"400 Years Without
A Comb" - Black Hair Documentary
"It made me sad, seeing the slow loss of our African roots and reflecting
on the self-hatred that I see in my fellow black sisters whom I kno and feeling so saddened about ever having straightened
my hair and about what my ancestors had to go thru. I cried when the lady sang about wanting to go home.
Everyone should watch this video esp. black women.
To help free ourselves from self-hatred that stems from too many years in slavery. To learn to love ourselves and appreciate
our God-given beauty."
The Original Hair Weev
The technique that changed the face of industry is now in its
51st year and its success is still phenomenal.
Invented and developed by Christina M. Jenkins, for the process of permanently
attaching commercial human hair to live growing hair, hereinafter referred to as Hairweev. The "Weev" is a patented process.
BEFORE HAIRWEEV
Hairweeving is the art
of interweeving commercial human hair to the natural growing hair on the head for length, thickness, and the covering of bald
spots. In most cases 100% human hair is used not the synthetic blends that has now flooded the marketplace.
The other
process, hairweaving, is a braiding technique. Hairweeving is NOT braiding.
AFTER HAIRWEEV
Using 3 cords and the weeving frame (commonly called the weeving machine), the group of cords considered
as a base element is thus, permanently attached onto and secured close to the scalp, by interwoven live hair and weeving cords.
The movement maneuver is referred to as making a natural weft, so that the commercial human hair can be combined to
or connected together with a needle and cord, as to make the stitches smooth and compact.
Hairweev is a non-surgical
method of attaching commercial human hair to your own live and growing hair and it is not painful.
Once set hairweevs require periodic tightening by a licensed-certified hair weev technician. The reason for tightening is
because the live hair grows daily and the commercial hair has been woven to the live hair....this causes the commercial hair
to move or grow away from the scalp along with the natural growth of the hair. Tightening is required approximately once every
10-12 weeks.
The hairweev technician of today must have a good basic knowledge of hairstyling in order to keep up
with the ever-changing trends and styles of now and the future. Hairweeving eliminates the unnatural look from bulky lumps
of braiding tracks or the artificial look of a wig by improving and enhancing the image of their clients.
Do you desire a more natural looking weev? Contact our Hair Weev Expert today!
Call (713) 931-0848 or
409-497-9123 & Ask
for Alfred
The Great Black Hair Obsession In Search of Unnappy Hair
By Earl Ofari Hutchinson, Ph.D.
"The type of black woman who would wear red (hair color)
has confidence and style."
The long hidden controversy among African-Americans publicly exploded in November when seventeen-year-old
Michelle Barskile in North Carolina was turned down for her sorority's debutante ball. Several weeks later Ruth Sherman, a
white elementary school teacher in New York, fled her school after heavy fire from some black parents. The issue for both
women was hair. Barskile's offense was that she wore her hair in a dreadlocks style that her sorority chapter deemed unacceptable.
Sherman's offense was that she read passages from the book Nappy Hair to her mostly black and Latino students. The parents
claimed this demeaned blacks.
The two women discovered that few things generate more anger and passion among black
women than their hair. Some black critics say that black women are in a frenzied search to shed the ancient racist shame and
stigma of "nappy hair" ="bad hair" by aping white beauty standards. Others say that, like many non-black women, black women
are hopeless captives of America's fashion and beauty industry, which is geared to making them more attractive and pleasing
to men. Many black women counter this by saying that they are merely seeking their own identify or "to look better."
"Get
gorgeous! Steal the spotlight with this glamorous upswept design."
They are all right. But the great hair obsession
among many black women reflects the still deep and compelling need by African-Americans to identify with and accept America's
values and standards. The beauty care industry has skillfully fed that compulsion with fantasies of physical glitter and social
glamour and turned them into mammoth profits. Hair care product manufacturers have sold many black women on the notion that
their hair is the path to self-esteem, success, and sexual allure. A century ago the legendary Madame CJ Walker built a multi-million
dollar empire on the premise that black women want to look like white women and that "good hair" is the key to independence
and prosperity.
"Elegance, spiced with Southern flavor begins with a mane awash in a light golden blond shade."
The
hair care industry is gargantuan today. In 1996 beauty care manufacturers racked up more than $10 billion in sales, and hair
care products by far topped the sales list. Americans shelled out $1.5 billion for shampoos, and more than $1 billion for
hair conditioners alone. Blacks bought an estimated one out of five toilet and cosmetic products sold, and one out of three
hair products sold.
The dozen or more black magazines devoted exclusively to hair dwarf that of the number of general
interest black publications. The hair magazines are so wildly popular that many librarians are forced to put them under lock
and key to prevent them from being pilfered by patrons. The five giant hair product manufacturers, Proctor & Gamble, Helene
Curtis, Alberto-Culver, Bristol Meyers, and Johnson & Johnson dominate the hair care industry and are household names
among black women.
