50 Shades of Gray Hair … Cured!
Ah-mazing gray, natural hair
I know what you’re thinking. Where have you been??!! Sorry guys. Yes, I have been MIA, but it’s been a hectic month filled with lots of life juggling. You know how it goes. Unfortunately, blogging took a hit … but I’m back! And I’ve got news for you.
Before I break the news, let me take you back to last summer. I was styling my hair, when I noticed … a long, glowing, silvery white strand among the mass of dark tendrils. It was my first gray hair! Gasp! Yes, I had a mini panic attack. I backed up from the mirror, remembered to breathe, and returned to the mirror to double-check. I shook my head in disbelief. There it was!
I don’t know why I was as stunned as I was. You see, I had a heads up a few months prior … when I got my first gray eyebrow hair! Yeeeesss! I-am-transfooorrrming. AH!
Well, recently, I calmed down and made up my mind that I would be that 80-year-old woman with long, curly gray hair. Just as I came to terms with … growing up (gulp!), in came breaking news this week … well, breaking news for us!
There’s new research out that may raise hairs and a few questions. A joint group of researchers at Germany’s Institute for Pigmentary Disorders at E.M. Arndt University of Greifswald and the UK’s Centre for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford have simultaneously come across a cure for gray hair and the skin disease vitiligo, which removes pigment from the skin.
According to Medical Daily, gray hair is caused by an accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the roots of hair follicles, causing oxidative stress. The same condition occurs in vitiligo, causing depigmentation in the skin and eyelashes (and eyebrows??).
“The idea that loss of pigmentation in the hair and skin are related is extremely interesting on a basic science level,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s department of dermatology in an interview with Yahoo! Shine. “The traditional treatment of gray hair with hair dye is cosmetic and doesn’t get to the root of the problem. A treatment that prevents or reverses the underlying graying process would revolutionize our approach to hair care.”
Oh, yes it would! No need to schedule time to mix your brew of L’oréal or Féria, apply it to your hair, and wait for the magic to happen. No more hair dye and henna stained sinks and tiles. No need to spend money for that go-to colorist to return your hair to its natural hue. Where hair is concerned, this solution apparently turns back the hand of time. Curlies would have the option of forever maintaining their natural hair color, changing their color out of preference (not necessity), or simply going gray. Options. Options. Which one will you choose?
On a side note, for true vitiligo sufferers, I’m sure there are many who will be relieved by the news. I’m also sure this will raise new claims and accusations of skin bleaching … uh, huh. There are many bubbling up on the net, but I digress.
Now that there is a cure for graying, will you run for the solution once it’s available to the masses … perhaps in another decade or so?! Chime in below or vote.
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Yvette Nicole Brown On Natural and Faux Hair
Yvette Nicole Brown discusses her use of magic hair on the Wendy Williams Show.
On the NBC sitcom, Community, actress and comedian Yvette Nicole Brown plays Shirley Bennett, a recently divorced mother of three who attends Greendale Community College. While Brown is a celeb and Bennett is a sassy student, they have a single, glaring commonality—natural hair! Thank you to the writers for allowing Brown’s character to sport a curly mane (faux or no)! Thank you Yvette for embracing your textured tresses!
When I heard that Yvette Nicole Brown was going to be featured on the Wendy Williams Show a few weeks ago, I tuned in to check out her hair … of course! To my delight, Wendy sparked a conversation about the topic. Yeesssss! Score! Cool points for Wendy. Here’s how it went:
Wendy Williams: The last time I saw you, it was all natural hair. And I told you, as soon as you start doing a whole lot of TV, and events, and stuff, wigs make it easy. So now what are we doing?
Yvette Nicole Brown: She (apparent reference to stylist) told me to keep some hair in a bag. Now this front is mine. A little bit of mine is springing out everywhere. But this [majority of hair] is somebody else’s. I don’t even know. I don’t know whose, and I don’t care. I just want to personally thank her.
