Do You NEED to Wash Your Locs Every Two Weeks?

Photo by CreateHER Stock

Now, please bear in mind that I'm not a professional. My goal with my hair posts is to share my experiences with you so that you don't feel alone, lost, or completely clueless on your loc journey. So, like I say in the video below, even when watching "experts" on Youtube, please do your research and use your discretion - take the advice that resonates with you, and discard the rest.

My reason for making this video (months ago) and writing this post is due to a realization that some people with locs, especially newbies, seem to be experiencing a significant amount of pressure figuring out regimens of loc maintenance and care. You may feel that if you don't follow certain rules, schedules and recommendations from gurus and youtube experts that your locs/hair won't be healthy, won't grow, and won't look like your loc crush's locs.

So to answer the question of whether you need to be washing and retwisting your locs religiously every two weeks? Let me just cut to the chase and say, NO.

FIRST OF ALL... you could follow every rule there is on loc care and your locs still gon' do whatever the hell they want to do. WHY? Because you grow them, but you don't necessarily control them.

No, you do not need to wash (and retwist) your hair every two weeks. However if you are washing your hair every two weeks and it's working for you, you don't need to stop!

If you want to know how frequently I wash my hair you'll have to watch (or listen) to this video. I also include a few tips for bongo or freeform locs. Ultimately though, here are the main points that I want to share with you whether you watch the video or not:

1. What works for someone else may not work for you. Just because you see a Youtube guru saying they wash and retwist every two weeks (and you think their locs are #goals) it doesn't mean that will work for you - whether that is based on your schedule, health, capabilities, proximity to a good stylist etc.
2. What works for someone else may not work for you - Part Deux. Those of us on Youtube and other platforms giving "advice" are often coming from personal experience. Even professional stylists on Youtube, while speaking from a background of education, training and professional experience, tend to speak generally. This is because they aren't sitting and consulting with you about the unique needs or concerns of your hair. Neither guru nor expert can guarantee that their advice will definitely work for you because your hair needs could be the exception to the rules.
3. Overly frequent washing may lead to dry hair. I've said this before in a previous video and I go into more detail in this one about my experience in the first year or two of my locs. The prevalent advice at the time was that washing starter locs mutliple times a week with shampoo *only* would help the hair to loc faster than average. I followed this advice for a while before I realized that my hair was excessively damaged. My hair was also color treated at the time. Not conditioning & treating your hair is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when your hair is colored. Really pay attention to what your hair needs - if that means it needs to be conditioned every time you wash, then do just that!

My color-treated and eternally thirsty starter locs that I shampooed multiple times a week... no conditioner. 😩

1. YOUR hair care regimen should be determined by YOUR specific needs. You'll often hair me mention schedule, disability, and health issues when I speak about loc maintenance. That's because those are important factors that have major potential to affect how consistent you are or can be with a regimen. I don't want anyone who, for whatever reason, is unable to say "I wash my hair every first Sunday and third Tuesday" to feel like they are failing at caring for their locs adequately. Yes consistency helps, but it isn't the end all be all of the health of your hair. There are tips that I've shared previously that can help with maintenance in between washes, use those and any other methods that work for you.
2. An inconsistent wash schedule alone (within reason) does not automatically mean your locs are unhealthy. I state in the video the typical length of time that lapses between my washes. However there are periods when that time maybe shorter or longer. I take factors like the weather (wintry dry hair), my level of sweat generating activities and activites in general, scalp flakiness, and just really paying attention to what my hair feels like. e.g. There have been times on vacay that I washed my hair two or three days in a row after getting my hair wet at the beach. 
3. Make sure to use products that fortify your hair ad meet your specific hair needs, especially if you are washing and retwisting twice a month. I advocate for ✌🏾boring✌🏾 styles like protective twists and braids because sometimes your hair will need that break from frequent styling. Updos and pin-ups are cute but wha dem edges saying? Are your locs getting thinner with each visit to your stylist? Are you lowkey obsessed with seeing your parts because you think your hair looks unkempt other wise? Reflect on that.

