A Merger

My blogging drive has expanded to include various aspects of my life. My natural hair experiences come from everyday life, so I've decided to post them within my all purpose blog, A Chronic Immersion. I've just spent hours looking at templates.
Good luck on your journey,
Love Jade

Natural Sunshine

Hey curlies, just wanted to let all of you know that Sunshine of Natural Hair...Natural Products has created a social network for all us naturals out there!

I think it's a great way for all of us to stay connected and get to know each other. And there's no such thing as to much curly support :)

Head on over to Natural Sunshine and join up!

A Pet Peeve

Normally I don't complain here (...I think) but a particular phrase I see often in natural hair world is irking me.

"Going Natural": a. Deciding to no longer straighten your hair, most often cutting off or growing out the permanently straightened relaxed hair. b. Accepting the kinky, curly, nappy, hair that unaffectedly grows from your head.

This is the phrase we have given to our new category of self-love.
But
Is it just me, or does "going" signify it as some other path, a different one then the one you were born walking? "Going Natural" sounds like you're doing something that
It's an oxymoron. Or rather, I feel quite a bit of us don't realize that the going, while being a forward path is also returning, that this new, thick hair is the same fluffy stuff from childhood. "Going Natural" sounds like you're doing something that didn't happen before.

This is a rant, as I haven't any idea what to call it instead.
Perhaps
"Becoming Natural"?
"Returning to Natural"?
Transcendence? Since we all did, just a little bit.
Restoration?
Hmm. I like Becoming.
What do you think?
Or am I just thinking too hard? Fresa says I do that all the time.

Our Hairstory

I finished the book, Hairstory and wish I had brought it along to school with me to share with my pal Simone and many other girls I meet. This book tells the story of black hair from its cultural message in Africa up to today. Hairstory has taught me many things about what is --surprisingly, to other cultures and races-- a big issue.

I stumbled upon Hairstory on Amazon while searching for a natural hair care book shortly before cutting my hair. While it's not a natural haircare book, the chance to learn about why we face the current hair issues that we do was quite intriguing.

I now know why there is a history of disdain for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (membership was exclusive to the most euro-centric of blacks: light skinned, naturally straight hair), and why some see Madame C. J. Walker as a pillar of black achievement, while others see her as grim picture of our deep-rooted xenocentrism, (which she then got rich from.) I can picture it sitting in my old room now and want it to just appear here.

Soh My Gosh.

I just recieved notice that no one could comment. That makes me a little sad, eh?
I have fixed it now.

The Pretty Woman Debate

I don't have much to say on this, as being absent for a couple of days makes you late on topics. However, Sunshine over at Natural Hair, Natural Products pretty much took the thoughts out of my head. Go take a look.

Imagine seeing zebras walking around wearing fake elephant trunks and thinking that without the elephant trunks they were less attractive?

A Manly Twist-Out

I did my boyfriend's hair last night. I'm not sure what number-letter hair type he has (though I dare say 4b), but his hair is dense and thick. After starting school, and a couple of days of being lazy, I finally sat him down and decided to give his afro a little TLC.

The Backstory

His routine was...nil. Every morning he woke up with his hair totally matted in the back and a little bit on the sides. And then, it basic problem-solution type man-thinking, would begin to pick it out completely dry! Needless to say I found this out and was completely horrified. I know it had to hurt my baby's head. Throughout the day I loved to play with his fro and do random things but my fingers let me know that it was majorly dry, and the Savannah heat was not helping. If his hair didn't do that lovely thing of growing nearly completely vertical, I would say it would probably be frizzy as well. The first day I arrived I promised him I would try a little of my natural hair care routine on it. I've been practicing :)

