The Versatility of Black Women Who Wear Dreadlocks [PHOTOS]

The Versatility of Black Women Who Wear Dreadlocks [PHOTOS]

Black women have been exploring different ways to wear and style their hair in more natural ways than ever. Though some women have embraced natural hairstyles long before the recent boom and trend, its still a very popular thing to do because we are growing to accepting and enjoy our natural selves.

We have posted below some hairstyles below to show that dreadlocks are very versatile and is a beautiful way to displaying natural looking hairstyles.

Enjoy!

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Is the Army Banning Natural Hairstyles on Black Women?

 Is the Army Banning Natural Hairstyles on Black Women?

We think this is a disgrace and it should be outlawed. Unfortunately, the army has its own lawyers, laws and government and this makes it very difficult to get true justice. We are praying for these women because this is not only a conspiracy but its slavery.

Read the story below:

In reaction to a new Army regulation banning numerous hairstyles — twists, dreadlocks and large cornrows — popular with black women, the 16 women of the Congressional Black Caucus have asked Mr. Hagel to overturn the regulation on behalf of the 26,700 African-American women on active duty in the Army. The regulation comes at the same time as a new Army rule banning tattoos on the face, neck, hands, fingers and lower arms of recruits.

Both regulations are among new grooming standards that critics say are meant to further weed people out of an Army reducing its size from its post-9/11 peak of 570,000 to as low as 420,000 in the years to come. Representative Marcia L. Fudge, the Ohio Democrat who is chairwoman of the black caucus, said she had been struck in recent visits to military bases by how many soldiers — black and white — said they felt they were being pushed out of the military. The new regulations, announced on March 31, have intensified that feeling, she said.

Yep. We can see why this is happening. They don't want black women to be in the army so they use 'natural hairstyles' as an excuse to push them out. America accepts so many things in this world but they still hate the black woman for being who she is.

Source

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Blaq Natural Hair: The Truth About How Box Relaxers can Damage Your Hair

Blaq Natural Hair: The Truth About How Box Relaxers can Damage Your Hair

We should all be aware of the dangers of using chemicals on our hair. Even though it is a popular way of straightening our hair, it is certainly not a healthy and safe way to do so. Let's explore some of the reasons why box relaxers can and will damage your hair as an African American woman. We found this information over at BeFreeWithStyle.com and they make some valid points about the truth about box relaxers.  

The truth is not pretty:

"...Anyone who’s ever had a chemical relaxer in their hair knows what a box relaxer is. It’s the cheap relaxer that is sold everywhere in a convenient box with everything you need for this process inside. The marketing experts have mastered the art of convincing the consumer (you) that this product will make your hair soft, luxurious and beautiful. Keep in mind this is harsh chemical and that’s what can damage your hair..."

No Lye Relax is a bold faced lie

"...Pretty much every single relaxer box that you see on the shelf will say that it’s a “NO LYE” relaxer kit. Well this is just a flat out lie. Without lye or any other harsh chemical, it would not straighten the hair. Lye is also the chemical in relaxer that makes it burn the scalp... The model on the box also gives the illusion that this product is actually good for the hair... This is not a product that is gentle and conditioning... My point is that these products are based on deceit. Don’t buy them..."

Relaxers have made with a lot of Calcium

"... box relaxers are loaded with calcium deposits and this is also what can damage your hair. Anyone that has used these relaxers has probably noticed how spongy, tangled and weak the hair strand feels after using this product. That’s because they put calcium in the chemical process to try and strengthen what’s been stripped out of the hair. The problem is that calcium can build up on the strand and make the hair more dry and weak than it’s ever been..."

Hair Breakage

"...So after you’ve been using these relaxer kits for any period of time, you’ll start to notice how weak your hair is. This is when the breakage will occur. Anytime hair has been extremely weakened through a chemical process, when the stronger, healthier new growth comes in, the hair starts to break. Also, trying to do a relaxer on yourself is very hard. You can risk overlapping on previously relaxed hair which equals more breakage..."

So there you have it, folks. Box Relaxers are dangerous for your hair and most of them have lye in them which make you hair weak and damaged by the product. We stand up for natural hair care and we hope this article through BeFreeWithStyle.com has made it more clear why if you are using box relaxers, it is damaging to your hair.

Source

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Lace Front Wigs: Researchers Say they Cause Forehead Cancer in Black Women

Lace Front Wigs: Researchers Say they Cause Forehead Cancer in Black Women

We always knew that those kind of wigs would cause some type of serious issues for black women in the long run. Now, researchers are saying just what we feared. Let's find out from the report below all the details.

We found a site named CreamBMP.com and they have information about what researchers have found about this kind of cancer from lace front wigs:

Saturday, March 29th marked the day that researchers came to the conclusion that Lace Front Wigs are the leading cause of forehead cancer in African American women. After years of studies Cancer has shown to be more prevalent in women who wear tightly laced wigs (Lace Fronts), because of the abnormal cells that are able to form under the moist heat that is usually a result of over-wearing the head ornaments.

We always felt that any tight wearing wig would be dangerous but we don't conclude it would cause cancer.

Lace Front wigs have long been a staple in the African American community; especially among inner city youth and with the recent acceptance in the past few years by entertainers & celebrities alike. “The amount of wig wearing youngsters has increased 3 fold” said Cancer Center of America representative Ronald DePinho.

It is true that black women and especially young women are wearing these wigs wanting to mimic celebrities and ideals from reality shows too.

