Diva Letters

Diva Letters

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

New feature on the blog-- do you have question about natural hair, makeup, skin care, fashion or other beauty items?  You can even ask me questions about me!  Whatever your question, I will answer them here in this segment.  To ask your question, send me a message or email me!  I will respond here!  Here's our first one:

 

 

Nikki asks:  "What is your opinion of human hair braid extentions?  I am thinking about them for February and March"

 

 

The Sisterlocked Diva response: 

 

I LOVE braids Nikki!!  Braids are a great protective style because they allow your hair to completely rest since it is braided up.  I like different kinds of braids: sengalese, box braids, cornrows, afro twists, and kinky twists just to name a few.  I have used braids in my transition to natural, and as a protective style.  It is a great way to mix your hair up especially in the colder months.    I think it is important to keep a few things in mind with braids:

 

 

•  Be careful with the braider!  Be sure she is not braiding the edges too tight as this can cause breakage.
• You must take care of your hair while in this style!  You can still wash your hair and oil your scalp while in braids!
• My preference:  I prefer human hair extentions
• In preparation for braiding, do a good deep conditioner before beginning braids and afterwards.  Conditioning your hair is important for retaining length and maximizing growth. 
• Maximum time to keep braids in your hair 6 to 8 weeks

Take care of YOUR hair while in braids and you will be fine!!

~The Sisterlocked Diva



Does Green Tea Help With Hair Loss?

 

Does Green Tea Help With Hair Loss?

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

Green tea originates from the same tea leaf as black tea, however it is processed differently.  Because it is processed with less oxidation, it retains its therapeutic benefits.  Green tea is known to have many health benefits including helping with hair dandruff, helping cancer patients, and easing arthritis ailments.  Green tea comes in many forms:  tea made to drink, green tea supplements, green tea-infused hair products.  Green tea can also be massaged in the scalp for a few minutes. 

 

Originally, it was thought you can decrease your risk for hair loss by drinking several cups of green tea a day or taking the green tea supplement.  The most powerful antioxidants in green tea is epigallocatchin gallate (EGCG).  The Belgravia Centre in the United Kingdom reports that it was originally thought green tea has inhibiting properties to block dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a substance that causes hair loss. 

 

Green tea can initiate hair growth "because of its ability to improve blood circulation to all parts of the body" (Muscle Works Magazine, n.d.).  This in turn allows the hair follicles to be stimulated because of the increased blood flow.  The thought is that hair growth will then follow because of the increased blood flow to the hair follicles in the scalp.

 

Even with all the information about active ingredients in green tea, and how it could help hair growth, the reality is that there are no conclusive studies on green tea and hair growth.  There have been studies with animals showing some hair growth, however this has not been proven in humans. There are factors like heriditary hair loss and stress induced hair loss where green tea is not shown to reverse these things.    There is more proof that green tea is effective for supporting overall health. So the overall consensus is green tea is great for your health but not necessarily for hair growth! 

 

Do you drink green tea daily?  What type of health benefits have you seen from incorporating green tea?  Do you think it helps with hair growth?

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva

 

 

Sunday Spotlight with Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC

Sunday Spotlight With Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC

By: Lauren Francis-Jackson

 





The Sisterlocked Diva is beginning to feature a variety of business owners and/or bloggers related to natural hair, beauty, fashion, and other related fields.  This feature segment is called the Sunday Spotlight!  The first Sunday Spotlight is featuring Sarah Mukibi, founder and CEO of Sisterhood of Natural Hair, currently specializing in natural hair accessories.  Read below for my interview with Sarah about her natural hair journey and her business. 

 

 

The Sisterlocked Diva: Tell me about your natural journey.

 

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC: I have had a good natural hair  journey!  My journey in the beginning was scary because it’s so new!  You don’t know what to expect with your hair!   I have had both positive and negative feedback. Because of my journey, I felt empowered as a natural African-American woman. 

The Sisterlocked Diva: You said that you felt empowered.  How so?

 

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC: Hair is just hair!  Hair does not make you as a person.  I have learned more about myself as a woman, and as an African-American woman.  Natural hair made me feel more confident and empowered. 

 

The Sisterlocked Diva: Why did you decide to loc your hair?

 

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC: When I first went natural I did the big chop.  I didn’t know what to do with it!  So I said,  “Let me get locs!”, thinking it would be easier.   It really isn’t easier than managing naturally curly hair! (laughs)

 

The Sisterlocked Diva: How long do you plan to wear your hair loc’d?

 

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC:  I want to grow it as long as it can grow!  I have heard stories of loc’d hair being heavy and about hair making you feel hot in summer but I just want to let it grow. 

 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  How did the concept of Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC come to you?

