Before I go any further, I want to say that hair has been a very hard topic for me to grasp. Ever since I was a kid, I just wanted to take my hair and put it in a ponytail ALL of the time. Easier said than done.
But as we get older, we learn more about ourselves and how hair is in general. It’s funny sometimes. I often see moms with their biracial children, hair frizzy and in bows, beads that are clearly weighing down their possibly thinning hair, and gelled down curls. If they catch me looking at their child’s locks, they give the look, one seeking confirmation that says, “Hey, this doesn’t look bad does it?” No matter what I really think, the truth is, I can’t tell others what to do with their hair or what looks right, because guess what? I don’t even know what to do with my own hair. But if you read the comments on stories about biracial hair or listen to people every day on the streets, folks would think I had it so easy. Many people believe that because a person is “mixed,” they don’t have issues with their hair or that there aren’t different types within that spectrum. WRONG.

I’m a happy biracial butterfly: African American and Puerto Rican. Although I have four older sisters, my younger brother and I are the only mixed kids in my family. Growing up, I was constantly frustrated with my hair. It would take my sisters about an hour or so to finish their hair, but it literally took forever for me, and whatever style I chose would only last for a minimal amount of time. However, they used to tell me that I had nothing to complain about, and they had these delusions of versatility about how it was easy for me because my hair could be worn wet or blown out. (Fortunately my grandmother never really let that happen-if they had cornrows or box braids so did I–a funny but weird sight.)  Easy wouldn’t have been my word of choice.

It wasn’t until I was in high school and college that I noticed the many types of hair textures that make up biracial strands. I met girls who were in the same ballpark as me. Either they couldn’t control their hair, or damaged it from experimenting too much. I knew that it wasn’t just me who had a problem with the politics of hair either. There’s the hair that never curls, curls that can’t be controlled, and hair that is either too dry or too oily. The combinations are endless and I can go on forever about it…but I won’t. In that time I learned from my friends and other women what I was doing wrong and how I could keep my hair nourished and healthy.

A lot of that nourishment and good heath starts with the products we use for our hair. Sometimes “mixed” products are too weak for the hair and you could just be harming it rather than helping it. Some of the best products are the ones you may be ignoring, like Aussie’s Deeeep Conditioner or Miss Jessie’s products (that is one investment I wouldn’t mind making because it really works!). It took a while after dabbling with different products, but with time comes growth.

I’m not ashamed, or feel bad about my hair anymore. I used a little gift that works for ALL types of hair in the end–patience! You’re going to run into a couple of dead ends, but those mistakes just show you how to improve. Yet and still, while I do appreciate my hair more these days, I don’t have this over-the-top sense of pride that my sisters thought I would have. You know, the mindset that because my hair is wavy it’s better than anyone else’s hair. In fact, I hate the term “good hair” with a passion, especially since no one’s hair is “bad.” In this day and age, if you still believe in good and bad hair, form your own opinions and don’t take definitions like “good hair” for face value because if it’s healthy and beautiful to you, then baby, it’s indeed good.

All in all, I share my story of struggling with my strands to say the following to those like me:

1.) Hair isn’t your identity: Many people who aren’t mixed are often targeted for saying things like my sisters did, but sometimes you are to blame too. Just because you’re mixed or you believe that your hair is “good” doesn’t mean it is. Step down from the high hair pedestal that society has given you and look around. You’ll see that everyone has awesome hair.

2.) Embrace your curls: If you’re a mom out there reading this, just know that you don’t have to kill the curls (flatten or press them to death) so your children don’t look different from other people. Different can be good, but just remember to mix it up!

3.) Don’t give up on your hair: At one point I did, and I realized I caused more damage (physically and emotionally) to myself and my locks by ignoring them. There are tons of tutorials online, and you can also request samples for products before you make a serious investment. While it’s a struggle, with patience and effort, your hair will surely be your crowning glory.

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From StyleBlazer.com

If you’re a naturalista, you know the amount of work it takes to achieve flawless curls—let alone breeze through a morning without battling with your tresses. You’ve probably watched a few YouTube tutorials on twist-outs, Bantu knots and curly crèmes, right? Well, whether you’ve gotten into the groove and found a hair rhythm, or you’re in transition, the experts at Miss Jessie’s newCurl Bar will give you a fresh perspective on your hair (and maybe even a new do’)!

For more information on Miss Jessie’s new Curl Bar, visit StyleBlazer.com.

