My Bag Ladies Radio: The Reality of Life, Living and Being a Woman: Natural Hair

Showing posts with label Natural Hair. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

YOLANDA ADAMS TOOK ME TO CHURCH AT THE 2016 UBIQUITOUS HAIR AND BEAUTY EXPO!

I knew I would be guaranteed beauty, education and fun but when Yolanda Adams took to the stage at this past weekend's 2016 Ubiquitous Hair and Beauty Expo, I realized that was not all that was in store.

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Thursday, November 13, 2014

EVER THOUGHT OF STARTING A BLOG OR NEED SOME TIPS?? WATCH THIS #TBT TO #BLOGGERWEEK ...

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday when friend and DC based Photographer/Videographer, Jeff Brooks posted a snippet from this years Blogger Week during which I took to the mic along with fellow Bloggers/Vloggers, Yolanda Renee and Jonna Scott-Blakes. Click here to read the full scoop regarding the event and that which I lent a voice to regarding all things Blogging and building your brand. The dish was fantastic and the audience response even better. But the timing couldn't be more perfect for #TBT. Jeff is gearing up to launch his YouTube channel at youtube.com/photog4naturals, and I was terribly flattered to find that he posted a short and sweet snippet from my panel. Jeff's work is amazing.

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Tuesday, September 2, 2014

#HEELSTOTHEWHEELS SERIES: @LOCLOV'S HOLISTIC APPROACH TO NATURAL HAIR CARE

I've no doubt been enjoying putting #heelstothewheels in the 2014 +Kia Motors Worldwide Optima Hybrid EX. The fact that it is a Hybrid and has definitely resulted in my being more considerate of the environmental impact of not just cars but habits, products used, etc. I had a Q and A ~~sit-down~~ ride along in the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX with my own stylist (only the best), as well as Owner and Master Loctician, Salih Watts of www.loclov.com, for my most recent #heelstothewheels edition, to dish on the development of Loc Lov Styles 100% natural hair and body collection.

Owner and Master Locitician, Salih Watts of www.loclov.com, pictured in the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX as we dish Loc Lov Hair and Body collection.

Q: RUNNING A SALON IS HARD ENOUGH, WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START A HAIR AND BODY COLLECTION?
A: I have seen the damage that unhealthy products and styling practices cause in our client's hair, so myself and my Product Manager, Zeenat Watts, developed our own line of 100% natural hair care products that are highly effective.

Q: WHAT MAKES YOUR PRODUCT COLLECTION SO EFFECTIVE?
A: Loc Lov products can restore and reinvigorate damaged or neglected hair.

Q: WHERE ARE LOC LOV PRODUCTS MADE?
A: All of our products are made in-house at our salon in Silver Spring, MD with the right combination of premium quality and 100% natural ingredients. Before introducing products to the masses, we tested and perfected over the past 5 years on our very own clients with all different textures, styles and special hair needs.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR MOST POPULAR PRODUCT?
A: That is a hard question to answer because every customer has different needs. If I had to choose, I would say our Refresh'N which we refer to as the Febreeze for hair. It's designed to be used in between shampoos to neutralize any unwanted odor in one's hair and replace with a fresh, light and natural scent. But we also have products that address common issues like psoriasis and dermatitis and the response has been excellent. Sometimes clients feel as if they have no choice but to deal with their issues not knowing there are available treatment options that are effective. We also have a shea butter product that doubles as both a hair and body moisturizer.

Loc Lov's product lineup includes a no-reside Hair Hold Polish, Refresh'N, Hair Nectar and more. Visit www.loclov.com for the complete hair and body collection.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON INGREDIENTS USED IN LOC LOV PRODUCTS?
A: Grapeseed oil, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Tea Tree. But it varies depending on the purpose of the product. Our biggest thing was just wanting to be all-natural because I've seen the adverse affects of using products full of chemicals and other things that can take a toll on your hair.

Q: WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO FROM HERE WITH LOC LOV PRODUCTS?
A: Products are currently available for purchase in-house and online at www.loclov.com. But we want to be available to the masses and want to secure mass distribution in both independent and major retail outlets. The natural hair market is huge. We don't want to cater to a select few. We want to cater to the mass market and those who can truly benefit from the products we are producing so that their natural hair needs are effectively met.

Q: LAST QUESTION, WHAT IS YOUR MOST FAVE FEATURE OF THE 2014 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID EX?
A: The panoramic sunroof is amazing. It's so open and makes this ride feel even more spacious.

Do you rock eau natural? What do you look for in natural hair products?

