Atlanta Sisterlocks Explosion Highlights

The Art of Safi K. Toure

If you're in Atlanta on December 3, 2010 you can view some of Safi's art at the Holidays Aglow opening reception at the STUART McCLEAN GALLERY from 7-10 pm. Details below!
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This is Safi...



...beautiful inside and out.

Rocking those locs...

...while her creative juices are flowing!

[Just a few of her pieces :o]

Nyame Nti ("God's grace")

commissioned for Opare Integrative Healthcare

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View more of Safi's artwork by joining AAFTA and the Atlanta Chapter of The Pierians for its 12th annual fine arts exhibit, Holidays Aglow group art exhibition and performances.

This year’s exhibit will be on display December 3-17, 2010 at the nationally recognized Stuart McClean Gallery.

Mapenzi, Swahili for “passion", is the theme of the exhibition and represents the perfect opportunity for artists to exhibit or perform their art with the passion used to create it.

This evening will be full of the excitement of performances, original artwork, artists, spoken word and holiday spirit. Awards of various levels will be presented throughout the evening. partnership with the Atlanta Chapter of The Pierians, a national arts advocacy organization, as official hosts of the event.

OPENING RECEPTION
December 3, 2010, 7 pm - 10 pm
Free valet parking, food, cash bar and more!
Exhibit runs December 3 – 17, 2010

The Stuart McClean Gallery
684 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30312

African Hair and It's Significance: Connecting to our Spirit

I'm Hoping OnixIsis keeps this one up on Youtube.

For All of the Natural Little Girls ~~~ Love your hair!

Natural Hair / Sisterlocks: More Photos, (less text)

A good sistah's traditionals - working hard in ICU this day.

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Gwen, now sisterloc'd, but natural for 45 years :o)

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Melinda, 3 months sisterloc'd

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10 years sisterloc'd

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Sisterlocks Originator Dr. Joanne Cornwell

Dr. Cornwell, Dr. Sharita and Seestah Imahkus Nzinga Okofo chatting between their presentations at the Shrine this past Saturday.

My first braid-out in several months.

I'm liking the waves. It didn't take as much time as I thought because I braided it while damp (not soppin' wet), so I was able to use far fewer spongeless sponge rollers than when I don't braid first. I've been a little nervous about the rollers since discovering that weak loc base a while back.

I just might stick with the old braid-out for a while.

DL

A Pill to "Cure" Curly Hair or "I have a Disease"

I have a disease...

...it's called "tricohyalin" and it's genetic. Perhaps you have it too. But never fear, a pill to "cure" tricohyalin is in development...

"..The Australian scientists that discovered the curly gene (aka trichohyalin) are now working on creating a pill that would "cure" genetically textured locks.

This pill would render relaxers, texturizers, and flatirons obsolete--but it could also signal the end of luscious, Tracee Ellis Ross-type curls, forever.

The thing is, if scientists can isolate the gene that causes curly hair, what's to stop them from one day reversing or removing the gene altogether? It's a chilling thought..." Read Tia Williams post on Essence.com

Apparently, the "curly hair gene" might be of help to law enforcement officials as well, helping them determine the hair texture of the assailant from genetic material left at the scene of a crime.

Professor Nick Martin, the scientist who reported discovering the tricohyalin gene several years ago, says it may be possible to come up with treatments (emphasis mine) to make hair straighter rather than relying on heated hair straighteners. According to the online magazine Naturallycurly.com, he claims that further development and marketing strategies are in the works. Last December, he said, “I will be discussing this with a major cosmetic company in Paris in January."

By the way, the company is L'Oreal.


The folks at NaturallyCurly.com aren't too thrilled about it.
They posted this editorial back in 2005:

"When you think of a pill, you think of something designed to heal an illness. That is why we at NaturallyCurly.com are appalled by L’Oreal Paris’ announcement that researchers are developing a pill to straighten hair.

Popping a pill, they claim, could turn curly hair straight and vice versa by changing the hook-shaped hair bulb. The thought that people would be swallowing hormones to straighten their hair is a terrifying prospect.

In addition to the possible health implications of ingesting something powerful enough to change your hair, it sends a negative message to people with curly and kinky hair.

We at NaturallyCurly.com do not believe curly hair is something to be cured. We are not against straightening curls, but do not believe people should feel that they have to do so to be attractive.

We would urge the scientists at L’Oreal to focus on those ailments that truly need fixing."

The National Science Foundation is, of course, on the opposite side of the issue.

They created the video below to praise the potential benefit of genetic manipulation of hair texture. It's discussed within the context of the treatment of a disease of hair growth referred to as "Wooly Hair".

They were politically correct enough to play down the potential market demand from the general population.



A National Science Foundation Promo Video


Would you take a pill to straighten your coily hair?
Or do you think they'll discover, soon after it's release, that the pill causes you to grow a third eye just to the left of the center of your forehead?


Take the poll in the sidebar.


