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Hair is The Last Thing on My Head: Balancing Hair Care and College Demands

by Aaliyah Sade Murphy 10/29/2015

written by Aaliyah Sade Murphy

Whether you rocks your hair natural, relaxed or weaved up, maintainence of black hair demands time and tender love and care but as full time college students that is time that many of us do not have.

Loving the versatile doo’s of black hair is the easy part, but for many fulfilling student duties while taking care of one’s hair in this ‘new home away from home’ proves to be a daunting combination. From finding the right products to maintaining a hair regimen and simple styling, the time consuming practices required to keep hair healthy do not seem to fit into our schedules. Frankly ‘ain’t nobody got time for that’. As a result wash day interferes with doing homework, getting a touch up requires driving across town and weave are left unblended for days at a time. As college students who work and are conducting a balancing act between school, work and family healthy hair care requires an extra set of time management skills.

Self care, which for many black women is synonymous with hair care, always comes first. Timeka N. Williams writes in Media Fields Journal that, “[For black women] Hair styling practices fit into a larger discourse of empowerment and liberation.” Though it may be time consuming, hair care as a form of self care may be what helps you survive in this vicious institution. When we are facing big issues like institutionalized racism, bureaucracy and underrepresentation it may prove to be therapeutic to just focus on the little things once in a while. It’s not just about good looking hair, but healthy hair, and healthy hair often reflects a healthy you.

You deserve time to take care of your hair, whatever that means to you whether it be trying out a new braid out, getting your roots retouched or ensuring everything is blended and flowing.

Challenging the view that black hair is a hinderance or task and choosing to see your hair as another facet of your well being will lead to reprioritization of it’s maintenance. Making time for this endeavor may be the biggest obstacle we face. NaturallyChelsea, a natural hair blogger, reported on CurlyNikki that “Unfortunately for me, all of my days are fully booked, so I simply don’t have the time to pick up the full time job of hair care.” I’m sure many of us could relate but perhaps these 3 tips will aid in fitting hair-time into the schedule.

Photo by Kya Lou

1)Kill four birds with one stone:

Many say we can’t multitask as well as we think, but when it comes to hair we can say “Watch me.” Deep condition while sleeping. Detangle while in the shower. Wear a cute headwrap to gives roots and edges a break. KalaG a blogger on Curly Nikki, playfully recommends, “Massage oil onto your scalp with your favorite oil to relieve the stress from that last mid-term.” Mixing hair with tasks you have to do any way will eventually make hair care automatic.

2) Stretch it way out:

Stretching space in between hair appointments could save a lot of time. If you are natural opt for a braid out you can wear all week. If you are permed keep hair moisturized so that it does not break off as you wait 10 weeks to retouch it. Scheduling hair appointments during breaks in between quarters may save you the stress of missing homework to get your hair done, plus this will lead to healthier hair. Hair + Moisture = Perfection. If you keep hair in weave or braids, then stretching hair may be no problem. As far as leave out is concerned, keep it moisturized and braided down some days while opting for a beanie, hat or scarf.

3) Find a local:

Finding a local hair stylist, perhaps someone in the apartments or on the hill could save you a lot of time (and money). Ordering hair care products, weave and other necessities online instead of going out to buy them provides not only convenience, but access to the things you need when you need them. Watching Youtube tutorials on how to do your own hair could be the most time saving endeavor. Cornrowing while reading? No big deal. Weaving while rewatching bruincast? Easy Peasy.

What are your college hair care strategies? Comment below to help a sister out.

10/29/2015 0 comments

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Black Men and Weaves

by admin 12/18/2013

written by admin

Following the publishing of my latest article, “Natural or Not: A Discussion on Natural Hair vs. Weaves,” many female students of color on campus approached me to further discuss this phenomenon among the Afrikan American community. In our talks, the subject of Black men and their feelings toward our hair entered the conversations frequently. Many of the women I spoke to expressed their confusion about what Black men really want in regards to their woman’s physical appearance. Besides assumptions on their preferential body type and skin tone, many of these ladies felt that a woman of color’s hair was also important to a Black man, especially when it comes to weaves. The ladies even went so far as to request that I discuss this in a published article.

The question of the Black male’s feelings towards Black hair has experienced a new found popularity as the Natural Hair Movement progresses. Black women want to know, What do Black men want? The media has also given breadth to this discussion with its relaying of news stories related to the question.