The Process

The process was probably your basic Sunday all day thing. To start off, I conditioned and clarified his hair by adding a bit of baking soda to Suave Humectant Conditioner. Great stuff! I bought the $3.00 big bottle to last me a while but his hair drank about 1/3 of it that day. Next I sat him down in front of Star Wars: Empires At War to detangle, heh. I parted his hair in four sections and used a wide pick, going row-by-row. This was the hardest part of the whole process, as his hair was, despite his constant picking, very tangled. After rinsing (very carefully I might add, it was as though his hair wanted to be knotted) I applied Le Kair Cholesterol Conditioner and a squeeze of honey as a deep conditioner. This conditioner was a total bargain. It has really great ingredients in a large tub for about two dollars. I let this sit in for about 30 minutes with no heat, and after I rinsed it out I found that his hair, despite being naturally vertical, had very little curl to it until you got to the ends, which were about as kinky as my whole head. I was fascinated. After a light towel pat, I parted his hair in half. By this time the pick was sliding through like a dream. For a leave-in, I used Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil (which is also awesome for two dollars) and a nickel sized amount of shea butter. I then began to twist. Since I was planning to do a twist out, I parted each row with a comb, but then used finger-parting for each twist section. To seal the ends, I had to use beeswax as shea butter would not hold. This part of the process took the longest, as his hair was not long enough for large sections to be twisted at once. I would say there are about 150 twists on his head. The entire process somehow took about 4 hours to do. I didn't take any photos of the twists themselves but they were rather nice.

Before Mon.08.10.09

Note:I wish I had taken before photos that day (Monday), but I hadn't planned to post about it. In these before pictures, it actually looks pretty not-dry, but this is just to show the style it was in, I guess.

 

  

  

 

After Tues.08.11.09

 

Though it took forever, it was a lot of fun, a definitely worth it. His strong willed hair held onto the curls quite well. I don't have any photos for today, but it is currently the second day and though it's a tad flat (he refused to sleep on his face, ha.) it is still very cute. This was great practice for me and I was glad to help him and his hair.

Peace. Love,

Jadeite

I Just Wanted to Share

That I won a contest!
I never win anything!
The contest was a random selection comment contest on Curly Nikki.
This is fun. I'm getting a new product in the mail; there were two winners so I'm not sure which one I get. I will definitely get back to tell you what I think of it.

Thanks to Nikki.

Love,
Jade

Up and Away

Just wanted to say that I'm packing and headed away for school, so I'm going to be absent for a few days.

Love.
Jade

Fresh Cut!: Photos

I went to the barber today :)
I must say, clippers are very relaxing. I see another reason why men do it.
Hairstyling as therapy should be a law.
After the uneven start, my fro now has a smooth line and looks like a purposeful style.

Front Views

 

Side Views

  

Back View

  

I am loving this. The barber treated me well, fixing up my eyebrows as well.

All for twenty dollars.

$20.

Salon=never again.

  

Peace and Therapeutic Haircuts.

Jade

Fresh Cut!

I just wanted to share with you all that I just came from the barber shop, getting my short little 'fro nice and round. I have some even-ing out to do, and some relaxed ends to get rid of. Mr. Joe Red also treated me to a very cute round shape-up in the front and back. This fro is fierce, if I do say so myself. Now that it has shape, it can grow properly, and I can treat it like its own style and not a transitional phase of waiting for longer hair.
Whoever said a fro stops the admiration was lying to me and to themselves. I got more compliments today than I ever did in a week of relaxed hair.
I am too excited! And I can't wait to leave for school this Saturday.
Hope to post pics soon!

Mwah!
Jade

Snappshot: Monique Coleman

Not much to say. Love this look on her. On anyone, such a beautiful fro.
So Natural: Monique Coleman

The Quest for Hair That Moves

Right now (2:42 pm Eastern Time), on BET there's a competition show running called "Tears, Shears, and Beauty." In the show, women and men of various hairstyle groups parade down the runway showcasing the, er, work and talent of each hairstylist. I have nothing against these stylists, making their living, etc, but for me, the creativity seems to be lacking, as no stylists has figured out a way to show off what comes naturally to us.

While there are some short cuts, each group has a dance to do, which results in a lot of twisting and flipping of long brown, black-red, white, blonde and even orange weaves: all, in the quest for hair that moves, straight.

Now, I know there are competitions like this all the time, but to witness it, and to witness how seriously these stylists and groups take themselves and their work, it makes me sad. Can you truly be proud of your uncanny ability to sew some bleached blonde indian "virgin hand-sewn weft" hair onto another person's head? And can another, as the client hold their head high with something on top that is not theirs?

