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The Largest Celebration Of African Tech Startups & Entrepreneurs Is Returning To DC

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Thando's CEO Taffi Woolward Tables During the Expo Hall At Diaspora Demo Day 2015

Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

The largest celebration of African innovation outside of Africa is returning to DC this fall. Diaspora Demo Day is a showcase that aims to spotlight high impact tech ventures and social enterprises based in Africa and the African Diaspora. The event will be embedded in a 3-day summit set to include complimentary workshops and networking receptions at The US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC Nov 10-12.

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Selected startups will participate in an 6 week virtual accelerator in preparation of the showcase. Each contender will then pitch their concepts to an audience of 300+ angel, venture capitalists and impact investors, innovation enthusiasts, fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts and our esteemed panel of renowned judges for a chance to win an assortment of prizes as well as to collect invaluable insights to be used towards business enhancement and technical advancement.

A November 2015 article written by the IB Times reported that "even the most diverse Silicon Valley tech firms are at 2 percent or under in terms of blacks in technology jobs, yet across the U.S. blacks earned 4.4 percent of master’s degrees in engineering and 3.6 percent of its Ph.D.s in 2014." The same article also reported that nearly 5,500 African Americans in the U.S. earn engineering and computer science degrees, but yet struggle to find a job upon graduation. It is because of these challenges that the Diaspora Demo Day and companies like TipHub are needed.

AfriTrade CEO Chioma Achebe Pitches Mobile Investment Platform at Diaspora Demo Day

Last year, in its inaugural edition, Diaspora Demo Day, saw over 300 participants and 24 African and Diaspora-based companies. This year, for its second edition, the pitch competition has expanded to a larger series of events that celebrate entrepreneurship, innovation and success stories. "Diaspora Demo Day is a bold demonstration of both collaboration and innovation in Africa and the African Diaspora," says TipHub Executive Director, Chinedu Enekwe in a press release. "Diaspora Demo has proven itself to be the springboard and connection point for many fast growing and high impact startups, a track record TipHub intends to build upon."

Those interested in participating in Diaspora Demo Day must be 18 years or older with a technology enabled company based in, focused on or with one more founders from the continent of Africa, the African Diaspora or of African descent. The startups entering the competition must have been launched within the last 2 years,received external funding not exceeding $500,000 in US equivalent funding and must have a demonstrable product of service (Minimum Viable Product, MVP.) The Diaspora Demo Day is open to all applicants who meet the above qualifications until August 31st. You can find out additional information about this contest on their website here.


Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie


It's A Great Day To Be A Simone

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Pictured Simone Biles on left, Simone Manuel on right

By Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

Biles. Manuel. Nina, even. It’s a great day to be a Simone.

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Both Simone Biles and Simone Manuel have made history in Rio, winning gold in their fields. Simone Manuel is the first African American woman to win an individual event in Olympic swimming, setting a record of 52.70 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle—that’s less than a minute! Nineteen year old Simone Biles, competing at her first Olympic Games, defied gravity and won all-around gold in gymnastics. A three-time world champion, this Simone has won 14 world medals, the most ever for a US female gymnast.

“I definitely think it raises some awareness and will get them inspired,” Manuel said. “I mean, the gold medal wasn’t just for me. It was for people that came before me and inspired me to stay in the sport. For people who believe that they can’t do it, I hope I’m an inspiration to others to get out there and try swimming. You might be pretty good at it.”

"I'm not a celebrity. I'm just Simone Biles, but it's amazing to be recognized for all of this success for myself and for team USA," Biles told reporters. "I'm not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps, I'm the first Simone Biles. To me, I'm just the same Simone. I just have two Olympic gold medals now.”

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Tiffani Greenaway is the wife and mom behind MyMommyVents, a New York city parenting blog. Her tips have been seen on Yahoo Parenting, Mommy Noire, and Fit Pregnancy. Find more of Tiffani's work at mymommyvents.com.


Dye Without the Cry: Healthier Options to Color Your Natural Hair

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IG @curlyculture

by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

Purple weaves, blue braids, pink buns, orange puffs--sometimes you just need a change. But whether you want to go Beyoncé blonde or Faith Evans red, coloring your hair can have risks.

Popular hair dyes can contain Quaternium-15, which is found in many cosmetics and industrial substances and can release formaldehyde and also cause contact dermatitis, a symptom of an allergic reaction, especially in those with sensitive skin; Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), which are in used in manufacturing antioxidants, lubricating oil additives, laundry and dish detergents, and may be hormone disruptors; and Phenylenediamine (PPD), which is used in rubber chemicals, textile dyes and pigments, and can be a skin and respiratory irritant.

From all over color to a few highlights, here are the healthiest ways to color your natural hair.

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Do it dirty.
You shouldn't wash your hair before dyeing it. "Dirty hair is ideal for color application," says celebrity stylist Cynthia Alvarez. "The natural oils on your scalp act as a buffer between your scalp and the chemicals in the formula, so skip the shampoo a day before you plan to color."

Try a rinse.
For a quick burst of color without the long term commitment, try a rinse. Rinses deposit color on your stands for 6-8 weeks. Since it’s temporary color, a rinse will fade after several shampoos. It’s the best way to try a temporary shade before deciding to go all the way.

Choose ammonia-free color.
For dramatic color (fuchsia, turquoise, platinum blonde), ammonia may be necessary. To take your hair to a shocking shade, ammonia opens the cuticle so that the color can penetrate hair’s layers. For less electrifying color, check out ammonia free dyes like Shea Moisture and Clairol Textures and Tones, which comes in 14 different shades (I’m a #6G).

Go natural—again.
Henna is a great natural way to color hair, but did you know you can also color with beet juice, carrot juice, tea, coffee and walnuts? They may not last as long or change your color completely, but these natural alternatives can give your hair a boost of red-orange or dark brown color.

Moisturize.
Your hair may be dry after you color it—dye opens your cuticles in order to deposit color. Deep condition weekly and use butters, crèmes, and natural oils to help keep it moisturized and strong.

Do your research and choose the best option for you. Will you go lighter this season?

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Tiffani Greenway is the wife and mom behind MyMommyVents, a New York city parenting blog. Her tips have been seen on Yahoo Parenting, Mommy Noire, and Fit Pregnancy. Find more of Tiffani's work at mymommyvents.com.