For more about Loc Lov, visit www.loclov.com. This #heelstothewheels series continues. Follow my "Heels To The Wheels" chronicles featuring the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX on Instagram and Twitter @bagladies, hashtag #heelstothewheels.

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen. Follow on Twitter and Instagram

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

I'll BE SPEAKING FOR THE 2ND TIME AT THIS WEEKEND'S 2014 NATURALISTA HAIR SHOW. IT'S GONNA BE EPIC!

Last year was just one day. This year's second annual Naturalista Hair Show, is so epic it's been extended to two days! And guess what? I'm back again. The Naturalista Hair Show goes down this weekend, August 2nd thru August 3rd in Silver Spring, MD at the DoubleTree Hotel. This year's show will feature workshops, panel discussions, hands on classes, product and apparel market aka, a shopaholics dream, styling and product demos as well as fitness and nutrition tips. And if that isn't enough, this year's event also features a pop-up salon of which my own stylist, Salih Watts, Owner and Master Loctician of LocLov.com will be participating. Salih also took home the award for "Best Loctician in the DMV" last year. How much you wanna bet he can do it again? My money is on him.

My Stylist pictured with one of his models after winning "Best Loctician in the DMV" Award

I guess Founder of The Naturalista Hair Show and Owner of N Natural Hair Studio, Angela Walker must have known I had such a good time last year, she asked me back again this year. To that I say, my pleasure. Click here for a snippet regarding last year's edition. This year, I will be dishing yet again and lending a voice to the "Beauty & The Blog" panel alongside Vlogger and this year's Keynote Speaker, Yolanda Renee of Et Cetera, Jonna Scott-Blakes of naturally-glam.com and Annisa LiMara of A'LiMara. The panel will be moderated by Christine Jacques-Louis of Root2Curl.com. You know I love to dish especially all things beauty and particularly alongside fab ladies two of whom I had the pleasure of dishing with during the 1st annual Blogger Week DC. Read the recap here.

Last year's edition. I'm the shortie pictured alongside Mae of naturalchica.com, Jonna of naturally-glam.com and Jess of hairgetskinky.com

Take it from me, you don't want to miss this event. There was a line out the door last year prior to the doors even opening. Mix and mingle amongst some fab folk and dish all things beauty, natural hair and soooo much more. Visit naturalistahairshow.com for event details and to get your tix. Get your tix. Oh, and don't miss my panel. See you there!

Do you have any questions for me? Leave them as a comment and I will include in Sunday's panel discussion and acknowledge you as having asked the question aka, shout you out.

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Monday, June 30, 2014

#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: NAPPY HOUR, #WAGONSPOTTING, #FFM. OH, AND I GOT TESTED ...

This weekend was jam packed with activities which has kinda been the trend for the last ~~couple of~~ few months. The good thing is that I'm rarely bored. The bad, I'm always busy. But I also realized because of all the activity particularly this weekend, the timing is perfect to resume my #BagLadiesLIVE Weekend posts. This weekly theme provides a snapshot of what went down. Like to see and read about it?

This past Saturday, I had the privilege of hosting yet again the 2nd edition Nappy Hour presented by Loc Lov Styles in Silver Spring, MD. And just like the 1st, a ball was had by all. My fave part, getting my face "beat" to the gawds by friend and MUA, Stephanie McKenzie. I will post a full recap this week. In the meantime, click here for the scoop on the 1st edition.

No sooner did I return the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4, then I received a curbside delivery of the Volvo V60 T5. The wagon is back! And although I'm only just putting #HeelsToTheWheels, I'm swooning all over this wagon that totally breaks the mold of a traditional wagon. A friend remarked upon pulling up, that I'm now a full blown soccer mom. But the reality is, I am! My 8 yr old son plays soccer and if a Volvo makes me a soccer mom, I'll take that and be the sexiest, wagon driving, soccer mom eva! How can I not in this sexy whip? Oh ...The life of an Auto Blogger. And did I tell you the color is "power blue?" The pic doesn't do it justice. Stay tuned for a full review.

I finally had a chance to check out good friend, Blogger, Bizness woman and so much more, Monica Byrd's twice-monthly, Fashionista Flea Market located in Bowie, MD. I had a great time perusing some fab vendors with great deals. The shopaholic in me wanted to shop till I dropped but my small window of time, wouldn't let me be great. Thank goodness it's a twice-monthly event. For details, visit www.fashionistafleamarket.com.