Recently, a preacher banned weaves in his church. Pastor A.J. Aamir, founder of Resurrecting Faith in Waco, Texas expressed his feelings about weaves in a statement to AmericanPreachers.com, “Our Black women are getting weaves trying to be something and someone they are not. Be real with yourself.”

With a sudden influx of questions regarding Black men and weaves, I decided not to wait to fill in my ladies on what Black men want. I approached three of our very own Black male Bruins who, although asserting that they are not speaking for all Black men, were kind enough to share their thoughts on the subject.

Here’s what Donte Miller and Lamar Greenwood, third year Sociology Majors and Education Minors and Adar Carver, third year Philosophy major had to say about Black women and their hair.

Donte Miller/ third year Sociology major UCLA

Among yourself and your Black male peers what do you believe is the general feeling towards weaves?

Donte: The general feeling towards weave is very black or white. Most guys that I know find that weaves take away from the actual beauty of a woman because she feels a need to put in some type of extra hair to try to impress us. Other guys feel that it is extra, but if it is kept up and makes a woman look good, feel better and presentable then they’re fine.

Lamar: I believe the general consensus amongst Black men, concerning weaves, is a negative one. I do not understand, nor have an idea, where it may stem from, but I do believe that the general Black men population think of weaves lower than natural hair.

Adar: I can’t really speak on everyone’s behalf, but I don’t particularly like weaves. I’d assume (in my bias) that Black men in general don’t like the thought of weaves, but are intrigued by the end results… Reminds me of a Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air episode: Will gets locked in the attic with his gorgeous prom date. As the episode progresses she begins taking off her fake nails, then her fake eyelashes and eventually her fake hair. It’s sort of like the episode; the way it makes women look is intriguing to Black men in general (I think), but the idea/knowing that it’s fake is what turns us away.

Do you prefer your female partner to wear her hair in a specific way, i.e. natural or weave?

Donte: If I had a girl I’d prefer her to wear her hair whichever way is going to make her look presentable and taken care of. There are some women with bomb natural hair, but there are some who just don’t treat it right and the same goes for weaves.

Lamar: I personally don’t have a preference. If there is a preference, it is much more related to my first interaction with a woman, rather than her having a weave or natural hair. If I met a female with a weave, and found her attractive, then I usually prefer that she looks as she did then. But, if I met her with her natural hair, I would prefer for her to look like that.

Adar: I’d prefer my women to wear her hair naturally. Again I’m biased in my response because the woman this question brings to mind has an abundant amount of natural hair. If she’s my partner, I need to be able to run my hand over her hair, grab her hair from the base – admire her natural beauty. Natural’s my preference.

Why do you think that Black women have this perception that Black men hate weaves?

Donte: They have that perception because they have been chastised by guys about their hair for years and don’t feel accepted by the men they’re trying to impress. However, many do assume and generalize all guys. They feel like they must wear their hair a certain way or no one at all will like them, which is wrong. They also feel like it’s just them fighting, but guys worry too about always having to have fresh shoes or a lineup, fade, or fro. If its not attractive to a girl they feel a certain way at times. I don’t think it’s as extreme, but it’s there.

Lamar: I think Black women feel like that because of the way that weaves are presented. A lot of Black women believe that Black men prefer straight hair. Although weaves can be straight, it is less likely to be so (at least from my perspective). So, since weaves are presented in forms such as braids, twists, etc., Black women believe that Black men despise weaves. There may be some overlap, but that is a different issue stemming from outside of my statement.

Adar: Hate is a strong word, but we do.

Readers, what do you think? Do Black men prefer Black women to wear their hair in a certain style? Are Black women who wear their hair in a certain way more prone to Black male attention?

Author: Mia Brumfield

Nommo Staff

12/18/2013 1,471 comments

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Is Your Hair the Reason You Don’t Exercise?

by 11/21/2013

written by

Hair or exercise?

Afrikan-American women are passionate about their hair. They can spend a decent amount of time and money to achieve a hairstyle they enjoy sporting in public. However, an Afrikan-American woman’s hair may be the reason for her lack of exercise.

Dr. Amy J. McMichael, a dermatologist at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina, noticed that many of her Afrikan-American female clients were overweight or obese and decided to investigate why. “I’m treating them for dermatology related issues, but as a doctor [the high rate of overweight or obese Afrikan-American women patients] was even more concerning, because excess weight puts these women at risk for hypertension, diabetes and other serious problems,” said McMichael in a written statement.