Promote Natural Hair Growth With Ginger!

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IG @prii_babii 

by Ariane of BlackNaps.org

In addition to being a delicious zesty complement to your sushi roll, ginger happens to have a great benefits for your hair. Ginger improves circulation which may in turn promote growth and its antiseptic properties make it an effective scalp soother as well as an all natural dandruff treatment.

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How to use ginger

Get a tablespoon of fresh juice from ginger or a couple of drops ginger essential oil. Add the ginger to an ample amount of jojoba oil to dilute. Ginger juice or oil is highly potent, a little bit goes a long way and you never want to use it on its own.

Apply the mix as you would a hot oil treatment, let it sit in for 15-30 minutes under a hooded dryer or thermal deep conditioning cap and rinse.

You can buy ginger oil or make it yourself:

  1. Wash off fresh ginger and allow it to dry off for a couple of hours
  2. Shred the ginger into pieces with a grater
  3. Add the shredded ginger to an oven safe bowl
  4. Add in 1 1/2 cups olive oil
  5. Put the bowl into the oven and let it bake on 150 degrees low heat for two hours
  6. Once cooled strain the mixture using cheese cloth or a strainer to remove the grated pieces of ginger into the bottles you will be storing in
  7. Make sure that you keep it in a cool dry place (shelf life is 6 months)

To make ginger juice:

  1. Wash off the ginger
  2. Chop the ginger into pieces
  3. Place in a high powered blender (I use my Ninja)
  4. Add filtered water, enough to cover the ginger
  5. Blend
  6. Strain the ginger pieces out and store the juice in a container
  7. Keep in your fridge for 2 weeks max

Again, never use ginger on its own always dilute!

Do you use ginger in your routine? 

Janelle Monae Stars Alongside Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer In "Hidden Figures"

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Pictured Left to Right: Janelle Monae, Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer

Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

Singer Janelle Monae will join Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer to tell the story of three African American women who helped NASA win the Space Race, becoming the first Americans to orbit the earth.

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The film Hidden Figures tells the story of how a team of African-American women provided NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch the program's first successful space missions. Based on the Margot Lee Shetterly book of the same name, Taraji P. Henson plays the role of a human computer, able to answer formulas and equations that would largely impact the future of NASA. These Black women's important role in the 1960's would eventually lead John Glenn to become the first astronaut in history to orbit the Earth. Octavia Spencer will play the role of Dorothy Vaughn alongside Monae and Henson.

Singer, Janelle Monae trained specifically with a mathematician to perfect her role as Mary Jackson in the project. "This is the time where young girls are finally going to hear about a story that was hidden from them and be really moved and inspired," says Monae. "Whatever empowering story we haven't heard in the Black community, it's time to hear it. This is one of them," she told People Magazine in an interview during the film's screening at Essence Fest.

Hidden Figures will debut in theaters on January 13, 2017 featuring a musical soundtrack from Pharrell Williams. The film will also include of cast of Kevin Costner and Kirsten Dunst. Watch the trailer below and share your thoughts.


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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

3 Must-Have Deep Conditioners to Strengthen Hair & Prevent Breakage

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IG @ina90skindaworld

by Sabrina Perkins of Seriouslynatural.org

In the pursuit of a healthy hair journey, many Naturalistas face dry hair which can also lead to breakage which nobody wants. The following three deep conditioners help to prevent breakage, strengthen and add moisture to dry hair thanks to the emollients, humectants and hydrolyzed proteins.

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Aphogee’s Curlific texture treatment is packed with proteins for strength, emollients for shine and humectants for softness. Although this treatment is serious care for textured hair, it is still possible to use it every week to maintain beautiful hair regardless of the environment around you or your styling regimen. 

A few of the emollients that are in this treatment are dimethicone, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, shea butter, mauritia flexuosa fruit oil and hydrolyzed proteins. These emollients are used as lubricants and they provide large amounts of slip to help with detangling.

The humectants that are used in this treatment are able to draw moisture from the air to make hair even softer. The humectants in Aphogee’s Curlific texture treatment are panthenol and glycerin. Panthenol strengthens and repairs chemically damaged hair and it also binds to the hair follicles. Glycerin has the ability to define curls. This treatment has beneficial proteins such as hydrolyzed quinoa, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins and keratin amino acids. Quinoa contains all eight essential amino acids. It has the ability to assist in hair repair, protection and it conditions the hair. When hair is treated with hydrolyzed quinoa, it retains moisture shows less signs of damage and has better protected cuticles.

The benefits of hydrolyzed quinoa are easier detangling, improved shine, softer hair, it binds moisture to the hair strands and soothes an irritated scalp. Vegetable hydrolyzed proteins penetrates hair adding strength and shine. Keratin amino acids is a powerful moisturizer that can penetrate the hair. The proteins are small enough to penetrate the hair shaft and coating damaged allowing styles to hold.

Kinky Curly Stellar Strands Hydrating Deep Treatment
This treatment is enriched with emollients like macadamia oil and argan oil. This is an intense hydrating treatment and the benefits of using this treatment rejuvenates and moisturizes weak strands, improves elasticity, reduces breakage and maintains your hairs natural shine, silkiness and softness.

The humectants found in Kinky Curly Stellar Strands Hydrating Deep Treatment are glycerin and panthenol. Panthenol has the ability to reduce split ends. Although glycerin has the ability to define your curl pattern if it’s used in the wrong way it can lead to damage. The main proteins in this treatment are silk amino acids and collagen amino acids. These proteins improve elasticity and reduces breakage which helps with length retention.

Kinky Curly Stellar Strands Hydrating Deep Treatment is rich in biotin which helps with hair growth and thickens the hair. This is a “must have” in every Naturalista's product stash.

Nothing But: Intense Healing Mask

This intense healing mask not only strengthens but also repairs weak and fragile hair making this mask real help for transitioning hair. Nothing But: Intense Healing Mask is made with simple ingredients that penetrates deeply to repair, soothe, and smooth damaged brittle hair.

