SummerTime Natural Hair Style for Kids!

Summertime is here and with it comes many fun activities. For kids with Natural Hair it's important to find a style that will work for YOUR child. Whether your child is active or not, it should be closely maintained in the summertime.  In the South temps are above 90 nearly everyday in the Spring and Summer. My LittleChick has gorgeous super thick 4a/4b hair.  Her hair is very dense and therefore it holds heat. It can be very uncomfortable for her if not styled correctly.  Here are the things that we had to consider for her.

#1.  A protective style
#2.  A hairstyle that would fit under a bike helmet.
#3.  A hairstyle that will fit under a swim cap
#4.  A hairstyle that can be easily covered with a scarf for gardening
#5.  A cute hairstyle.

What we came up with was good old fashioned "plaits".  Plaits are big braided sections of hair, plain and simple.  The style has been around forever.  Just as i wore my hair like this as a child, so will my daughter.  This style fits perfectly under a bike helmet without making her neck hot.  Swimcap?  No problem, because the hair is fairly flat and the ends of the braids can simply be tucked.  Moisturizing and braiding prevents breakage and preserves the ends from drying out, so the style is protective.  Plus its super cute!
After her hair has been washed and air dryed (in plaits) ...I resectioned it in 5 big pieces.  I used Uncle Funky's Extra Butter to add moisture the hair and I applied Lil Better Butter directly to her scalp. I braided each section down to the ends.  I also really like that this style can be redone or touched up fairly quickly in between washes.  Who wants time consuming hair days during the summer?  This is easy as 1, 2, 3!!

How will your kids wear their hair this summer and why?

Thanks for reading.

Peace :-)

AfroPuffs and Ponytails - Inspiring African American Girls!

A week ago my daughter and I had the pleasure of seeing ourselves featured on this fantastic website regarding Our Natural Kids.  When I tell you that this website is your ONE STOP shop for all things black girl related, you need to believe me.  Afro Puffs and Ponytails, Inc. is a non-profit organization created primarily for supporting and uplifting African American/Black Girls! Their website provides encouraging articles, events, program listings, and resources for African American/Black teen girls, young girls, and their parents.

AfroPuffs & PonyTails
Inspiring African American Girls

If you know anything about the real me or even if you have just been following my online persona, then you know that I believe that our beautiful baby girls are our most important resources for the future.  I have dedicated a very BIG part of my life towards encouraging young girls by providing information and resources that promote self esteem.  We are so honored to be mentioned on this website, I just had to come and share.

Please go there and check out our feature in the Hair Care for African American Girls' section
Our Natural Kids - An Active Natural Hair Network for Parents

and please save the following link to your favorites so that you can return often.
AfroPuffs and PonyTails

Thanks for reading!

Peace

Sage NaturalCeuticals

It's always a good time when I can meet up with my Natural Sistahs, meet new people and talk Natural Hair! And a good time is what was had when we met up with Cindy Primm of Sage NaturalCeuticals.
In attendance was our MC and organizer - CurlyTopLori (Our other organizer Lexi could not attend), MahoganyKnots, Knapsgirl, Atlanta Natural Hair Care and me - TheSistahChick.
Cindy opened Sage in 2008 after she saw a need for a one stop shop for people with Natural Hair who enjoy quality products. At Sage NaturalCeuticals, if you are Product Junkie like me, then you'll be like a kid in a candystore! When you enter the store you are met with beautiful, serene & subtly colored decor that boasts light sand colored walls (some textured) and pristine white shelves that wrap around the store. Each shelf is lined with all of the Natural Hair goodies that you have dreamed of. A large window in the front of the store provides a lot of natural light from the sun which enhances the modern lighting fixtures that hang high above. The floors are covered in dark chocolate tile in beautiful contrast.
Cindy personally handpicks each product that she carries in her store. Each product must meet her standards. They have to be at least 97% organic, they must have a following, and they must have friendly packaging that lists every ingredient. Sage also sells body & skin care products as well as fragrant candles, handbags and even gourmet chocolates. Product Lines include, Blended Beauty, AfroVeda & Bee Mine to name a few. Our meeting included demonstrations by application using the following products that are also carried:




Uncle Funky's Daugher - Curly Magic
Darcy's Botanicals - Natural Coils Curling Jelly
Donna Marie - MiraCurl Curling Gelly
Komaza Care - Coconut Hair Pudding


As Cindy applied these 4 products seperately to each of the 4 sections on the models hair, she explained the different types of curl stimulators that are out on the market right now, and how they differ. She also demonstrated a "palming effect" that she uses to apply product for maximum coverage. The really cool thing about Sage is that you can try the products BEFORE you buy! Thats right!! for every product that she carries, there is a sample of that product available for testing. I could go on and on about the fantastic visit that we had at Sage, but i am going to do you one better and just show you!

