CurlSpotting: On The Tube, June 2013

CurlSpotting: On The Tube, June 2013

Pam Grier on lg-tv

Actress Pam Grier circa 1970s

More and more, all types of curlies are popping up everywhere on the television screen. Each time I spot an awesome chica with natural hair, it makes me want to break into a happy dance. For those of us who are a little longer in the tooth, there was a day, once upon a time, when you’d be hard pressed to see a lady on TV with natural hair. I’m not talking about the good ol’ 70s when actresses like Pam Grier and Cicely Tyson were holding it down with their braids and afros … pause. Please tell me that you’re familiar with both ladies. If not, I banish thee to Google, now!

Anyhoo, we’re at another turning point, which will hopefully last beyond generational trends and politics. It’s difficult to forecast since anything is possible. For now, let’s optimistically hope that this popularity in pop culture is the new normal (crosses fingers).

The first sighting I caught in June is one that I’m sure you’ve already seen. Old Navy gave Boys II Men some props by featuring the boy band (are they too mature for such a title?) in a commercial, titled “In-Flight Entertainment.” In the spot, the Boys treat us to their classic hit, “I’ll Make Love To You” while seemingly aboard an airplane.

The skit continues with ladies in white Old Navy pants strutting down the aisle, including … you guessed it—a naturally curly girl. Not only does our natural haired gal model, but she also has a speaking part during which she gushes about her pants. You’ll notice that her hair looks as if it’s styled in a braid-out. Upon closer analysis (consisting of pausing, rewinding, and playing the commercial at least five times), it looks as if the model’s texture is indeed natural. Thumbs up Old Navy!

Cheerios also got cool points for featuring an interracial couple and their beautiful biracial girl. While the young lady questions her mother about Cheerios, all I could look at was the pretty brown curls that perfectly framed her sweet face. Sadly, some viewers were too busy focusing on the couples pairing, and the commercial became controversial. For what??? Ah, people. C’mon! Watch and you be the judge … of her hair, please.

The Wendy Williams Show frequently attracts some of the most stylish ladies, particularly natural haired mavens. So, I wasn’t surprised when, on June 13, Wendy’s “eye candy of the day” happened to be a naturally curly girl. While she introduced herself (her name sounds like Hafeesa), all I could look at was her huuuge fro. It looked soooo majestic, and of course, it topped off her outfit.

In fact, Wendy commented by saying, ““I love your natural hair. It’s big and beautiful.” She also then made a point of noting to all of us viewers that it’s all hers. Yes, real and styled in a wash and go. Weeeerrrrk!

Wendy Williams Audience Member with Natural Hair

Wendy Williams stands next to her “eye candy of the day.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you catch these or other curlies in June? Do tell below!

CurlSpotting: Zoë Saldana Talks About Her Curly Mane

CurlSpotting: Zoë Saldana Talks About Her Curly Mane

Zoe Saldana Allure June 2013

Actress Zoë Saldana, as seen in Allure‘s June 2013 issue

Yes, Zoë Saldana is that tough girl you’ve seen in Avatar and Star-Trek, among a host of other movies. No, she isn’t typically whom you think of as having a curly mane, but the actress surprises us (at least me) by sharing some of her hair care routine and personal experiences within InStyle Hair, a special spring edition of InStyle magazine. Of course, you know I had to pour myself through that one!

First things first. Yes, I am showcasing images of Zoë Saldana from the June issue of Allure, while referencing an interview she conducted with InStyle Hair. After all, she is killing it in the Allure pics. No, I won’t continue to go back and forth with the yeses and nos. Ha! Let’s move on to Saldana. The half Dominican, half Puerto Rican beauty shares information on her culture, hair, and overall identity.

She says to InStyle, “In Latino culture, hair carries a lot of history, a lot of weight, and a lot of energy. I always liked my hair. I never wanted to have any other skin but my own, any other hair but my own. I never had that identity thing where I looked at a blond girl or an Asian girl and thought, ‘Why don’t I look like that?’ Women who spend so much of their lives wanting to have something else miss out on learning to appreciate what they do have.”

Two snaps in Z formation for that one! Saldana credits her mother for raising her and her sisters with a strong sense of self and for teaching them to question whatever they felt did not make sense. She may just be our kind of gal after all.

As for her hair, she admits that, after using a Japanese straightener for the past 10 years, she is now missing her curls.

“It’s been eight months since my last straightening treatment, and I’m going to let it all grow out. I miss feeling the thickness. It’s been a long time since I’ve woken up with my hair looking like an Afro. I want to have that again,” says Saldana.

Does this mean that we’ll soon see Ms. Saldana sporting her natural tresses à la actress Viola Davis? From the looks of the magic hair she’s werking in these magazine spreads, textured hair really does suit her. I’m looking forward to the new Zoë, Afro and all.