Some of the emollients are cyclopentosiloxane, dimethiconal, cetearyl alcohol, soybean oil, shea butter and wheat germ oil. These emollients offer shine, help in detangling and strengthens the hair. This mask has panthenol as a humectant which also thickens hair strands and enhances gloss and elasticity. The proteins found in this treatment are collagen amino acids and hydrolyzed keratin. Collagen maintains the elasticity in hair and hydrolyzed keratin reduces frizz and static electricity caused by dryness.

Nothing But: Intense Healing Mask also contains oils like jojoba oil, which is close to the natural oils (sebum) that our scalp produces. It also has Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E) which is a natural preservative. These three deep conditioners will definitely strengthen the hair and they are all made with natural ingredients, free of sulfates, parabens and mineral oil. Although these three deep treatments all have emollients, humectants and proteins, I definitely feel a difference between them.

My first choice would be Aphogee’s Curlific texture treatment. It is quite affordable (approximately 9$) and even though it is a strong treatment packed with proteins, it still has enough moisture to be able to use it every week. My second choice would be Kinky Curly Stellar Strands Hydrating Deep Treatment Although it has a thick consistency and leaves my hair soft it came in second because it is quite pricey (approximately 13$). It enhances your natural shine (thanks to the argan oil) and leaves your hair feeling stronger. My third choice would be Nothing But: Intense Healing Mask

It is also affordable (approximately 11 dollars) leaving your hair strengthened and it definitely helps with breakage and shedding. All of these deep conditioners are a good balance between protein and moisture making it possible to use often.

What is your favorite deep conditioner?

10 Ingredients for the Health-Conscious Curly

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IG @simply.comfort


Being natural while living with a chronic illness can be summed up by this: staying mindful of my hair, my health, and my hair's health--after all, my life depends on it. In addition to a boundless amount of meds, biweekly infusions, and injections, for me it's crucial to keep these 10 ingredients incorporated in my hair and skin regimen in order stay as healthy as possible.

Read on for my health-conscious ingredient list (along with product recommendations)>>>
Vitamin E Oil
This vitamin/antioxidant exists in 8 chemical forms. Do note, however, that most vitamin E "oils" don't contain all of them. It blocks free radicals from the body, slowing down the aging process. Use this as a moisturizer before bedtime for dry skin and scalp. Taking vitamin E as a supplement will boost your immune system, as well.

I recommend:
Ampro Pro Styl Vitamin E Oil
Nature Made Vitamin E Softgels
Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Treatment

Green tea

Dealing with hair loss? Incorporate green tea into your diet. It's been identified by scientists to stimulate hair growth due to it's epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) component. EGCG inhibits the products of Tumor Necrosis Factors, which cause hair loss. For those of us with compromised immune systems, green tea is a great health and beauty boost.

Aloe Vera

This medicinal plant has some amazing nutritional, health, and beauty benefits. Aloe is a natural adaptogen, meaning it's been known to help the body fight illness. It contains polysaccharides, lending a helping hand to your immune system. It soothes sunburns and abrasions. Aloe vera is guaranteed to soothe a tender scalp and reduces inflammation, thanks to one of its 12 substances, B-sisterole.
Raw Honey
Not only is it a natural hair lightener, but this natural humectant's high sugar content helps retain moisture. Honey also keeps hair cuticles soft, therefore reducing the risk of frizz and dandruff. Its antibacterial properties heal burned skin. It also contains soothing healing properties for eczema.

I recommend:
MyHoneyChild Honey Hair Mask
Skin Food Royal Honey Mask
Design Essentials Natural Honey CurlForming Custard

Avocado

This nutrient-dense fruit contains good fats for a reduced calorie diet. It provides a great amount of protection to your skin due to its antioxidant carotenoids. Include avocado to your diet if you're noticing crow's feet and fine lines. It also contains oleic acid, crucial to the epidermal layer of your skin for long-lasting hydration. As a butter or oil, avocado adds softness from its nutrient-rich substances.

Rosemary
Belonging to the mint family, rosemary fights dandruff and dull hair. The herb is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin B6, and contains anti-inflammatory properties which play a significant role in blocking free radicals. Not only does it help the skin's aging process, but recent science has shown the herb to help with brain aging as well. If used topically, dilute with a carrier oil to prevent from skin irritation.

Coconut Milk
This sweet, creamy liquid is rich in vitamins C, E, B1, B5, and B6. It also has tons of calcium and iron, which promote strong bones. Coconut milk is also used in hair products to prevent excess hair fall and reduce frizz. Its lauric acid content fights fungal infections. Use it to replenish protein and stimulate your hair follicles.

I recommend:
OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner
Alba Botanicals Coconut Milk Body Cream
AfroVeda Coconut Moisture Milk Conditioner

Lavender

Alopecia patients love lavender's abilities to promote rapid hair growth, according to a recent Scottish study. Massage the oil into your hair daily for best results. Its scent has been long known to provide aromatherapy, so spritz it on your pillowcase for a sound sleep. Lavender oil also helps cures digestion issues, headaches, and achy joints.
Cucumbers
Health and beauty buffs are no stranger to this super food. For your hair, their antioxidant properties cleanse the scalp while getting rid of excessive oil. Cucumbers contain phytochemicals, tightening sagging skin. The combined fiber and water content helps you feel fuller in between meals, aiding in weight loss.

I recommend:
Shikai Cucumber Melon Hand & Body Lotion
Wen Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner
Yes to Cucumbers Color Care Leave-In

Chamomile
Fruity in flavor, this tea is a derivative of the golden-white chamomile flower. It's believed to have healing powers for its antioxidant properties. People with sensitive and dry skin use it to restore moisture and heal dryness and irritation from sunburn. It also fights acne breakouts, and is effective as a way to naturally lighten dark hair.

How to Troubleshoot Your Natural Hair Growth Problem

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IG @modelesque_nic 

by Aziza Glass of www.azizaglass.com via BlackNaps.org

I’m a scientist. With most problems I encounter, I tend to solve them as if they are an experiment. If I know that certain predictions should come to pass and do not, the problem is most likely located within my protocol or process. Fast forward to the moment I realized my hair just wasn’t growing the way it should. I decided to attempt to identify the culprit.

Continue!>>>
So I have some questions for you:

Have you been stuck at the same length for months? Does it seem like it is going to take a decade before you reach your hair length goal? Are you trying to find the miracle product that will solve your problems, but it remains elusive?

I have a suggestion–troubleshoot.