Hm. I didn't notice any stylists even mentioning natural.

Maybe they don't think there is a way.
All of us who wore relaxers and weaves have been guilty of this, and a year or two ago this show may have even captivated me. 
The quest for hair that moves has ingrained in us even further, that our sisters will hold onto their blonde wigs at all costs.

Love.
Jade

PS. I should note that I am not as against weaves as I am relaxers. I know the uses of weaves as protective styling. But..why bone straight? Why blonde?
Why the addiction? These women won't leave the house unless their weave is up to date, spending hundreds of dollars to hide a piece of themselves.
It's like plastic surgery. Without the surgery.

Street Chic

I stumbled upon Elle website's Street Chic Daily. I love a good outfit as much as the next girl, so I decided to scroll through the days and see what Elle thinks is dapper. Many of the snapshots showcased my style to the B (for "Bohemia", as the fashion ladies and lads say), and I also noted that all the brown girls shown flaunted their natural texture to complete the look. If they, and Elle, think curls and whorls are en vogue, then the rest of us can too.

Natural for Less

With my days as a truly broke student now less than a week away, I decided to do research on the natural way of haircare. My mother and I chatted poolside about what I'd need and where I'd find it. I am already off to a start with shea butter. I had a hard time convincing her that mashed banana and honey make great conditioner, and that apple cider vinegar has great clarifying properties. (I wonder how many more "foods" have multiple uses?) I made a shopping list on my fingers:

1. Honey: Deep Conditioning
   
2. Apple Cider Vinegar: Clarifying
   
3. Coconut Oil: Moisturizing
   
4. Baking Soda: Cleansing
   
5. Jojoba Oil: Moisturizing
   
6. Bananas: Deep Conditioning
   
7. Brown Sugar: Exfoliating
8. Eggs: Conditioner
9. Peppermint Oil: Revitalizing
10. Olive Oil
    

This list is getting too long for my budget! I am very new to no longer buying ready-made shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers. Anyone have any ideas? What else should I add to the list?
And where can I find Jojoba oil?!

Let's Call it Practice

I apologize profusely for the lack of my own pictures. I hope to have my own camera soon *chagrin*

I'll try to make it up to you by showcasing some pictures of twists I practiced on my younger sister, Asia. These are by far the worst, totally janked by how she's always "sleepy" when it's time to do her hair.

Look at those cheeks!

Luckily the twists weren't the end product *makes face*. When they dry it will be a very cute twist out (...I hope) that'll slowly work it's way to Mickey Mouse puffs like it did a couple of weeks ago:

Now that is cute.

Peace, (and the) Love (of), Afropuffs,

Jade

Reconnecting to Move Forward

When I started this blog, I tried to find a name that would catch the ear and still be relevant. Suddenly, I thought about a conversation I had a while ago with an acquaintance of mine with a cool name.

Fonti and I were chatting on Facebook when the topic turned to my recent haircut. I hardly transitioned; I was afraid to have short hair, which is the main reason I ran to the clippers. Heh. I explained about my decision to go natural.

"For me...going natural is really a return. I'm going back to my original self, getting reacquainted with the way God made me."

I realize even more now that that is what is happening, and that is the way. I had to reconnect with my natural being before I could move forward and grow into a better person.

My decision to stop relaxing and cut my hair has yielded more than just a new do. I had to redefine my standard of beauty to accept all different kinds. I have focused on my health more, wanted my hair and skin to flourish, so I pay more attention to what I put on and in my body. I look at all the lotions and potions I used in the past and wonder how my skin didn't just fall off! Yet, something else has occurred. I'm trying to improve my outsides and insides physically, and I'm focusing even more on improving my true inside: my personality, my soul. This is the most important change. I'm stopping all the gossip, lies, and betrayal that plague female friendships. I try not to constantly complain and focus on what I am blessed with. I stop myself from saying the first hurtful thing that pops into my head just because my boyfriend made me angry. I tell my temper that it is not the boss of me. I am more aware of myself and how I affect others around me. I now aspire more than I ever did to be a better person, to be beautiful inside and out, realizing that when you have inner beauty, the outside all falls into place.

Has anyone else felt this? What have you realized on your natural journey?