Swoon worthy white jumper, Hannah Monet

Cute tank, Boutique Pulse

So Friday was National HIV Testing Day. Do I hear crickets? Did you know? Of all the images I posted recently, this one generated the least number of likes and/or responses. I was unfortunately not surprised. Last year on the same day, I posted a pic of my negative results after having been tested and you could hear a pin drop. And I do it to draw attention. One of my very first events upon launching Bag Ladies, my online radio show, was an event to draw attention to the increase in infection rates amongst African American women yet statistics show that many of us don't get tested simply out of fear of the unknown. And for me the fear of not knowing is twice as scary. For me, it's annual. The same as I see my Gynecologist or get a mammogram. I dropped my kids at camp Friday morning, hit the clinic and I'm out. And the notion of you don't need to be tested or it doesn't apply to me is so not a gauge. If you are or have been sexually active, get tested! If you are in a relationship, committed or otherwise, get tested! The test is FREE and it only takes 15 minutes at most. Visit www.whitman-walker.org. #KnowYourStatus

How was your weekend?

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Friday, June 20, 2014

CALLING ALL NATURAL HAIR SALON OWNERS/STYLISTS, IT'S THE 2ND NAPPY HOUR!

We barely wrapped the 1st edition Nappy Hour which went down last Saturday and here I am hosting the 2nd edition on June 28th presented again by Loc Lov Styles. No they didn't twist my arm. Last weekend was a blast! If you missed my recap of the first edition, click here. But unlike the last one, this 2nd edition targets Natural Hair Salon Owners, Stylists and Locticians. If this is you and particularly if you are interested in stellar product that caters to your clients hair care and maintenance needs, you don't want to miss this exclusive event.

On the LocLov.com Red Carpet

LocLov.com Hair & Body Collection

RSVP today and participate in live styling demos, product Q&A's, learn about Loc Lov's educated and holistic approach to healthy hair and also the debut of the Loc Lov's hair and body collection.

Live Styling Demo

You must RSVP to confirm attendance. Afterwhich, the exact location (DC based) will be disclosed. Additionally, your RSVP ensures you don't leave without your swag aka, free goodies in hand. So come thru, eat, sip, mingle and have a good time. For more details on the 2nd edition Nappy Hour, click here and to RSVP, email info@bagladiesradio.com.

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Thursday, June 19, 2014

I WAS FEATURED FOR "WONDER WOMEN WEDNESDAY" ON @_LOCOLOGY_

Locology, which is the Instagram page of LocologyMagazine.com, has a weekly feature tagged as "Wonder Women Wednesday" during which they showcase women who have a natural hair journey specific to locs, dreadlocks, dreads or however you might refer.
I was flattered to have been featured yesterday. I jokingly replied to the post that I oftentimes feel like I'm wearing a cape. Wonder Woman! This is my 2nd time around having locs. After having locs for about 4 years, I cut them in 2004 when my first child was born. I always said I would go another round but this time was completely unintentional. I previously kept my hair very short. An "even steven" is what I called it. I missed seeing my barber for a couple weeks and before I knew it, I had an adorable fro and I just didn't want to cut it. Thus, locs for the 2nd time around. It's been 3+ years and my locs are growing twice as fast this time around and I'm having much more fun with styling options which is a testament to working with a great stylist (Salih Watts, loclov.com), and using good product. You can see pics all over my Instagram page @bagladies.

(Post by Bag Ladies Radio Show.)

This particular featured pic was from a shoot last year by Tiffany Josephs. I LOVE my current length. It's the longest my hair has been in like forever. I said for the summer I would just rock up-do's and not let my hair down until my birthday in October. I can't wait to see the length then. I'm also considering color to switch it up for the summer.

Do you have locs or have you ever considered?

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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

SO MANY BEAUTIES! PICS/VIDEO OF ME HOSTING NAPPY HOUR PRESENTED BY WWW.LOCLOV.COM

When an event comes together and everyone plays their part and works together to ensure everything goes off without a hitch ...And to top it off, the event is attended by fantastic beauties who are engaged and mingling and having a good time. You can't ask for anything better. And I had the privilege of hosting!

Dishing w/ Jess of HairGetsKinky.com

Me w/ arms outstretched ...