Check Out the video footage!

Sage NaturalCeuticals Video on YouTube!



I had such a good time and I cant wait to visit again. If you are looking for a serene spot, full of positive energy, that carries all of the very best that Natural Hair Products have to offer. Check Out Cindy @ Sage NaturalCeuticals. Mention that you saw this video and receive 15% discount.

To Learn more about Sage following this link to the site:

http://www.sagenaturalceuticals.com/


Thanks for reading/watching!


Peace!

The Bronner Bros 2010 Mid Winter International Hair & Beauty Show - Atlanta

I had a GREAT time at this event!! This is the 1st hairshow that I have ever attended and I couldnt have picked a better place to lose my hairshow virginity than the The Bronner Bros 2010 Mid Winter International Hair & Beauty Show. It was very crowded so it's good that everything was super organized. This show runs from February 20th - February 23rd. If you are into hair and in ATL this weekend you might want to check it out. I chose the $40 1 day Exhibit Hall Pass. (There are many other pricing options available, including 3 day VIP passes. See the website for details http://bit.ly/dfigm4 ) The Exhibit Hall Pass gives you access to over 300 displays of the best (or worst) that Black Hair Care has to offer. Being a Natural Chick, a lot of it did not pertain to me, but it was still fun to look & listen. I loved the many mini productions that took place from aisle to aisle. The lights, the action, the drama... it was good fun.

Even though this show did not cater to Naturals, I was able to bump into a few well known Natural Hair Product Vendors such as:

Wendy & Kim, the creators of Mixed Chicks. These 2 Chicks were super cool. It was a pleasure to meet them. It was even more cool that Kim knew who I was when I got there! (These girls really do watch our YouTube videos regarding their products!) It blew me away that she was just as excited to meet me as I was to meet her!

I spent some time @ The Taliah Waajid booth, and got a fantastic deal on some 32 oz bulk size products that I use already and some that I have yet to try. These sizes were being sold 2 for $30. I have been a fan of the TW Products for awhile, so this made me very happy and I stocked up. I got 2 of the 32 oz Herbal Condish, 1 - 32 oz Protective Mist Bodifier and 1 - 32 oz Total Body Shampoo. I have never tried the Protective Mist Bodifier before so looking forward to that. I also learned about TW's New Kinky, Wavy, Natural Kids line. (info regarding this line coming soon to Our Natural Kids - join today so you wont miss it! http://ournaturalkids.ning.com/ ) The folks running this booth were very informative and gave so many compliments regarding my natural hair, that i wanted to stay with them and never leave. Check out my review of TW Products http://bit.ly/6bEzKG

I got the deal of the century @ The Jane Carter Solution Booth. I have been wanting to try these products for awhile, so being able to get the full size 8 oz bottles for $5 bucks a piece motivates me :-) Stay tuned to my YouTube Channel for a review ( http://bit.ly/5NZLg1 ) Here is what I got:

4 oz Nourish & Shine
8 oz Revitalizing Leave In Condish
8 oz Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo - (SLS FREE) **New
8 oz Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner

I really liked the fact that Clairol used this beautiful Natural haired model during the exhibition for their Beautiful Collection.

Unfortunately I could not find any White Shea butter, every vendor that I saw only had the yellow kind.

These really cool earrings caught my eye... Thank you Earring Lady http://www.myspace.com/robynsearrings

It was a great way to spend a few hours, and I'd say it was worth it. Shouts out to my hubby for going with me and carrying all of my stuff :-) If you went tell me what you thought of it.

Can't wait to attend the Natural Hair Show in April 2010!!

Thanks for reading!!

