emulsifying wax ( beeswax will do just fine)
• 1/2 cup water
• Essential oil
• Food coloring optional
• Glass mixing bowl
• Microwave or stove top and pot

Instructions

1)Pick a lotion oil base that reflects the type of feel you are going for.  Want soft skin? Coconut oil is a great choice. Almond oil not as thick and doesn't leave a strong smell.  Canola and vegetable oil are also great for making home made. You can even add essential oil scents to give an additional POW to your lotion. If you intend to scent your lotion with essential oils, choose a lotion oil base with little smell of its own.

2)Pour one cup of the oil into a pot or microwave safe bowl. Add the tbsp. of emulsifying wax. Beeswax is a good all-natural wax to use. Melt these ingredients together and stir well. Stir in the water until the lotion reaches the consistency you like. Less water will create a homemade cream that is richer and thicker than the lotion.

3)Add your choice of essential oils or other fragrances to the lotion base.  You can make essential oils by mixing flowers, herbs or other plant parts in clear oil for a length of time. Your choice of essential oils or other fragrances depends on your personal taste. You can also use aromatherapy oils such as lavender for relaxation or rose .

4)Add color to your homemade lotion with natural vegetable and plant based food coloring or dyes. Add just a  little  color to the lotion at a time until you reach  the color you want. I like to match colors to the scent I added to the lotion.

5) Finally put the homemade lotion into a clean glass or plastic bottle or jar of your choice. These are usually found at craft stores or your local beauty supply store.. Use a funnel to get the lotion inside without drips or spills. Store lotion it in a cool, dark place to ensure it stays fresher longer.

Well that's it!! (As I usually say:) Your very own lotion as perfected by you:) ENJOY!!!

REAL PEOPLE REAL ANSWERS EDITION 6

1. What’s your name? Valaira Sa-Ra Smith 

2. How old are you? Ageless 

3. Where are you from? Born in Bronx, New York City but currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia

4. What is your occupation? Actress/Model and Owner of VUE Entertainment which is a Fashion Show and Fashion Event Production Company.

5. How would you describe yourself? I would describe myself as an eccentric woman who is always reinventing herself.

6. When did you first decide to become natural? I decided to go natural in 2007. My then fiancé and soulmate sister encouraged me to go natural, so I took the plunge.

7. If there was one word to describe your style what would it be? Vintage meets Sexy Modern.

8. Who are some people that inspire you the most? Those who inspire me the most are people who defy the programs of society.  For Example Ernestine Shepherd proved you don’t have to be 75 years old unhealthy and helpless.  My Mother proved that you can stop taking diabetes pills just by changing your diet, eating right and exercising. My Husband proved that we are capable of curing ourselves! Also people who live by their own rules and are constantly creating their reality instead of chasing their dreams, inspire me!

9. What do you want to be when you grow up? Actually I am what I want to be; however I am always working towards mental growth and being better at who I am.

10. What advice would you give to others who wanted to go natural or live a more natural based lifestyle? Know that the transition is a mental one more than a physical one. Any type of change requires a change in the mind first and the rest will follow. I would also advise to research as much as possible so that you know what you are getting into and what is required. Stay motivated by following those who made the changed and are maintaining it!

11. What’s your favorite quote? "Achieve Greatness with Limitless Consciousness" - Valaira Sa-Ra Smith. Meaning, when we let go of all mental limitations that has been taught to us since birth, we realize that our limitations are only in our minds.

3 Tips on stopping an argument in its tracks :)

Be it a family member, friend or co worker....arguments are never fun....especially with those of which you love most. Below are some tips I found useful in keeping the peace :)

1) In the mist of the heat try your very best to imagine good moments with that person, or how they may have helped you in the past. In fact if you do this BEFORE the argument starts to flare up...you may avoid this collision in the first place. The goal is to dispel anger before it even occurs...this is the root of many arguments.

2) Talking in a quiet, respectable manner. It is my experience that no one...AND I DO MEAN NO ONE ...wants to have a discussion with someone who is offending them or yelling at them.  It's a thin line between a discussion or a debate and actual arguing and many times its all in the way one presents the information at hand. Try thinking very hard before you speak. Sometimes throwing a smile in at the right time may make your discussion stay just that:). Also keep in mind that once something is spoken...it can't be taken back. Use this info to make each moment as special as it can be for your loved one in the future.

3) Remove the finger pointing phase of "You" from every argument. It only fuels the flames and the person with whom you are talking has stop listening to you and is focusing on their own anger. Unfortunately this alone is very VERY hard for most people to do...but once mastered it can create a bridge of understanding between both parties involved. We are in charge of our own destiny as they say. If you don't like what someone else is doing ...take a few moments to examine how you are contributing to the environment in a negative way. As a matter of fact replacing you with "we" or focusing on how the two of you in general can create a more positive atmosphere versus the whole blame game can be a life saver in preventing arguments.

I hope this article has helped with the battle of misunderstandings that we all go through at some point with our closest loved ones. If nothing else maybe it will help you think twice before starting up some "mess" that may be very hard to clean up later in your relationships:)

By M Kyles of Kyles Natural

HAIR ENVY!!!! Need I say more....NOPE lol!!:)