 

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC:  At first, I was just talking about natural hair.  I never have thought of myself as a blogger, per say.  Just sharing my journey and empowering other women.  There was an eye-opening moment for me in college.  My sociology professor asked me “Why do you wear my hair natural?”  I told him that I like wearing my hair in its natural state.   He said “You won’t be able to get a job with my hair natural.” 

 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  Oh wow!  How did that make you feel?  Discussion of natural hair and professional work environment is a huge debate. 

 

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC: That hurt me so bad!  Yeah, I know that is big.  It helped me wanting to empower women more!  I always had the headbands but just made them for myself.  Honestly, the idea just came to me while I was up late one night, and a great idea was born!  The next day I began planning how to fund my business.    

The Sisterlocked Diva: How long have you been selling your headbands?

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC:  It has been 5 months!

 

The Sisterlocked Diva: Do you anticipate on adding other natural hair accessories or different hair items?  If so, what will you add?

 

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC:  Right now, I am working on developing a 100% natural makeup line for African American women.  The makeup line will be made available for purchase in March 2013.  There will be launch party to introduce the makeup line.

 

The Sisterlocked Diva: I love it! I would be interested in doing a product review on your line in the future!

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC: Absolutely!  That would be wonderful—I will keep you in the loop

about that and the launch party!  In the future, I would also like to launch a hair care line including

shampoos, conditioners, etc. 

 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  That sounds great! Those sound like some good ways to expand your business!   How much are your headbands?

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC: Thanks, my headbands range from $5 to 8. 

The Sisterlocked Diva: Where can I purchase them?

 

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC:  I can purchase them on here! 

 

The Sisterlocked Diva: Do you make custom/special order headbands?

 

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC: I do make custom headbands as they are homemade.  It is possible to have one designed, based on customer’s request. 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  What makes your headbands different than what I can purchase at the beauty supply store, Target, etc.?

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC: They are adjustable, so that you can adjust them to fit your head. No more tightness that you can get from stretchy headbands that are store bought!   

The Sisterlocked Diva: Do you have any upcoming events for promotion of the company or vending opportunities?

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC:  I do have an event coming up!  I am vending at Sylk Cosmetics Beauty Event on January 26^th in Owings Mills, MD. 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  What advice would you give to someone who wants to begin their own natural hair accessories business?

 Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC:  I would let them know that it can be scary, especially if you jump into it full time.  Once you have your plan and your steps, just go for it!  There is no perfect time to start a business.  Just pursue your dreams, and if you can fail—try again!

 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  What natural hair events do you dream to be a part of one day?

 

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC:  I don’t know!  I am going to look into the World Natural Hair Care Show and the DC Love Locs & Natural Hair Expo. 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  Where can you be found on the web?

Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC:  I am on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sisterhood-of-Natural-Hair-LLC/219265971454444

http://instagram.com/l0ve_snh

https://twitter.com/l0ve_snh

 

 

Thank you to Sisterhood of Natural Hair LLC for taking time to chat with me!  Looking forward to the makeup line and natural hair care product line! 

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva

 

 

 



Product Review: Taliah Waajid's Crinkles & Curls

Product Review:  Taliah Waajid's Crinkles & Curls on Sisterlocks

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

I have been wanting to try this product after hearing such rave reviews from many sisterlock wearers!  I finally got it earlier this week, and used it to reset my curls with a recent curly loc hawk from the weekend.  With a birthday celebration set with one of my girls, I figured it would be a great time to try the product!  Girlfriend celebrations-- you gotta look your best, right?!? 

 

 

Curly Loc Hawk: Curls set with water on perm rods

Sitting under the dryer after mohawk section was re-rolled
with Taliah Waajid's Crinkles & Curls

I purchased the product from a beauty supply for $10+.  Considering the product is sold on the Taliah Waajid website for $8, I definitely overpaid for the product.  Even on Amazon.com, this product sells for $11.  The product is what I expected: a setting foam to create curls.  One thing I noticed on the bottle was that this product can be used for wet sets or dry sets, which was a plus.  I re-rolled my sisterlocks that were previously curled using water.  The product application was easy-- I used one pump, and rolled a few sisterlocks on each perm rod. This product can be used on sisterlocks, traditional locs, and loose natural hair. 

 

After the middle section of the loc hawk was re-rolled, I sat under the dryer for 30 minutes.
 I did this partly in the interest of time and because only some of my hair was set on rollers.  As I am taking down the rollers, I am seeing beautiful springy curls!  The curls were tight because I used a smaller rod, but the spring effect was all the product!  The final product was amazing because of the Hair is setspringy spirals that have some hold to it!  I even went to the gym on day 3, and my curls are still springy!  The only change I would make would be getting it from Taliah Waajid's website for $8!