My overall message for you is please do not feel pressured to do things a particular way. There is no right or wrong or one singular approach to loc maintenance that will guarantee healthy hair. You have to do what is best for you at the time that it is best for you if it is within your means and capabilities. 

I saw a video a couple months ago of a woman who started her locs and quit after a month or two because she felt the way she was caring for her locs was disrespectful to people who take their locs seriously. She felt this way after watching a licensed stylist who has a youtube channel speak about loc maintenance rules, and since she wasn't following those rules she felt she'd already failed at caring for her locs.

My healthier locs that I do not wash religiously every two weeks.

Your hair, much like your life, cannot be done for the benefit or approval of others. It is very much a personal choice and journey. As a black woman, and as a person with very kinky hair, I'm very familiar with the pressure we experience from others about the state of our appearance, and by extension our hair. Do not fall into the trap of letting other people project their feelings and insecurities onto you. Their feelings about your hair are not your responsibility. Even if the critique is coming from folk who look like you? It's still none of your business and not your responsibility to make them feel comfortable about your hair. Exercise patience, enjoy the process, and release the stress.

How often do you wash your locs? Do you reloc and style everytime you wash? Have you ever felt self conscious about going long periods not washing your hair?  Let me know in the comments, Or hit me up on Instagram @LanomRah.

Peace,

How I Make My Protective Loc/Dreadlock Twists Last up to 2 Months

Hey Loves,

In today's video I'll be showing you the method I use to twist my locs/dreadlocks into protective Havana/Senegalese/Rope twists that allows them to last for up to 2 months at a time if necessary.



Fist and foremost, like I make sure to mention in the video, these twists will last up to two months if your lifestyle consists of low to moderate (strenuous) activity. If you are more active e.g. exercise, physically demanding job, etc. Your twists may not last as long.

What I forgot to mention in the video is that the method of twisting isn't the only factor that contributes to long lasting protective style. I also make sure to:

• Cover my locs at night - by now you know the #1 tip is never go to bed with out your locs wrapped/covered up
• Oil my scalp - maintaining a schedule of oiling my scalp (and hair) helps in keeping flakiness at bay
• Hydrate my hair with hydrating sprays - as you see in the video I will either use a mix of conditioner and water, or a hydrating hair mist like the Naturalicious Heavenly Hydration Grapeseed Hair Mist I show you in the video.
• Clean my scalp while my hair is in these twists.

As with loose natural hair sometimes locs can suffer healthwise due to overmanipulation, particularly if your hair is fine, thin, or tends to be dry. Protective loc twists will allow you to:

• Let your hair rest and recover from frequent styling and retwisting (which can lead to breakage and thinning edges)
• Be versatile with styling with less risk of damaging your hair
• Save time. If you have a busy schedule, disability, chronic or sporadic illness that may leave you unable to function, protective loc twists are a useful way to maintain your locs when it gets challenging, and your hair is the last thing you want to worry about.
• Get dope ass twist out results at the end

For some people it may be unfathomable to keep their hair in a style for more than 2 weeks. Das ok! Everything ain't for ehrybody. But sometimes your hair reaches a point that leaving it alone for the most part is necessary. If it ever does, you know where to find this post!

Loc Twists styled into a Loc Turban. Click the pic for a turorial.

Comment below if you have tips to make loc twists last!

Thank you!

Ginger Tea Rinse to Treat Dandruff and Flaky Scalp

It's officially winter! In case being in the middle of February wasn't a good reminder, if you're anything like me then your flaky scalp has pretty much done the trick.

The air outside is frightful...ly dry. It's really dry, and quite brisk. For someone who has trouble maintaining a consistent moisturizing/hydration regimen for their hair, Winter is one of the last things you want to add to your list of concerns *raises both hands in surrender*. The cold, dry air can take the occasional dry scalp problem into "OMG I just washed my hair last week and now when I scratch my scalp there's asbestos falling out. WAHHH😭" territory.

It's for this exact reason that I'll be sharing this DIY remedy for dry flaky scalp that can easily be incorporated into your wash routine for the rest of the season.