Peace,
The SistahChick

Our Natural Kids

What a great time for Naturals! We live in a time where information can be shared and gathered with the touch of a mousepad. We can reach out to one another, learn from one another and make real connections from the comfort of our own homes. When I started my own Natural journey back in 2006 I had no idea of the wealth of information that was available. I continued my journey just the same, but without the support of other sistahs that had taken the steps before me. Today we have the YouTube Natural Hair Movement, which I am thrilled to say that I am a part of. Sistahs world wide are experimenting, learning, sharing, teaching...its a beautiful thing.

Recently, my daughter and I put together a brief 4 part video series on YouTube. (http://bit.ly/5KH2MN) The videos demonstrate the different methods and techniques that are used on my daughters (The LittleChick) natural hair. As a result of those videos we received an overwhelming amount of feedback (ideas, questions and comments) regarding the care and maintenance of our childrens kinky/curly/nappy hair.
While there are tons of blogs, sites, and YT vids dedicated to adult natural haircare, we dont find equal support for Our Natural Kids. SO...we decided to create a place devoted to our babies, where like minded folks can gather, blog, meet, share pics/vids, network and chat all in one.

Our Natural Kids is a Ning Network set up to do just that!

I believe that teaching our children to love and respect themselves just the way they are is very important and letting them love their natural hair is just the beginning!

Please Join Us!

http://bit.ly/9TDOjE

The SistahChick

The SistahChick's YouTube Channel!

I am sure that I have made reference to my YouTube Channel before, but please allow me to formerly introduce it to you. In April 2009, I decided that I would like to chronicle my Natural hair journey among other things in a way that documented as well as expressed the real me, doin what I do best and thats running my mouth! LOL. So I set up a YouTube Channel and the rest is history. By joining all of the very knowledgeable ladies of the YouTube Natural Hair Movement not only have i made some really cool friends, but I have also gotten and given some truly wonderful advice. Even though I decided to go Natural and BC'd back in 2006, I had never actually gotten to know my tresses very well, and was limited to simple Puff with Headband styles. I knew nothing about properly moisturizing, curl defining, conditioning...none of that. It was through YouTube that I learned how to properly care for, style and pamper my gorgeous 4a- 4b hair. I continue to learn daily and share knowledge as I go. As you will see, I have gotten my entire family involved in my journey and we are having lots of fun. Its been especially exciting for me and my little girl who is affectionately referred to as "The LittleChick". My decision to go Natural has opened up the door to so many things, and even led me to quit smoking! (I have been nicotene free, since June 19, 2009!!! - Check out the Freedom Series below!) Well enough with the intro... see for yourself :-) Below are several links. I hope you enjoy!

This link will take you directly to my channel, The SistahChick's Spot. Here you can view all of my videos, playlists, favorites, and also check out my friends & subscribers lists plus other need to know info!
http://bit.ly/5NZLg1

I have taken the care to categorize some of the videos that I have made into playlists (videos grouped together by topic)

Fierce 'Do's' & Smokin Hot HairStyles
Here you will see a variety of seriously HOT Natural hairstyles!!
http://bit.ly/8MccLv

Methods & Techniques
Here are some tried and true Methods and Techniques!!
http://bit.ly/4Lctvs

Natural HairCare - Product Reviews
I have tried many products during my journey and will try many more, this link will play a list of the video reviews for some of my favs!
(Remember, I am not a professional, so all of the opinions given are specific to my own personal experiences!!)
http://bit.ly/8BRqm9

Freedom - Journey to Be Smoke Free
My Freedom Series!! Nicotine Addiction is serious and quitting smoking is not easy. Follow my journey to be SmokeFree!
http://bit.ly/6wXunt

LittleChick Hair Maintenance
This is our newest series. It chronicles my daughters haircare & maintenance
http://bit.ly/5KH2MN

There are several other videos posted for your viewing pleasure. Please, check them out & let me know what you think. I also take requests, so if you have a question or an idea that you would like to see as it pertains to Natural Hair Care, etc. Please feel free to send me an e-mail to: TheSistahCafe@gmail.com. All ideas will be considered.