In case you were wondering, Saldana also breaks down her hair routine. This includes monthly treatments with products from Kérastase’s Force Architecte collection. She also washes her hair every two days using Pantene’s moisturizing shampoo and pre-poos with the Parisian oil, Leonor Gryel Huile de Palme.

“Child, let me tell you—it’s pretty expensive, but it works!” she says.

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, you can always pre-poo with olive oil and, of course my favorite, coconut oil.

You can catch Zoë Saldana and her stylish mane this summer as Lieutenant Uhura in Star Trek into Darkness. The full interview with Zoë can be found in InStyle Hair, on newsstands until June 14. You can also check out more stylish photos and learn more about Zoë Saldana’s beauty routine in June’s Allure.

Zoe Saldana Allure Cover June 2013

Zoe Saladana InStyle Hair

CurlSpotting: Walking Dead Naturals

CurlSpotting: Walking Dead Naturals

Danai Gurira and natural hair

Actress Danai Gurira from The Walking Dead

Picture this. In a Zombie Apocalypse, most of your days would be spent practicing your killer moves, hiding, or running for your dear life. But what would your hair look like? … Yes, I’m thinking waaay out of the box here, but it’s a detail that hasn’t been lost by the creators of AMC’s The Walking Dead.

Dead Heads like me have noticed that there are now two female, African-American characters with natural hair who have joined the cast of intriguing characters. There’ s Michonne, a silent but deadly warrior, who’s quick with a sword. She fights fast and fearless, all while whipping around lengthy dreads. Yes, she truly whips her hair back and forth!

As you can imagine, in this impressively detailed and believably written, end-of-the-world scenario, there would be zero room for flat irons or relaxers. Ladies, count ‘em out. It’s all about survival here! Thank goodness the writers got this right and showed all the ladies in a natural light, regardless of race. In real life Danai Gurira, who plays Michonne, wears her hair in a short afro, which highlights her attractive facial features and allows her to go unrecognized by die-hard fans. In an interview with Zap2it, Gurira discusses the strong and unreadable female role she plays.

“A lot of people just love that she’s a bad-ass. A lot of female friends keep asking my brother, ‘Was she always tough like that? How did she get like that? What should we do to be like that?’ … It was very deliberate to make her unreadable and an enigma. She’s not going to be the sort of character you get to know quickly. That’s who she is. The desire people have to see her unravel in a way, it’s not going to be what they get,” says Gurira.

*Rubs chins mysteriously.* Hmmm. I definitely get it. (more after the jump)

Sonequa Martin Green and natural hair

Actress Sonequa Martin-Green from The Walking Dead

In addition to Michonne, there’s a new character named Sasha, who is among a newfound group of the living. Sasha, played by actress Sonequa Martin-Green, is sweet and courageous. She also has natural hair that is kept neatly swept from her face, you know, in case she has to attack some creature or another. In real life, Martin-Green like Gurira has beautiful, natural hair that amplifies her looks. You can catch her sporting a fluffy ‘do or straightened style on the red carpet or in her recently cast role in ABC’s Once Upon a Time.

Now that you know that two naturally fab ladies are among the cast, will you also spend your Sunday nights peering from under the sheets in fear of who would be taken out next? Are you already watching? How would you style your hair in a Zombie Apocalypse? For me, I might have to go with a low afro since I’d have bigger fish to fry. 🙂 Chime in below, but please no spoilers!

CurlSpotting: On The Tube, January 2013

CurlSpotting: On The Tube, January 2013

Wendy Williams Show Model with Natural Hair

This curlie was spotted literally working realness on the Wendy Williams Show.

Whether you’re tuning to the tube or flipping through mags, these days it’s tough not to spot at least one curly mane shining brightly. *My curly mane drops down and throws hands in the air.* Oh, thank you! Thank you curlies for embracing your manes! It’s thanks to you that me and other former lone wolves don’t have to field endless questions about what’s going on at the top of our heads. Yes, there’ll always be some questions and general interest, but at least we’re no longer gawked at like some form of endangered species.

This is one of the reasons why I love to spotlight those of you who are out there, proudly sporting textured tresses. This includes curlies, who while shelling out products, are also inadvertently (or advertently based on who’s puppet-stringing in the marketing division ;)) showcasing natural hair. This group also includes those talented ladies, who while working their wicked manes, stand out for simply being themselves.

In case you’ve missed it, grab a snack and relax. Let me fill you in on the latest batch of curlies—spotted!

Working Realness On Wendy

On January 13, 2013, The Wendy Williams Show featured American fashion designer Norma Kamali. She is best known for her sleeping bag coat, a garment made from silk parachutes—think of your fave blanky remixed with Missy Elliot’s “I Can’t Stand The Rain” garbage bag outfit and stitched to meet the sophistication of Audrey Hepburn. Still with me? Picture it for a moment and come back.

While Kamali was at Wendy, she treated us to a mini fashion show of her latest threads worn by real women. Out of the group, my eyes could not stop staring at a curvaceous curlie killing it on the catwalk. She’s not only stunning, but her hair is to.die.for.! Lady, we applaud you.