This Ginger Tea rinse is great for combating flaky scalp and dandruff due to the natural properties of ginger:
+ Ginger has natural anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. This helps with inflammation or bacterial concerns at the scalp.
+ Ginger naturally stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which encourages and aids in hair growth. You will definitely feel this tingle when you use any at home DIY ginger remedies. Along with the previous benefit, you may want to try incorporating ginger into your hair care routine for a few weeks if you've experienced dandruff-related hair loss.
+ Properties of ginger may help to strengthen hair from the roots, therefore improving not just scalp health but hair health as well.

Don't Make These Mistakes With Your Locs (& How I Fixed Them)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I know, I know! January is almost over and this is my first post of the year. Shame on me... maybe, but regardless of my tardiness to the dancery I mustn't discard my manners. so before we go any further I want to wish you and everyone you love and know the best for the year ahead - health, wealth, safety, joy, love, stability and mental wellness. That last one is especially important in these political times.

This post is a public service. I will be sharing with you 5 Huge (to me) mistakes that I made with my locs. This list is by no means exhaustive as it won't include every single mistake I've ever made or that anyone could possibly make. My goal for sharing this list of mistakes that I've made is to ensure that you won't have to deal with the loc maintenance challenges that some of these mistakes will inevitably cause. For this reason I'll also be sharing with you some of the methods I used to address any damages that occurred as a result of my mistakes. Again, this won't be an exhaustive list of all the solutions I've used, or even all the possible solutions to the problems that I mention, but these solutions worked/work for me.

As you read or watch, please bear in mind that what may be a mistake for me may be something that works for you. Do you boo! I'm not here to rain on your parade. To each their own!

Watch the video and share in the comments if you've made the same mistakes with your locs, and what solution, if any at all, did you use to fix the damage. What mistakes have you made on your loc journey so far? How did you resolve the issues the mistake created? SHARE what you've learned in the comments so we won't all be out here in le struggle with our locs! 😊

• MISTAKE #1: Using Beeswax to Retwist (1:58)

Yes, in the baby stage of my locs I used beeswax on my hair. Not Murray's beeswax, which is literally like softened candle wax. No, I used The Body Shop's Honey Beeswax to retwist my hair. To be fair, it is one of the best beeswax formulas I've ever encountered - it has mostly wholesome & natural ingredients, soft, melted into the skin (due to warmth), and far easier to work with than typical beeswaxes. However no matter how great a wax is it's still a wax, and by nature will have a greasy consistency, therefore encouraging build-up and residue in your locs.

SOLUTION: Washing with shampoo  doesn't always do the job of removing buildup caused by greasy waxes and butters. I've found that with my very kinky hair texture, greasy residue will set up shop, house, and home in my locs, and invite the lint in to stay FOREVAH *Cardi B voice*. One thing that really addresses this a warm apple cider vinegar rinse.

How I Deep Condition My Waist Length Locs

This post is not sponsored, however it may contain affiliate links. I may gain a commission if you shop through these links. These views and opinions are my own and I will always give an honest review.

Hey Loves,

What's crackalackin'! Last week I showed you my easy peezy DIY recipe for an Avocado Protein Deep Conditioner Treatment. If you missed it, click here for the video of how I whip up this hair smoothie, and a detailed recipe and instructions.

Today I'm sharing details on my application and results of this deep conditioner. You can watch the video, read this post, or both! Whatever you do, leave a comment and let me know if you will try or have tried a treatment like this!

• Application Prep:

First, I shampooed my hair (I recommend a minimum of two shampoos) with OGX Awapuhi Ginger Shampoo. You don't have to go out and buy this shampoo, it's just one that I had on hand and decided to try. I didn't find it life changing, but it did the job and smells quite nice. For a deep clean I made sure to really get in there with my fingers and work the scalp and the roots (where buildup tends to occur). The first shampoo is always a doozy due to oils and build up in the hair, but the second time around you should get a really nice lather. If your hair is as long as mine (waist length or longer) you may find that two shampoos aren't enough because of oils and build up in the length of the locs. So 3's often the charm.