"A perfect evening entrance begins with a flawless hair design."
The Afro or natural hair
look of the 1960's and the braid craze of the 1990's are touted as examples of black women rejecting white beauty standards.
They aren't. The Afro style was short lived, always more a chic fad than a revolution in black consciousness, and was tied
to style and fashion trends. Today's braided look is even more tightly tied to style and fashion trends with none of the pretensions
of the black pride of the 1960's. Even many black women who sport the bald look are fixated on matching the proper clothes,
make-up and ear rings with the style. Most soon tire of these hair fads and retreat back to the straightening comb, fashion
braids/extensions or a perm.
The great hair obsession is driven by the painful need of many African-Americans to conform
to the dominant values of American society. And beauty, fashion and hairstyles are the most popular and perverse expressions
of those values. Barskile and Sherman learned the bitter truth that many African-Americans still believe the fiction that
good hair makes you, and nappy hair doesn't.
Hair braiding is an ancient art, practiced by the Ancient Egyptians as long ago as 4000 BC. Today it has become a
“hot “ fashion trend with many styles, weaves and colorful ornamental beads. Not only women but also men have
embraced this beautiful art, creating color and style beyond our ancestors wildest dreams.
How and where did braiding
begin? Hair braiding, as we know it today has its origins in West Africa. The different and often complex designs signify
the social status, age group and village a girl has come from. The braid patterns are made up of different geometrical patterns
and can become quite complex for special occasions, such as marriages.
Braiding is traditionally a social art. Because
of the time it takes to braid hair the women took time to socialize while braiding and having their hair done. It begins with
the elders making simple knots and braids for younger children. Older children watch and learn from them, start practicing
on younger girls and eventually learn the traditional designs. Here in America you see mothers and grandmothers braiding and
putting colorful beads in little children’s hair. This carries on a the tradition of bonding between elders and the
new generation.
The difference between ancient and modern braiding: Nowadays, as well as the colorful beads and intricate
designs of our ancestors, hair weaving has become part of the traditional braiding technique. This opens the door to a whole
new assortment of styles and looks. The Hip Hop industry has taken hair braiding and weaving to a whole new level of popularity
and style, allowing people from all walks of life to enjoy creating a fashion statement with hair braids and weaves. Hair
weaves range from real hair to a vast array of different colors and textures made from synthetic hair. The traditional beads
are also being developed into all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Hair Care for Braiding and Hair Weaving When
you decide to braid your hair or use hair weaves, your hair needs to be in good condition, or you will experience breakage
and damage. Your hair should have elasticity. This is a natural condition of hair fibers and will be present in all hair that
has not been chemically treated. If you have used relaxers, bleaching, or perms, these chemicals make your hair dry and
brittle, it is very important to use good conditioners on a regular basis to restore your hair’s natural elasticity.
Be sure to discuss this with your stylist, so that you can enjoy braiding styles without damaging your hair.
Hair
braiding and weaving can be quite costly, so it is essential to go to stylists who are experienced and knowledgeable. Make
an appointment with your stylist for a consultation, before you have your hair done. Discuss what style is best for you,
the cost and how to maintain your hair braids or weave. Proper care of your hair when braiding and using hair weaves will
prevent damage to your hair and scalp. Hair braiding is one of the most versatile ways to style your hair and truly make yourself
unique, with this beautiful and ancient art form.
Posted by successproon 11/17/2004 20:34:17 (785
reads)
By Diana Dudas Copyright 2003
Our skin like other body
parts is not invincible, when it comes to being susceptible to damage. As it is necessary to get monthly haircuts and weekly
manicures as part of your grooming regime it should also be a necessity and not a luxury to take care of the most important
organ of your body, the skin. And the time to start doing that is now.
Too young to care. It may seem unimportant
to contemplate doing anything about your complexions before reaching your thirties. However it is in our twenties that the
effects of aging begin to be visible in our complexion. As we mature, biochemical changes occur in elastin and collagen, the
connective tissues that give skin it’s firmness and elasticity. Genetics also play a part in this, which is why these
changes occur at different times in different people.
As skin becomes less elastic, it also becomes drier, and the
fat padding begins to disappear. This causes the skin to sag and look less supple. Ultimately wrinkles will appear. Then one
day, after glancing in the mirror you suddenly notice those crows feet creeping in around the corners of your immaculately
decorated eyelids, or you notice that your lip potions have sadly waded into the spider like crevices above the lips. It is
normally then, when decisions are made to go out and get a miracle cream or maybe a facial. Aging can be slowed down, and
you can do your part to promote a younger complexion even as you mature. All it takes is a little TLC, but start NOW! The
sooner you start to nurture your skin the more chance you have of a age-less complexion. All it takes is a short monthly visit
to a skin care specialist, or a few minutes a day, taking care of your skin at home.