Thunderstorm Thoughts

I awoke this morning to a monstrous crack of thunder, followed by the pit-pat of a soft rain. Closing my eyes, I listened as it pitted on my window sill; patted on the dewy grass. And I knew that if I suddenly wanted to hop out of bed and run around out there, nothing was stopping me.

I couldn't help but smile.
Happiness is so simple.
Jade <3

A Bone To Pick

Okay, what is up with these Dr. Miracle commercials?!





In one commercial, a Black woman runs to the mirror and screams in horror at the state of her hair. She exclaims, "I need a miracle!" comeplete with tears. Suddenly, "Dr. Miracle"'s hand pops out the mirror holding one of his products and says "You need this, etc." Fade to a picture of the full line, (with that big box of No-Lye Relaxer showcased in the middle, by the way) and return to the scene at hand. The woman now returns to the mirror with long, shiny, straight-and-hot-curled hair, profusely thanking Dr. Miracle and falling in love with him.

Is it just me? Or does that tee you just a bit?
Dr. Miracle and his commercials are circulating madly on most channels that they know black women watch. This type of marketing is no news, but I don't see how he (and they) sleep and night knowing they're praying on the insecurities of millions of black women, reinforcing the belief that your original, natural hair is ugly and that You Need a Miracle.

The strategy of this marketing is diabolical. Apart from the woman crying at her self in the mirror, the advertising includes the Other Woman "Whose Hair You Want" who makes sure you know you need a miracle, Dr. Miracle at that, and the Successful Black Man who lusts after your long straight perfection. And at the head of all of that, the company gave their product as face, soliciting your trust with a Black doctor who obviously only has the interest of his people at heart.

What really grinds my gears is that a relaxer is never the answer to the problem presented in these commercials. Yes, the woman's hair was dry, frizzy, and all tangled and knotted but that's nothing a good twist-out regimen couldn't fix.
We black women are made to believe that our original self is ugly and we have internalized it. Companies like Dr. Miracle's reinforce and make profit off of this fact and we allow this!

Finally, the use of a black spokesperson really attracts the target demographic. Black people must learn that most of these companies who do that and slap "African" on everything are usually white owned. Would you be rushing to buy these products if a business suited white man was telling you your kinks need a miracle?Think of it that way. Because that's the way it is.


Peace out.
Angry Jade

Ethnic Trend Part 2

Celebrities aren't the only ones walking the path of ethnicity. I've also noticed an increased amount of natural haired brown men and women in commercials. I'm sure many of you have seen the Pull-Ups commercial with Lyon and her dredlocked mom, and even though I wanted to speak on it, it was old news by the time I started this blog. However, this morning, I had the pleasure of seeing a Splenda commercial abound with curly heads. I'm not big on sweeteners, but one lovely lady sipping tea even had a TWA. Unfortunately, I've had no luck finding a link to the commercial online.

I have a habit of being excited by the smallest things, so I'm not going to start dancing around my bedroom yet. But I would like to see how this "trend" continues.

Just wanted to share.
Peace.
Jadeite

The Kink Logs: A Man's Perspective I

I've decided to ask many ladies and lads that I know in my new series called The Kink Logs and The King Logs: A Man's Perspective. My very first interview is from a man so I started with AMP first. (Ooh, AMP...I like that.)

The Man With the View: Adam 19, Savannah, GA.

Jade: Firstly, what is your relationship with your hair?
Adam: I clean it, twist it, and keep it moisturized. I care for it like any other part of my body.

Jade: With women, are you more attracted to long hair or short hair?
Adam: I don't really have a preference for that; I've dated women with many different hair types and lengths.

Jade: What style do you prefers on Black women (weaves, afros, wigs, other)?
Adam: Natural. Natural styles like braids or an afro look better on Black women than unnatural styles. There is a natural style that works for every woman, and every one should find those that look best for them.

Jade: How do you feel about the Black Haircare Industry and its target on Black women?
Adam: It's bad, really awful. Marketers from all industries (especially the beauty industry) play on the insecurities of women so much that they convince them to buy chemical-laced products that only cause harm, all to make a profit.

