by Nay | Dec 30, 2013 | Uncategorized
O Magazine, September 2013
While I was MIA (see newest post on Forecasting 2014), there have been a lot of natural hair news going around … as usual! In case you missed the September 2013 issue of O Magazine, sit back, relax, and let me catch you up. The Big O (love calling her that) treated us to her “Hair Extravagaaaanza!” Okay, so I added the extra flair with the pronunciation, but Oprah really did make a splash with this issue.
The orange-hued cover set the tone for the magazine’s circus-themed feature. Oprah, looking subliminally feline, is decked out in an orange dress topped off by the biggest, most majestic mane I’ve ever laid eyes on. Her afro took up the bulk of the cover. Did you see it? Trust me. It was hard to miss. Check out the images torn from my copy.
Within the covers, Oprah explains that she was wearing a 3.5 pound afro wig she’s named “Wild Thang.” Fun! Kudos to Gayle King who likened the faux natural look to The Lion King. LOL!
On left, Oprah werks her “Wild Thang.” On right, she proudly shows off her real hair.
The Queen of All Media also confessed to wearing wigs while taping her renowned talk show in order to give her hair a break. Yep, you can’t blame her for wanting to protect her tresses. Back in the day (yes, I took it there), supermodel Gail O’Neill had the most drool-worthy natural hair that I ever saw. As time progressed and her career took off, I noticed that her enviously long locks started to lose its luster and length. I’m assuming here that the ever changing fashion and beauty game just wasn’t kind to Gale’s hair. I’m sure Oprah experienced similar issues.
While “Wild Thang” was spotlighted on the cover, Oprah’s real hair was once again revealed in the back of the magazine. Her self-described “untouched-by-any-hands-other-than-my-own real hair” is set loose. The appearance is similar to a blown out ’fro. Although Oprah says it’s au naturel, her longtime hairstylist Andre Walker explains that “she has very little relaxer in her hair now, so we’ve been exploring her natural texture, twisting or braiding then setting it free!” Cue the debate on whether or not a mild relaxer constitutes natural hair. I say … nay, but to each their own!
Interesting tidbit: O Magazine mentions that the sales of relaxers have plummeted to almost 40 percent from 2007 to 2012, according to market research firm, Mintel. The firm predicts a full drop of 50 percent by 2017.
Nevertheless, I love the artistic layout of this issue, which committed to the circus motif. O Magazine was spot-on in recommending Hello Hydration Conditioner for thick and coarse hair. The writer(s) also provided similar tips that us hair bloggers have been preaching day in and out, such as finding a great gel and conditioning often. Makes me wonder if O’s research department has been visiting the blogosphere. Hmmm.
I wish they could have mentioned other styling options like puddings, but I’m sure the breakdown would be too dense. After all, the magazine was highlighting a diverse array of hair types, with only a few pages dedicate to natural hair. Plus, that’s why you come here, so I can break it all down for ya!
Overall, the September O Magazine was worth the read, including the article on how Oprah prepped for her role in Lee Daniels’ The Butler. Missed it? Check out my images, visit O Magazine’s website, or head over to your local library (remember those? Sigh.) for a copy. Sound off below!
by Nay | May 15, 2013 | CurlSpotting
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.
by Nay | Apr 6, 2013 | CurlSpotting
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)
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!
by Nay | Jan 18, 2013 | Mane Styles
Above: Celebrities wearing high buns. Photo Credit for Miss Universe: pageantcast
No longer regulated for spinsters and schoolmarms, high buns have made a comeback! Gone are the days that buns rendered images of awkward ladies with lipstick stained teeth. From Demi Lovato to Jennifer Lopez, celeb after celebs are donning this ’do as a way to dress up their look.
Need further proof that this ballerina-esk style is #gonewiththewindfabulous? When Olivia Culpo took the stage during the Miss Universe pageant a month ago, she wore a massive, eye-catching high bun. Guess what? I noticed her bunned regality during the competition and even mentioned it on Twitter. Did you see it? Retweet if you did. Sure enough, Culpo and her high bun won the competition! If these glamour gals got it down, er, high up, then we can too!
Wearing your hair in a bun aka bunning is the perfect solution to bad hair days. It is not only chic, but it is also a protective style. It allows our ends to be carefully tucked and sheltered into our hair, freeing them from exposure to the elements. While I recognize this benefit, I used to bypass this style because it seemed too difficult for me to do. Wrong! It’s actually easy peasy. In fact, our textured tresses are perfectly suited for this look. I’ve got it down, and now I want you to get it too!
Get This Look!
The directions below are for creating a traditional bun as opposed to a top knot (more of a knot-like formation). This look is best styled on second-day, wash and go hair—perfect for those of you who can’t nail down second-day looks. You can also bun hair that’s currently in or freed from twists and braids.
Tools
- Hair Donut/Sock Bun (see pic at the right) – I visited a couple of beauty supply stores until I found the right donut, but you can make one out of an old rolled up sock or stockings. Just cut off the foot area and make sure it’s the right size for your hair length. Now you know you have at least one gym sock that’s missing its buddy. Snag it!
- Rubber band without metal clasp
- Bobby pins – I used about 5 long pins for securing the bun and 3 short pins for tucking in flyaways/shorter curls.
- Gel – I whipped out my old trusty Eco Styler Gel.
- Oil – Any will do. I used Vatika Oil.
- Headband – Optional
- Boar Bristle Brush – Optional
Steps
- Oil hair to soften curls, particularly if it’s been previously styled with gel. This will make your hair a bit more supple.
- Pull your hair to the top of your head and position it at the crown. Before you leave it there, run and face the mirror. Does this position work for your face? Look at the angles of your jawline and face shape. You may want to gather your hair a little further forward or backward. It’s up to you.
- Secure your hair in its position with a rubber band. Waaaiiiit! Remember not to make it too tight. We have to watch those sensitive edges! It’s okay if your high pony isn’t perfect. In fact, a messy bun works just as nicely.
- Grab your donut (purchased or make-shift) and slide your ponytail through the donut hole.
- Part hair in center of your pony and wrap it around the donut. As you wrap your hair, tuck your ends under or nearly under your donut and secure it with a bobby pin. Ideally, you want to cover the donut completely. Take a 360 view of your head to ensure that your sock bun is covered.
- Got short, loose curls sticking out from the back of your head? Wraps the ends around a short bobby pin and tuck it into your hair. Make sure that the pin runs vertically/semi-vertically, so it blends into your curls.
- Oil fingers and smooth down frizzy strands.
- For a precise bun, apply gel to the front, sides, and back of your hair—not the bun itself! You can use a boar bristle brush to assist in the finish. This will give you a smoother look.
Voila! You’re done. Now you’re serving face! Leave your hair as is or dress it up with accessories.
Bonus Tips: Dressing It Up
- I have a thin, uneven hairline, which bugs me when my hair is pulled back. Solution: I use a headband to finish the look and help frame my face.
- Add a bow to the back of your bun for flair.
- Use faux color on your hair or just towards the ends for a highlighted bun.
Once you get this down, you’ll be able to take your own spin on it. Watch out! It’s addictive!
Are you a fan or foe of high buns? Sound off below!
by Nay | Jan 7, 2013 | CurlSpotting
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 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. 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’s ad.
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