Some Willing to Sacrifice Health for Relaxed Hair: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Has your hair preferences costed your relationships?

Courtesy of Your Roots Rock

By Terez Howard

Did you ever feel like Sisterlocks were a hush-hush form of locs?  When I first got mine, I couldn’t find enough information.  Before I took the retightening class, I could only find one Youtuber using the Sisterlocks tool.

There was a reason for that.  The retightening class agreement which explicitly states, “This instruction does not authorize me to train others, or to offer any Sisterlocks services to clients,” means that you cannot tell anyone about what you do with your hair.

I posted a 3-minute Youtube video showing what I did to retighten my hair.  Within a week, I was contacted by a Sisterlocks Training Supervisor who said that my video qualified as training because people could learn to do their own hair from the video.

It’s not as hard as you think. 

I didn’t know that I could train anyone to do their own hair in 3 minutes.  I must be totally naïve because I looked at ‘training others’ to mean sitting people down and promoting the technique as training.  I did not realize I could not tell anyone what I do with my own hair.  I better blindfold my husband when he passes by the bathroom during my retightenings!  In all seriousness, I take full responsibility for my own negligence.  On the other hand, apparently it’s not as hard as I thought because that supervisor said that I taught the technique, and in 3 minutes no less!

It takes forever.

How long does it take you to retighten?  That’s been a prevailing question, and I believe that I am authorized to give you the answer.  Well, it took my consultant 2 hours, and a trainee 4 ½ hours.  For me, I spend at least 8 hours total.  I only do a few hours a day because my arms get tired, and when I do the front, my eyes burn from focusing on those tiny locs.  It’s easier to retighten the back because I can’t scrutinize over what I can’t see.  I will pick up speed with practice.  For now, my focus is on accuracy.

You won’t know everything after the class.

I’m not saying that I had a bad teacher.  But I certainly didn’t feel confident in what I was doing when it came time to retighten my hair.  I researched and asked other lockers about latching and what they did with their hair so that I could better understand my own.

I learned from one DIY-er who latches how to know when I’ve retightened enough and what I could do about catching stray hairs.  Now, the Sisterlocks Police might argue that I learned this in the retightening class, but I didn’t see their unit at the salon.  I can’t tell you exactly what my teacher said, but I can tell you I did not know what to do about those issues after I took the class.  I preferred turning to people that I felt were in my situation, real people who were maintaining their locs.

One DIY-er said something to the effect that the obsession from consultants on practicing the exact technique is way over the top and that their real intent is keeping you dependent.

I thought I was going to destroy my hair.

It’s funny what this one DIY-er said because I felt like if I made a single wrong move with the technique, my hair was going to be irreparably damaged.  I left the class with a sickening feeling in my stomach.  I had paid a lot of money on my hair over the course of a year, and I did not feel like I could successfully maintain it.

But I was wrong.  Apparently, I learned the technique so well that, after watching my video, the Sisterlocks Training Consultant encouraged me to join the family and become a consultant.  I have to be honest.  The last thing I want to offer people is an overpriced product.

I thought that Sisterlocks were steep from the start.  I also thought that I could not maintain micro locs without spending bukoo bucks.  After this experience, reading countless blogs and watching a bunch of Youtube, I can see that it’s entirely possible to have cute micro locs without the Sisterlocks name.  You’re thinking, well, that’s obvious.  Allow me to rephrase.  I believe that I could have maintained micro locs from the start without the Sisterlocks name.  For me, that was an epiphany.

About the author

Read more about what Terez is doing with her micro locs at her blog.

A revealing Boston University shows hair relaxers can cause fibroids in the uterus as well as cause early puberty. See news report below. In watching this story, I found that this shocking information is overshadowed by the “natural hair rules”. You know the “natural hair rules”. Untruths, misconceptions and/or myths about natural hair. Not to mention the stereotypes for those who wear natural hair. After a few years of natural hair becoming more and more popular why are we STILL discussing whether or not natural hair is professional, if you can get a man with natural hair or if you are “down with the cause” because you chose to wear an afro.