Skin care starts at home Enjoying
a monthly facial is an excellent idea. Having your, face, neck and shoulders massaged for an hour and a half will most definitely
put you into a state of euphoria and your skin will feel revitalized and renewed. And for those of you who haven’t got
time for a full treatment, you will be pleased to know that the New York style facial is now available, which takes only 15
minutes, perfect for a quick lunch hour treat. Making time for a facial is important, but more so it is of the utmost importance
to maintain this caring act at home. Your skin needs twice daily nurturing to keep it clean, moist and protected and it only
takes ten minutes a day.
Easy as ABC A good skin care regime is neither complicated nor laborious. A quick
1, 2, 3 step is a great start. This means a twice daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing. it only takes 5 minutes each time,
that’s just 10 minutes a day.
Cleanse: Use a liquid, cream or foam cleanser. And gently massage your
face to remove all dirt and make-up. Then rinse. Do not use soaps as they can be overly drying and also clog pores. Tone:
After cleansing saturate a cotton pad, and stoke over face and neck, this will work to remove the last traces of cleanser
and also close your pores.
Moisturize: Apply your cream with upward motions to both the face and neck. Avoid
eye area.
This is all you need to get you well on your way to a healthy and more radiant complexion.
Your
only young once! This might be the case, however there is absolutely nothing wrong from being in denial of your age
for as long as you fell fit! For those concerned about skin maturity or maybe suffer with problem skin there are extra
steps that you can take to ensure healthy skin. A weekly exfoliation will uncover fresh new layers of skin. Look for exfoliators
that contain enzymes as these will dissolve dead skin cells without being too abrasive. This will give your skin a healthy
glow. For optimum results, immediately after using your exfoliator, apply a masque . Check the ingredient lists for anti-inflammatory
agents such as cucumber or chamomile, these will work to calm and soothe your skin, so that it emerges, refreshed,, refined
and revitalized. Always a good thing!
Obviously the more you care for our skin, the better you are going to look. And
that alone will give you a new lease of life. There are also eye creams and gels that reduce fine lines and firm the area
around the eye. Thus helping to prevent further wrinkles.
Doctor my Eyes! Eye crèmes are a vital part of
your skin care regime. The skin around your eyes is much finer than the rest of your face and body and cannot absorb a heavy
moisturizer. If you were to compare the thickness of skin on the various parts of our body to paper. The delicate eye area,
would be like tissue paper, the face like writing paper, and the neck and body like wrapping paper this is why it is important
to use lighter crèmes that are specifically made for the delicate eye area. If you were to apply your usual facial moisturizer
to the eye area, the moisturizer would have no where to go, and would in fact create puffy, baggy eyes. Also for the same
reasons never use eye crèmes on the eyelid before going to sleep. However you can use an eye gel sparingly under the eye area.
Going
below and beyond Once you have achieved your basic skin care regime, your skin will be like a clean canvas ready to
absorb all the nutrients found in anti-aging formulas. These include products containing liposomes, night crèmes and also
serums. When crèmes containing liposomes are applied to the skin, the liposomes are deposited on the skin and begin to merge
with the cellular membranes and then release their active ingredients. Serums go one step further, they are able to penetrate
below the skin wall and attach themselves to emerging skin cells promoting healthy new skin cells. Serums come in the form
of droplets and are applied sparingly under your moisturizer.
What to look for The thought of shopping for
skin care items can tedious and knowing which ingredients to look is daunting, so here are a few suggestions of what ingredients
to look for when starting your skin care regime. When choosing your cleanser toner and moisturizer look for the following
ingredients, which will vary depending on your skin type:
Oily or acne prone skin… anti-bacterial
and oil blotting extracts including: Camphor, Eucalyptus Oil, and Witch hazel
Mature Skin… Liposomes,
serums. Sunflower, jojoba and hazelnut are rich lubricants.
Exfoliators… ENZYMES are the gentlest and
yet most effective form of exfoliation. Papaya being the most effective
Once you start on the road to good skin care,
your skin will crave it. Remember, a good diet, exercise and drinking lots of water will also help improve your complexion.
With just ten minutes a day you will soon see results and others will also notice.
So start your twice daily skin
care regime and , when you just don’t feel like it, remember just 10 minutes a day keeps those winkles at bay.
Posted by successproon 11/17/2004 20:10:21 (1094
reads)
By Diana Dudas G.C.H.S.R.H. Copyright 2003
Summertime
can have a nasty habit of making us sit and notice. We suddenly have anew self awareness. Wintertime can have a definite adverse
affect on both your hair and skin. This is aggravated by an over indulgence of rich nurturing foods, caffeine and alcohol.
