Powerful Remarks from Zendaya

Here we go again with yet another ignorant comment about locs in the media by uneducated persons who don't have them.

This is what locs look like when they are "stylish and edgy" (according to rancic)

So apparently Giuliana Rancic thinks that people who wear locs smells like “patchouli oil and weed” and Kelly Osbourne agrees (courtesy of http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelzarrell/zendaya-wrote-a-powerful-defense-of-her-dreadlocks-after-rac#.cxVAPoVzw). I am curious to know if they actually know anyone or met anyone that has locs. Its quite interesting that same person could say that Kylie Jenner's locs are "stylish and edgy" out of one side of her mouth then turn around and say negative comments about Zendaya's extremely neat faux locs out of the other side of her mouth (LMAO *gives major side eye*). Although, I am elated that Zendaya had such a powerful and educated response to the backlash of her hairstyle choice.  In her response she noted some well-known people in the media who wear the beautiful mane of locs.  She even gave credit to people, whom I had never heard of before, who also choose to wear locs.  I have a new found respect for Zendaya after such an atrocity of negative comments were made during the E! Network Fashion Police show.

This is what locs look like when they "smell like patchouli oil and weed" (according to rancic)

This is another example of how some people are blind to the fact that different is beautiful. As well as beauty stands out of the crowd and refuses to blend in. Locs have always had negative connotations in society. And I believe that my fellow locstars can change this thought pattern. After being at the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show this weekend in Atlanta. I saw some pretty amazing styles and all kinds of people choosing this loc’d look.

I believe that locs should be acceptable everywhere, from schools to corporate America to the Entertainment Industry (outside of rap).   Locs are a statement to one’s own identity and to some are apart of their personality. By rocking your locs out loud no matter if they are dreadlocks or locs, neat or frizzy, freshly styled or no maintenance for several weeks, you stand out in a crowd by means of your mane saying I’m different. Locs and dreadlocks are worn by a gamut of people: students, business professionals, entrepreneurs, entertainers and more. As a community of locstars and dreadheads we have to shatter this ill-advised thought process of negativity. We will not be classified as a generation of misfits because we choose to wear our hair outside of the mainstream. We hold our heads up high, walk with pride and we put our best into anything that we do while achieving greatness.  We are not our hair but we are a positive force to be reckoned with! Locstars and Dreadheads unite!

Rancic issues an apology:

Consultations

Why Consultations Are Important

Ever been to a new stylist and you left unsatisfied with the work? Have you had a first time visit with a stylist that performed below your expectations? Well here are the reasons why it didn't work out for you.


As a client seeking a stylist you should want to interview them prior to that stylist performing services on you. This is an important key factor, as this will allow you insight into their skillset and knowledge level. At the time of a consultation you should seek the following:

1.     Pictures of their work: This will allow you to see their styling abilities and progression photos of their clients.
  

2.     Products used: They should be able to explain to you what products they use and why.

3.     Knowledge of their craft: How well educated are they of the services they provide.

4.     A sense of their work environment: Is it comfortable for you? Is it peaceful, private, and clean?

5.     Obtain a feel of the stylist personality and work ethics: Are they professional, personable, easy going?

By setting up a consultation you will be able to get a better understanding of the stylist providing services. As well as explain what you get for your money. You should feel comfortable in their environment and get all your questions answered. Some clients skip this step and once they get services rendered they are unsatisfied. Going to a stylist that requires a consultation will ensure that you are happy with your hairstyle or maintenance and you are receiving a value for your monies spent. Consultations can range in price from free to upwards of $100.  Sometimes money for consultation can be applied towards services while other stylist charge for their time and knowledge. Either way if you are required to do a consultation usually you will be happy with services and feel much more comfortable with the stylist that will be caring for your tresses. It’s really easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy.

Anthony Mackie disrespects people with "dreadlocks"

After reading and watching the interview with Anthony Mackie online for The Grio:

http://thegrio.com/2015/01/20/anthony-mackie-selma-oscar-snub-black-white/

My thoughts are as follows:

First of all, basically what you are saying anthony is that black actors and actresses are NOT “damn good performers “ or “the best the industry has to offer”.?  I guess to you a black person would’ve had to create the first movie, produce, direct, act in it, do hair and make up, edit, promote and sale way over budget in order to be considered for an Oscar in your book. Humph… inserts blank stare. I’m just saying, there are way too many talented, best in the industry and damn good black performers that have been snubbed time and time again, when it comes to the Oscars.