Peace, love and self-acceptance,
DL

Sisterlocks Originator Dr. JoAnne Cornwell returns to Atlanta at the Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural Center and Bookstore

EVENT INFORMATION:
WHEN: Saturday, August 21, 2010
TIME: 5:30 PM
WHERE: 946 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd. SW Atlanta, GA 30310


THAT HAIR THING and the Sisterlocks Approach
Meet and greet Dr. JoAnne Cornwell. Hear her discuss "Good Hair" and what defines this idea for African Americans. Her book includes 50 pages of gorgeous color images - featuring kids, youth and adults of all ages.

Read about why our natural hair issues have been such a sensitive topic of African American culture. Sisterlocks has the answers to all of our questions about a natural hair solution. Gone are the days when black women had to complain about a lack of natural hair care options.

[CHECK OUT A FEW VIDEOS OF JOANNE HERE!]

Old Chinese saying...

I needed some comic relief and Latara sent this to me right on time:

Old Chinese Proverb...

Confucius say,

"If you are in a book store and cannot find the book for which you search, you are obviously...

...in the...

[Shh! You didn't hear it from Docs!]

Have a great week ;0)

Anonymous has an opinion

"What if hoards of Afrikan women realized that our hair texture makes us unique among all of the women on the Earth? That in days of old, before the oppression of our hair, our paradigm taught us that our tightly twisting coils mirrored the spiraling hair of the dieties. Our hair was compared with the swirling of galaxies, the torrential, whirling, winds of a storm. Our hair is like unto the helical meanderings of DNA - the very essence of life."

The passage above is from my post entitled, I bumped into my old stylist yesterday.

Ah, but alas, Anonymous has an opinion...
On July 11, 2010 at 12:25 PM, Anonymous left this comment in response to my post entitled, Black Women are Ugly:

"The majority of African American women exhibit masculine traits such as large hands and feet, tougher skin, and a pugnacious attitude. The general facial structure of African American women tends to exhibit an undersized chin and oversized cheeks, that is in stark contrast to women of other races who have fully developed chins and tight cheeks. African Americans also have tough hair which is usually not considered to be attractive in women."

Guilty. I have big feet.