Pretty-Poofing On The Phone

You already know that Samsung Galaxy S3 is one of the hottest phones on the market. So, I almost ignored the commercial when I heard it coming on the TV. That was until I looked up and spotted—another curlie! This curly girl had me running to the TV to freeze frame and drool over her hair. Although I’ve been rocking a middle part for the last month, I’m now contemplating how to construct a wickedly deep side part ala this mop-top maven.

Natural Hair in Samsung S3 Commercial

Forget the phone, I want her hair!

Mega Musical Mane At The Beyoncé Bowl

We all know the facts. Beyoncé killed it at the Super Bowl. While I was in a daze, taking Bey in and two-stepping it to “Single Ladies,” I paused for just a second. Can you guess when? Not when Kelly and Michelle popped up onto the stage. Not when Beyoncé started super stomping and dutty whining. Yup, you guessed it. It was when famed guitarist Bibi McGill took the stage with her exploding guitar and electric mane. McGill, the event’s musical director, delivered not only in the presentation but also with her fierce ’fro.

In case you were busy sulking because the Giants weren’t in the Super Bowl (like I was at first) or passed out from a food coma (like I was late in the evening), check out Bibi’s solo and curly mane in the half-time video (Bibi literally explodes onto the stage at 3:13).

Get These Looks

All of the ladies mentioned above are showcasing the beauty of wash-and-go hair. If you’re still wondering how you can get solid wash and wear results, read and try my 10 steps.

CurlSpotting: Editrix Julia Sarr-Jamois

CurlSpotting: Editrix Julia Sarr-Jamois

Julia Sarr-Jamois

Above: Julia Sarr-Jamois, fashion editor and J. Crew model. Photo courtesy of J. Crew, ripped from my mailer.

Although we’re in a new year, I want to flash back a few months and catch you up on a curlie I recently spotted. Something tells me that once or twice, your eyes caught sight of her too.

Picture this. I was going about my typical routine after coming home from work. I swung the door closed, dropped a couple of bags at my feet, and threw my keys on the nearest table. In my freed hands, I quickly rummaged through my mail until … I found the fall 2012 catalog for J.Crew.

For me, J.Crew = cozy sweaters and turtlenecks. I really didn’t need much assistance to turn the pages towards that section, but to help their cashmere stand out even further, the preppy shopping staple featured a stunning model with a full-on mane! She practically roared from the pages (albeit quietly, as seen in the image on the left).

Ironically, a week later, a mailer from Sephora came and there was that model yet again! I kid you not! It was the same beauty with her curly ‘fro. I had to know who she was! You too? In case, you missed the many fashion features bubbling up on the net, the stunner in the cozy blue threads and makeup ads is Julia Sarr-Jamois, fashion editor for Wonderland magazine.

She’s not only easy on the eye, but she also sports enviable curls. Sarr-Jamois is a talent with an eye for fashion. Her savvy street styles is what made her one of J.Crew’s features in the fall campaign centered on real-life fashion-forward folks.

Diego Scotti, J. Crew’s chief marketing officer, says to Women’s Wear Daily, “We chose very accomplished people who have an impact on our customers and culture in general. They appreciate quality and detail. Our customers identify with them, but the campaign is not about celebrities.”

Julia Sarr-Jamois

Julia Sarr-Jamois showcases her wicked street style.

While the focus of the campaign is on the line’s bags, suits, and sweaters, I believe that Sarr-Jamois steals the show. Despite J.Crew’s efforts to not choose a celebrity, Sarr-Jamois is and rightfully can be called a celeb. She has been placed center stage in these campaigns and as the subject of many street photogs and bloggers, including yours truly.

Sephora describes her as an editrix (love that term). While I was searching for Juliet Julia (Ever seen that movie? I digress.), I discovered that the half Senegalese and half French stunner is 23 years old. She also addressed the excitement centered around her curls in an interview with Vogue. Sarr-Jamois outlines her simple, wash ‘n go routine and likens wearing her hair loose in the summer to wearing a fuzzy Prada hat. I can definitely relate!

Julia Sarr-Jamois illustrated by Joana Avillez

Julia Sarr-Jamois, illustrated by Joana Avillez. Of course, I love this. Pretty dead on. Check out the accompanying notes and quotes.

“I’ve never really been into makeup. My hair is my statement, along with my clothes,” says Sarr-Jamois. “The only thing I won’t wear with my hair is flared jeans. I love them, but that look is way too seventies-child.”

Ah, Julia (throws fists up in the air and shakes them)! I love, love flared jeans. No worries. I’ll bring back the seventies for you. Just keep on inspiring us with your styling. Keep an eye out for this one curlies! You can view more pics of Julia Sarr-Jamois’ hair and fashion below.

 

 

 

 

Julia Sarr-Jamois in Sephora

Julia Sarr-Jamois in Sephora’s ad.