Anthony Mackie blank starring at himself

Side note: Honestly I didn’t think that 12 Years a Slave deserved an Oscar. It was not the best acting that I’ve seen. Just a different version/view point of the same old slave story that been told over and over and OVER again. Lupita, I love you lady with your gorgeous dark skin tone and eloquence that surpasses most.  But why did you really get that Oscar… Let me remind you: it was a hand me down just to say “Oh we gave Y’all an Oscar, so shut up with your nagging and take this award for being a concubine of the slave master.” Oh wait isn’t that what Halle Berry won her Oscar for too… being the white man’s concubine.  Hmmmm seems to be a trend her for black female actresses. Let me go even further Hattie McDaniel won an Oscar in 1940 for playing a “Mammy” role in Gone with the Wind. Fast-forward to 2009 and when Mo’Nique wins it for playing a drug addicted, welfare recipient, bad mother, and angry black woman in the movie Precious. Let’s not forget Octavia Spencer in The Help, serving white people and raising their children in their homes.  So it looks to me as most of the wins are for black people playing negative roles. As far as the male actors we are not going to speak on that, too much too little time.

Secondly you said that, “People are just tired of being bombarded with race right now,” Mackie said. “So everybody is shying away from certain topics and certain movies.”  Soooo the movie “Black or White is not a race movie… Hmmm title sure does state otherwise.

Now on to the most blatant lines of self hate.  ““Like my nephew wanted to grow dreadlocks. I’m like fine, I’ll sit you down and I’ll watch The First 48 with you and everybody you see on that show, that’s doing something wrong, they’re black dudes with dreadlocks. So, do you want to be seen as part of the problem or do you want to be an individual?”

“Let’s just say you have locks and you walking down the street. The police pull you over and say you fit the description of somebody.  You start yelling and arguing with the cops. Next thing you know you pressed up against the wall going to jail for something you’re not even involved in just because you look like somebody and you don’t know how to handle yourself,” Mackie said.

Anthony Mackie giving side eye to own comments.

Like really dude, I’m curious to see your response would be the same if you had a niece and she wanted to date a white man. Would you sit her down and have her to watch episodes of COPS, because just about every person on there is a deranged white man on drugs. Crazy right, yeah I know.

The third thing for you to stereotype dreadlocks says to me that you have zero interactions with people that have them.  *In my snooty white voice* I take it all of your friends are white.  *Does snobby fake laugh* TUH, Dude give me a break. I have a well assorted group of clients and most of which work in corporate America, working as high as C level executives and some are well to do self sufficient entrepreneurs. These men and women are law-abiding citizens who not only stand out as an INDIVIDUAL because they don’t conform to the standards of what America sees fit for a black man or woman.  You my friend, blend in and make the white people feel safe when you have a low cut hairstyle for men or a long flowing weave or relaxed hair for women.

The loc stars and dread heads that I know definitely don’t contribute to the problem when they are consistently overcoming barriers, roadblocks and pure hate from those that don’t share the beautiful hue of black. Matter of fact when they excel they stand out and never do they blend in, showing people that you cannot clump “everyone” together. Your comments were just as ignorant as someone saying Every black person receives welfare benefits. Numbers show that most recipients are white.

I get it you are trying to play it safe so you can continue to work, but you fail to realize that you, mr mackie are part of the problem, much more than you know. For you to belittle your own race proves you have no backbone, no love of self and furthermore no respect for our race. I officially revoke your black card and shred it to pieces. Your love of money and self-hate is proving you to be a disgrace to even be called black. Your own mother should spit in your face while your father bops you upside the head. How dare you to even form your lips to say that every black man with dreadlocks is a part of the problem? Or maybe this was a stunt tactic to drive people to go see the movie you play a supporting role in. You boy are no Denzel Washington, Not even a Will Smith, or even a smidgen of Samuel L. Jackson. Get over yourself, most people only know you from your 1 blockbuster hit The Hurt Locker or the movie Notorious.

It’s sad to see when someone makes it to top the feel the need to deprecate the ones that supported him or her from the beginning. I pray that you become conscious and wake up then I can reissue your black card. LOL Understand that you have a platform that can be leveraged in a positive way, yet instead you used it in a negative light. I hope your nephew does grow a set of “dreadlocks” and he will come to me to get them started.  I will sit him down and show him the true king that he is. I will enlighten him on how our ancestors were kings and queens and wore their hair in its natural state. The opportunity to open his mind to see how beautiful, intelligent, creative and unique our people are would be priceless. Teaching a young king to be unlike you would make a world of difference. Meanwhile I'll leave you with this video:

Hair Growth

Why Your Hair Won't Grow

I have countless patients, friends, and family members complaining about how their hair refuses to grow.  Then, the comparisons start.   “Why do (insert ethnic group) type of people always have such long hair?”  This is a troubling issue for many.  Fortunately, many studies have looked into this very issue and can give us insights into these quandaries.

