A Random Thought About Strawllers, Drinking Straws and Perm Rods

Exhibit A: Strawllers

Isn't it funny how inventions come about? This is what I thought as I read an archived article on Ebony.com about Strawllers, thin hair rollers made for straw sets. Strawllers are the durable and ventilated alternative to drinking straws, used by many women whether transitioning or fully natural. I chuckled myself thinking how drinking straws are a DIY alternative to thin perm rods, which are also used to achieve tight pencil curls. A knockoff of a knockoff. Hmm...

Exhibit B: Drinking Straws

Exhibit C: Perm Rods

Natural Hair a Growing Trend in Pop Culture

There is a myriad of reasons for the increase in people donning their naturally kinky, curly, coily tresses. When I stopped perming my hair in 2000 there wasn't yet a natural hair movement with terminology, methodology and discourse. As more naturals appeared online more of them appeared on the streets. As more natural heads appeared on the streets more were seen on television, on film screens and on magazine covers. Wearing natural textures that were once considered unattractive or problematic is now trendy- and I LOVE IT! There is something profoundly transformational and freeing about learning to love one's unadulterated natural state.

Though trends are usually fleeting, I think natural hair is here to stay! Don't believe me? Read another article I wrote about the rise of natural hair in pop culture and check out these pop music videos featuring mine and other dancing kinks, curls and coils.

"XO Boyfriend" by Gordon Voidwell

"Spring Fever" by Iron Solomon

 

"Ivy League Circus" by Gordon Voidwell

Rethinking Old Hair Habits

Rethinking Old Hair Habits
By Fran of HeyFranHey.com

Photo courtesy of heyfranhey.com

Check out my fellow Obie (Oberlin College alum) Fran of Hey Fran Hey, featured every Monday on the Black Girl Long Hair (BGLH) forum. This week she discusses her old hair habits, some she's discarded and some maintained.

In considering my old hair habits there are many I  let go and a few that I've returned to. I no longer buy cheap V05 shampoos and conditioners, but I've definitely returned to the simplicity of good ole' oil and water. Hmm... whoddathunkit?

What are some of your old habits? How many of them have you chucked and how many do you cherish?

I Love to be Natural, But Don't Dare Call Me Nappy!

This was first published on Hmms By PMM July 27, 2011.
 
Before I get to doing what I like to do (share my opinion) I have to clearly state that this post is in no way meant to insult or criticize anyone else for their individual experiences. I am only speaking from my own perspective.

What's in a name? We ask that question all the time but rarely act with it in mind. What is it to be called African? Complimentary or insulting? If a person identifies as a descendant of African people, does the name not apply? Why do we brown-skinned women flush when called a "Nubian goddess" but cringe when called "an African"?

Once upon a time, "kinky" and "nappy" were both offensive terms. Now kinky is ok, its a celebrated term. It is often modified with "curly" as in "kinky curly" but still, its graciously accepted. But nappy is still an insult, it hasn't received its pass yet. So again I ask, what's in a name?

Of course emotions are tied to words and its easier said than done when choosing not to get hurt by certain words. But remembering that words are only as powerful as the value we place into them may be helpful to keep in mind when dealing with negative comments about natural hair.

(Wannabes) Well you got nappy hair.
(Jigaboos) Nappy's alright with me.
- Lyrics from the song "Straight and Nappy," from the movie soundtrack Skool Daze. (1987)