In the study published this year, 103 Afrikan-American women were surveyed on their hair care practices and physical activity. 50 percent of the women surveyed had modified their hairstyles to accommodate exercise, and nearly 40 percent avoided exercise at times due to hair-related issues.

McMichael’s research noted that previous studies show Afrikan-American women as the least likely group to meet the proper levels of physical activity recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and American College of Sports Medicine. More than half of the women in the study exercised less than 75 minutes a week, which is less than half the recommended 150 minutes per week.

Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin also recognized the importance of this issue. “Oftentimes I hear women say, ‘I can’t exercise today because I don’t want to sweat my hair out or get my hair wet,’ ” explained Benjamin in The New York Times. “When you’re starting to exercise, you look for reasons not to, and sometimes the hair is one of those reasons.”With this knowledge, Benjamin dedicated part of her time bringing more awareness to the problem and participating in efforts to rectify it during her term. ß She did so through media outlets like NPR and participating in events promoting the cause.

Dr. Antronette Yancey, the late professor of Health Services at UCLA, shared Benjamin’s sentiments. In August, 2011 Yancey told CBS news, “It’s definitely true that hair is a barrier to exercise for many Afrikan-American women. A white woman can shower and shampoo and blow dry her hair and get it back into style. It’s not that easy for Afrikan-American women who may have spent $100 or $150 on a hairstyle.”

It is important for individuals of the Black community to take part in physical activity, especially women. According to The Office of Minority Health, 4 out of 5 Afrikan-American women are overweight or obese.

In an effort to remove this barrier and get Afrikan-American women to begin exercising, despite their hair, UnitedHealthcare and the Bronner Bros. International Hair Show joined forces and began hosting an annual “Hair Fitness” competition. The third annual Hair Fitness competition took place in August 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. These competitions involved hairdresser creations of exercise-friendly, yet fashionable hairstyles.

Surgeon General Benjamin attended the past two Hair Fitness competitions. According to The New York Times, Benjamin noted that Black men and women pay more attention to their health when their barbers and hairdressers reinforce the importance of healthy living. So getting hairdressers involved with hair fitness seems like a clever way to reach their clientele.

After taking a random poll of 20 Afrikan-American female students on the UCLA campus, I too found that this is a common behavior. All except four women said they do, or have, put off exercise in order to preserve their hair. Janae, a first year Business-Economics major, explained that when she does her hair she does not want to mess it up, but if it is not done exercising it is not an issue.

This appeared to be a popular sentiment among other women involved in the poll. “That’s my excuse,” reasoned a second year History student, referring to why her hair sometimes stopped her from exercising. While the reasoning behind one’s hair being an exercise barrier can vary, it is still present in a number of women. If these habits are present now, it is reasonable to assume they may persist and possibly escalate in the future.

It is understandable that after spending hours and sometimes hundreds of dollars on a hairstyle, one would not want it ruined in a 30-minute workout. But, the importance of exercise cannot be overlooked because of this. Instead, find a compromise that works for you so that you can maintain your hair and your health in equal measure.

Author: Colleen King

Nommo Staff

11/21/2013 64 comments

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Natural or Not: A Discussion of Natural Hair vs. Weaves

by 11/11/2013

written by

Weave/ Source: Vibe Magazine

The desire for long, beautiful hair leads women down many different routes. Some women choose to achieve locks of luxury naturally, while others prefer to use enhancements to achieve their desired look more quickly. The resurgence of the natural hair movement has revived discussion about what is natural. It has also brought into question whether hair enhancements like wigs, weaves and extensions are components of natural hair. The various opinions on this hot topic produce what has come to be known as the “Natural or Not” debate.

The “Natural or Not” debate has opened many opportunities for the discussion of Black hair. With natural hair on the rise there seems to be a greater divide between those who are natural versus those who wear weaves. Both forms of hair care carry their own connotations, with natural hair being viewed largely as a political statement and weave wearing considered a form of conformity.

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Of this debate individuals who wear weaves seem to take the most flak, being labeled conformists and accused of portraying a false image of beauty to young girls of color. Beauty Pulse London blogger Natalie Cue says, “There’s an American experience where there can be a big division between those that wear their hair natural and those that wear their hair in other ways, and I think that is very much tied to their history of good hair versus bad hair, nappy hair and a lot of terms that I… in my British experience didn’t…have exposure to…” Natural or not, the way a woman wears her hair has proved to make a difference in her life, whether socially or professionally. When asked about her opinion on the difference between natural hair and weaves, UCLA first year Tricia Myers stated, “I don’t think that there is a difference, but to society in general there seems to be a distinct difference. People seem obsessed with the idea of hair length and the [idea] that long hair makes you beautiful. I personally had the question ‘when are you gonna get a weave’ thrown at me a million times, but peer pressure is NOT the reason I got one. Personally, I don’t have a problem saying that I wear weaves.”