But trade my gorgeous high cheek bones for a 'tight cheeks' and a jutting chin?!?!

~~~NOT happenin'!

My First Dragon Head

Oh boy.

I think when I popped a loc near the crown of my head, I torn away most of the base of the loc. Plus, perhaps I had my sponge-less sponge rollers in too tight when I set my hair last night. This is why I think Julia found a loc on a pretty flimsy base of a few strands of hair at my re-tightening this morning.

"I think you're gonna lose this one," she said. "I have to join it to another one."

And thus, my dragon head, or viper tongue, or whatever you want to call it.

Sorry for the blurry photos. These were taken with my iphone :o)

"V" for victory! Just kidding.

Maybe some Rogaine might speed up the regrowth process...

A Few Natural Do's at Danielle's Wedding

Our cousin Danielle married Terrance on July 17 at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center here in Atlanta. It seems "wedding websites" are all the rage these days...

Us.

:o)

Sisterlocks Evolution Remix 4

Using the Animoto "Fire" theme

Been Checkin' out Phyllis the Video Locktician's live broadcast...

...via Livestream. Watch previous broadcasts by following this link.

Live show on Sunday nights at 9pm. Be there or be square :o)

videolocktician on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

20 years of marital bliss...

...I was, of course, a child bride...(and several pounds lighter ;o)

[Circa 18 months married]

Seven Myths About Highly-Textured, Natural Hair

Natural Hair - Seven Myths About Highly-Textured, Natural Hair

The Truth about Natural Curly, Coily, Kinky Hair

Let us begin with a few basics about natural, aka Napptural, hair. Natural hair is hair that has not had its physical properties altered by chemical processes, including, but not limited to hair relaxers, texturizers, silkeners and jherri curls. These products alter the natural texture of the hair by breaking down disulfide bonds, which hold together the keratins (proteins) in hair. We won't discuss the ins and outs of permanent chemical processes, rather this article will discuss natural hair and the myths associated with it.

Natural hair comes in many textures. Some natural hair is very tightly coiled; some is more loosely coiled or curled. Some textures have no curl pattern and no definition. Some textures have very visible definition. One head of natural hair alone can have more than one texture. These are all things to consider when talking about natural hair because actual textures vary just as much as the faces that proudly smile beneath it.

MYTH #1: Natural hair is hard to manage. This myth probably really is number one. There is a huge misconception that naturally curly or coily hair is hard to manage. Simply, it is not. What many people do not understand is that highly-textured hair is very unique, even from looser, naturally curly textures. Any type of hair is hard to manage if it is being 'managed' in such a way that works against its natural texture. Those who embrace the natural texture of their hair often wear styles that compliment that texture, and are not trying to force their hair to do something it will not naturally do. Extreme manipulation of the hair is stressful not only to the hair, but also to the person who is doing the manipulation. Not understanding the natural hair texture is one of the main reasons many people return to relaxers.

MYTH #2: Natural hair is rough and tough. Natural hair, contrary to obviously popular belief, is neither rough nor tough. Upon looking at a head of luscious nappturalness, some believe that it is rough to the touch. However, actually touching the hair (which is not recommended without consent) may reveal something entirely different. Most, in fact all, natural hair is very soft if properly moisturized and conditioned. Afrikan hair tends to be dry, but a good moisturizing and conditioning routine will keep the hair moist and soft. Any texture of hair that is denied proper moisture will be dry. Because natural hair is very full and thick, people often assume that it is super strong and tough. This is false. Each and every little bend in the shaft of the hair is a potential breaking point. When handling natural hair, you must be sure to be gentle because it is very delicate. In an Essence magazine article, Rodney Barnett, a trichologist, states, "'Think of your hair as a delicate piece of thread, not as a rope that can be knotted and twisted (30-Day Hair Repair).'"

MYTH #3: Natural hair is trendy. No doubt many people choose to be natural for a myriad of reasons, including to be stylish or trendy. But in no way should anyone believe that the only reason to be natural is to be trendy or hip. For those of us who have made the decision not to conform to European standards of beauty, this natural is far from a trend. Many naturals have made a very conscientious resolution to love who they are entirely. Giving up caustic and carcinogenic relaxers is, surprisingly, not something that is favored amongst the African-American community. Enduring comments of disgust and disapproval are oftentimes an accepted part of being natural, and there is nothing trendy about that.

MYTH #4: Natural hair grows slowly and does not get long. This is one of my favorites because it allows me to explain the wonder of highly-textured hair. Natural hair neither grows more slowly nor more quickly than relaxed hair. What naturals must take into account is what is known as shrinkage. Like a telephone cord, natural hair coils up tightly, more or less, thus increasing the surface area within a given length of hair. For example, six inches of relaxed hair is six inches, period. Six inches of tightly coiled hair could be up to twelve inches long when stretched. Natural hair, because of its density and volume, tends to grow big or out, as opposed to lengthy or down, depending on the actual texture of the hair. It is also a myth that the only way natural hair can be long is by locking the hair or wearing twists. This is very untrue.

MYTH #5: Most naturals wear twists and these twists are unattractive because they show the parts in the scalp. Wrong answer. As with all freshly twisted or braided hair, the parts show the scalp. The beauty and magic of natural hair is that, within a day or even a few hours, the hair swells and gets a little fuzzy, creating a very beautiful and unique style. The only way for relaxed heads to achieve this look is with synthetic kinky twists. Another beautiful thing about twisting or braiding natural hair is that no product is needed. Using relaxed and synthetic hair, the hair must be spritzed with holding spray or burned at the ends to keep it from unraveling. Although companies manufacture loc and twist gels, many nappturals opt out of using any product other than water to twist or braid the hair. The natural coiliness of the hair keeps the hair from completely unraveling, and the style can last for days or even weeks. Twists are only one of many styles that showcase the versatility of napptural hair.

MYTH #6: Natural hair is not accepted in the work place. While there have been instances of discrimination against those who choose to wear their natural hair, there are more examples of women who are working in all kinds of positions with their naturals. There are doctors, teachers, cashiers, social workers, writers, lawyers, artists, etc. who are proudly wearing their hair and bringing home checks. This is a completely bogus reason for thinking natural hair is unacceptable. Discrimination against natural hair is wrong and should not be tolerated.

MYTH #7 Natural hair makes one an exhibit or a spectacle of some sort; your intelligence will be overlooked. False and false. If anything, natural hair entails a sense of self-awareness. Naturals are not societal anomalies. While a person may choose to express herself through her hair, no one should feel that natural hair will make her an exhibit. Any natural would find this belief to be highly offensive, not to mention downright incorrect. Now, why, again, are you still relaxing?

Article URL: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/240771/seven_myths_about_highlytextured_natural.html?page=3

Sisterlocks Up-do Weekend

Back from Spring break in Florida today and haven't blogged in a blue moon so here are some photos from a couple of months ago - went to a luncheon and a formal that weekend...




Mommy-in-law, hubby, me and mommy


Winter weights gotta come off :o)


Niece, mommy-in-law, cousin and me

Getting my re-ty in the morning. Got a 6am start time with Julia...

Sisterlocks Photos: Atlanta Meetup & Booksigning

Dr. Joanne Cornwell, originator of sisterlocks, educating, entertaining and engaging her audience as only she can!

The Atlanta Sisterlocks Meetup and book signing was a wonderful ingathering of sisters, each one of us admirers of sisterlocks whether sisterlocks wearers or contemplatives.

Natural Beauty Salon in Gwinnett County (Duluth) Georgia was a great venue. The parking was ample and the food tasty (and free!)




My consultant, Julia Stewart-Stackhaus' beautiful head of sisterlocks.

Julia is a multi-talented sister. She has a degree in broadcast journalism, she is a sisterlocks consultant extraordinaire, and a professional body builder.

[Stone Mountain: Julia Stewart-Stackhaus (404-718-9371 or 770-987-8928)]




Julia Stewart-Stackhaus' mommy wearing her beautiful silver sisterlocks.

There were brotherlocks wearers who modeled as well.

I sat next to a brother who was marveling at all of the beautiful sisters sporting their sisterlocks and saying, "I'm in the Black mans heaven." :o)

My cousin, Ebony and me by a promo photo of Joanne.

A happy Ebony with Joanne and her signed copy of "That Hair Thing"