What is a troubleshooter? Answer: an expert in discovering and eliminating the cause of trouble in mechanical equipment, or person who tries to find solutions to problems.

Now you (the reader) or I (the writer) may not be experts in hair, but we can definitely attempt to figure out what is going on with what grows out of our scalps. Therefore, when I was trying to figure out the cause of my poor length retention, I decided to dissect my hair regimen.

#1 Remove heat

This may seem like common sense, but common sense isn’t very common nowadays. High heat has the potential to make your hair brittle or destroy your curl pattern by burning the cuticle. When I transitioned, I continued to flat iron my hair (I mean my wonderful beautician). When I moved away for school, it was difficult to trust someone else with the care of my hair, and I could never get the same results as back home. I tried to recreate it myself (sort of failed). I also realized that some of the new hair products I used might not have been created for direct heat application. For instance, if I’m trying a new leave-in conditioner, that conditioner may not be designed for direct heat from a flat iron. So I may be frying my hair in my effort to straighten it.

Results – Besides limiting a potential contributor to my poor length retention, I was also forced to become more creative when styling my hair. This freed me from my addiction to direct heat. Initially, I gave myself a challenge of going one year heat free, which eventually (and effortlessly) became two. The only time I used heat was for deep conditioning.

#2 Pay attention to the ingredients

Once again you might say, “Duh.” However, for newbies in the natural hair game, you might not know how much you should read the fine print on hair products. With so many hair companies jumping on the natural hair bandwagon, there are a lot of products now that are marketed for “naturals” or “textured” or “curly” hair. In addition, there are people on YouTube and bloggers who make a living out of reviewing hair products for you. It’s easy to be lazy and give in to the advertisement. I know I’m guilty. When I started transitioning, I knew there were people who refused to use certain products if they had certain ingredients in them. But I thought, “Seriously…it doesn’t take all of that.” Well in following my troubleshoot method, the next potential problem I eliminated was products that contained ingredients that were often listed on the “Stay clear” list. This included alcohols, sulfates, glycerin, silicones, and mineral oil. Once I committed to removing these ingredients from my life, I was able to clear out my bathroom of all the product junk I had amassed. For every bottle or jar I kept, ten were given or thrown away.

Results – I was forced to start doing research on why these ingredients were bad for my hair and which ingredients were good. My bank account was much happier, since I wasn’t spending money on everything with the remote promise of making my hair look like my favorite YouTube blogger. After I changed the products I used, my hair seemed to stay moisturized longer.

#3 To comb or not to comb…that is the question

It is the rule of thumb that in order for your hair to be untangled, it must be combed. Right?…WRONG. I strongly believe the way you untangle your hair depends entirely on your curl pattern and hair thickness. Those with loose curls can handle a wide tooth comb easier than those with the tighter curls. If you have thick hair, it’s harder to comb through versus hair that is thinner. What kind of hair do I have? …Tight and kinky-curly coils that are long and thick. For years, I had been combing my hair out using a wide tooth comb. I even bought the expensive seamless combs. I tried every kind of method to make detangling and combing my hair out easier and nothing seemed to work. Each time I would see my whole shower peppered with hair fragments–pieces of hair that broke out in my quest to thoroughly detangle my hair. Even more frustrating was knowing after all the time I spent combing my hair out, when it dried it seemed to tangle again. I thought I was just wasting time.

A friend told me her sister had hair similar to mine and stopped combing her hair. I looked at her like she was crazy! That was like trying to tell me that a tiger makes a perfect housecat. She said she hadn’t combed her hair in two years and it was the longest it had ever been. I asked her why. Her response was, “My sister takes her time to finger detangle and remove hair that’s been shed. If there are fairy knots, sometimes she cuts them off and sometimes she doesn’t. She believes if she has already detangled her hair with her fingers, then the purpose of combing the hair out has already been achieved. Besides, when she’s finger detangling, she comes across knots that she patiently untangles. A comb would just rip through the hair without preference of what is a true tangle.” Although unconventional, the reasoning was sound and the results were promising. I decided to try it myself.

Results– I proceeded to finger detangle my hair for several months and noticed shedding of long strands instead of the usual hair fragments. Later, I discovered my favorite detangling technique to date which you can check out here. After a month, I could see a significant difference in the length of my hair and a decrease in the amount of knots discovered.

It’s been four years since I troubleshot my hair regimen. I’ve gone from being stuck at armpit length to (just recently) reaching my hair goal of mid-back length. If you have been frustrated by your lack of progress, I suggest you dissect what you are doing in your hair regimen step by step. If it doesn’t seem to be working, do not become stubborn and try to force it. Make some changes and move on. In the process, you will learn what works for you. After all, that’s all a part of the journey to becoming a naturalista.


Detangling Natural Hair- Frequency and Length Retention

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IG @curlbellaa


Detangling
For many of us, it might as well be a four letter word. Some of us avoid it until our hair is on the brink of disaster, while others may do some form of it a few times a week or even daily. We all know the dangers of pushing detangling sessions too far back -- from breakage and matting to cutting out clumps of knots. But what about detangling too frequently? Is there a such thing as doing too much detangling?

There's an old adage that says, too much of anything is bad for you. By and large, that tends to be true. Detangling is great for releasing shed hairs, making the removal of buildup easier, and not to mention, it is the cornerstone of every fabulous natural hair style. But when done too often, detangling can lead to the following:

HYGRAL FATIGUE
Every time we douse our hair in water, the shaft expands to accommodate the uptake in water. As it dries, the shaft contracts and returns to normal. This is a regular thing for all hair, and does not typically cause damage--except for when done in excess. Constant expansion and contraction (from doing daily wash and go's or daily soaking wet detangling) can cause damage to the cuticles and cortex of the hair, weakening them to the point of premature breakage. This does not mean that you should avoid moisture at all costs -- just pull back to spritzes of water or a refresher, or light moisturizers and creams instead of dunking your hair in water. The best way to tell if you have hygral fatigue is to take a few strands of hair the next time you wet it, and pull them gently. If your hair springs right back to its kinky, coily, or curly self, then you're good to go. If the hair takes a while to retract back (like an overstretched scrunchie), or just breaks in your hand, you've got hygral fatigue.

