Wednesday, July 20, 2011

HAIR SUPER ENVY PLus a great hair tutorial ...WOW Thats all her hair too!!

Another GREAT Article about curly hair from CoCo and Cream

Have you ever looked at your naturally curly hair and studied the way your curls look, feel and react to different products and hairstyles? If so, you’ve probably noticed that each strand of hair has a defined curl pattern of its own. Curly hair has several curl patterns, sizes and textures.
You might see soft waves, smooth S-shaped curls, tight corkscrew curls, or tight Z-shaped coils throughout your head but what does all of this mean? It doesn’t mean that you have good or bad hair (whatever that is). This guide will help you identify your curl pattern so you can jumpstart a healthy regime for your waves and curls.

Type 2 Hair

Type 2 hair has more of a wavy curl pattern that’s shaped like the letter S. There are two subsets of wavy hair: Type 2a/2b. Type 2a hair is very fine while Type 2b hair has a thicker, medium texture (Think singers Chili and Mya.) Wavy hair warrants a variety of styling options. It can be straightened easier than tighter curl patterns but beware of frizz. Use light products to enhance to avoid weighing down the curls.

Type 3


Type 3 hair has a more defined, springy curl pattern with lots of body full of loopy curls. It’s very thick but isn’t coarse; it’s actually fine. Type 3 hair has a lot of body and is categorized as 3a, 3b and 3c. Type 3a hair has a loose curl pattern while type 3b is a little tighter with ringlets. It’s common to see a combination of type 3 a/b curls. Type 3c hair is very thick and looks a bit more like kinky corkscrew curls. Type 3 hair easily absorbs the water so shrinkage occurs when it’s wet but it is very springy. So when it’s dry if you pull it, it bounces back to the original curl pattern. Use light pomades and cream to enhance curls.

Type 4


At first glance, most assume that type 4 hair is coarse but it’s actually quite fine. It has fewer cuticle layers than the other hair types so when it is brushed or combed, the hair is more susceptible to breakage. That’s why keeping hair moisturized and conditioned is very important for all curly hair but especially tighter curl patterns like this.
There are two subtypes: type 4a which is tightly coiled with a defined curl pattern and if stretched has more of an S pattern and type 4b which doesn’t have a distinctly defined curl pattern but bends in sharp angles like the letter Z. Type 4 hair type is prone to shrinkage of up to 75% of hair’s actual length. The hair can range from fine and thin to coarse with many strands densely packed together. Type 4 hair is versatile for styling and holds styles such as twists, braids and afros well without the aid of several products.

Do you pay attention to “curly hair type” classifications? Why or why not? If you do, what type is your hair? What products have you found work best for your hair type?

-Margaret Francois

Mya was rockin her natural curls in 98:) Newer old school natural ;)

Monday, July 18, 2011

REAL PEOPLE REAL ANSWERS: MEN'S EDITION 4

A DAY IN THE LIFE
“Living Naturally You”
Real People Real Answers
 
 What’s your name?

Ferrari Elite Sheppard

  How old are you?


64,000

Where are you from?


  A wet, dark tunnel

 What is your occupation?


Artist. Writer. Cultural critic. Journalist. Painter. Web designer. 



  How would you describe yourself?


  A fully exposed nerve ending with the ability to see outside of itself when its not daydreaming or being self centered  .



  When did you first decide to grow locs?


Around 2004

  If there was one word to describe your style what would it be? 


Classic

 Who are some people that inspire you the most?
 

Tupac, Kurt Vonnegut, Kurt Cobain, dream hampton, Aja Monet, Saul Williams, Kimya Dawson, Mystic. 

What do you want to be when you grow up?


Alive

  What advice would you give to others who wanted embrace their individuality?


  Being yourself is so easy you don't have to try.

  What’s your favorite quote?
 