Wendy went on to mention Yvette’s best friend and actress, Sherri Shepherd, who is also a devote wig wearer. In the interview, Wendy seemed clearly team magic hair. Okay. Correction. She is a wig lover with some pretty impressive styles and wigs that she even names. You may have already heard all about her wig head, Shakeetha. LOL! It all makes me thiiiissss close (brings thumb and pointer extremely close together) to wanting to test drive wigs … maybe … just once. This also brings me to the topic of women with natural hair wearing faux hair, specifically wigs.
Yvette Nicole has beautiful natural hair, and to preserve it while undergoing frequent changes for appearances, she wears wigs. Natural hair just won’t hold up to the entertainment industry’s many styling demands. For instance, going from straight to wavy and back again in a 48 hour period.
For us every day ladies, our hair may not have rigorous demands, so a wig may not be a necessity … or is it? Looking back at the times spent straightening my hair and perfecting my natural look for professional occasions, I wonder if it would have been better for my hair if I just wore wigs. I’ve never done so and enjoy styling my hair, so I’ll continue to work with what I have for now. Just remember curlies, even if you are a wiggy, you still need to give gentle care to your natural hair.
Are you a wiggy by day, natural by night? Let us know why you’ve been pulling a quick change and how you maintain your natural hair while wearing wigs.
Viola Davis Discusses Her Curly Hair Issues
The authentic self is the soul made visible.” ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach
Photo Credit: Examiner
Award-winning actress Viola Davis legendarily shocked curlies and non curly headed girls alike when she revealed her beautiful, natural hair during this year’s Oscars. It was a moment that seemly set Hollywood on fire, with several celebs whipping off their wigs, taking out weaves, and putting down flat irons to reveal their curly manes. Let’s count them up. There’s been Raven Symone, Tamera Mowry, Angela Simmons, and recently The Big O–Oprah, among the bunch.
This week, Miss Davis stunned us once more by showcasing her curly mane during the red carpet premiere of her new film, Won’t Back Down. Like her film’s title, Viola is unapologetic when it comes to her hair. On Anderson Live with Anderson Cooper, she discussed her natural hair and struggles with the Hollywood beauty beasts.
“For me, I felt like every time I put on a wig, I was apologizing for who I was, being a dark-skinned woman with very curly hair. I felt like I was hiding it,” says Davis.
Her statements are sad but not new. Historically, in the African-American community, women are taught to hate their hair due to deep-rooted issues dating back to slavery. This negativity festers in families and/or community members. As Viola stated, “there’s not enough time to explain the hair issues” … well, except here at My Curly Mane!
This history, which spans across different lands and cultures, may come as no surprise to you, but the shocker is that we’ve just gotten to the point where celebrities are also supporting the cause, allowing women to know that there is no shame in having naturally curly hair. The kinks, fluff, coils, poof, and all the other variations of our hair is amazing. It’s also appreciated when these celebrities don’t just jump on the bandwagon, but instead, they are willing to address their own issues and the pressures to maintain the images forced upon them. This is beyond just wearing magic hair and wigs for fun or a preferred style. This is about hating your natural hair and those of others and finally coming into self acceptance.
For Viola, she felt as if she wasn’t being authentic by hiding her hair. It sounds as if there was a certain amount of shame associated with it, which many women face. Making this step towards self acceptance on a global platform like the Oscars or any red carpet takes a lot of chutzpah! For myself, I rode the roller coaster ride of hair acceptance before choosing the road less traveled. That path is always the hardest, whether it’s about your hair or simply being authentic to your beliefs, just being yourself.
Do you recall a time when you weren’t being your authentic self? Have you ever hid your hair in shame?
Get This Look
Viola’s hair is tightly curly in one of my fave colors–red. If you have natural hair, you can mirror this look by doing a wash and go. Literally, wash and let your fro go … unless you need assistance through a few products and quick tricks. As always, you can apply a leave-in conditioner and styler to wet hair, twisting your curls into neat formations with your fingers. Once dry, you can leave as is, or gently separate and tug on your hair for more volume.