After rinsing, I applied a Garnier Fructis Anti-dandruff Shampoo to my scalp *only*, and massaged that in until I had a nice lather. I use the Mint Cleanse version which I like, but generally find too drying for my hair so I keep it focused on the scalp. However, Garnier also makes a version of this shampoo for dry scalp (I had no idea) that I may have to try when I run out. I also focus on the scalp because this shampoo has fine microbeads that I'm weary of getting into my locs. Disclaimer: I've had this shampoo a while. The way I use it a little goes a long way, so I'm not sure if newer versions of this shampoo contain these microbeads.

• Application:

The shorter your hair the easier, and less messy this application will be. I divided my hair into 4 sections to make application more manageable. With each section I worked with, I first divided it into two parts and applied the avocado treatment from the ends of the hair to the roots. In hindsight it probably would've been smarter for me to start from the roots. I only say that because I almost ran out  and literally scraped the bowl to have enough to apply to my roots in the last section. Despite this little moment of panic though, it worked out. I started at my ends because that"s where my hair was driest and I just wanted to bring my ends back to life.

When I was done I two-strand twisted, then wrapped each section up into a bun, ultimately ending up with 8 buns (looking like a hot mess smh) although 4 would have been ideal. Once my buns were secure I then put a plastic bag over my head and secured. Yes... a plastic bag (Tarjay, you da best *DJ Khaled voice*). Don't judge me. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle #nshit. Plus, I haven't found a shower cap that adequately covers all of my hair. YOU can however do you and use a shower cap. Whatever works! Next I wrapped a head wrap/scarf around my head just to absorb any liquid that leaked from my DIY shower cap set up.

Now ideally, letting this mixture sit in the hair  for a minimum of 30 minutes should do the job to see some results. You could even add a heating/steam cap to really help this treatment penetrate even more effectively. I was aiming for 4 hours because a) I don't have naan heating cap b) I had ish to do while this DC was percolating... BUT I also knew that is was damn near 6 pm by the time I had finished applying; I was tiahd! I took care of some chores and just went to rest my eyes a bit. Well when I woke up it was Tomorrow 😭... yes, the next day.

Look, I just went ahead and rinsed my hair out really well in the shower. You can't cry over spilled milk.  I ran very warm water (DO NOT BURN YOURSELF then come back to this blog to yell at me in all caps! Use your discretion!), and used that washing motion that grandma teaches you so you know how to wash your clothes by hand to work the conditioner out of my locs. If you don't have locs this may not be necessary, but if you do you want to ensure that you rinse this out thoroughly.

After rinsing out the DC completely I applied  Creme of Nature's Argan Oil Pure-Licious Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner to my hair. This co-wash is free of sulphates, parabens, mineral oil, and petrolatum, and it was perfect so as not to strip the hair of all the moisture I'd just put in.

• Results:

My hair felt soft, rejuvenated and moisturized. Prior to this treatment I was experiencing dullness and dryness, and while this obviously is not a one time fix-all remedy, there was a noticeable difference with my hair. There was definitely more shine, and what I refer to as slip with my hair. A better term would probably be increased smoothness. I'm going to try this treatment again soon to see if I get similar results.

Unfortunately I did not retwist/re-loc my hair this time around, I just let my loc-fro do it's thing... something I'm sure I will regret next retwist time because I did not pull these babies apart while they were free. Le sigh.

I hope this post was helpful! Leave a comment and make sure to Subscribe to my Youtube channel so you don't miss a video!

Peace!
Nik

OGX Awapuhi Ginger Shampoo: http://amzn.to/2gx8kIq
Garnier Fructis Anti-dandruff Shampoo: http://amzn.to/2f1z9DW
Creme of Nature w/ Argan Oil Pure-licious Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner: http://amzn.to/2gfF2v8

DIY AVOCADO PROTEIN DEEP CONDITIONER RECIPE pt. 1

This post is not sponsored, however it may contain affiliate links. I may gain a commission if you shop through these links. These views and opinions are my own and I will always give an honest review.