Hair length is dictated by the rate of growth and the duration of the growing or anagen phase of the hair cycle.  Studies have shown that the rate of hair growth does not greatly vary amongst races.  The duration of hair growth before it enters the shedding or telogen phase of the hair cycle is dependent on many factors, mainly genetics.  Although, environmental and internal factors also contribute to the rate and duration of the hair cycle.  

The anagen phase of hair growth lasts for 2-6 years on average.  Clearly, if the rate of growth is constant; then an individual with a 6 year long anagen phase will have significantly longer hair than an individual with a 2 year long anagen phase.  

Rate and duration of hair growth really only dictates how long a hair can be potentially.  However, hair breakage can obviously shorten hairs and prevent them from appearing to grow longer.  This is the main dilemma for individuals who feel their hair is not growing.  Hair breakage is ultimately caused by structural weakness in the hair shaft.  There are genetic hair shaft abnormalities; however, most are acquired.

The differences in the burden of hair breakage vary amongst races.  Comparative studies amongst races on hair structure have shown that individuals of African descent acquire single-strand knots that act as points of weakness.  Single-strand knots are not typically seen in Caucasian or Asian hair.  Individuals with this problem are basically giving themselves a haircut everytime they comb their hair.  This explains why dreads or locks can go grow so long.  Unfortunately, relaxing the hair to prevent the knots does not seem to increase length, as the hair has now lost tensile strength due to the harsh chemicals in the relaxers.

Thus, if you are in overall good general health and your hair is not gaining length; lack of hair growth is not generally the issue.  The problem lies in acquired hair breakage, most commonly caused by everyday hairstyling practices.

Posted 18th March 2013 by Meena Singh
Reblogged with permission from: 
Dr. Meena Singh, MD
www.drmeenasingh.blogspot.com

Black Women Miss Out on Life

Yes I said it. Why you ask?  It all relates to hair. Women have been obsessing about their tresses and it has caused them to miss out on life. In the past I have asked people to join me in my endeavors and have heard the following excuse as to why they can’t enjoy fun stuff and life: Giiiiiirl, I can’t do _________ because it will mess up my hair. Whaaaaat??? Ummmm ok * blank stare*

First of all, it’s a weave or you are au’ naturale. Second of all, so you mean to tell me that your hair prevents you from having fun. Third, again why is this a valid excuse? LMAO

Ladies, stop allowing your hair to prevent you from living a full life. I have seen so many women miss out on fun because of their hair.  I mean really look at all the things you say you can’t do because of your tresses:

                                        1.     Swimming – I can’t get my hair wet.

    2.     Exercise – I can’t sweat out my hair.

                                              3.     Sex – Don’t mess up my hair.

   4.     Sleep – I just got my hair did.

   

                       5.     Outdoor Activities – If I am going to sweat I’m not going.

    6.     Parties/Events - My weave/hair not done.

                                              7.     Time – I have to do my hair.

LOL, reeeeally. Y’all are funny. I have heard a gamut of excuses as to why a female can’t do something and they all begin with hair. Queens let’s just let go of the excuses and jump out there and do something different. Enjoy life and all it has to offer by ridding yourselves of the deep-rooted hair obsessions. Its just hair. So what it may not be styled today. That just might be the day you meet your soul mate. Or that just might be the day that you find a new hobby. Orrrr even learn a new sex position in the bedroom, shower, or kitchen.

Quit wasting time being overly concerned with how your hair looks, it’s a given everyone will have bad hair days. Annnnnnnnd who cares? Live, Laugh, Love and enjoy many the opportunities that are being extended to you. Don’t miss out on great memories because you are afraid of what others will say or think. Tell them to kick rocks with no shoes on. Bye girl I’ve got things to do and people to meet! 

In the scheme of it, its your hair (or not) have fun and seek all new possibilities. Besides that is what the good ol’ bun and ponytail is for. Its been saving lives since that beginning of time. Throw on some makeup, pull out your big earrings, and put on your highest heels and strut hunny, because you are fierce no matter what’s going on with your tresses.  Just call and make an appointment with your stylist to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy!