Did you know that most people form an initial opinion about a person within the
first three seconds of meeting them? Yes, just three seconds! Michelle T. Sterling,
AICI, Founder of Global Image Group and expert on image, impression and impact,
says the appraisal is crafted, even if it's just a glance. So basically, good, bad,
or indifferent, people pass judgment within just moments of meeting you.
According to Miss Sterling, part of the 'appraisal' is behavioral--demeanor, mannerisms,
body language, etc. But, one of the most significant factors of the evaluation
is visual. The visual consists of scanning accessories (e.g., handbag, briefcase,
watch), attire, and of course, hair. Dr. Marianne LaFrance, Professor of Psychology,
Professor of Woman’s and Gender Studies at Yale University and Director of the study,
First Impressions and Hair Impressions, says, "Different hairstyles quickly lead
others to 'see' different kinds of people."
The face suggests what someone is like; however, different hair-styles significantly
over-power whatever initial impressions were based on the face alone. For instance,
"pulling your hair away from your eyes rather than hiding behind it, indicates sexual
self-confidence", says Ian Kerner, PhD, author of Honest--You're Not That into
Him Either. And all this time, I thought clothing and shoes carried the most weight
with first impressions.
Well, let's review what your hair says about you, and you can determine whether
or not it's accurate.
The Classy Lady
If the hair is pristine and well kept, it suggests confidence and sensuality. To
that point, a neat up-do is the picture of poise. It’s a good style for meeting
your boyfriend's parents or giving a presentation in front of your boss. An up-do
or ponytail higher on the head conveys a more casual, energetic look. As for unkept
styles, those can send a very different message. It can give the impression that
the person is trying to cover up parts of her face that she considers flawed.
It can also suggest that the person leads a disheveled but free-spirited life.
Miriam Chemmoss - Artist The Open Book
If the hair is short to medium-length, the person is often interpreted as open,
honest and smart--what you see is what you get. Short to medium, tousled
but tame tresses, radiate the look of confidence and an outgoing nature. Also, as a rule, shorter
styles tend to make younger women appear more mature and sophisticated.
Yaya DaCosta
- Model/Actress
The Party Girl A woman with big medium-length hair is usually perceived
as strong and outgoing. People often view her as powerful and sociable as well; someone who exemplifies
both brains and beauty, with a good-nature about her to boot. The perfect good-time-girl
appears fun and flirtatious, but also a bit intimidating. This look can also be seen
as provocative because it invites and deflects approach. Tussle the hair a bit,
and Ms. Loads of Fun just created the come-hither look!
Taneka Ray - TV Correspondent
The Non-Conformist Women that fashion bald to closely cropped hairstyles
are seen as unafraid to make a fabulous yet bold statement. This look is not as easy
to stereotype, which is part of its appeal. Is she an international model with a newly signed agency
contract? Is she
recently bereaved and following the custom that dictates she must shave off all
her hair? Or is she a survivor who has undergone treatment, like the heroine in Ms.
Arie's, "I Am Not My Hair"? Whatever the case, she's brave, self-assured, and steers
clear of conformity in her life.
Flavana Matata - Miss Tanzania
The Soul Sistah
Perfectly sculpted afros, locks with accessories (e.g. shells and rings), and traditional
head wraps are some of the looks that are associated with a strong affinity to
culture--typically, artists, poets, musicians or people thought of as intellectuals
and creative thinkers. People associate
soul sistahs with activists, designers, hair stylists, artists, or actresses. These assumptions can sometimes be
accurate--however, we all know what assumptions can lead to, now don’t we?
Syesha Mercado - Singer
Sure, clothing and shoes can indicate one's taste in fashion, but your hairstyle
can draw the picture of an overall first impression. Apparently our hair speaks
before we do within the first few seconds that pass, but the moments after we share
our thoughts and reveal our personality is what creates impressions that can last a
lifetime.
Getting Moisture Rich with Hidden Gems By: Martina Blackwood
It's difficult for our hair to look its best when it is dry and screaming for moisture.