Kim K’s “Wild, Crazy” Mane
Kim Kardashian channels Diana Ross. Photo by Hype Williams. Photo Credit: kimkardashian.celebuzz.com
From TV to magazines, it’s hard not to keep up with the Kardashians since they are just about everywhere, particularly the family’s star, Kim. Recently, Kim K. publicized her experimental hair style in which she channeled Supreme du jour Diana Ross circa the 1970s. Donning big, curly hair and lots of makeup, Kim Kardashian struck a few diva-esk poses.
In describing the look, Kim says that she and her glam squad “went for a fun, crazy look.” Let’s listen to this again. It was a “fun, crazy look.” Even celeb reporters have covered this story by highlighting Kim’s “wild” look. Call me captain over analytical, but is it true that full, natural hair is also a crazy look? Let’s rewind here and clarify.
I love Kim’s makeup in the pics, which is for most purposes too dramatic for day wear but perfect for this shoot. I’m honing in on her hair, which I adore. That same ‘do is quintessential Diana Ross back in her heyday, and she was herald for it. Today, as women are embracing their naturally curly hair once more, I have to pause and ask, “Is natural hair a wild, crazy look?”
Natural hair is big and can even reach the same lengths and volume in real life that Kim possessed with her magic hair. Does this mean that this same look is fun and crazy when it’s for kicks and not as the actual look coming from your head? Is it only acceptable when being experimental?
Kim Kardashian’s look is inspired by Diana Ross. Photo by Hype Williams. Photo Credit: kimkardashian.celebuzz.com
I’m only drawing this correlation because of the many hair commercials that you and I have seen. How many times have you heard products—mousses, gels, sprays, serums, and chemical concoctions—aimed at “fixing frizz” and “taming wild hair?” This is of course followed by models of all ethnicities celebrating the results of their straightened locks instead of their “frizzy” curly hair. We even have a host of salons that cater to cuts that tame curly hair, helping to reduce the bulk.
This brings me back to my initial question. Is curly hair equivalent to wild hair? Hmmm. Perhaps, depending on your comfort with natural hair. As a naturally curly gal my whole life, I’m quick to say that my curly mane is … my hair. It is what it is, and I am who I am. Yes, it’s big. As it flops and swirls in the wind, it can look a bit free spirited. However, it isn’t something that necessarily needs taming or fixing. There’s no need to beat it into submission through products or other methods … or is that exactly what us curly girls do on our quest for products that work for us?
Whether you consider it naturally wild or not, naturally curly manes can roar. Its beauty commands attention by nature. To gain it, the curls will often volumize itself. For those of you with quieter manes, there are techniques you can use to turn up the volume (see my post on using an afro pik).
If having naturally curly hair is living on the wild side, ladies it’s time to channel your inner Miss Ross. Bend over, shake, fluff, or pic your mane. Go big or go home! 
CurlSpotting: Olympic Hair
Gabby Douglas is the 2012 Olympic gold medal winner in the women’s all-around competition and gold medal winner (for team U.S.A.) in the women’s team competition.
I’ve been glued to the TV screen, completely hooked on watching the summer Olympics. Swimming is spectacular and volleyball is worth viewing, but for me, it’s all about women’s gymnastics. Maybe it’s because I’m also extra petite (#teamtiny!), but I just admire gymnasts’ strength and agility.
This Olympics, we were not only treated to a gold medal from the U.S. women’s team–”The Fab Five”–but we’ve also been blessed with a historic moment. Gabby Douglas is the first African-American woman to win the women’s all-around gold medal!! Applause all around! Oh, the tears of joy!
This moment is peppered by the appearance of a few headlining, naturally curly hair. Here’s a rundown of summer 2012′s Olympic hair.
Gabby Douglas – This 16-year-old domino caught our attention with her performance during the team competition. She then took it to the next level and killed it in the all-around competition, winning another gold medal.