Comment below on whether or not you feel like the “natural hair rules” are still relevant today.

Study Causes Hair Scare about Tumors: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

How did you find out about the news? This was one of those moments that you remember where you were when hearing the news?

Pictures for Naturally Happy Hair Meet-up Jan. 30.

Photo Courtesty of Point & Click Photography

This was my first real outing since the baby. You won’t believe how long it took me to style me hair in between feedings and diaper changes. I got so many compliments. I was actual shocked. I was just trying to make sure I looked presentable.  Thank you Naturally Happy Hair and Natural Resources for a great event.  I can’t wait til the next one.

See all pictures here!!!

Maybelline Ad - Michael Brandt

You may recognize this natural beauty for Gain’s latest commercial narrated by Wanda Skyes.  See it here.  She is the 1st African American woman to represent Maybelline Cosmetics.

Thank you Mrs. Hines for taking the time to share your hairstory with the NHR family. She discusses topics such as her natural journey, her favorite natural hair products and how the natural choice has affected her modeling/acting career.

Tell us about your hair. How long have you been natural? Why did you decide to go natural?  What products and techniques are you using?

My hair is amazing!!!  I have never been happier with my hair than I am now.  Wearing my hair in its natural state is the best hair choice I’ve ever made!  : D

I have been natural for over 12 years.  During some of that time, I wore a weave to protect my natural hair from the rigors of working as a fashion model (and truth be told, to also spare me the heartache of having to deal with hairstylists that had NO CLUE about how to work with natural hair).  My going natural wasn’t my choice at first.  It was “forced” upon me by a trichologist (scalp doctor) who told me that my scalp was damaged due to overprocessing and that I should not put any more chemicals in my hair.  I had been experiencing noticeable breakage at the top of my head for quite some time at that point and did everything from a “comb over” to placing a single track of weave hair in the spot to cover up the breakage.

Photo Credit-D'Andre Michael

My friend and hairstylist at the time, Anthony Dickey (founder of “Hair Rules” products – https://www.hairrules.com) did my first “Big Chop”.  Let me just say that it was a traumatic experience for me.  I had recently gotten my contract with Maybelline & was terrified that they wouldn’t like my natural hair or even worse, cancel my contract because I now looked different than how they hired me.  Dickey had witnessed the stress my scalp/hair was going through and was just a bit too happy to cut it all off.  I love him and understand that he was doing what was best for me and my hair, but I wasn’t as “hair evolved” as I am now, so it was really hard for me to handle.  I cried the entire time I was in his chair. Fast forward a few months and my BC had grown in a bit and what did I do?  I relaxed it again.  I can be stubborn sometimes.  You can guess what happened?  It broke again and this time with a vengeance.  Needless to say, I learned my lesson and did not relax my hair again…..until about 4 years ago.  I told you that I was stubborn.  Again, my hair had grown into this amazingly healthy big fro and I wanted to see how much length I had.  So much to the dismay of my then (and still) friend and hairstylist, Felicia Leatherwood of “Loving Your Hair With Natural Care” (https://www.facebook.com/LovingYourHair), I relaxed my hair AGAIN!  I don’t even have to tell you what happened.  Let’s just say that this lady will NOT be relaxing her hair ever again.