Originally I called this recipe Avocado Pudding Deep Conditioner, then I thought "no, Avocado Smoothie sounds better. However for the sake of not misleading the interwebs, and then having people lament in the comments about this not being an edible recipe, I decided to keep it simple and obvious. 

Now if you decide to only work with the edible ingredients below, you'll actually have the base for a delicious avocado (salad) dressing or a dipping sauce. All you'll need to do is add some herbs, spices, and S&P.

Photo Credit: http://imgur.com/gallery/AZoRxSp

 But that's not why you're here, is it? 

This week I'm sharing this deep conditioner recipe because there's no avocado I know of that deserves to die a dumpster death. Basically, I went on a weekend trip, forgot about this avocado and it was way too soft and too ripe to make for good... anything that needs to be tasted by the time I got back.  So I harkened back to the days before my locs could be put into a ponytail - when all I'd do is play in my hair with endless products and whipped up concoctions.

This recipe is similar to a number of recipes I've tried previously, and avocado is a major key🔑here. This is something you learn after trying this recipe with banana. Spoiler alert! Banana really likes setting up house and home in your locs if you're not careful. If you've got locs... Don't do it! Please don't do it! *Drake voice*

Here are the benefits of the ingredients I used in this recipe:

How I Retwist My Locs + How I Style My Protective Style

This post is not sponsored, however it may contain affiliate links. I may gain a commission if you shop through these links. These views and opinions are my own and I will always give an honest review.

Hey dolls,

Today I’m finally going to share how I retwist my locs, and the products that I use to get the job done.  Disclaimer: this is my first video so please bear with me regarding the quality and editing. I’m sure that I’ll improve as time goes on but you know, we all gotta start some where.

There are pros and cons to DIY loc retwisting. The cons for me are that the more my hair grows, the longer the wash, condition and retwist process as well. Trust me when I tell you that it does not necessarily become less time consuming with practice… because MOOAARR HAIRRR! Lol. Sometimes I'm just not in the mood to tackle all this hair when I need to, but it ain't gonna wash, retwist, or style itself.

The pros for me outweigh the cons, especially when I’m in the mood to DImY.  I save money. I know what is being used on my hair and scalp. I honestly do not feel pressured to style or wash my hair every two weeks (when I’m not working out).  There's no one to get mad at but myself if my hair isn’t done the way I like, and because I don’t like being mad at myself… you see where I’m going with this. Maintaining my hair myself has also given me an intimate knowledge of my hair and what it needs from day to day. It's also been a learning experience. If I don't treat my hair with love, it wont be healthy and this will show - a lesson that applies to life in general.

I go as in depth and detailed as I possibly can (given my novice status with video editing). In this video I share:

🌸 My retwist method:  Spoiler alert: I palm roll! I get as detailed with this as I can, and I also share tips on how to minimize stress & tension on the hair which can lead to breakage.

🌸 My special retwist method for my edges: My method is not necessarily revolutionary, however I’ve found my method to help keep the strays in the loc and not flying everywhere (can we say edges laid). If you like gelling down your baby hairs I have to let you know right now, my method ain’t for you.

🌸 An easy protective style for locs, and a couple suggestions on how to style that protective style. IT’S A LOC STYLE INCEPTION!!!

Please bear in mind that this is how *I* reloc my hair.  This is what works for me and my type & texture hair. Watch the video and check out my product list.

Retwist Product List:

🔼Scunci Hair ties: http://amzn.to/1YQH8jn 

🔼Goody hair ties: http://amzn.to/1Ud6xon

🔼Large Hair clips: http://amzn.to/231G7GC

🔼Small Hair clips: http://amzn.to/1YQGYJ2

🔼Spray Bottle: http://amzn.to/1YQGToD

🔼Fruit of the Earth 100% Aloe Vera Gel: http://amzn.to/1YQHruA

🔼Nature’s Essential "My Everything" Oil: http://www.naturesessentialoils.net

🔼My homemade oil mixture: I'll do a post on this soon

Uneven Double Buns... Whatevs!

What’s your favorite product to use for retwisting? Leave a comment below.