Natural or not seems to cause a riff in a community that is already so greatly divided because of its history. The Black community has endured so many more pressing adversities that the in-house debate over hair has some individuals critiquing it. Blackhair magazine editor Keysha Davis says, “ I think its really important to emphasize the fact that not everyone wants to be natural…we want to really encourage women to just be expressive with their hair in whatever choice they make…I think we should all just unite hair as hair.”

What do you think? Is wearing natural hair better than wearing weaves or extensions?

Author: Mia Brumfield

Nommo Staff

11/11/2013 801 comments

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Natural Hair DIY Styles: Curlformer Twistout

by 11/07/2013

written by

Learn to create this fun, girly protective style just in time for winter.

curlformer twistout

Things You Will Need:

Shampoo
Conditioner
Leave in Conditioner or Moisturizer of Your Choice
Oil (Olive, Coconut, Jojoba, etc)
Wide Tooth Comb
Hair clips
Curlformers (sold at Sally’s Beauty Supply)

Steps:

Start by washing hair to cleanse any product buildup from the week. Try washing in sections to make detangling an easier process and to make sure all hair is thoroughly cleansed.
Next apply conditioner to hair. Some women choose to detangle while conditioning, I choose not to until I am preparing to style my hair with a leave in conditioner. This is a matter of personal preference; however, do use some form of conditioning product when detangling to prevent breakage.
After hair is thoroughly cleansed and conditioned, use the clips to section hair into four sections. Apply the leave in conditioner to hair to moisturize hair followed by the oil. The use of oil seals in moisture.
Take one section of hair and begin to create two strand twists until the entire section is complete. Twist the hair tightly to help create a curl pattern, and twirl the ends for a polished look. Continue until your entire head is full of two-strand twists.
After the twists are complete, apply the curlformers to twist. Place a curlformer on the curl wand. Place twist in the curl wand hook and pull hair through the curlformer. Repeat until all twist are covered in curlformers. Let hair dry in curlformers overnight.
In the morning remove curlformers from twists. Twists should form a spiral curl. Separate twists to create more curls and continue to separate curls for a fuller, more voluminous look. For variations in the style pin the side back to create a faux mohawk or flat twist one side of hair to create a one-sided look.
Rock your natural look!

Author: Mia Brumfield

Nommo Staff

11/07/2013 44 comments

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3 Tips to Eliminate Hair Envy: For New Naturalistas

by 11/04/2013

written by

Natural Hair. Source: Essence Magazine

Making the decision to embark on the natural hair journey is a major one. As you embark upon this new chapter of your life, you will encounter various resources that will claim to give you the beautiful long and curly hair you have always wanted. However, many women experience “hair envy” during the early periods of their natural hair journey. Hair envy is when one does not embrace his or her own natural hair texture and instead pines for the curl or kink of another Naturalista. If not contained, hair envy makes the decision to go natural seem like the worst decision you have ever made. Do not base the realities and expectations of your unique hair on those of others. Here are three tips to help you treat your hair envy and embrace the curls you are in.

1. Learn to Love Your Texture

Every woman has been blessed with a different hair texture. The way our hair behaves is a result of many factors, including genetics, diet, and personal schedule. In order to truly love and embrace natural hair, you must first come to peace with your own texture. Learning to love your texture does not happen overnight. Take the first step and accept your texture. Acceptance will help you become one with your hair and lead you to develop a distinct love for your locks.

2. Seek Advice From Women With Similar Hair Textures

In this age of technology, access to information is as easy as saying the alphabets. However, this can be problematic for individuals suffering from hair envy as they search for styles and products to try on their unique hair. Seek advice and tips from women with a similar textures as your hair. Watching a YouTube video from a Naturalista with curly waves while your own hair consist of kinky coils will do nothing to improve your image of yourself. It will only feed your frustrations. Instead, seek videos and blogs produced by women who can relate to what you are experiencing.