After the second relaxer fiasco, I left my hair alone for several years and thankfully it grew back into its beautiful big self.  But I then found myself not wanting to do my hair anymore.  I’d grown tired of the maintenance required to keep my fro looking the way it did.  The 2-strand twisting every few days, the pressing I sometimes needed to do for some of my modeling clients, the need to occasionally wear wigs and weaves to accommodate the needs of some of those same clients and my recent fascination with women in the fashion/entertainment industry who’d recently been sporting these amazing natural and short hairstyles had me thinking something I’d never considered…..wearing my natural hair very short.  I began looking at pictures where my hair was pulled back so I could try and see what I would look like with short hair.  I even “tested” my husband by asking him if he’d be okay with me wearing my hair short.  Secretly I’d hoped that he’d say that it wasn’t his preference so I could have an out, but no such luck.  My sweety said what he always says “I’m happy if you’re happy.  Do what you want with your hair.” (I love that man!).  So, I did my second Big Chop (or cut it short for those that say a BC is only called so when you cut out all of your relaxer and wear your hair natural) in February 2011 and I am soooooo in love with my hair now, it is kind of ridiculous.  I love the look of it.  I love the feel of it.  I love that it does what it does.  And what I love most of all is how I FEEL about my beautiful hair.  Who knew that I, Miss “The Longer The Weave/Wig, The Better” would feel sooooo sexy with my short hair.  Seriously, ya’ll can’t tell me nothing.  I thought I was cute before, but now….let’s just say I’ve finally come into my own.

I am currently washing and conditioning my hair with Shea Moisture products.  I style my hair each day with “Curly Whip” by “Hair Rules”.  After applying the product, I use a technique taught to me by my hairstylist, Felicia Leatherwood.  It’s called “Palm Rolling” and doing so brings up the cutest little curls I’ve ever seen.  : )  Here’s a link to Felicia’s YouTube channel that demonstrates the Palm Rolling technique - http://youtu.be/n5SfzWYWsU4.

Tell us about the Gain commercial & your acting career. How did the opportunity come about? Did you know it would gain so much support from the natural community?  Do you feel like your hair has helped or hindered your career? What tips do you have for those interested in pursuing an acting career?

You can currently see me and my natural hair in a commercial for Gain Detergent (https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=250176131698006).  Gain wanted to cast a natural-haired woman with a nose ring.  Hello!!!  Can you say perfect for me?!?!?  I walked into that audition already knowing it was mine.  I was getting to BE exactly who I am and it felt great!!  It was really no surprise (though I was extremely flattered) that I booked the commercial!!

The commercial talks about the “Anything But Ordinary” beauty of natural hair and it’s having a huge impact on the Natural Hair Community.  I am still pleasantly surprised at all of the attention this commercial has been receiving.  I’ve done countless interviews since the commercial first aired in October. I’ve encouraged those who are inspired by the commercial to let Gain know so.  I believe that if the mainstream media heard from more of us, we’d continue to see ourselves represented in their advertisements.  If your readers would like to contact Gain and share their positive feelings about my commercial, they can do so on Gain’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Gain.

I also just shot a commercial for Honey Nut Cheerios the other day.  Like Gain, it is a national spot and will be seen all around the country.  Once again, the beauty of my natural hair (and maybe even me) are featured and the commercial will begin airing in June.  Please keep an eye out for it.

In addition, I am a lead in the upcoming feature film, “Ex-Free” written and directed by Troy Beyer Bailey (“Baps”, “Love Don’t Cost A Thing”).  The movie is a romantic comedy about 3 female best friends who kidnap their exes in the hopes of finding out why they broke up with them.  It is hilarious and I had so much fun making it.  The movie also stars Shari Headley (“Coming To America”), Leon (“Cool Runnings”, “The Five Heartbeats”), Darrin Dewitt Henson (“Soul Food”, “Single Ladies”), Daphnee Duplaix (“One Life To Live”) and newcomer, Chris Bailey.  The film will be released in 2012.

As I’ve grown to LOVE my natural hair more and more, it has only helped my career because I show up differently with this new-found confidence.  Though I may not be right for every role I audition for, I am much more grounded in who I am as an actress and a woman.  So whatever the outcome, I’m all good.

The tips I have for those who are interested in pursuing a career in acting is that Discipline Is Key.  You MUST be vigilant is your learning of the craft.  Read books, attend classes and workshops, frequent artistic events to feed your creativity, surround yourself with people that support your dreams and most importantly, have fun.  These are tips I am currently using and I am noticing a major difference in me and my work.

Would you  like to share about any upcoming or current projects?

