The Original Self

A Merger

2009-09-09T00:11:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-01T15:06:00.002-04:00

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

2009-08-29T14:16:00.002-04:00

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

Our Hairstory

2009-08-23T16:00:00.003-04:00

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

Soh My Gosh.

2009-08-19T12:39:00.001-04:00

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

2009-08-17T10:40:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-12T15:00:00.001-04:00

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 BackstoryHis routine was...nil. Every morning he woke up with his hair totally matted in the back and a little bit on the

I Just Wanted to Share

2009-08-11T14:49:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-08T02:23:00.000-04:00

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

2009-08-07T00:50:00.001-04:00

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

Fresh Cut!

2009-08-06T20:19:00.001-04:00

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

Snappshot: Monique Coleman

2009-08-04T19:14:00.002-04:00

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

2009-08-04T14:42:00.002-04:00

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

Street Chic

2009-08-03T20:27:00.004-04:00

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,

This is mainly a hair blog but...

2009-08-01T22:23:00.007-04:00

I couldn't help sharing my thoughts on another bodily subject. With my recent plan to use only safe natural products on my hair, I suddenly asked myself a question: "Why not include my skin?" Everything we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies, and I quake in fear at all the lotions, potions, and harsh medications I've been slapping on over the years, products that don't work! My skin was

Natural for Less

2009-08-01T19:00:00.008-04:00

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

Let's Call it Practice

2009-07-31T03:09:00.008-04:00

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*.

Reconnecting to Move Forward

2009-07-30T21:22:00.005-04:00

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

Thunderstorm Thoughts

2009-07-30T10:49:00.003-04:00

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

2009-07-29T18:59:00.007-04:00

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

Ethnic Trend Part 2

2009-07-29T14:23:00.004-04:00

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

The Kink Logs: A Man's Perspective I

2009-07-28T22:42:00.007-04:00

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

Ethnic Shaved Head Trend?

2009-07-28T15:04:00.011-04:00

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

Ooh, Aah!

2009-07-28T10:16:00.005-04:00

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

2009-07-28T00:17:00.009-04:00

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

Counting Up

2009-07-27T23:28:00.003-04:00

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

Napptural Routine

2009-07-27T01:17:00.008-04:00

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

Geekalicious Moment

2009-07-26T21:31:00.005-04:00

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

2009-07-26T12:28:00.001-04:00

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.

Original Self- Welcome

2009-07-25T14:30:00.001-04:00

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