When asked what can people do to help with the cause and hopefully prevent forehead cancer in a friend or family member? Dr. Renald Depondo responded: Snatch a wig, save a life would be the campaign.

We are praying that the above photo scares black women from continuing to wear these wigs. We want black women, young and old that this could happen to any of us if we don't take heed. We are hoping that many more women start taking on the natural hair concept that is literally being embraced by loads of black women all over the world.
 

Source

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Black Hair Care for the Summer Heat- 6 Tips to Surviving Til The End of the Season

Black Hair Care for the Summer Heat- 6 Tips to Surviving Til The End of the Season

1. Before you enter a pool, lake, ocean, or any body of water, drench your hair with water and apply a coat of conditioner to the hair. This water/conditioner mixture will fill up the gaps in hair shaft and act as a barrier from the chlorinated water. Follow up with a little club soda; it makes for a good post-pool rinse. Wear a swim cap as often as possible. Although most people hate wearing them for many reasons – uncomfortable, unattractive, or it never stays on, etc. – using a cap, that securely protects the hair, is always the best option.

2. If there is a time to be extra gentle with your hair, it is now. Treat your hair like a fine silk blouse. Purchase a gentle hydrating shampoo. ALWAYS follow up with a rich conditioner. Shampoo gently – massage a small amount of shampoo into scalp, rinse well. Use a quality conditioner with moisturizing ingredients to deep condition your hair on a weekly basis during the summer. Look for ingredients such as wheat germ, jojoba oil, coconut oil, silk amino acids, etc.

3. Over-shampooing and under-conditioning is a common culprit to dry and frizzy hair – especially in the summer months. Shampooing more than 1x a week is not recommended. On “shampoo-less” days, simply do a conditioning rinse – rinse your hair to remove styling products (this is when using the right products that are water soluble come in). Apply an ample amount of your favorite conditioner, comb through, rinse, and proceed with styling. Doing so will pump much needed moisture back into your hair without stripping away essential nutrients, rinse away unnecessary dirt and oil, and give it a fresh, clean start.

Read more and the remaining three tips HERE

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Black Women: Growing Healthy Long Hair

Black Women: Growing Healthy Long Hair 

If anyone told you it is not possible, either they have succumbed to the stereotypes or they just haven't seen any real proof of it. Well, I'm here to tell you that growing naturally long hair is possible. My hair is nearly shoulder length but this is not long in my opinion. Long hair, as I see or want, would be at least half way down my back. I don't have long hair but I believe that I can achieve it. And if you want it, you can too! There are some great examples out there that I will explore and post here.

For now, let's get inspired by the video below:

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Black Women's Hair Can Grow Back Even If its Thinning with One Old Trick

Black Women's Hair Can Grow Back Even If its Thinning with One Old Trick

It's an age old remedy that many of us black women have put aside. Many black women have either abandoned brushing their hair or they just think it went out of style. This is not true but it does have to be done in perspective and with care.

If you have thinning hair around your hair line, you can grow the hair back easily. Even if you are literally bald (hot spots) in some areas of your scalp, brushing will help grow back the hair. We know it sounds odd to brush where no more hair exists but trust us; brushing even hot spots will stimulate new hair growth. 

By buying a very soft hair brush from your local beauty supply store, you can brush those areas daily. A soft hair brush will be gentle enough to not damage the thinning parts but strong enough to stimulate new hair growth. 

By brushing those areas a few times a day with several strokes, you will start to see new hair growth in as little as 3 weeks. But you must do so with care. Do not brush roughly or harshly. Do so gently so you will not cause damage to your skin too. Make sure to use a moisturizer or hair mayonnaise on your hair before brushing. If you brush your dry hair, it will most likely get thinner and fall out. Try Organics Hair Mayonnaise from your local beauty supply store. It's the best one to use and cost efficient. 

Remember... as black women, we have to be very careful with our hair. Also, reduce your stress levels by relaxing, laughing and exercising so your hair will grow back as well.

This still works but you have to believe and care enough for your hair to do something about those thinning areas around your hairline and in your scalp.

So, let's go back to basics and start brushing those thin areas.

 

Source: RLH

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Welcome to Blaq Natural Hair Blog!

Photo: Beautiful Brown Girls

Hello and welcome to my Blaq Natural Hair blog.  I am starting this blog because I am beginning my own natural hair journey. I have tried a few times in the past and was unsuccessful. I was unsuccessful for many reasons:

• I didn't know how to take care of it
• I found my hair breaking off more than usual
• I didn't know how to style it
• I wasn't happy with it even though I knew it was better for my hair

Essentially, I was very eager to go natural but didn't have enough information about how to care for my hair and feel good wearing it out.

Ultimately, I want thick, long, healthy natural hair. I have been taking nutritional supplements for over 15 years. I am in my 40's and in perfect health according to my doctor's reports. I've never had any major health issues and that is why putting a relaxer on my hair every 3 months started bothering me. A relaxer or perm isn't very healthy nor natural so I had one thing I needed to change and it was my hair.

So, now that you know why I am serious about going natural now and for good, this is why I started this blog. I will be exploring natural hair care products and methods, natural hairstyles for black women and anything that will help me grow the healthiest head of hair I can.

I hope you will enjoy my journey in learning about natural hair and all of the natural products out their that many black women are using to maintain their God given natural hair.

I am happy and proud to finally take control of my hair and be totally natural in all I do from the inside out.

Come join me for the ride.

-T. Marie

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