Jasmine Breinburg, star of the Olympics’ opening ceremony, who set Twitter on fire.
Unfortunately, she’s also gotten attention for her pulled back, straight mane. Shame on you curlies out there giving her flack! Tsk tsk! Maybe now you’ll relax and respect the energy and focus Gabby paid to her craft and not to aesthetics. While I love a fierce fro like the next one, let’s give the girl a break and applaud her. And if you can’t, I want to see your tumble pass! Uh, huh.
Jasmine Breinburg – The opening ceremony of this year’s games included a surreal segment directed by Danny Boyle of Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days Later, and Trainspotting fame. While cute little kids pretended to sleep on beds and danced in the street, my eyes were glued on a love story portrayed by Jasmine Breinburg, an 18-year old dancer and rising star. Breinburg was selected to play the lead role, and I’m sure her curly mane had at least a smidgen of influence. Apparently the Brits went batty for her stunning beauty and hair the moment the ceremony aired, as Twitter went ablaze with comments about Breinburg. Click here to read more about Jasmine Breinburg from the Daily Mail.
Former gymnast Dominique Dawes gives a talk in London. Photo Credit: David Mercer/USAT
Dominique Dawes – During tonight’s gymnastics coverage, the camera zoomed in on Dominique … and her natural hair (see video below)!
“I advise black women to go natural and stop relaxing your children’s hair, too,” Dawes says. “At 35 years old I finally embraced my natural locks. It was liberating and empowering for me. I wish I would have done it sooner.”
Dawes was a member of the 1996 U.S. National Women’s Team aka The “Magnificent Seven,” the team that famously included Kerri Strug, Shannon Miller, and proud coach Bela Karolyi. Dominique competed in three Olympic games, winning team medals in all of them and one bronze. She is the first female African-American gymnast to win an individual medal. No one could kill it on the floor like Dominique! Tonight, she proudly watched from the stands as Gabby Douglas back flipped and split her way to gold.
Check out Dominique’s interview (and her natural hair) as she emotionally discusses Gabby’s win. I dare you to keep a dry eye! So proud of them!!
Below: Former U.S. Gymnast Dominique Dawes discusses Gabby Douglas’ Olympic performance and shares life lessons.
Below: Dancer and opening ceremony star Jasmine Breinburg is briefly interviewed.
The Politics of Black Hair – Part II
In our previous discussion on the politics of natural hair, we talked
about politicians’ and their spouses’ hair. Today we look at the “natural hair movement,” as highlighted by MSNBC commentator Melissa Harris-Perry (love her!), who’s known for her long twists–not locks/dreads (as referred to by my Caribbean bredrens). The videos are included further below.
During the June 10th episode of her show, Harris-Perry interviewed a group of well-known and intelligent, natural haired women. The panel included actress and newly natural gal, Nicole Ari Parker, as well as blogger Nikki Walton of CurlyNikki. Hair-raising highlights and facts include:
- Fact: Black hair care products have totaled $185M
- Fact: In 2011, 36% of black women did not straighten their hair (via perms)
- In regards to the “natural hair movement,” Nikki Walton says, “It’s about empowering textured women.”
- A shout out to Hair Rules’ salon by Nicole Ari Parker (love her hair and applaud her for going natural). I can’t speak for the salon, but Hair Rules’ Quick Curls has been a life saver for my wash and gos thus far.
- Fact: In 2006-2011, sales of hair relaxers dropped by 17%.
- Anthea Butler of the University of Pennsylvania describes the “tumble weaves of hair in Harlem.” I nearly died hearing her describe this. Having worked right by Harlem, I am familiar with the many beauty supply stores … and tumbling strands of “good hair!”
- How our fathers’ (and men in general) acceptance of us has a lot to with our own acceptance of our hair. How many times have you second guessed a natural ‘do because you weren’t sure if your significant other or the powerful male figure in your life would approve of it?