My husband, Chris, and I have an online talk show called “Chris and Tomiko Talk About…” where we discuss everything that’s cool, kooky and captivating.  We put our own unique spin on what we discuss and our goal is to inspire our viewers to think outside of the box and live life to its fullest.  We will have our own talk show on a major network very soon.  We’re speaking it into existence.

NHR Family Please support Tomiko by subscribing to her YouTube Channel. Link below. Everyday she post inspirational and “get up off your booty” quotes on her Facebook page. Check them out.

Your readers can keep up with me via the following sites:

www.facebook.com/TomikoFraser

www.facebook.com/Chris-Tomiko-Talk-About

www.twitter.com/GoddessTomiko

www.twitter.com/ChrisAndTomiko

www.youtube.com/ChrisAndTomikoTalk2U

Via Chicago Tribune

Earlier this month, Emon Fowler launched her Chicago-based “Harriet Experiment,” in which she is asking black women to abandon weaves, wigs and chemical relaxers and spend a new year with new hair. She wants the women to start with the “big chop,” in which they shave off their processed hair completely and start anew.

Fowler, 30, has organized gatherings to take place throughout the year for women to cut their hair while surrounded by cheerleaders who have done the same. She has been recruiting women on Facebook, stopping them in grocery stores and making appearances at fairs and festivals to promote her cause.

“This is all about breaking free from that hair bondage,” said Fowler, a hairstylist. She says her project isn’t about building a clientele but changing mind-sets. “When a woman decides to cut all her hair, she discovers something underneath that is liberating. It can be therapeutic because you have to let go of the idea that you need these superficial extras to feel beautiful. It says, ‘I’ve accepted me.’”

Fowler said she was inspired to start her movement after reflecting on the life of Harriet Tubman, the iconic hero who risked her life to free hundreds of slaves. She sees her mission as helping free African-American women from the emotional and psychological baggage associated with their hair.

There are varying opinions in the black community about the meaning of straight hair, but some think it’s an attempt to imitate the white standard of beauty. Fowler said she wants to reinforce to African-American women that they don’t have to change their hair to feel pretty or accepted.

For African-American women, shaving off all their hair is nothing new. In the 1970s, thousands of black women wore their hair short and close-cropped as a symbol of racial pride and consciousness, said Lanita Jacobs, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Southern California.

But in Fowler’s project, the women who decide to undergo the big chop do it publicly and with a built-in support system of cheerleaders, Jacobs said.

That support can help ease what can be a shock to black women’s psyche, one expert said.

“Black women have been conditioned to believe that our hair, in its natural state, is not beautiful, not professional and not manageable,” said Chris-Tia Donaldson, a Chicago-based author who wrote a book about the topic. “When you go to hair that is short, it can take a toll on your self-esteem. You have to learn how to work it and own it.”

There is a growing trend toward wearing hair more naturally, which some believe means a change in the definition of what beauty is for the next generation of African-Americans, Jacobs said.

“There has been a radical shift in black people’s minds on what can be beautiful,” she said. “Increasingly, black men are making room for non-straightened and non-long hair as a qualifier for beauty. More African-American celebrities are experimenting with natural hair.

“What black women do with their hair has always created questions: Who are you? Who are you trying to be? What does this mean?”

When a woman shaves her hair close to the scalp, it can unearth feelings of vulnerability, Jacobs said. For those African-American women who have straightened their hair for much of their lives, it can be particularly jarring.

“You are in some cases stepping away from something that you know and into new, unknown territory,” Jacobs said. “When you do the big chop, people come up and ask questions. It can complicate your appeal to the opposite sex, it can complicate your job searching endeavors, it can complicate your family relationships. Your family may ask, who are you?”

Because her hero, Tubman, freed an estimated 700 slaves, Fowler has an ambitious mission to find 700 black women willing to undergo the big chop this year, she said. So far, she’s only gotten a couple of dozen to join her on the journey. But her project isn’t just about numbers, she said. It’s about making a statement.

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