3. Focus on Hair Health

The natural movement is more than a method to grow hair to great lengths. Instead of wishing you had the hair texture of your favorite natural hair “vlogger” (video blogger),change your mindset and focus on getting your hair healthy. When you change your priorities to giving your own hair the tender loving care it deserves, you will find yourself not only accepting your texture, but also discovering what styles and products work best for you. This will ultimately prompt you to eventually embrace your crowning glory. Also, realize that naturalistas who have the long luscious locks you desperately want, have them as a results of years of hard work to ensure that their hair is at its healthiest. Length comes with health.

Author: Mia Brumfield

Nommo Staff

11/04/2013 30 comments

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Gabby Douglas and The Hair Dilemma

by 10/31/2013

written by

Gabrielle Douglas’ ponytail along with some of the criticism she received
(Source: The Sarcasimist)

Douglas is the first Afrikan American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual All-Around Champion, and the first American gymnast to win gold in both the individual All-Around and team competitions at the same Olympics. In addition, she is the first and only American All-Around Champion to win multiple gold medals, so far.

Despite all of her accomplishments, however, Douglas was heavily criticized about how her hairstyle looked during her competitions. Her slicked back ponytail was labeled unkempt, nappy, messy, and a plethora of other names and ultimately shifted everyone’s attention from talent to the quality of her ponytail.

According to USA Today, when questioned about her hair, Douglas responded by saying, “I just simply gelled it back, put some clips in it and put it in a bun. Are you kidding me? I just made history. And you’re focusing on my hair?”

Gabrielle Douglas after hair criticism
(Source: CP Entertainment)

What do people expect an Afrikan American athlete, who does not have naturally straight hair, to look like while competing and sweating during the Olympics? Other athletes have had similar issues finding hairstyles that society consider presentable that are easy to manage.

Nina Barnes, a semi-pro tennis player, can definitely understand the struggle. In an interview with the Daily Beast she stated, “There aren’t many options for a black woman with their hair doing that kind of sport. And let’s be clear—even if she cut her hair off and went bald, black people wouldn’t be satisfied. They’d call her ugly and say she looks like a man. I think she looks fine and is doing what she needs to so she can win.‘’

Venus and Serena Williams are also among the list of athletes that have been criticized about their appearance multiple times, despite their inspirational athletic careers.

The criticism of Gabby and other Afrikan American athletes’ hair is part of a bigger issue among Afrikan American females: our natural hair is not accepted by society.

Author: Briana Savage

Nommo Staff

10/31/2013 1 comment

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Is Black Hair Back in Business?

by 10/31/2013

written by

“Black hairstyles” Photo credit: Endia Beal

I was having a conversation with a colleague when she discussed her personal experience having to own and defend thick, illustrious textured hair, otherwise known as Black hair. Many times she found that individuals who were not Black grew strongly interested in her lioness mane. And we can only expect the next question to be, “Can I touch it?” Even though Black hair is something that is healthy and versatile, the images commonly portrayed in the media depict Black hair as kinky, ugly and inferior.

Today, we find that many young Black women may have to alter certain attributes of their appearance in order to land the best job possible. In order to obtain that winning career, Black women must hide any racial signifiers that may influence their chances of any given opportunity they wish to seek. For that matter, how do we respond to others wanting to learn and understand the hair texture of African-Americans? Do we let them just touch it or do we stop it from happening right before it starts? As a community, we should think more critically about how we choose to go about making people familiar with Black hair, or at least learn the roots of it all.

According to the Huffington Post, Endia Beal, a young Black female photographer gathered a group of middle-aged White women living in Woodstock, New York. Beal invites them to receive a treatment at a Black hair salon where they would get new “Black” hairdos in order to get their portrait taken. Beal captures images of White corporate women in cornrows and “finger waves,” in order to begin a conversation about race and women in the workplace.

Finger wave hairstyle/ photo credit: Endia Beal

Beal recalls her experience commenting, “I said, ‘I am going to give you a Black hairstyle,’ and they were like, ‘You’re going to give me cornrows?’ And I said, ‘No, we’re going to do finger waves.’ ‘Finger waves? What’s that? You mean from the ’20s?’ And I said, ‘These are a little bit different type of finger waves!’”

Slate.com reveals that Beal is an artist looking to open a dialogue among people of different gender, race and generations about the ways in which we express ourselves, specifically in a corporate environment. However, a more analytical perception of Beal’s artwork may presume the question as to how these images may have been viewed inherently different if those women portrayed were Black? How do we make sense of Beal’s portrayal of Black hair in the corporate world? Is Black hair continuing to be ostracized in the social arena or is it becoming more accepted by today’s society?

Author: Ashley Joseph

Nommo Staff

10/31/2013 34 comments

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