I plan to really expand my horizons in 2010 with vids demonstrating the preparations of some of my fav recipes and also on ideas for redecorating on a budget. Please subscribe & Stay Tuned

I appreciate, as always, that you took the time to read this :-)

Peace,
The SistahChick

Atlanta Natural Hair Meet Up - 09/19

After checking my e-mail and perusing the web a little this past Saturday morning, I decided to see what was going on in YouTube. I was looking through my subscriptions when I saw a vid posted by LexiwiththeCurls titled "Atlanta Natural Hair Meet Up" and stating that this would happen... TOMORROW 3p - 5p!!! I nearly spilled my coffee scrambling to see the date of the video! Is tomorrow today?!!. omg!! Let me see! Low and behold tomorrow was today!! Yippeee! I am going! Let me call my girl Narazonia76 and let her know too AND better go get my toes done right quick. (trust me...it was time) Off I go for a Mani/Pedi. I was brimming with anticipation for this event. Why is it raining cats AND dogs??? I leave the nail shop with 10 bright blue toes, get home, log on again, and guess what?? The event is CANCELLED with a possible postponement to tomorrow. The floods were just beginning in the Southeast. The exit to the area where the event was to be held was closed off due to flooding. AwwWww...Well...ok. So what. I'll go tomorrow! I chill with the family a bit, make a grocery list and prepare to get my shopping done. Before leaving, I logged on to YouTube AGAIN...lmao and guess what? The event was back on!!. postponed till 3 but still on. It turned out that the exits were back open so it was BACK on and the rest is HISTORY! I got to spend the next 2 hours of my life fellowshipping with the friendliest, most positive, highly energetic group that I have ever encountered. Sistahs...from the lightest light to the darkest dark...2b's to 4c's...16 years old to well...ok? All beautiful. All Confidant. All Natural. We represented. We talked hair, we discussed products, we laughed, we ate, we connected...I dont even want to get into the fantastic styles that i saw. These ladies were ROCKIN some do's...omg. And let me say this...its kinda cool being recognized from YouTube!! It is!! Hoping we can do it again reaaal soon :-) Until next time...

Thanks for watching & reading!

TSC

My Natural Hair Journey

If you haven't recognized by my profile pic already, I am one of them "Natural" Sistahs. The word "Natural" refers to my hair and the fact that I do not perm it or alter my nappy hair texture by straightening it. I have been natural since 2006. My natural hair journey has been in the making for many years I believe. Taking the step to actually make it happen came in waves (no pun intended)before i decided that I was going to do it. Here is my road to change:



#1. I moved to Atlanta in 2000 and was happy to see MANY sistahs with various natural styles that I adored but was never bold enough to try.

#2. With the hot summers here in the south I was constantly pulling my former permed shoulder length hair up into a pony tail.

#3. I asked my beautician to chop it all off into a short bobbish style that was inspired by Missy Elliots hair in her Lose Control video.

#4. keepin it real, in 2006 my hubby got laid off and i couldnt afford them 100 bucks a pop/3 hour beauty shop visits anymore, so I cut the perm out (the big chop)and my natural hair journey began.



Getting to know my hair in it's natural state was like getting reacquainted with an old friend. I haven't looked back since. Am I trying to make a statement? Maybe...wearing my hair this way is like screaming to the world, "I'm me! I'm Free! Get Used to It!!!" That's what it is for me anyway. LOL. I am not even going to go into the whole black self hatred thing or how we as a people have brought some of mental remnants of slavery into the millenium with us. Not gonna talk about the 1- drop rule and the systematic denigration of our people...Oh, and I am not going to talk about so called "good hair" and how your hair is considered to be "good" if its a certain texture and "bad" if its a kinkier texture. Nope. Not going there. This is all about me, and loving myself... just as I am. Natural is more than just nice. I get way more compliments on my hair when we go out and My hubby LOVES my hair natural and he constantly tells me so. When we go out, I am frequently stopped and complimented/asked about my hair. He enjoys that. He also likes the way it smells, when I was permed up it smelled different I guess. The versatility of my natural hair also enhances our relationship too, I think. When we go on vacation I don't have to hide or cover my hair, cause it may be humid or raining. When its time to jump in the pool..I jump. without worrying about whats going to happen to it or spending hours to get it back "right". When we shower together I dont have to put that ugly cap on, cause I am not scared to get my hair wet anymore. It's very liberating in all aspects!