Meeting & Greeting Cassie Brown

Mingling. Onlooker, Kia of Yummy411 and Yvonne of PinkDollHouse.org

Demos featuring Lola's Beauty Mark

Grown-Up Punch on the Patio

Saturday's Nappy Hour presented by LocLov.com, was a blast. The sips, the nibbles, the swag, the hair and beauty dish, the live styling demos and more, made for a very fun affair. It was ALL love. And let's not forget the punch on the patio for us grown folks. I look forward to doing it again soon. Pics from the event will be shared throughout the week so please be on the lookout. But if you missed Nappy Hour or even if you didn't, here is a fantastic video collage shot by Professional Photog, Montell. Montell was the resident Photog on deck for the day but he surprised the Loc Lov staff and myself by putting this together. See anyone you know? Press play ...

An InLinkz Link-up

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Monday, June 16, 2014

#BEAUTYTALK: 5 REASONS WHY YOU ARE IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR HAIR

I dished all things hair and beauty Saturday while hosting "Nappy Hour" presented by Loc Lov Styles (it was a blast btw), and I came to the conclusion that I am by far not the only one who has a relationship with their hair. Do any of these apply to you? Uh, then welcome to the club.

1. If you talk to your hair. And I don't mean "hi" and "bye" talk. I mean lengthy conversations where you express and convey your love for your mane usually in front of a mirror. But let's not forget when your reprimand your hair also for not working witcha on a bad hair day.

2. Upon receiving a compliment, you stroke your hair, twist the coils or play with it in a semi-coy way the same as you might nuzzle up to your man or boo thang when someone says, "you make a cute couple." I have a mean habit of when my locs are down particularly, I literally look at them and stroke them as if they are soft as feathers. Can't tell me nuffin.

3. On a day when you hair looks particularly good, you sway those hips and dance for your hair in the mirror (a full length one), while complimenting your hair and yourself. "Oooh girl, you look good today." You might even get your sang on too.

4. You peruse YouTube and Pinterest looking for styles in the best interest of your mane, the same as you would browse an online dating site.

5. You never disappoint your hair. Your style is always a compliment. If your hair looks good, your fashion sense is even better. The same as if stepping out on a date, you gotta keep him on his toes. You show-off you.

If any of these apply to you, I'll be the first one to tell you that you are indeed in a relationship with your hair. And I wish you years of love and happiness. My relationship with my hair just might be the most healthy relationship I've ever had :-). Feel free to add to my list in the comments. I'd love to hear yours.

Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

Monday, June 9, 2014

I'M HOSTING LOC LOV'S NAPPY HOUR NETWORK + MINGLE THIS SATURDAY ...

If you love to dish hair and beauty as much as I do, then you don't want to miss this affair. And especially if you are a Blogger, Vlogger or Social Media Maven. My own beloved stylist, Salih Watts, the one responsible for keeping my mane tamed is presenting an evening just for you, an intimate affair and I have the privilege of hosting.

Nappy Hour, presented by Loc Lov Styles and hosted by yours truly ...

Picture wrapping up all your Saturday going's-ons and errands and swinging through Nappy Hour for good conversation, fun, lite snacks and libations aka, something to sip on, while having an opportunity to take in not only live styling demos for both locs and natural free hair styles. But also enjoy a live Q&A regarding Loc Lov's own hair and body collection including two signature products just introduced. Celebrity MUA, Lola's Beauty Mark will be participating and dolling everyone up as per her lip and lash bar. So you can come, get cute and then hit the town after. There will also be FANTASTIC give-a-ways and swag. If I said it, you can believe it to be true.

Loc Lov Styles is setting standards and they are endeavoring to share their educated and holistic approach and much more. Nappy Hour is an exclusive event so you must RSVP via email to info@bagladiesradio.com. Click here for the event link. Upon confirmation of your attendance, the location will be disclosed. See you Saturday!!

P.S. - Have your biz cards in hand!

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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

I'M A SPECIAL GUEST FOR THE #DMV EDITION OF INTERNATIONAL NATURAL HAIR M/U DAY

For the second year in a row, I have the pleasure of speaking alongside some fabulous ladies at International Natural Hair Meetup Day (INHMD) in Washington, DC. If you don't already know, INHMD, founded by Adeea Rogers is an annual one day event on May 17th, where groups across the world and I mean literally to infinity and beyond, meet up and lend a particular focus to natural hair. So everything from maintenance to styling to transitioning and more. Last year, I spoke alongside Celebrity Natural Hairstylist, Felicia Leatherwood. Felicia has previously been a guest on my show. Click here to listen to that show OnDemand.