EXCESSIVE CUTICLE WEAR/THINNING ENDS
Another pitfall of excessive manipulation via detangling is wear on the cuticles -- especially the ends. Every time we touch our hair, we take a little cuticle with us. So even if you're doing the most gentle, coconut oil-only, 3 hour painstakingly slow detangling session, you're still causing your hair damage. When done on a regular basis (not excessive), the results should not significantly impact your hair health and length retention. But if your hands are in your hair detangling constantly, expect every move of a comb, fingers, or denman to chip away at the cuticle of your hair. You may not notice it at first, but gradually the ends will begin to thin out and look wiry.

You may even find that your hair is having difficulty retaining moisture, because excessive detangling/combing has led to chipped cuticles along the shaft, causing moisture to be lost. If it's not too late, cut back on detangling and combing sessions now. To prevent further damage, begin incorporating protein treatments (like Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask, Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioner, or ApHogee Curlific Texture Treatment) into your deep conditioning regimen, and use leave-ins with protein (like It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin, and ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer Spray) to help patch up the cuticle.

How often do you detangle? Are you detangling wet or dry?
What's your process and fav products?

Three Black Women Just Swept The 100M Hurdles, Making Olympic History

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Left to Right: Kristi Castlin, Brianna Rollins, and Nia Ali

Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

Team USA just claimed the top three spots in the 100M hurdles olympics, and guess what? They were all Black women.
Continue Reading
For the first time (EVER) in history, a nation swept the podium at the 100M hurdles. Rollins finished first in 12.48 seconds, followed by Ali in 12.59 seconds and Castlin in 12.61 seconds according to NBC Olympics. In case you missed it, watch the historic moment below. #BlackWomenDidThat

Gold: Brianna Rollins (United States)
Silver: Nia Ali (United States)
Bronze: Kristi Castlin (United States)


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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie


Real Talk: I'm Not Feeling My Natural Hair

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by Michelle Thames of HappilyEverNatural.com 

So I’ll be honest, I’m not feeling my natural hair. My hair has been through some major changes over the past year. If you have been following me, you know that I had to learn to care for it all over again with new techniques and practices due to post-partum shedding and texture changes. Read my story here.

Continue!>>>

While it has been going great for the most part, I still find myself back at the same point. I am constantly looking at old pictures of how my hair used to be and feeling sad. I know that my hair may never be the same as it was pre and immediately post baby, but sometimes it's just hard for me to accept that. I’m being totally transparent with y’all, I’m not feeling my natural hair.

I’ve been trying new techniques and new styles but I stay disappointed with my hair. So lately to keep my hands out of my hair, I have been protective styling all summer. You can check out the styles that I have been rocking, Here, Here, and Here

I am saying all of this to say that I too have bad hair days. You may not see the bad side of the Natural Hair Gurus, that you follow online but I’m sure they have bad hair days too and sometimes are not feeling their natural hair (me included). My hair and I are not getting along right now, but I won’t give up. I will continue to take care of it and nurture it. I have been consistent with my healthy hair regimen, vitamin intake and water intake. I have also been making sure that my hair is deep conditioned in between protective styling.

Sometimes you just are not feeling your hair. You just feel blah, because your hair isn’t acting right I’m here to tell you girlfriend I’ve been there. I’m there right now. But, I’m gonna get through this. At the end of the day I love my natural hair and would never go back to a relaxer!

Are you not feeling your natural hair?

Former Degrassi Star Andrea Lewis Is Launching 'Women's Empowerment Weekend'

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Photo courtesy of Andrea Lewis

Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

What first started three years ago by actress/producer Andrea Lewis as a form of self-love and building confidence has grown into something much bigger than she expected. The former Degrassi star and mastermind behind the series Black Actress is launching the inaugural Women's Empowerment Weekend.

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Women's Empowerment Weekend will take place next Saturday August 27th and 28th in downtown Los Angeles.The weekend is compromised of two back to back events including Black Women In Entertainment: Behind The Scenesand Self Love Tea Time w/ actress Keesha Sharp(Girlfriends/Lethal Weapon.) The first of two events, Black Women In Entertainment includes a panel discussion with top industry executives such as Karen Horne, Talent & Development at NBC, Chika Chukudebelu, Original Programming at BET and Deniese Davis of Issa Rae Productions. While many Black women aspire careers in the entertainment/film industry, it's very rare to find opportunities to sit it front of a panel of women who look like them asking questions to those making the key decisions. The second event, Self Love Tea Time with actress Keesha Sharp is an opportunity for women of color to have very candid conversations about self-love, life and sisterhood over tea.

Lewis shares the inspiration on why she decided to keep going to create this weekend. "My first event featured special celebrity guest Essence Atkins and it was a pow wow of women sharing everything from their fears, their joy, their dreams and their goals and it was truly the makings of a sisterhood, says Lewis. "Most of the ladies didn’t know each other in the beginning but after 3 hours of open and honest conversation and even some tears, it felt like a room full of best friends." Now she adds the actress Keesha Sharp to her next event. "I'm ecstatic to have Keesha Sharp as the special celebrity guest and to learn about her journey with self-confidence and love."  



Three years later, and over 100 videos dedicated to Self-Love Saturday on her Youtube page, Andrea Lewis appears to be on to something big. However, it was seeking personal self-confidence that progressed her so far this journey. "I did it simply because I had just spent nearly a year working on my self confidence and self awareness and I was very happy with how I felt about myself finally. At the time I was doing a play and working with a woman who I felt was beautiful but I also felt could use a bit of encouragement but I didn’t exactly know how to say it. So I decided to make a video saying everything I was thinking."Women's Empowerment Weekend will bring together over 100 women of color in the same space to have these important conversations. The event also has plans to expand to markets such as New York and Chicago in the very near future.



Early bird tickets for Women's Empowerment Weekend are currently available in a bundle pack of $30 or individually at $20 for the Black Women In Entertainment Panel and $15 for Self Love Team Time. You can purchase them here.


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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

A New Flaxseed Gel Recipe With Better Hold & No Flakes!

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IG @j0ellx

by Sointocurls via Blacknaps.org

For quite some time now, I’ve been a true believer in the beauty of flaxseed gel as a viable solution for frizzy hair that lacks curl definition. What’s not to love about it? Among other benefits, flaxseeds contain omega 3 oils which are absolutely wonderful for all types of hair. Naturally, then, it goes without saying that flaxseed gel is miles ahead of any commercially produced hair gels that are drying to the hair.