Keeping our hair well moisturized can help to prevent breakage,
improve manageability and add to the overall beauty of our locks. So I've combed through the internet and store shelves in search of moisture rich products that can overturn
any plans of sabotage that the sun, wind and styling products may have for the moisture of your hair.
I think I've
found some hidden moisture gems that will live up to their promise to hydrate the
most parched tresses. Here are some moisturizers, all packaged with the pledge
to satiate the thirst of your moisture depleted locks, leaving them soft and supple.
"Making a connection with Mother Nature", is the catch phrase of OHM Body, a company
with the most interesting ingredients list I have ever seen. Almost every hair product
from this line lists love, patience and serenity as the first three ingredients,
which is an indication of the owner's commitment to producing quality products.
The Hydrating Hair Milk
is a delightfully scented, all natural moisturizing product
that will penetrate your tresses and inject moisture into each strand of hair. While
it can also be used as a detangler, it's the moisturizing properties of the organic
aloe juice, yucca leaf extract, and hazelnut oil that will undoubtedly leave an
impression on your mind and your tresses. For $14.99, this hydrating hair milk can
be yours.
When I first received my order of Nadia for Seyani Hair Butter, I was
convinced that they had shipped an empty jar to my home. The whipped butter is unbelievably
light and fluffy, which did not prepare me for the moisturizing power that was packed
in the 4oz jar. The combination of macadamia nut oil, lightly whipped Shea butter,
glycerin and other ingredients, will titillate your senses and leave even the thirstiest
hair moisturized for days. This hair butter is free of ingredients like mineral
oil and petroleum that coat the hair without truly adding moisture. Never has it
been more appropriate to stress that a little goes a long way, so you must
use this
hydrating butter sparingly. With more than ten scents available, you will find it
difficult to select only one--but for $9.00 per jar, you won't have to.
Hairveda
cooked up a winner with their $6.00 Whipped Cream
moisturizer.
This Hairveda miracle in a jar features natural humectants, vitamin E, and sunflower
oil. If you go to the website and you can't seem to find any products listed, don't
fret. The Hairveda team has temporarily shut down the site to keep up with the demand
for their handmade products.
In July 2008, Aveda officially launched
Dry Remedy,
their latest trio designed specifically to infuse moisture into the most dehydrated
hair. The Dry Remedy line consists of a moisturizing shampoo, conditioner and a
moisturizing treatment masque. This paraben free, natural based product consists
of pomegranate, ylang ylang and buriti oil, as well as a host of other moisture
enhancing ingredients. The Dry Remedy line should prove to be one sure fire cure
for your dry hair blues, as it lives up to its claim to improve the condition of
dry hair by 63%. You can
experience the moisturizing benefits of the entire line
for $74.
Keeping your hair hydrated is a very important step in any hair care regimen,
so show your locks some love by pampering them with any of these moisture rich treasures.
We all have a funky diva living in us somewhere. For those who contemplate if that's
really true--if your eyes widen in admiration from looks that Imani Coppola or Leela
James have made their signature styles, diva traits pump through your veins indeed.
So here's a challenge, give her a chance to get out and breathe. Show off your
funky diva to the public. If you're looking for ideas to help you make it happen,
you've come to the right place. But what's a stylish do without stylish fashion
to match--an incomplete look, that's what! So as a bonus, we have fashion recommendations
that will pair your hairstyle with your fashion style superbly--from top to bottom.
Let’s start with…
The Fro-hawk a.k.a The Faux-hawk
The Mohawk look has come a very long way since the days when the popularity of 90's
rock bands reached their plateau, and hairspray sales reached even greater heights.
The Mo-hawk has made a comeback, making the style more versatile, culture friendly
and a style that many folks with natural hair have solidified as cutting edge and
absolutely fabulous. When referring to a mo-hawk that has been created with natural
hair without buzz cut sides, it is considered a faux-hawk. This look
has made special appearances on heads like Janelle Monae, Nadia Turner, and even
guys like Chris Brown and P. Diddy. It's the perfect style for those who want to
stand out in a crowd and dare to be different. The faux-hawk can be achieved by
either corn-rowing (connecting braids) or brushing the sides of your hair up and
securing it at the crown with bobby pins or clips.