*This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. This means that I'll earn commission if you purchase on Amazon through any of the links in this post. My reviews and recommendations are based on my honest opinion and experience.

Must-Have Items You Need to Cop This Black Friday/ Cyber Monday Weekend!!

This is a short list of must-have items you probably don't know you need. They are gifts that keep on giving! I've fielded numerous questions relating to all the products I mention below, so this post is long overdue.


Q: What do you use to retwist and style your locs?
Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel for Sunburn


Ok clearly it's not July for us here in North America, so I can imagine you'd like to know why the hell I'm recommending a remedy for sunburn. I promise it's not a cruel joke. This alcohol-free gel *is* good for relieving sunburn, and calming the sting of mild burns and irritations. It's also exceptionally great for retwisting and styling #locs #naturalhair. I usually mix it with a few drops of hair oil before retwisting my locs, and I find that with normal maintenance and care my style can hold for 3-4 weeks at a time. . . Not that you should go that long with a style, do what works for you.

If you're looking for a rock solid hold that sounds like you're knocking on someone's car window when ever you touch your head, which usually means dry hair due to the presence of alcohol, this is not for you. I've never had an issue with this product flaking either. So if you're looking for a good restyling product, try this.

Q: What other healthy stuff do you use a magic bullet for besides drinking your vegetables?
Magic Bullet 12-Piece High-Speed Blender Mixer System


You've probably seen at least one Nutribullet commercial by now. I'm all about the convenience and efficiency of a liquified serving of veggies and fruit. Even if you aren't into exercise, incorporating Nutribullet recipes into your diet by replacing one or two meals a day can get you on the right track to healthier living. You can even try out the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender,
 a more affordable, less powerful option. But what I really love about the Nutribullet are the endless possibilities. Feel free to browse through my Instagram for smoothie recipes. Here is another idea for your Nutribullet:

A wet seasoning mix that you can store in the fridge for about 6 months. Try blending these fresh ingredients: garlic, onion, basil, thyme, mint, scallion, a fresh spicy pepper like scotch bonnet (optional, ground black pepper or cayenne powder may be used instead), basil, parsley or cilantro, oregano, a couple Tbsps of water to keep mixture moist, finely ground sea salt (to taste - you can always mix in more at the end, a pinch of clove (optional). This is easy to whip up when we run out of our Bajan Seasoning at home and need something to tie us over. Feel free to add other favorite herbs like rosemary, fennel, turmeric, dried chilies to experiment. Try to use as many fresh herbs as possible. The benefit of making your own seasoning is that you know and control what goes in it. This seasoning is great on meats, fish, in soups and sauces.

Q: How do you get your makeup to look on point but still look natural?

Like this?

Maybelline The Nudes New York Eyeshadow Palette


A significant part of my au naturale makeup is due to this palette. If you follow me on Instagram you already know how I feel about this palette. It really is EVERYTHING! I've been using The Nudes for over 6 months now and I have absolutely zero criticisms of this palette.


- This palette is suitable for all skin tones. ALL. And is great on dark skin from cocoa to coffee bean and beyond.
- Mattes and shimmer for day to night, or subtle to glam.
- Great for travel. Literally the only palette you need when travelling.
- If you're creative, resourceful, and really into packing light, you can highlight and/or  contour with select shadows in this palette. I really can't rave enough about it.

Q: What are you using on your face?

Dermatouch Natural Skin Care Skin Perfecting System:

This is my #1 Black Friday recommendation. Why? Because it's effective, it actually rotates, it does the same thing as the hundred dollar spin brush systems, DOESN'T COST $100, and it works! I use this spin brush religiously to exfoliate my face, and alternate between the soft and firm brush heads depending on what my skin needs.

Frankly, every skin type can benefit from exfoliation. As a matter of fact, the brush pictured is the men's brush, which is basically the brush ... in black. Fellas, exfoliation is essential to diminishing ingrown hairs, keeping your skin smooth and your facial hair situation looking and feeling good. #beardgang membership stays intact.

If you've been looking for a spin brush to test before you splurge on an expensive brand, simply can't afford to splurge (no shame there), or if you are doubtful whether an exfoliating brush will work for you, this is a good place to start.