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Up to this point, though, I’ve always had two issues with DIY flax seed gel for hair:

#1 First, the hold only lasted for a few days, and that was a problem for me because I’m not able to wash my hair every three days or so.

#2 Secondly, it always left a cast on my hair and was pretty flaky. I don’t know if it’s because my hair is low porosity hair or what, but the flakes were always inevitable.

With one modification, I was able to resolve both of these issues.



I ran across a you tube video by Rachel that talked about adding marshmallow root to the flaxseed gel mixture. This herb is really hard to find in bulk amounts in most local stores, so I decided to order it online. Well, when I got the product in and followed the recipe from the video, I realized that the marshmallow root tremendously increased the hold of the gel. The consistency of it was still slimy as before, but the hold was out of this world! It works beautifully on my daughter’s 4a texture hair, and her curls were defined and exceptionally shiny for at least a full week. It looks like I’ve struck gold with this mixture!

This is a variation of Rachel’s recipe that I used:
1/2 cup flaxseeds
6 cups water
2 tablespoons marshmallow root
1 teaspoon honey

Directions:

First boil water, then add flaxseeds and marshmallow root. Cook for an additional 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and then strain. Finally, add honey and blend thoroughly and allow to cool. Your gel is ready for use!

No more flakes and better hold!

As for the flaking, I now use pure Shea Butter on the hair before adding the flaxseed gel, but you can also use coconut oil or any other oil that you prefer. The result? No more flakes! Liquid oils can also be mixed into the gel instead of being used before the gel application. It’s all up to you. At any rate, I’ve finally figured out my flaxseed gel problem, and I hope that this works for you too.

Remember always store your DIY natural hair products in the refrigerator. Since preservatives are not being used if not refrigerated your mixture WILL become the home of bacteria.  For more info on preserving your homemade products, click here. 

THIS is How You Avoid Breakage During a Transition to Natural Hair

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IG @trinigal99

by Sabrina Perkins of SeriouslyNatural.org

If you’ve made the decision to transition long-term, then you already understand the difficulty that comes with dealing with two textures. The line of demarcation (between the relaxed hair and natural hair) is a weak spot that is very prone to breakage and needs to be handled with kid gloves to minimize damage.

Handling your hair carefully is an obvious step, but what else can be done to prevent breakage? Check out these 5 pointers that will help your long-term transitioning go smoother and happier!

Continue!>>>


Detangle Very Carefully
Duh, right? When dealing with two different textures, it’s important to detangle the hair slowly and patiently. Saturate the hair with conditioner and finger detangle, starting from the ends. You can purchase detangling conditioner but any conditioner will do.

Be sure to work through any knots slowly as the hair is in a very delicate state and any unnecessary tension will cause breakage. Don't ever try to rip through your hair with a brush or a comb if you become frustrated with the tangling. Chill out, decompress, woo-sah, and come back to it when you’re not aggravated.

Enlist In Low-Manipulation Styles
Style your hair as little as possible if you’re transitioning long-term. Your relaxed ends are extremely weak and can break very easily when manipulated, even from simple combing or brushing. The more you have your hands in your hair, the more likely your hair will break off.

Styling your hair in protective styles such as buns, Marley twists and box braids so that the ends aren’t exposed is your good bet but any style that keeps you out of your hair is a winner. This will help reduce breakage significantly since your hair isn’t being manipulated on a daily basis and your ends aren’t snagging on your clothes and other harsh fabrics.

Moisture/Protein Balance
It’s important to keep your hair moisturized, but you may need to add a little protein to your regimen to keep it strong as well. Moisturizing hair may be a daily or weekly chore but using protein treatments or protein conditioners should not be used nearly as often as they may cause protein overload and make hair brittle and/or dry. It’s tricky trying to maintain the health and moisture balance of two different textures, but regular moisturization and deep conditioning treatments are the key components that can make all the difference.

Opt to deep condition your hair every time you wash it (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.) so that the proper level of moisture is restored to the hair. Afterwards, use a leave-in conditioner of your choice to further moisturize the hair, and seal with an oil or butter to lock in that moisture. If your relaxed ends tend to be drier than your natural hair (which they will be), don’t be afraid to add a little more leave-in.

If you’ve noticed that your hair gets very hard or tough to manage after applying a product that contains protein, then you may be protein sensitive or may need to give another protein a try. If this is the case, you need to find products that either don’t contain protein at all, or contain very small amounts of it. Always remember that too much protein can cause dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage and damage.

No-Heat Styling
Keeping the hair stretched is another key to reducing the amount of breakage you experience during your transition and many transitioners opt to blow-dry the hair and even straighten it in attempts to achieve a sleek look. Regular heat application breaks down the protein bonds of the hair, whether it’s direct or indirect heat.

If you want to achieve a sleek, straightened look, then invest in some Curlformers, curlers or large rods to set and stretch your hair. Blow-dry the hair on the cool setting, if possible, or just allow the hair to air dry. Try using a diffuser because the dispersed air doesn't disturb the hair's wave pattern or cause frizz when drying.

Comb/ brush it out and, after applying some type of setting lotion, set the hair on your curlers/rods and let the hair air-dry or sit under a hooded dryer for 25-60 minutes (depending on the length/thickness of your hair). Now, just remove the rods and style!

Trimming
As every transitioner knows, trimming has become your best friend. Every little cut is a step closer to your big chop and you can’t wait to reach that point! If you notice that your relaxed ends are getting rebellious on you (which they will), don’t be afraid to trim them. The whole point of transitioning is to eventually be natural, right? The more you trim, the closer to natural you’ll be and your hair will thank you for it!

What are some tips that you can think of to prevent breakage when transitioning? Leave your comments below!

Tips for Caring for Fine Natural Hair

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IG @sherelle_naturelle

by Sointocurls via Blacknaps.org

Having fine hair is not a bad thing, unless what you are experiencing is in fact hair thinning, which is totally different.

Fine hair means that the diameter (width) of a single strand is smaller than that of a person whose strands are medium or thick. Hair thinning is when you have less strands of hair on your head than what you actually should. Someone could have thick strands and be lacking in the amount of strands they should have.