What To Wear? The faux-hawk goes best with the chic-rocker look that
artists like Rihanna are wearing. Skinny jeans or black leggings, black leather stiletto boots,
and a fitted black top will work to accentuate the hairstyle.
Zigzag Cornrows
Although cornrows have been around for centuries, it's only been fairly recent—within
the last decade—that the style has garnered some mainstream attention. Thanks to those in the public eye like Alicia Keys, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Joy Bryant, as
well as men like Sean Paul and Trey Songz, the style has been re-popularized among
the hip hop generation, but with a twist. Today, cornrows are now being braided
in not just straight patterns, but zigzag, circular and overlapping formations as
well.
What To Wear? Cornrows pair wonderfully with urban fashion and
city chic wear, equally. You can check out your local stores that carry Hip Hop
clothing lines or the nearest chic fashion boutiques in your area.
Sidebar - Former
Essence Editor, Susan L. Taylor, proves that you can even translate the look to
the workplace, depending on the industry.
French Braids Remixed
A lot of us remember having our hair French braided when we were children, but rarely
did we translate that look into adulthood. Although French braids look cute on little
girls, they can look breath taking on women as well. Create a funky French braid look by parting
your hair right in the middle, then braiding your hair in big lateral chunks down the two sides
of your head.
What To Wear?
Dresses look great with French braid hairstyles, whether they are peasant top
high-waisted Fall dresses, or form-fitting Winter sweater dresses.
Loc Updo If you have locs,
you've probably already experimented with creating different kinds of hairstyles
to keep your look fresh and unpredictable. But have you tried this one? This creative
updo can be achieved by bringing your hair up into a ponytail at the top of your head,
then shaping your locks into loops, both horizontally and vertically, around the crown of your head.
You can use bobby pins to hold your
hair in place.
What To Wear? Cocktail dresses look great with this hairstyle, especially
with a color that pops!
Now that you've got a variety of hairstyles to choose from, it's time to get into
top model mode and show the world that the funky diva in you is both high fashion
and ready to wear material, even if you just use the sidewalk as your runway.
CoilStar of the Month: Michaela Angela Davis By: Kali Blocker
You
may have seen an awe-inspiring beauty with a golden brown afro gracing your screen
on networks like BET, VH1 and FOX. She is an expert critic and eloquent writer that
covers topics ranging from the culture of hip-hop to current events in politics.
Her name is Michaela Angela Davis, whose list of feats
range from fashion director at Essence to political panelist on networks such as
CNN and MSNBC.
Currently working on numerous projects, including a television show,
to be featured on BET, Davis is effecting the change that she wishes to see in our
community. As evident through many of Davis' affiliations, she is actively working
to challenge and change the media's skewed and often negative representation of
women of color. She is on the board of Black Girls Rock, an organization devoted
to celebrating black women and mentoring the youth to improve self-image within
the community. She also served as Editor-in-Chief for Honey Magazine, and is developing
Urbanista, an e-magazine and TV show catering to women from ages 18-34. More recently, the self-proclaimed "urbanista"
sat as a panelist and coordinator of Fly Girls Vote, where she and other female
leaders in Hip-Hop discussed politics and the major role that women play in the
progression of society.
As an urbanista, Hip Hop and fashion are also major parts
of Davis' culture. The expert critic offers fearless, yet mature and intellectual
commentary on Hip Hop, acknowledging the issues, while also defending the integrity
of the culture. She has been featured as a panelist on various networks and universities
to discuss the role of gender and race within Hip Hop and society as a whole. In
the fashion arena, Davis was the fashion director at the inception of Vibe Magazine,
and has styled an impressive list of celebrities that include Oprah Winfrey, Donald
Trump, Diana Ross, and LL Cool J, to name a few. She has been frequently called
upon for her styling expertise for movie productions and television networks, including
the movie, Paid in Full.
Michaela Angela Davis exudes a passion for her work, and
continues to blaze new trails with her ongoing projects of great magnitude. A professional
writer, stylist, critic, and visionary, Davis wears many hats, and it is no wonder
why she coined the term, "urbanista", to embody all that she does and stands for.