My Bonus Recommendation? My oil cleansing recipe to improve skin found here. This oil cleanse recipe works well in conjunction with regular exfoliation with the Dermatouch, to help fade blemishes.

Have you tried any of these products? Leave a comment and share your experience.

Before & After: Pixie Twist/ Loc Knots #LocStyle

This post is literally over a year in the making. I've wanted to post this before & after for a while but I really didn't want to have to go through a typed tutorial of how to achieve these curls. As luck would have it, in the world of Loc styles if you wait long enough the style tutorial is sure to pop up on Chescalocs Youtube eventually. . . and it surely did. She's pretty thorough in the area of showing how diverse locs can be.

These pics are from March 2012, before I cut my hair. Coincidentally there is also an unfortunate story attached to the "After" pic about how I almost lost my life hours after snapping that picture. It's a less traumatic story to recount now, but still jarring in that it brought the fragility of life into sudden perspective. 

I've previously shared the story on my NSFW tumblr. I'll repost here at some other time.

The first time I had loc knots done

#TBT #ThrowbackThursday The Fro From Hell

This picture is circa April/May 2004. I was headed to senior prom. *Man I clean up nice* I won't reveal my age but just note I couldn't even vote yet.

A month or two earlier I stood in my bathroom after a day of school, looked into the mirror, and in one fell swoop used an old ass pair of fabric scissors to "big chop" my hair.

Really though, it could've been more or less months but I think the experience was a subconscious trauma to my psyche, and my mind has made some details around the event all a blur.

It was a big chop alright. It was a big hot mess, and it's up there as one of the best and worst decisions I have ever made in life.

I came across a post about this project online. By the time this is posted there will be 3 days left in the Kick Starter campaign. This project is very important as an honest and artistic look into a very significant aspect of black culture - hair. I have posted the video for your viewing pleasure and some copy from the Kick Starter page for a more in depth look into the process behind the project.

Watch the video and show some support by donating or simply just spreading the word!

"AFROS" - 'A Celebration Of Natural Hair' A Photo & Lifestyle Book  

Watch for a quick look at the dopeness! 

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

"AFROS" - 'A Celebration Of Natural Hair' A Photo & Lifestyle Book

A coffee table book project by Michael July

This is a book that captures the spirit and essence of the Afro today as well as paying homage to the historic significance of natural hair iconic voyagers like Angela Davis, Jimi Hendrix and others. Over the course of a five year period photographer Michael July approached a wide variety of beautiful, creative and intelligent individuals from all walks of life and asked them would they be willing to participate as subject models for a coffee table book he was putting together entitled "Afros - A Celebration Of Natural Hair". Traveling all across the United States from New York to California he was able to capture the créme de la créme of Afros. People of virtually every shade, ethnicity, country and age group. "AFROS - A Celebration Of Natural Hair" intent is to show pictorially the power, beauty and glorious nature of the 'Fro and also to document in words the deeper and at times whimsical "hairstory" of each of its models. The author shot the majority of these individuals at his photo studio in Brooklyn using colorful & vibrant backdrops personally tailored to each model's own sense of style and fashion. As a result he succeeded, along with the assistance of two remarkably talented book designers, Darhil Crooks & Monica Whittick in creating a coffee table book that will have massive international appeal for many years to come.

The money raised through Kickstarter pledges will all go toward printing and shipping costs. Once the project has been successfully funded we will immediately go to press and you can expect your copy to ship in July -- a great way to kick off Summer!