Jade: This is a two-part question. Does a woman's relationship with her hair affect her relationship with you?
Adam: Definitely yes. The women who won't leave the house unless they've spent whole days in the salon and shelled out hundreds of dollars--that type of obsession with the outside only leads men to believe you have something to cover up on the inside. With a natural haircut, it really counts when you don't try to hide what you naturally are under added hair or chemicals. Also I love the girl I am with now and I love her cut, because when she made the decision to go natural, she did it for herself, and loves herself more. Most women are obsessed with what others think, and sporting a little afro shows you don't give a damn.

Jade: Tell of a time when a woman's relationship with her hair affected you in the past? If it has at all.
Adam: Hmm...the last time my girlfriend relaxed her hair really upset me because we had had a discussion previous to that incident where she promised not to anymore. And I remember how she gave really lame excuses for it as well, heh. Other than my current relationship...most of the ladies I've dated had natural hair. There is one who wore ponytail pieces; in hindsight, I realized I was least attracted to her.

Jade: What thoughts cross your mind when you see a napptural woman?
Adam: Immediately, she has bucketfuls of confidence. It takes confidence for a lot of these natural styles! I definitely appreciate that. There is nothing more beautiful than the real you.

--End AMP Log 1--

Adam offered a good view on what some men feel, and I will definitely continue this series. I want to learn the various perspectives of many men. Who out there is pro relaxer? Who spouts all natural love but only like naturally straight hair? Who thinks the afro is the sexiest thing on the planet?
We'll find out soon, wink.

Peace. Love,
Jade

Ethnic Shaved Head Trend?

I will admit I am far far late in speaking on this but my heart is battling with both sides of this topic. Apparently, there has been an influx of young black it-girls shaving part or all of their hair off and it's becoming the "new trend".

On one end, I am happy girls like Cassie and Rihanna are confident to take clippers to the head in the public eye. And let's not forget Solange, who has cut all. of. it. off and her hair type definitely looks a little kinked up in there <3
Besides, I abhor the word "trend". This word implies a passing fad, a little teenage phase that trendies have fun with for a little while and then drop like a lover who you've outgrown. Hinting that this natural mindset won't last long and we'll all be back to hiding our kinks and coils. Boo.
What's a bald-head/natural trend for one is a bonafide style for another, so trendies need to properly represent.

It's definitely a style for me, with my afro not even an inch high yet, heh. Since crossing over, I love to see others join, but don't call it a trend! That hurts. I'm never straightening again.

I hope to start hosting some beautifully natural pics soon.
Peace. Love,
Jade

Ooh, Aah!

You have got to take a look at this.

When I saw the first picture of Ladene (designer/stylist) with her fat, sexy dreads I was in love.
I'm so happy that I happened upon this gem of a tumble. There are so many beautiful natural styles, from the long fat dreads to a bald head.
Take a look man, really!
And take a look here, because I luv this blog.

Long-Term Transitioning versus Short-Term Transitioning

Transition: The period after your last relaxer, during which you cultivate new, natural hair growth while the relaxed ends are still attached. I've noted, not by any spoken rule but more general shared thought, that long-term starts at about six months, and short-term is any time less than that. The transitioning period ends with the "Big Chop".

During my submergence in the natural scene, I marveled at all the long term transitioners. They were so patient, so diligent in this phase, and when they finally chopped those nasty ends, had six inches of natural hair, maybe even more.

Me, I've always been a right now type of girl (which may backfire one of these days, heh). I transitioned from April to June and simply did not have the fortitude to fight through the breakage, awful hair days, and general woes that come with caring for two very different hair types on a transitioning head. I took the risk and ended up with the teeniest weeniest of afros. Aside from having only one style for a moment, I am happy with my decision.

Instead of wondering in my head why people choose the path they do, I did a little lurking.

Short-Term Transitioning
Pros:

• Faster start to caring for your natural hair
• Easy to love, super-cute teeny weenie afro
  
• No pressure to straighten to meld the relaxed and nappy textures

Cons:

• One style (the "short Natural") until your hair lengthens
• If you know you will be uncomfortable with such short hair, this option is not for you. No regrets!
• Many look down on the teeny weenie afro as not feminine enough.