It sometimes takes spring creeping over the windowsill to give you that extra wake up call, and a new self awareness. It is
during this time that your old summer wardrobes may look sad, due to extra poundage gained over the hibernation season. Skin
may appear dry, and your hair can appear to seem limp and lifeless and in extreme cases hair loss may be apparent.
Hair
loss in women is becoming more prominent, and this has persuaded doctors to take a closer look at the problem. It has been
proven that poor diet can play a big part in promoting hair loss, especially in women, whom already have to contend with hormone
in balances, which also contribute to hair loss.
What causes hair loss in women.
DHT 95% of
hair loss in women is cause by androgentic Alopecia ( female pattern baldness). This may be inherited from your parents. What
causes the hair loss in this condition is a chemical called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is hormone that all men and women
produce) .People that make more DHT have a lot of the enzyme called 5_alpha reductase. An excess of DHT may cause hair follicles
to the hair become increasingly thinner, until the follicle will eventually stop producing hair at all. The baldness will
be predominantly over the front and sides of the head and not in the crown area as with men. This will get worse with menopause.
A
women’s biochemistry if often out of balance, and this along with poor diet can create a toxic environment and un acceptable
amounts of copper and salt in the system.
Oily Hair As hair thins the sebaceous gland that secreted sebum
the hairs natural oil, will stay the same size and continue to produce the same amount of oil. This can make thinning hair
overly oily, flat and lifeless. This makes frequent shampooing vital for hair loss cases with oily scalps. Sebum also contains
DHT which can clog pores and deter healthy hair growth.
Hormones Hormonal changes are a common cause of female
hair loss. After a pregnancy, or when taking birth control pills, many women experience hair thinning to varying degrees,
but only on a temporary basis. While a woman is pregnant, and hormonal changes are occurring, more hair follicles enter
the growth phase than normal. About two to three months after childbirth, the normal hair cycle returns and many hairs re-enter
the resting phase, which causes excessive shedding to occur. If the condition does not change after six months, a woman may
be experiencing hereditary hair thinning or maybe be lacking in certain nutrients to an unbalanced diet.
Unbalanced
Diet What you eat is reflected in the health of your hair. Your hair as well as your body needs a balanced, nutritious
diet to stay healthy. Making a conscious decision to eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables that are loaded with vitamins
and anti oxidants is essential. whist, whole grains , nuts and seeds will provide minerals and vitamins. A lean protein will
add sufficient iron to the diet and a fortified cereal breakfast will complete the nutritional pyramid. Of course drinking
plenty of purified water will give your hair maximum hydration. Eating organic, will help deter the body from becoming
toxic, especially from copper, and steering clear of processed foods will prevent a high sodium intake.
Salt
and Copper wreak havoc Unhealthy tissue concentrations of copper, can cause hair loss. These amounts would be below
1.7milligrams or above 3.5 milligrams. Copper toxicity can vary from person to person, and can depend on the individuals metabolism
and diet. Vegetarians for example are not always able to retain copper, which means they are more susceptible to hair loss.
How
does copper get into our system Drinking water that comes from old copper pipes is prime. Also the food that we eat.
For instance copper can be included in animals diets which in turn is then passed on in our daily regime. It is also not uncommon
for farmers to incorporate copper into their anti-fungal and algae sprays. Birth control such as the pill and IUD both use
copper, making women more susceptible to copper imbalances. Swimmers are also at risk sue to a popular algaecide used in pool
water.
Salt Savvy It is common knowledge that too much sodium or salt is not good for us, But even if we
are salt savvy and do what’s best by avoiding salt. Our bodies can still produce too much sodium due to too much stress,
which will naturally increase sodium retention.
What to advise! If you have a client suffering with hair
loss, it might be a good idea to mention the above and advise the following:
Drink Bottled Water Avoid foods
high in copper, such as milk, chocolate, oysters, nuts, high fat meats and salmon.
Avoid salt and eat a low sodium
diet ( steering clear of processed foods is a good idea as they tend to be high in sodium
Try to stay stress free.
If a stressful lifestyle is on the agenda, then relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation will help to reduce sodium
levels.
Other causes of excessive hair loss. You should normally shed on average between 80-100 hairs each
day, however any more than this and you might want to re-think your diet or lifestyle.
Chemical treatments done incorrectly,
or excessive pulling on the hair due to over tight ponytails or braids, are also likely to cause hair loss. If you follow
a healthy lifestyle or do not fall into any of these categories and you are still experiencing hair loss, you may want to
consult with your doctor or trichologist. As a more serious health problem may be the cause!
Once set hairweevs require periodic tightening by a licensed-certified hair weev technician. The reason for tightening is
because the live hair grows daily and the commercial hair has been woven to the live hair....this causes the commercial hair
to move or grow away from the scalp along with the natural growth of the hair. Tightening is required approximately once every
10-12 weeks. 