Finished product on Day 3.  Still very curly, and after going to the
gym for cardio!  Great hold!

 

 ~The Sisterlocked Diva

Battle of the Pinks: Which is the Winner?

Battle of the Pinks:  Which is the Winner?

by:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

Normally, I am a lipgloss diva all the way!  Now, I like to layer lipstick with a lipgloss, giving it a brighter hue.  I like the color pink for lips!  I like soft pinks, hot pinks, subtle pinks, etc.!  However, for a staple like lipstick I don't always believe you have to spend the big bucks at MAC, Sephora, and NARS everytime to get a decent lip shade.  I went to a CVS near my home and purchased these three shades.  I purchased

• L'Oreal Colour Rich Golden Grape
• Maybeline COLORsensational Peachy Scene
• Salma Hayek Nuance Passion Pink

I liked all three shades but I did have my favorites!  In the above picture, it is the darkest shade displayed on my arm.  Because of its darker color and the color of my lips, I didn't really see the pink on me (top right quadrant).  I think this color would have looked better if layered with a lip gloss in a lighter shade to made the lipcolor more visible.  Second shade I liked the pale pink shade of the Peachy Scene (bottom left quadrant).  This is a shade that can work for the office or for after work fun!  Then, my favorite was Salma Heyek's Nuance Passion Pink!  This shade is popping on my lips.  Gives the right amount of color, and looks great whether or not it is layered with a lipgloss.  Hot pink lips, please and thank you!

 

Do you rock pink lips? Which color did you like the best?  Would you rock any of these shades of pink?

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva

 



Nurturing Fab Hair in 2013: My Hair Goals

Nurturing Fab Hair in 2013:  My Hair Goals

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

Happy New Year!  As we begin a new year it is a time for re-evaluation, and change!  We look at changes we want to make in different areas of our lives.  I encourage natural divas to write down their hair goals because if you don't know where you want to be how will you know what you are striving for with your hair?  Therefore, why not create some hair goals so you know what you want to attain with your hair? 

 

For me, my hair goals for 2013 are to continue to grow my sisterlocks by...

 

- Keeping to a consistent wash schedule

 

- Making healthy eating and drinking choices to support hair health

 

- Continue to use minimal products for daily styling (mainly water spritzing)

 

- Use mainly free styling, and alternate with fun styles that are not too tight

 

- Limit use of headbands to avoid stressing thinner locks

 

- Use a quality multi-vitamin to support body and hair health

 

 

And lastly I will say it, even though I know it's hard for me to get into a routine...

 

- Engage in more exercise for overall health, including hair

 

 

I have been taking good care of my hair, and this comes easy to me.  However, doing the right things for my body that impact hair growth and hair health is another story!!  I will plan to increase my water intake by scheduling times in the day when I will drink.  Anyone who knows me well-- I don't srink much of anything let alone water.  As far as exercise, I will plan to start by going three days in a week, and would love to gradually build up to five days a week.  I believe through steady gradual work I can build the healthier body which will in turn build healthier hair!

 

What are your hair goals for 2013?  What is your plan of action to achieve them?

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva

 

Naturals Getting Fab With Carol's Daughter:  The Diary of a Natural Gal's Meetup

By: Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

On Saturday, I went to the Carol's Daughter meetup hosted by The Diary of a Natural Gal's Naturalistas in the City!  The Diary of a Natural Gal is a local natural hair blogger from Baltimore, MD who has been blogging for about a year.  She has a team of seven bloggers who work with her to educate and build within the natural hair community.  At the same time she launched the blog, she began doing natural hair events through her meetup group on www.meetup.com.  In addition to the bloggers Zarah Charm, natural hair stylist based out of Baltimore, MD, was also in attendance.

The event was to connect with other naturals, and learn more about Carol's Daughters products!  Jamila was styling natural sisters with twist outs and bantu knots which are her staple styles!  In terms of CD products, she used Lisa's Elixer, Black Vanilla Leave-In Spray, and Monoi oil.  I loved the Lisa's Elixer because it gave incredible shine and added moisture to an old twist out.  Zarah Charm was working her magic with styling kinky twists, and 2 strand twist updos!

The Diary of a Natural Gal's Jamila
helping a few naturals understand differences
between products

Many participants were bubbling with chatter about natural hair as if everyone knew each other like old friends.  Lots of product conversations about what to buy and what new products they wanted to start using. 

I loved being able to meet the bloggers Michelle and Jamila of The Diary of a Natural Gal as well as Zarah Charm!  They were very down to earth, fun, and fabulous ladies!  Like me, they also have a passion for makeup as well.  I look forward to collaborating with these ladies in the future for events in the DMV area!  I am planning on attending an event they have planned in January as well! 

~The Sisterlocked Diva