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The process of going natural can be quite daunting. Even though the same hair has been growing from our scalps since birth, many of us are totally in the dark as to our natural hair needs. The trick with hair is to recognize that it needs to be trained with a regular regimen. For those who decide to go natural, by nature, the hair will flourish with natural products. When looking for products the key word is MOISTURE.

In order to prevent breakage, thus encouraging growth, naturally curly hair needs organic moisture and lots of water. We have a list of ten products we think are fabulous for the job, but make sure to notice a trend of key ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, water, rosemary and they’re all alcohol-free. And above all, enjoy the process! As many will confess, going natural is not only a physical, but mental and spiritual journey that should be embraced at each stage.

Not long ago, my sister and I were having a conversation about our hair. Bred by a Nigerian father and a mother with a full head of hair, she and I were blessed–and cursed–with a thick head of hair. That young 4B meets and morphs with 4C tight strands. We were conversing about what products work for our head. We’re both natural, my sis usually flat irons her hair or leaves it in curls, me myself, I keep mine in a fro. And we were trading hair products and advice, and through all the talks of glossers, conditioners, curl creams and broken combs, we laughed at the fact that we, like most black women, have clear drawers full of hair products from all the styles of hair we’ve worn. Things we tried that failed, or things we loved that we no longer have use for. (I sold her a Pink Oil glosser spray for $3, cause who needs a greasy fro?) But we do it all to finally figure out what works for our hair. Too bad you have to waste so much money.

So I asked all my female Facebook friends in a status (and some friends in-person) what products work for their hair that they live by, these women with bone straight pressed hair, women in between relaxers getting comfy with wet-and-gos, natural sisters pressed out or in TWA form. I got a good number of responses. And because when we go through new stages with our hair we love advice, if you’re wondering what products you need in your drawer without having to experiment with your wallet, here are recommendations for a variety of hair styles you should raid your beauty supply for. Most of the products can be found at places like Target, Walmart, Ulta and Sephora if you don’t find them in your local shops. Don’t forget to watch some YouTube videos for product use help!

by R. Asmerom

It’s no secret: the black hair care industry is big business. Very big business. According to marketing research company Mintel, sales of black hair care products in 2008 exceeded $165 million. Although a third of those sales went to corporate conglomerates like L’Oreal and Alberto Culver, who own many ethnic product lines from Soft-Sheen Carson to Mizani, there are still many independent African-American players in the hair product game. From old businesses like S-Curl manufacturer Luster Inc. to new product lines like Kimble Hair Care Systems, black entrepreneurs are thriving. Here, we included a list of 10 independently, black owned businesses that continue to fuel the ever-evolving market for black hair care products.

Miko and Titi Branch – Miss Jessie’s Original

Behind Miss Jessie’s hair products are founders  Miko and Titi Branch. The sisters launched their company out of a Brooklyn brownstone and it’s been uphill ever since. Their unique blends of puddings and cremes are primarily targeted to those gals looking to  enhance their curls and waves. These type of products were barely present on the market. The sisters realized this market opportunity by drawing from their challenges with their own hair and from their experiences with “hair recipes” learned from their paternal grandmother, Miss Jessie. The duo has wracked up many accolades for their savvy entrepreneurship and hair treatments. The sisters have also opened up a salon in New York city to cater to their curly haired fans.

NEXT

There’s always been a little bit of a beef between au natural women and women with relaxers. Well, we’re here to settle the argument with a pros and cons list.

Read the rest of this entry »

There’s always tons of lists giving best beauty buys for your dollar. Experts and scientists, allegedly, get together to test what last the longer, moisturizes the best and keeps the ordinary woman looking like a star. Well, we may not be fancy-pancy scientists, but we do have some beauty buys that we love.

Check out the slide show to see what’s worth your $20 bill (with change back, of course).

Additional research by Khadija Allen

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The Atlanta Post, along with Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades) Champagne,  held a gala launch party on April 6th to celebrate our site’s recent launch and to also honor the luminaries that best exemplify our brand and who serve as a beacon for all who would emulate their success. We had a great time with the eight award recipients, as well as with our spectacular guests, who enjoyed the recently rated No. 1 champagne in the world from Armand de Brignac throughout the night. Of course, we wanted to share the pics with our dedicated readers. Let us know what you think of our honorees and who we should include at our next awards event by leaving a comment, or connecting with us on Facebook or Twitter. Enjoy!