"the best often die by their own hand just to get away, and those left behind can never quite understand why anybody would ever want to get away from them" - charles bukowski 


She is what hip hop should be YOU GO GIRL!!!! OUR SPECIAL FEATURE MS KNOXIE-TY

SOULFULLY RISING
“Living Naturally You”
Artist Appreciation
New Natural Stars on the Rise 
What is your name ? 
Knoxie-Ty
 
Where are you from? 
I am from Jersey City, NJ

Why as an artist have you decided to promote the natural/ conscious lifestyle? 

I've decided to promote natural/ conscious lifestyle as an artist for a couple of reasons. Growing up in a harsh environment, I have seen first hand how your environment can shape you, and influence you in a negative way. So through music I bring awareness to show people that they can overcome, no matter what the situation or circumstances are.  I was always criticized for staying true to myself, and not being a follower or doing what all the other people were doing. Writing music became a comfort zone for me. I often write music about being natural, and about empowerment. I feel like people can relate to it, and benefit from it. It can be a comfort zone for them as it is for me. I promote consciousness and positivity so that the listeners can have something that inspires them to take charge and be an individual and express themselves accordingly.  

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as 90's conscious Hip Hop/ Alternative. Especially with the new music I have been working on, there are hints of Rock and Jazz, and a little contemporary. As a fan of many genres I try to incorporate much of the sounds I love into my music. As far as personality wise, I would have to say my style is a mixture of Hip Hop artist meets truth seeker/ freedom fighter. learning and spreading knowledge and empowerment through music. Giving the listeners something of substance, something that they can genuinely feel and relate to.

What are some people that inspire you most? 

I am inspired by many types of music, some people that inspire me the most are: Bob Marley, Billie Holliday, Phyllis Hyman, Mos Def, Michael Jackson, Lupe Fiasco. 

What's the general mission of your music? 

The general mission of my music is to promote awareness. Awareness of the harsh realities of the world. Awareness of Self, and to spread peace. 

What are some of your accomplishments and describe in detail some of your most recent performances?

I am fairly new to recording as an artist, and putting my music out there. My biggest accomplishments two collections of music that I released. My music release "R.M.O.I.T.S" with a fellow Hip- Hop artist Red Shaydez. and my latest mixtape entitled "The Academy"


Where can we find the your music? 

You can find my music at knoxiety.bandcamp.com you can also view my videos at youtube.com/KnoxieTy201


What advice would you give to others who wanted to go natural or live a more natural based lifestyle? 

Go for it! It will not be an easy task for some, it takes hard work and dedication but it is well worth it if it will make you happy.

What's your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is definitely "Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it." - JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE   From experience I have found this to be life changing and very true.

She can really style those twists of hers:)

8 Great Anger Manangment Tips



Look we all get a little steamed from time to time. Sometimes being angry is warranted . This article seeks to help people express their anger in more civilized manner . People can't always put on the happy face...but in order to maintain healthy relationships we must find a way to be mad in a good way;)


No. 1: Take a timeout

Before reacting to a tense situation, take a few moments to breathe deeply and count to 10. Slowing down can help defuse your temper. If necessary, take a break from the person or situation for a while and let thing cool down a bit.

No. 2: Once you're calm, express your anger

As soon as you're thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but nonconfrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.

No. 3: Get some exercise

Physical activity can provide an outlet for your emotions, especially if you're about to erupt. If you feel your anger escalating, go for a nice walk or run, or spend some time doing other favorite physical activities. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out.

No. 4: Think before you speak

In the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something you'll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything — and allow others involved in the situation to do the same.

No. 5: Identify possible solutions

Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Remind yourself that anger won't fix anything, and might only make it worse.

No. 6: Don't hold a grudge

Forgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. But if you can forgive someone who angered you, you might both learn from the situation. It's unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want at all times.

No. 7: Use humor to release tension

Lightening up can help diffuse tension. Don't use sarcasm, though — it can hurt feelings and make things worse.

No. 8: Practice relaxation skills

When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as, "Calm down." You might also listen to music or write in a journal o — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.