Not only known for her expertise and knowledge but also for her celebrity clientele which includes Jill Scott and Nicole Ari Parker. Additionally, Pamela Jenkins who is Founder of Koils by Nature was on deck. If you don't know Pamela, get your tix and meet her. It should be on your bucket list. Pamela is not only one of the nicest and most modest women I have ever met but she's GORGEOUS. Being in her company always makes for a good time. Koils by Nature is presenting this year's INHMD, and Pamela will be present and lending a voice to dish at this year's DMV edition of INHMD. And for those of you around the way, you know what DMV means. It means it's going down in your neck of the woods so you have no excuse not to be in attendance. The lineup this year is stellar and I am thrilled yet again to be graced by the presence of fabulous participants and attendees. Last year we dished on the perception of natural hair in the workplace.

This year, the dish includes how to style and manage your hair at home, natural hair for kids and more. And some of the most popular bloggers, vloggers and personalities in the natural hair community like CharyJay and Diana Ramsey (to name a few), will be there. And then of course, there's moi. I'll be on hand as a special guest. The event also includes a marketplace so you can get your shop on. Tix for INHMD can be purchased at www.inhmddmv.eventbrite.com. See you on the 17th!

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Tuesday, April 8, 2014

NATURAL HAIR TIPS FROM THE NATURAL HAIR NSTITUTE TO TAME YOUR MANE!

When I happened upon a post on Instagram last week soliciting volunteers for a "FREE" natural hair consultation offered by The Natural Hair Nstitute to allow currently enrolled students to perfect their skills, I was all in. This is my second time around having locs and I love dishing about maintenance, products, treatments and how I can tame my mane.

I previously met one of the founders of The Natural Hair Nstitute, Angela Walker, at last years, The Naturalista Hair Show which Angela also founded. I participated on a panel alongside fabulous Bloggers, Jonna of Naturally-Glam.com, Jess Gray of HairGetsKinky.com and Mae of NaturalChica.com. I love Angela's efforts to draw attention to the natural hair community and how she shapes her brands to encompass that sense of community is awesome. It was my pleasure to lend her my full support. It was my first time visiting her space and upon arriving, I was greeted and asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding how long I've been natural and how I feel about my hair and the perception of those of us who are natural. As I go about my daily life, I don't necessarily focus on the fact that I am natural but as I answered the questions, I realized how much more empowered I feel being natural. For me, being natural affords me more versatility and being natural in no way diminishes my confidence. I also realized that I've been natural for at least 20 years. Wow, that's a long time! But even though I have been natural for so long, I realize that there is still much to learn. I dare not be so presumptuous as to think I know all there is to know when it comes to taming my mane and making sure it's healthy. I was excited to receive feedback from participating students about how I tame my mane and how I can improve particularly regarding retaining moisture. I wanted to share my favorite take-a-ways and hopefully they might help you in your natural hair journey.

HYDRATE - The standard recommendation is that you drink 6-8 oz. of water 8 times a day but not only is this critical to your physical health but to your hair health. Staying hydrated helps to retain moisture and keeps your scalp from getting irritated.

HAVE A ROUTINE - Unlike my nightly skincare routine during which I remove all makeup and moisturize, I only typically apply product to my hair as needed. Be proactive. Don't wait until a problem arises. Every 2-3 days, apply oil to your scalp and massage it in.

LAYER PRODUCT - In an effort to seal in moisture, apply a leave in conditioning spray which can be applied all over to both your hair and scalp. But then follow-up with an oil and apply directly to your scalp to seal. I am a fan of Eden Body Works Peppermint Tea Tree Oil. But this was a never before considered tip for me because I love the leave in sprays because having locs, the sprays don't leave a residue. But I never considered layering.

KEEP A HAIR JOURNAL - Document that which you eat and products that you use. If you notice an adverse hair reaction be it irritation or shedding or dryness, it makes the process of pinpointing the cause much easier. But keeping a journal also helps when trying different products and if you like a product in particular, it makes it easier to keep track of what you like and don't like.

BREATHE - Not only does this apply to just ourselves and everyday life but also our hair. You know the one-liner, "don't be afraid to let your hair down"? It applies literally to our hair too. You gotta let it out and let it breathe. Up do's are great. I love up do's. My locs have great length so I go through phases when sometimes I want them out and sometimes I want them up but I do switch it up. Don't keep your hair pinned up and pent up all the time.

DIY - I loved this suggestion regarding adding natural ingredients like rosemary, sage or peppermint to water and pouring into a spray bottle and utilizing that as a leave-in. Not only does it help to retain moisture but it also leaves your mane smelling great. And I can do this myself.

I hope these tips help. Do you have any tips of your own to offer?

Stay abreast regarding details for this year's The Naturalista Hair Show, August 2 - 3 2014 in Silver Spring, MD.

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