A word from Michael July:

   Just wanted to give you some information about myself and the Afro Book project. I am a freelance professional photographer and writer whom over the years worked with Giant Step, Essence, Okay Player, Urb and other publications. I'm in the final stage of completing a book "AFROS" - 'A Celebration of Natural Hair'. The basics of the book is to capture the essence of the Afro or "natural" as it exists in today's culture. In addition to photos, the book contains quotes from each individual on why they choose to wear their hair natural and/or what does natural hair mean to them, their occupation & where they hail from as well as researched information regarding the history of the Afro. There will be archival sections that will feature vintage Afro picks, combs, rakes, natural hair care products, Afro inspired artwork, and a directory of some of the most popular blogs and sites related to natural hair world-wide. The book will contains 450 pages. So far I have people like Toure, Renee Neufville, Dr. Cornel West, Celia Faussart of Les Nubians, Michaela angela Davis, Cherokee, Jesse Boykins III, Cody ChesnuTT and Reggie Watts and hundreds of other beautiful folks. The progress of the coffee table book has been turning out incredibly well. Primarily it was shot in the metropolitan area of New York, but I have also shot across the country in places like Atlanta, D.C., Philly, California, New Jersey, Miami & Maryland.

   I have been doing photography for about 7 years, 6 years professionally. Primarily concerts, fashion shows, portfolios & whatever interests me. Prior to that I was doing the same thing but with video. I am based out of Brooklyn, NY where I have a full photography studio. Ideally I prefer to capture people as they are, that is as naturally as possible. Although with most of the book's models I was able to do something far more colorful and creative.

   After 5 and a half years of shooting I have over 240 subjects. People of all nationalities: African-Americans, Asians, Caucasians, Africans, South Americans & Europeans. From the ages of 8 months to 80 years old. I was fortunate to work with two extremely experienced and respected book designers, Darhil Crooks, Creative Director of Ebony Magazine and Monica Whittick of Big Blu Design, Inc., on the layout, design & formatting of the book. As well as a great copy editor, Angela Watford of Eyes Dotted, formally with Vibe Media Group. I'm in the final editing stages now and expect to go to print in April. The book is now 99% finished and ready for print. I have a tentative release date targeted for mid June 2012. I will be self-publishing the book through Natural Light Press. I do have an extensive background in artist management, public relations, sales, promotion and marketing. I have already received a large number of offers from across the the United States and abroad to do book launches, signings, speaking engagements and exhibitions at universities, bookstores, galleries, museums, hair shows, public schools, festivals and hair salons. I'm looking forward to doing an extensive promotional tour in the United States and Canada for the first year and then to tour overseas for at least 6 months beginning at the end of 2012. All of these contacts have only been through word of mouth since I only recently created my first internet presence: a facebook page. Next month I will begin putting together an official website for the book.

 How I am doing this:  I am looking through Kickstarter to raise $20,000 in total towards the printing and binding of the actual book. This will supplement some of the money I have manage to save. Once that goal is reached in April, I will travel overseas to personally oversee the printing of the first 4000 to 5000 copies of the book. This is generally a 2 to 3 month process before the book is delivered to the USA. This will be a self-published 9" x 12", 450 page full-color photographic book. I have recently received an offer from a major photo book distributor to distribute and launch the book at their mega bookstore & gallery space once the printing is completed which I am considering.

PLEASE HAVE A LOOK AT MY $50 AND UP PLEDGE REWARDS - YOU'LL ESSENTIALLY BE PRE-ORDERING A FIRST EDITION COPY OF THE BOOK!

My long term goal:

By creating this book my hope is to show how beautiful and diverse natural hair is and that it should be embraced and celebrated by everyone worldwide whether they choose to wear theirs natural or not. My true target audience are young people who struggle with their self-identity because of negative media messages, peer pressure and lack of natural role models. That through these pages they may be encourage to see and accept their own individual God-given beauty and hopefully a more positive and wholesome identity. Your donation will go towards that goal.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHOWING INTEREST IN THIS PROJECT. LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON.

La NomRah GIVEAWAY!!!

Good Morning and welcome to Monday Movement!!! Get up get out & do something!


I'll be sponsoring a lovely giveaway on the Onyx Rose Online blog! Onyx Rose Online is a blog celebrating the beauty of wome on color rocking their hair in it's natural form. There are always great product reviews there, and inspirational features of women on the natural journey!

 Follow the link below or click on the post title to go to the page for rules on how to enter.

link: http://onyxroseonline.blogspot.com/2011/04/giveaway-lanomrah-designs.html


Peace & Love
La NomRah