I think the interview was spot on. Melissa Harris-Perry gave kudos to all the black women who proudly sported their majestic curly manes well before it was the hip thing to do. I second that emotion and give credit to Angela Davis, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, and all the trailblazing women in that category.
Perhaps next time Harris-Perry can conduct a follow-up in-depth analysis on why so many black women are currently choosing to embrace their natural hair (blame it on the recession, the influx of natural hair resources, or our new-found love of our hair?). It would be interesting if we compared and contrasted this with our Caucasian curly girls and their relationship with their textured hair. They have a journey as well.
That’s my two cents but what are your thoughts on this coverage? Check out the videos below.
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
The Politics of Natural Hair – Part I
The candidate with the best hair always wins” ~ Article in the Huffington Post
A Photoshopped image of Michelle Obama with and without natural hair.
What if a presidential candidate or his/her spouse had natural hair? According to a recent article in the Huffington Post, that candidate would stay as is—a candidate.
Written by my former Columbia University classmate and political commentator, Keli Goff (good job Keli!), the article stresses the importance of appearances and its impact on political aspirations. Candidates’ weight and facial hair are discussed, but the topic of natural hair caught my attention. According to the Huff, not only is the public particular about candidates having the “right” hairdo (helmet hair comes to mind), but they are also anti afros of the Angela Davis kind.
Angela Davis and her signature afro
While authenticity is deemed as trumping all other factors, it is “the candidate with the best hair who wins.” Christine Jahnke, a media trainer who has advised both First Lady Michelle Obama and Senator Al Franken, says, “The wise candidate recognizes that appearances do count — from hair to hemline to heel height.”
The issue of whether or not female candidates and politicians’ spouses can sport curly manes is often debated and spreads into the current job race. Across many hair blogs, women are weighing in on discussions about hair appropriateness for work. Some women have decided to tuck away their curls or straighten their hair for job interviews. Other professionals like Ursula Burns, chairman and CEO of Xerox, have risen through the corporate ranks, proudly sporting an afro. Ah, but it is a shortly cropped ‘fro like Burns’ hair that is deemed as more “attractive,” according to Michael Goldman, a political consultant. It’s short enough to be discreet, without fueling assumptions about race and politics.
Xerox CEO and Chairman Ursula Burns
In the U.S., the number of women who have big chopped or transitioned into wearing their natural hair has increased steadily over the last three years, as evident by the increase in YouTube videos, blogs, and media coverage of African Americans’ natural hair. As much as the natural hair movement appears to be spreading among every day women, it still hasn’t found acceptance in politics.
Nevertheless, let us curlies and non curlies keep hope alive and work towards changing perceptions of the norm, regardless of political views. Remember, it was not too long ago that the idea of having an African American president once seemed far-fetched as well, but we are finally here. Perhaps one day as your favorite show is interrupted by a message from the White House, it will be followed by the image of an afro.
Read the article in the Huffington Post, written by Keli Goff.
Read The Politics of Black Hair: Part II
Nicole Richie’s Curly Mane
Nicole Richie and her curly mane, courtesy of Glamour magazine
I haven’t had much time to indulge in my deep love of fashion, but this month’s Glamour magazine caught my attention, “manely” (yes I went there) because it features Nicole Richie. In an interview with the fashion trendsetter, Glamour shares 5 Fab Beauty Ideas To Steal From Nicole Richie, including details of her curly mane.
“I have naturally curly hair, so ‘natural’ beach waves are not so natural for me. I like to braid my hair at night and then let it out the next day. And I also curl my hair with a flat iron,” says Richie.
While Richie’s hair is clearly stylized for the above photo, the self-proclaimed hair pro has naturally curly hair. Although she often rocks a mean blow out, I would like to see Richie’s natural texture. Fat curls or skinny ramen noodles?
What are your thoughts on Nicole Richie’s curly (or straight) mane?
Kudos to the photographer for the beautiful spread!
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