Ryan Mack of Optimum Capital Management (far left) was honored for his work in finance and Randal Pinkett (far right) was honored in the business category.  Also pictured: Manyell Akinfe and Atlanta Post editor China N. Okasi.

- China Okasi, TAP

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, or a veteran business mogul, it’s easy to forget the virtues of patience and endurance that are required for business growth. Here are five business models that sprung from modest beginnings to national, and, in some cases, global success.

5) CAKELOVE
Founder: Warren Brown

How He Grew From Little-Known to “World-Famous:”
(Source: CakeLove) In 2000, Warren Brown left his career as a lawyer litigating health care fraud on behalf of the federal government to pursue a dream and start a business. Sensing that people wanted better cake, he founded CakeLove and opened for business in 2002. With a lot of hard work and positive word-of-mouth advertising, Brown has grown his business from a moonlighting project into seven thriving bakeries.

4) CAROL’S DAUGHTER
Founder: Lisa Price

How She Grew From Little-Known to “World-Famous:”
(Source: Carol’s Daughter) In the early 1990’s, Brooklyn native Lisa Price (a.k.a. Carol’s daughter) began experimenting with fragrance, essential oils and natural moisturizers to make gifts for her family and friends. Soon after she packaged her home-spun creations, word spread like wildfire and the demand for her unparalleled hair and body care products led to a highly successful mail-order and web-based business. Within a few years, Carol’s Daughter counted celebrities like Jada Pinkett Smith, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Brad Pitt and Chaka Khan as loyal fans, or as she refers to them, “friends of the family.”

3) MISS JESSIE’S
Founders: Titi & Miko Branch

How They Grew From Little-Known to “World-Famous: “
(Source: MissJessies.com) In 1997, sisters Titi and Miko Branch, opened Miss Jessie’s Salon to respond to the demand for expertise in natural hair and naturally curly hair. Their experience with curls started over 20 years ago. Born to a Japanese mother and African-American father Titi and Miko had a head full of hair that was multi textured. “Back then our parents were attending school so this left little time to care for our hair” lamented Titi…

With the introduction of Curly Pudding, Curly Buttercreme™, Curly Meringue®, Baby Buttercreme™, Unscented Curly Pudding™and now Rapid Recovery Treatment®, Miss Jessie’s products soon garnered a cult following and continues to be a market innovator in the natural hair and naturally curly hair segment.

2) Sylvia’s Restaurant
Founder: Sylvia Woods

How She Grew From Little-Known to “World-Famous:”
(Source: Sylvia’s) In 1944, Sylvia married Herbert and started her journey towards a brighter future. Harlem called, and Sylvia answered, as she became a waitress at Johnson’s luncheonette. In 1962, after several years of dedicated service to her employer, Mr. Johnson recognized Sylvia’s entrepreneurial spirit and sold her the luncheonette. Julia Pressley, Sylvia’s mother, whom was a farmer and mid-wife, mortgaged her farm to loan her the money for the purchase.

The than small luncheonette consisted of a counter and a few booths, has now flourished into a family owned enterprise which consist of: Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem, Sylvia’s Also, a full-service catering hall, Sylvia’s Catering Corp., a nation-wide line of Sylvia’s Food Products, two deliciously amazing cookbooks, and ATOC, Inc., a real estate firm.

1) Ben’s Chili Bowl
Founders: Ben & Virginia Ali

How They Grew From Little-Known to “World-Famous:”
(Source: Restaurant.org) The story of Ben’s Chili Bowl’s began with Ben Ali and Virginia Rollins. Ali came from Trinidad at age 18 and attended five universities in nine years. A fall down an elevator shaft broke his back and ended his dream of being a dentist. He tried several jobs until he found his calling at Ann’s Hot Dogs.

His fiancée, Virginia Rollins, grew up on a 150-acre Virginia farm. She was a bank teller on what was then Washington’s “Black Broadway” when she met Ali. A week before the couple married, they opened Ben’s Chili Bowl in what had been a pool hall. Today, two of their three sons operate the restaurant and a bar, “Ben’s Next Door,” which opened last fall.

What began 50 years ago as an informal eatery in segregated Washington, D.C., today attracts visitors from around the world. It survived economic blight from race riots, drug wars and construction of a nearby subway station. Throughout good times and tough times, Ben’s Chili Bowl attracted customers from all walks of life: rich and poor, judge and junkie – and just days before his inauguration, President Barack Obama.