Fine hair can really be beautiful, especially if it’s treated properly. Some positives are: it may be more lightweight, easier to manage and have more movement than thick hair. Here are some tips for providing the best care:

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Choose light products

The key to managing fine hair is to not use products that can weigh it down. Go with products on the lighter side. Heavier products will take away from volume and make your hair appear even more thin. Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or argan oil are excellent choices for sealing in moisture without adding excess weight.

Clarify

Get a good clarifying shampoo.For the times when you choose to use products that are heavy clarifying will be useful for removing product buildup.

Be Gentle

Since fine hair is thinner in diameter it can be more prone to breakage. Reduce exposure to alcohol laden products that cause increased dryness. Make sure that when you are detangling you are being cautious as this is an area if you are not careful you can lose a lot of hair. You may want to try finger detangling.

Use heat sparingly

Minimize heat styling and when heat is employed, be sure to use thermal heat protectantsthat are not silicone based that utilize natural oils. The Just Natural product line has a great heat protectant serum that protects hair but doesn’t weigh it down. It’s a little pricey, so be prepared, but it is definitely worth the price!

Be critical of products that promise volume

Check the ingredient lists closely to make sure that you are not compromising your hair and scalp’s health when shopping for hair thickening products. If your strands happen to be naturally fine and you are not suffering from hair thinning no product will be able to change the thickness of your strands.

As with all grades of hair, fine hair does in fact have its own challenges, but with the right care you will definitely love it more and more each day!

How to Care for Your Natural Hair While Protective Styling

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by Michelle Thames of HappilyEverNatural.com

Protective styling is known as a style that helps to protect your hair and ends from the everyday elements. A protective style does not require much manipulation such as combing, brushing and pulling of your hair. I love wearing protective styles all year round.

If you have been keeping up with me, you know that I have been protective styling all summer. The reason that I have chosen to wear protective styles this summer is because I am trying to help my hair grow and retain length, and I’m just not feeling my natural hair right now. Due to a few reasons my hair just has not been super healthy like it should be. I talked about how I had to learn all over again how to care for my natural hair post baby, here.

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This summer I have tried out crochet braids with curlkalon hair, a wig, clip- in extensions by Kinky Cury Yakki, crochet faux goddess locs and crochet twists. I also have been taking a multivitamin every day with my hair skin and nails vitamin and drinking 64-75 ounces of water a day. It is important that I began to take care of my hair from the inside out.

Caring for your hair while you are protective styling is very important. Just because your hair is in a protective style doesn’t mean you can forget about it. I have been keeping up a consistent regimen while I am protective styling. Here are a few ways that I care for my hair while protective styling.


  1. I have been taking care of my scalp by using my Pre-shampo DIY treatment for my dry scalp.
  2. In between my protective styling I have been making sure to deep condition as well as steam my hair.
  3. Also, I have found that it is very important to clarify your hair. I usually use a clarifying shampoo or use the bentionite clay treatment to clarify my hair.
  4. Moisture is a major key alert!! Although your hair in a protective style, you still need to moisturize your scalp. I use a mixture of water, my favorite oil (tea tree), liquid leave in, and aloe vera juice.
  5. Night time care is also important, you still need to cover your hair with a satin bonnet or scarf. Rough cotton pillows can pull moisture from your hair, so make sure you are protecting your hair at night.

While practicing this temporary protective style regimen, I hope to nurse my hair back to health. I am not manipulating it as much so I hope to retain length. Next month I will go to my stylist and get a trim and see how my hair is coming along!

How do you care for your hair while protective styling?

How I Overcame Being Intimidated By My Natural Hair

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IG: itsmissbee_2u

by Bianca Jones of www.missbeesblog.com

From as far back as I can remember, my hair has always been a constant struggle and a work in progress. My hair in its natural state was so intimidating that for a long time I only dealt with it when it was straightend. After trying product after product, style after style, and many beauticians, I finally found what works for me. Even though I have now cut my hair into a tapered natural cut, natural hair can still be a scary transition nobody what the length is.

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Starting at the beginning, growing up my mom struggled a lot when trying to maintain my hair. Wearing braids was the most convenient and easiest style to keep so like most young girls, that was my go to look. Over the years my hair became thicker and longer and my straightened hair was not lasting more than a couple of days so due to Houston’s humidity. My mom decided it was time for a change; my first relaxer. I was in seventh grade and this was huge step in my hair journey. With a relaxer my hair stayed straight for much longer and was so much easier to maintain. Once I got in high school my hair had changed a lot. From letting friends straighten it and not being educated on how to maintain relaxed hair, I began to notice how much my hair had fallen out and how it was no longer healthy like it was once was. By my senior year I randomly decided to stop getting relaxers. I realized it was not helping but damaging my hair. I missed my natural texture, my curl pattern, and how healthy it use to be.

Once I stopped getting relaxers the struggle began again. This was before the natural hair phenomenon, as I call it, began. I had no idea how to wear my hair in it’s natural state and how to style it myself. Have you ever had that feeling when you absolutely dreaded doing something? Where you procrastinated until the very last minute? Well that was me when it came to washing or doing anything else to my natural hair. Since I was in college the easiest style to wear was sew-ins. Eventually like everything else this got old and I knew I wanted to experiment with my own hair. By this time most of the relaxer had grown out and my hair had grown so much in length and in thickness. Seeing it back to how it once was I became excited for the next journey. I wanted to educate myself and find the best products for me so I watched tons of Youtube videos, experimented with different products, and tried many styles. After trial and error I finally found what works for me and my hair. For a long time I was so intimidated by my hair, I wanted nothing to do with it. I even thought about cutting it off and wearing my hair short just to save time, effort, and money but luckily I didn’t. In the end it took confidence and plenty of work to get to where I am today.

I had to not only learn how to style my own hair but how to fully appreciate it. That was the hardest part. I can honestly say my hair is no longer my enemy and I’m no longer intimidated!

Were you ever intimidated by your natural hair? How did you get over it? 

Chicago Teacher Heads Back To School With A Rap Career

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by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

He may not be accepting a Grammy any time soon, but Chicago teacher Dwayne Reed is inspiring his students.