A phenomenal role model as well as respected professional, Davis represents the
prototype for black women—strong, intellectual, beautiful, ambitious and fearless.
Fearless because she defines who she is, despite what society may assume she should
be—qualities that make her a natural beauty, hence the CoilStar of the Month. Top of Page
November 3, 2008
Thanksgiving With Bougie Aunt Bonnie By: Alicia Edwards
*This is based on
true stories occurring at many a thanksgiving table, all over the world.
The leaves are falling and the weather has turned
nippy. Lo and behold, the holiday season is upon us. You may have finally scored a tax
paying, honorable boyfriend with great teeth that can pass the Major Dad test, but
whether you celebrate Thanksgiving at your or his family's house, the day will involve family
gatherings and food o' plenty. This year you decide, "we're going to spend Thanksgiving
at my family's house". Sounds lovely right, so why after thinking about the holiday
festivities, you sudden feel a little panicky?
You are replaying the conversation that you and your mom had last night, aren't
you? She reminded you that Aunt Bonnie and her third husband is coming to Thanksgiving
dinner this year. Suddenly you are 11 again and you're remembering Aunt Bonnie doing
your hair for Easter. She pressed it to death, and all you
really wanted were afro puffs! You almost break out in hives at the memory.
Now it's coming back to you that you are an adult, and you make your own money and
decisions about your life, including your style of hair. You made a decision to
go natural--your parents are fine with it, your boyfriend digs it, so why do you
even care what bougie Aunt Bonnie thinks? Well, besides the fact that she never forgets
anything and successfully breaks her record of making you question your life decisions,
you do love her.
She’s Auntie Bonnie!
It’s Thanksgiving day, and Aunt Bonnie arrives.
You: Hello
Aunt Bonnie (kiss both her cheeks, European style, of course).
Aunt Bonnie Hi Baby, you finally lost that baby fat. But why does your hair look
all big like that?
You:Deep breath, and remember you are too cute to go to jail. Well, Auntie, I decided
to grow out my perm. I haven't had one in 10 years since you were married to Husband
number 2. Boyfriend chuckles, kisses your forehead and heads off to man world with
the rest of the guys watching football.
Aunt BonnieHuffs first. They aren't paying you enough or something? I mean you had
such pretty long hair as a child. She touches it gingerly.
You: No Auntie, it has nothing to do with money, I just like my hair the way it
grows in naturally. And it’s still just as long…the curls are just tight. My hair
is so much healthier now too.
Aunt Bonnie Well, I don’t know about you young folks. Even the ones with good hair want
to keep it kinky.
You:Deep sigh. Mama said that good hair is on your head and bad hair is on the
floor. And just when you are at wit's end, Trevor, Auntie's husband number 3 walks
in the room, pats your hair and says, "Very Nice!".
This is when you can step back, smile and enjoy dinner. Check mate!
You
all have had some great questions for me over the past several months, and it has
been a pleasure to address your wonders and concerns. Lots
of your questions covered popular topics on loc maintenance, so as we approach the
close of the year, I'd like to leave you with some things to think about when growing,
grooming and caring for your locs. I've created a top 10 frequently asked
questions list for you to reference whenever you need a reminder of how grow beautiful locs.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions, when you...
Just asked Malaika!
#10. Loc extensions: Who can I trust, and how can you tell
if they are qualified?
I am not a big fan of loc extensions because, frankly, you'd be cheating yourself.
But, there is a demand for it, so I offer them--but not with out counseling
first. To me, locs are a spiritual journey and you have to go through all of the
stages in order to get the glory. But to answer the question, you should do some
investigating. Look at samples of loctician's work, and ask for at least 3 to 5
references. And when you've done some research, your spirit will tell you who you
can trust.
#9. Loc extensions: How
should I maintain them?
I would not keep them in for long periods of time.
They should be washed regularly as if they are your own hair.
Also, be careful of conditioners, because they soften the hair and will make for
what we call, slippage.
#8. Loc styling: How can
I achieve creative loc styling at home?
