Singer Sheryl Crow once said that “A change would do you good,” and when it comes to hair, she was probably talking about me. I don’t really believe in rocking one style for too long because I’m one of those people who will get antsy really fast, see other people’s styles and think, “Now THAT would look great on me!” In the time that I’ve gone all chameleon with my hair, I’ve done many a thing that have caused me to lose some hair, as well as have it grow like weeds on an unkempt lawn. Thought I’d share a few of those hair lessons with you as you go on your own hair journeys.

Confidence Is Everything

Back when I went to the salon and allowed the beautician to put clippers to hair I had been trying to have grow long for years, when it was all over and I looked in the mirror, I didn’t like what I saw. You could see my scalp! And as a woman with a larger head, the results weren’t as fabulous immediately like I thought they would be. But one day I went to work and a co-worker told me the look fit me well, and after some thought, I agreed that it wasn’t so bad after all. Little did I know that being confident about the look would inspire other people. Customers used to walk in the store I worked at and tell me they loved my hair, and after a while I was walking past mirrors thinking, “Yeah, I love it too…”

From BlackVoices.com

thinkstock.com

A child is sat down. She is screaming. Why is she being forced to do this? It burns her scalp. It really burns her scalp. After this procedure, she is inserted into a high-temperature contraption. It is hot. She is crying. After being removed from the contraption, more heat is applied to her scalp. An irritated individual assures her that sobbing will only drag out the process. Finally, after many tears and many burns, the procedure is done. Look in the mirror, little girl. You are not hideous anymore. Smile — your hair is now straight.

For the full story, visit BlackVoices.com.

More on Madame Noire!

• True Life: I Experienced Racism When…
• Spring Hair Trend Alert: Which Celebs Rocked Ombre Tresses Right, And Who Did It Wrong?
• Printed Pants: Fab Style Or Fashion Faux Pas?
• 6 Things That Should Not Be Distractions While At Work
• Love and Baby Bumps: Yandy Finally Confirms Pregnancy
• NEW MN WEB SERIES: “Ask A Black Man” Episode 3: The SEX Episode
• Raw Reality TV Preview: RHOA Three-Part Reunion
• Cuteness: Louis Bullock (Sandra’s Son) & The Game’s Daughter Cali Get Adorable for The Camera

From StyleBlazer.com

In case you have been living under a rock, natural hair is the way to go. Whether you prefer it for its protective hair-styling options or for the kinks, coils or curls, natural hair is here to stay!  Some of our favorite celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon, often by doing the BC (‘big chop’ to you non-naturals) and have been rocking natural hair in ways we absolutely love. Check out these au natural’ celebs who have ditched the creamy crack for curling custard instead.

For the fab photo gallery, visit StyleBlazer.com.

More on Madame Noire!

• Women Who Get/Got Too Into Their Men
• The New Dating Norms: 6 Big Changes In The Dating Game
• You’re Just Not That Into It: Signs That Your Job Isn’t For You
• Madames Who Acted Like Ladies, But Thought Like Men
• Kandi Says Beef With Marlo Almost Turned RHOA Reunion Into A Different Kind Of Show
• Growing Up Fast: Toya and Lil Wayne’s Daughter Reginae Gets Dolled Up For Photo Shoot
• RHOA Salaries Exposed: They’re All Making Bank!
• Cartoon Has a Message for Black Women

Black women talking about black hair—we’re already off to a good start from the perspective that at least black women are talking about themselves, but with a topic like hair, there’s bound to be some controversy.

Hemamset Angaza has directed a new documentary produced by Anu Prestonia, Maitefa Angaza, and Paulette Maat Kesa Tab, called “In Our Heads About Out Hair” that tackle’s black women’s issues regarding hair and self-esteem. An important aspect of the video, which takes a more lighthearted approach to the topic, is that it advocates for the acceptance of all hairstyle choices. It also questions the role black men’s opinions play into black women’s hair choices.

The documentary will make its debut at the BAM New Voices in Black Cinema film festival in February. Watch the trailer and tell us what you think. Would you check out this film when it’s released?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

More on Madame Noire!

• Sisters In Hiding: Not So Famous Sisters of Famous Celebs
• Delusions Of A Thirsty Chick
• Things Black Mothers Say
• Celebrity Mistresses: The Good, The Bad, and The Trifling
• 7 Curl Defining Products to Get Your Curls and Coils Poppin’
• Family Ties: 7 Rappers Who Finally Grew Up
• He Loves Me: Men Who Just Adore Their Wives
• What Exactly Makes Something Ghetto?

Bobs are a chic choice for any hair fashionista that doesn’t mind getting her hair chopped off. After a while, you may find that you’re getting bored with your new style but that’s probably because you’ve underestimated the versatility of the bob. Just because you don’t have length doesn’t mean you can’t switch it up. Here are some styles that show how you can play up your do.

Read the rest of this entry »

Eyebrows play a major role in framing and accentuating the features of your face. Preferences regarding the thickness, arch and width will vary from person to person, but your face shape should be one of the top determiners of your brow shape. There is no rulebook that says you MUST shape your brows one way because you have a certain face shape, but these are just guidelines and tips to help bring out your strongest features and pull your look together.

On the prowl for a new winter read? We have a list of books on black hair you should consider picking up on your next bookstore binge! Hey, the worst that could happen is getting to know your hair a little better, discovering the right products for you and maybe a history lesson or two. So whaddaya say?

From her stylish bobs and short dos to her long flowing locks, this beauty isn’t scared to switch it up as the wind blows. Currently one of the faces of Carols Daughter, Selita Ebanks has openly discussed having her fair share of hair insecurities—hard to imagine since her hair is almost always on point, right?

Here’s a look at some of her most flattering styles…

You may recall a few weeks ago when I talked about What Not to Do When You Decide to Weave it Up. It was a recollection of my friend’s weave nightmare from earlier this year. Well, Bre finally decided overnight to do the big chop and she is owning it! I’m a relaxed girl and her new look is tempting… not sure I’m that brave though.

I decided to get into her mind a little bit and share with you all her thoughts and feelings about the whole experience. If you are contemplating doing the big chop, this just might be your motivation.

Here’s what the Bajan beauty had to say…

How long had you been relaxed before the Big Chop?

My first relaxer was at the age of 9, I’m 25 now….so 16 years.

What made you decide to do the Big Chop?

1. Maintaining my hair became intolerable. I tried it all; short and long. My short relaxed cut had me at the hairdresser once a week and weave was just becoming too expensive. Every three months, I was paying $300 for hair and $125 for application.

2. I’ve reached a pivotal moment in my life, I’ve decided upon a career path and I’ve gained a new wave of confidence—I’ve found myself and my direction. My big chop exemplified my strength, courage and confidence.

What were your fears beforehand?

My greatest fear was losing my ‘DIVA CARD’. I was also afraid of not being pretty enough to go bald and that I wouldn’t be found attractive. Since my big chop, I’ve been called ‘Beautiful’ more times by random people than I have in my 25 years of living. I now FEEL beautiful, a feeling that’s not too familiar.