Reed, a first year teacher at Jane Stenson Elementary School in north suburban Skokie, dabbed on the traditional “welcome back” newsletter with a music video. Working with local talent to collaborate a fun rap, Reed got his 4th graders in the back to school spirit.

Read On!>>>


'When you do good work, I'll acknowledge, 
because I know you're headed off to work or to college.'

In his video, he stresses the importance of hard work, respect, and community. More than 35 percent of public school students in the U.S. are African American or Hispanic, but roughly 2 percent of all public school teachers are black males.

Dr. Robert Palmer, Associate Professor of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Howard University, stresses the importance of these teachers, saying, “Black male faculty members are critical because they serve as role models to African Americans and other men of color who may have lacked access to such individuals.” (source) Reed is part of the small group helping to usher kids to academic success.

So we gotta keep it positive. That's the key.
Have respect for each other - and don't forget me.
Have respect for yourselves and the staff and the school.
Having fun can be cool when we're following the rules.

Watch Reed’s viral video and get excited about going back to school!



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Tiffani Greenway is the wife and mom behind MyMommyVents, a New York city parenting blog. Her tips have been seen on Yahoo Parenting, Mommy Noire, and Fit Pregnancy. Find more of Tiffani's work at mymommyvents.com.

RIP Aaliyah: 15 Years Later, Remembering Aaliyah's Legacy

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R.I.P. Aaliyah...R.I.P.   R.I.P. Aaliyah...R.I.P.

Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

This morning I woke up, blasting Kendrick Lamar's "Blow My High." Just 30-minutes before, I scrolled through Instagram, reminded that it's been 15 long years since we lost a legend. A few years back when I first heard Kendrick's track, I found myself wondering what life would've been like had Aaliyah still been around. I remember hearing Andre 3000's Pink & Blue for the first, remembering that age was truly nothing but a number.

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Would she have put some of these mediocre R&B artists out of business? I imagine that her music might sit somewhere between Erykah Badu and Rihanna. Realistically though, probably a younger version of Mary J. Blige. Would there be a Rihanna, Ciara? Beyonce? Would she have spoken up on issues in the Black community? Would Aaliyah & Chill be a real thing?

There's so many questions I wanted to ask her, but never got the chance.

You ever felt like you knew somebody without actually ever knowing them? Aaliyah was my high school crush that I never had the courage to talk to. She was the sweet girl that R. Kelly everybody loved. She was extremely talented, but like 2Pac and Biggie, I can't help but wonder what it would be like if she was still around.

15 years ago today she passed away at 6:50p.m. We all know the sad story, so I'll try not to relive it. But I remember exactly where I was. My best friend and I were chilling at his crib in St. Louis when we first heard the news. It was a Saturday evening. I was still in my adolescent so I don't think I fully appreciated her then, but I must've played "Rock The Boat" a 100 times. At my young age, I had already lost one of the greatest artists of my generation. Back then, around 98-2000 when the DJ would play 'Are You That Somebody' at the local D.A.R.E. Dance, I felt like the man. This was way before I knew about Sallie Mae, adulting or really understood what life was like when the most exciting thing in your week was happy hour. She was young and talented. By age 22, she had already won three Soul Train Awards, two AMA's, two VMA's and four Grammy nom's. There's no telling what she might've accomplished had she still been around today, but 15 years later, I still think about her.



"First Aaliyah now Romeo Must Die? I know I got angels watching me on the other side."

What was your favorite song? Was it At Your Best, Back & Forth, Age Ain't Nothin But a Number or Rock The Boat? Where were you when Aaliyah passed away? I read in the comment sections on IG that somebody was flying on a plane when they heard the news. There's a small chance that somebody could've been listening to her, while they were on the plane when they heard the news. There's a small chance that this could've changed their life forever. Because music does things to people. In ways that we can't even imagine. Sometimes... you just don't realize it until it's too late.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson, Prince, 2Pac, Biggie, and R.I.P. Aaliyah. 



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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie



How to Moisturize Your Protective Styles to Avoid Breakage

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image (2)

by Kiara B. via GlobalCouture.net

What are protective styles?
As a part of the transitioning process or just to protect your luscious curls from the harsh weather and over manipulation, protective styles such as braids, twists, buns, bantu knots, up-do’s, etc.  can be very beneficial. But, if not maintained properly can cause extreme breakage. Since most transitioning and natural beauties seek these styles because they are low maintenance and are considered to be a “break” from daily handling, you may fall into the temptation of not caring for your hair, which will later result in breakage.

Read On!>>>
How do you avoid breakage? In order to avoid breakage when maintaining a protective style, moisture is the key. Allow me to take all of your worries away of having a dry scalp while trying to protect your hair with a very affordable quick fix—spray bottle or applicator bottle. A spray bottle or applicator bottle filled with water, nutrients, and oils, is just enough to maintain moisture and avoid breakage in the process. There are a lot of recipes on what to include in your spray bottle but below is my favorite:
  • 3/4 of the bottle filled with water to dilute the products
  • Any type of virgin oil (i.e. Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Almond Oil, etc.)
  • Glycerin
  • Conditioner
When mixing these products, remember that there really isn’t a correct mixture or amount to use of each product because it’s based off individual preferences. How often you should apply the product to your scalp will vary as well and can be anywhere from daily to weekly depending on how much moisture your hair needs. One thing to remember is to allow your hair to completely dry before pinning or styling. You don’t want your scalp to mildew or mold due to not receiving enough air in order to dry. Also, remember that vital tip when washing your protective styles. Yes ladies, it is perfectly fine to wash your protective style in order to keep your hair clean. You would wash your hair as you would normally if you didn’t have the protective style. The one thing I would recommend is to make sure to dilute any shampoo or conditioner being used for an easier rinse out. If you’re not so sure about using shampoo, try the Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse method. You should still dilute the Apple Cider Vinegar before applying it to your hair. The vinegar will only smell while in your hair and will later disappear after the rinse so no worries about smelling like a pickle for the rest of the day.

The last tip that I want to give would be the last thing you do for the day. Try sleeping with a satin scarf or bonnet to avoid the moisture that you’ve just achieved being rubbed into your pillow at night. Cotton fabric tends to soak up moisture and causes frizz. So to save yourself the heartache in the morning, wrap your hair in a protective scarf before bed.

How do you protect your  hair while in a protective style? 
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