Long-Term Transitioning
Pros:

• Natural hair at a longer length
• More style options
• Able to fully dispose of all relaxed hair (some short-terms retain relaxed ends until next trim)

Cons:

• You must be very patient.
  
• Excessive breakage at the demarcation line (where relaxed hair and natural hair meet. a very weak point in hair.)

Truly, there is no competition, as the ratio of long-term to short-term transitioners is around 1:1. Most make the decision to transition long-term to avoid the shock/horror/liberation that is the teensy afro. This is very understandable (yet, I did call myself a punk for feeling this way), and everyone should do what's most comfortable for them so there's no distress, no regret, and no trying to convince them to come out of their panicked state and put down the no-lye.

For more stuff, Nappturality has a Transition Support forum.
As always, feel free to share your ideas.
Nightie night,
Jdot

Counting Up

Not much my way today, so I decided to code a count-up clock celebrating my big chop. I need one, considering it's always been hard for me to do calendar math.

Make your own Countdown Clocks

I'll just check back here every so often. I do wish it counted in months to simplify even further.

Napptural Routine

While browsing different sites, I saw that many experienced curlies have developed a routine. I also noted that many beginning curlies (such as myself) are still going through a trial-and-error period until they discover what's best.

Hmm...what's my routine so far?
With my teeny weenie afro, I've been sporting a conditioner-wash-and-go-and-pick using Pantene Relaxed & Natural Conditioner. To moisturize I use Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, and 100% Pure Shea Butter (surpriseherb.com) once after the shower. During the day I spray my hair with water to keep it moist.

It worked for a moment..yet lately I have been experiencing build-up and excessive dryness. I have decided to change this routine by conditioner-washing less, changing my routine from everyday to every two or three days. I also need to be more diligent on deep conditioning. Hopefully I'll find something that works for me soon, yes?

And if anyone has any ideas at all, feel free to share!

Peace ^_^
Jadeite

Geekalicious Moment

Now blogging from my new hp laptop, gift from the mother.
The guy at Best Buy gave me his number... but I must decline, as I am happily in love with another Nerdy Boy.

Peace.
Jade

The Elusive 4a Curly

Last night, before drifting off under the tv drone, I couldn't help but feel a slight disconnect to the curly community. I was excited to join women who have quit Standard Beauty, but I couldn't help to feel a little down because, well, where are the others like me?

I follow many great websites on being a curly gurl, yet it saddens me a bit that the pioneers of these sites don't have my hairtype. Most fall in the lovely 3c range, and I wonder if their 3c advice shows results on my 4a mane, excluding other factors such as porosity, density, and others.

I understand that with "scab hair", I won't quite know what my hair type truly is until it grows more and the scabbies are cut away. Yet I can make an educated guess, and it looks pretty afro to me.

Enough moping.
Seriously though, where are all my 4a sisters?

Sincerely,
Jadeite

Postscript: Scab hair is hair that has been affected by relaxer seeping into the hair follicles, causing it to be crunchy, hard to manage, and less responsive to product. Nappturality has an article discussing the existence of scab hair here.

Original Self- Welcome

I tried this once before but I'm gonna do it forreal this time. I have (at last) fallen to the craze of putting my musings out for the rest of the anonymous world to see! And I felt I needed someway to keep track of my Relaxed-to-Natural transition.

Here's a Q&A bit so you know a bit about me.

For how long did you relax your hair?
My first relaxer was around age 7, and I didn't call it quits until around April this year. That's about 10 years of that horrid stuff.

When was your Big Chop?
My bc was on June 26th, 2009. It's been almost a month since then and I am still scarexcited. I suppose I can safely guess that the look of my hair is the 4a kinky kind.

How do you style your hair?
The only option I have currently is the ever-loved teeny weenie afro, which sometimes looks a little frizzy as some of my relaxed ends are still attached. I am deathly afraid of trims, but I suppose I'll just have to close my eyes until it's done.

And lastly (for now), what was your reason for going Natural?
I was tired of hating the water. We humans are cruel to ourselves.

I decided to share my journey with others who are natural, TWA'd, long and lucious, or in between hoping we can all connect.
Peace.