Creative loc styling is just that...creative. It takes
work and creativity. Here are a
few tips: For updos, use two mirrors, bend your head down, and braid from the nape
of the neck up to the top of the head in a basket weaving fashion, then fashion
the front of your hair so it is complimentary to your face. For a curly look, I
suggest visiting a web site called www.wrapaloc.com for a new innovative loc styling
tool that will give you maximum creativity for curls and spirals.
#7. Loc Retouches: How often
should I retouch my locs?
In my salon, we call this loc maintenance. We have our clients on an every
two week rotating schedule for the first year, after that, they come once every
three weeks for six months, and then once a month after that. In the beginning stages,
you must lock the hair clean and free from dirt and lint, as well as body ash; because
the first year of locking is crucial. You must baby the hair to ensure that they
are healthy, even and consistent ropes. It is kind of like nurturing a new born.
#6. Balding: How can I camouflage
balding at the crown with locs. This question is a bit challenging
to answer without seeing exactly where the hair is thinning. But the best way to camouflage thin spots on the top of the head is to do
styles where you can use hair that is in the densest part of the head, to cover
the thin parts. So I would personally pull the hair up from the sides and from the
back and make tucks and pin curls; or curl the hair in ringlets as to make them
appear fuller than they are. I would also suggest
visiting a health care professional to determine the causes and possible remedies
for the thinning and/or balding that has occurred.
Check out the remaining top 5 questions in the December issue of The Coil Review!
It's difficult for our hair to look its best when it is dry and screaming for moisture.
Keeping our hair well moisturized can help to prevent breakage,
improve manageability and add to the overall beauty of our locks. So I've combed through the internet and store shelves in search of moisture rich products that can overturn
any plans of sabotage that the sun, wind and styling products may have for the moisture of your hair.
The Mohawk look has come a very long way since the days when the popularity of 90's
rock bands reached their plateau, and hairspray sales reached even greater heights.
The Mo-hawk has made a comeback, making the style more versatile, culture friendly
and a
style that many folks with natural hair have solidified as cutting edge and
absolutely fabulous. When referring to a mo-hawk that has been created with natural
hair without buzz cut sides, it is considered a faux-hawk. This look
has made special appearances on heads like Janelle Monae, Nadia Turner, and even
guys like Chris Brown and P. Diddy. It's the perfect style for those who want to
stand out in a crowd and dare to be different. The faux-hawk can be achieved by
either corn-rowing (connecting braids) or brushing the sides of your hair up and
securing it at the crown with bobby pins or clips.
Although cornrows have been around for centuries, it's only been fairly recent—within
the last decade—that the style has garnered some mainstream attention. Thanks to 
those in the public eye like Alicia Keys, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Joy Bryant, as
well as men like Sean Paul and Trey Songz, the style has been re-popularized among
the hip hop generation, but with a twist. Today, cornrows are now being braided
in not just straight patterns, but zigzag, circular and overlapping formations as
well.
A lot of us remember having our hair French braided when we were children, but rarely
did we translate that look into adulthood. Although French braids look cute on little
girls, they can look breath taking on women as well. Create a funky French braid look by parting
your hair right in the middle, then braiding your hair in big lateral chunks down the two sides
of your head.
If you have locs,
you've probably already experimented with creating different kinds of hairstyles
to keep your look fresh and unpredictable. But have you tried this one? This
creative
updo can be achieved by bringing your hair up into a ponytail at the top of your head,
then shaping your locks into loops, both horizontally and vertically, around the crown of your head.
You can use bobby pins to hold your
hair in place.
The leaves are falling and the weather has turned
nippy. Lo and behold, the holiday season is upon us. You may have finally scored a tax
paying, honorable boyfriend with great teeth that can pass the Major Dad test, but
whether you celebrate Thanksgiving at your or his family's house, the day will involve family
gatherings and food o' plenty. This year you decide, "we're going to spend Thanksgiving
at my family's house". Sounds lovely right, so why after thinking about the holiday
festivities, you sudden feel a little panicky?
You
all have had some great questions for me over the past several months, and it has
been a pleasure to address your wonders and concerns.
