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Th_ethiopian Regular Poster Username: Th_ethiopian Post Number: 37 Registered: 10-2005 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 09:36 pm: |

What do u guys think........i like natural hair better specially when its braided nicely but staright hair is cool too........ but i dont think little black girls should straighten their hair.........until their at least 18.
Kola_boof
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
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Post Number: 674
Registered: 02-2005

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Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 09:44 pm: |

I never saw Black women with straight hair until I came to America.
In my autobiography, I write a lot about what it was like to have my hair straightened for the first time.
It was very traumatic for me----because I took it as a secret CODE from Black American women.
The CODE was: "We are not safe unless we're in disguise".
And so my Psychiatrist (Dr. Diallo in Wash.D.C.) told my Black American parents that I was wetting the bed out of constant fear that the women in my family and myself were in danger from "outside forces".
Of course---by 15 and 16, I really LIKED having my hair straightened, permed, and eventually WEAVED.....and though I rarely wear my hair straight or weaved.....I do occasionally (every 3 or 4 years) go 2 months with a perm style.
Usually, though, I wear a blow dried "Poof" or braids. And I wear "loc" wigs.
Blaklioness
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Post Number: 16
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Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 09:53 pm: |

ethiopian,
You must realize that Black women straighten their hair because there's a widespread belief that that's what Black men want. It's good you can appreciate natural beauty, so spread the love around...make sure more of the sisters know this. It creates a positive social pressure of sorts and helps us know that our men really want to see the real us. Peace.
Tonya
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Username: Tonya
Post Number: 626
Registered: 07-2005

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 12:04 am: |

Two years ago I decided to go natural. Many of my girlfriends warned me it would be difficult because of the reactions I'd get from other AAs. I also found out that that's the reason most of them refuse to go natural.
I was brave about it, though. One day I took the scissors, cut it all off and went from there. Today I have a head full of healthy hair but I have to be honest, I'm still struggling to figure out exactly what to do with it. I don't want to do braids, twisties, or anything along those lines. It looks EXTREMELY cute blown out in a fro but it's a lot of hair. It's gonna take some time and a little courage to wear it like that. All in all I'm having a lot of fun. I'm looking through magazines, talking to friends, trying to get ideas. I'm loving the fro though -- I swear I am.
I'm glad you started this tread, ethiopian, because, as I said, I've been looking for ideas. If ANYBODY have good tips on natural hair styles, care, and products I'd REALLY appreciate it......... HELP!
Tonya
Kola_boof
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Username: Kola_boof
Post Number: 676
Registered: 02-2005

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 12:20 am: |

I'm so proud of you Tonya.
I bet you look gorgeous.
NOTHING is prettier to me than a woman with clear, clean cocoa radiant skin and a Poof-bush a hint of mascara.
If I ever make the movies I'm planning--we'll start to cast sexy natural black beauties and BEGIN to make it acceptable.
Blaklioness
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Post Number: 18
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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 12:28 am: |

Tonya:
Check this out:
http://www.nappyhairaffair.com
Renata
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 127
Registered: 08-2005

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 01:03 am: |

My hair is texturized. I LOVE it natural, but it's way too long (past my bra) and thick for me to control it. Texturizing is the best of both worlds: it's easier to blow dry straight than natural hair, and it can still look natural when I want it to (for braids, twists, and a HUGE afro).
The cutest thing (especially for the summer) is to find a headband or scarf that matches your clothing, and just wear your hair is an afro with a little colorful eyemakeup.
Also, it's cute to cornrow it when wet, and let it down when it's completely dry. This will last a week if you use a good holding product (plain old hairgrease or oil moisturizer works just fine, NEVER use hair gel). If you do use hairgrease, wash your hair with suave daily clarifying shampoo at least once every other week to get rid of the buildup. Otherwise, you should wash your hair twice a week with a good conditioning shampoo like Creme of Nature for dry/damaged hair.
Kola_boof
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Username: Kola_boof
Post Number: 678
Registered: 02-2005

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 01:11 am: |

Blaklioness, that's wonderful!
Bernice McFadden is my friend.
And Renata---what fantastic information! I'll use some of that for a character in my next novel---"Milagros".
Still havent' finished the current novel.
My new deadline is Nov. 30th
LOL
Kola_boof
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Username: Kola_boof
Post Number: 679
Registered: 02-2005

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 01:12 am: |

Milagros is the character's name. Not the book.
Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 631
Registered: 07-2005

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 01:14 am: |

Thanks guys!
Blacklioness,
This seems like a good support group. I'm still trying to find out if they'll be coming to my neck of the woods soon.
Kola,
It's funny you mentioned skin. My Dermatologist is a "sister". She's one of the leading dermatologists in the country and she's written a book which does a wonderful job teaching black women basic care for their hair, skin and nails. Wonderful tips. It's good for the whole family. I've been seeing her since the mid 90s and because of what she's taught me my skin is in very good condition. She praises me for it every time I visit her. EVERYTHING she's taught me is in her new book. Her name is Dr Susan Taylor and her book is called "Brown Skin".
Tonya
Tonya
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Username: Tonya
Post Number: 632
Registered: 07-2005

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 01:21 am: |

Reneta,
I was thinking about a texturizer. I keep getting conlicting info on it, though. Does it straighten, curl, or both. I know that. in any event, it's more natural than chemicals like relaxers, colors, ect. That's true, right?
Tonya
Moonsigns
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 718
Registered: 07-2004

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 11:26 am: |

I think natural is always better because it's healthier (in the long run). However, part of the fun of being a woman is the ability to experiment with various hair styles. Women change a lot over a lifetime. I think hair is (sometimes) a reflection of our many moods.
Crystal
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Crystal
Post Number: 243
Registered: 01-2004

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 11:57 am: |

Here's a site for you Tonya:
http://www.nappturality.com/index.php
You'll get all the encouragement and ideas you need in the forums and photos there.
I've been natural for about 13 years and still wear my hair in a 2-4 inch picked-out fro. I keep it cut down because like most of us it would get way too big and I'd have to spend time controlling it and we all know how lazy I am!
One thing I've noticed is that men like to play in natural hair :-)
Ntfs_encryption
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Post Number: 17
Registered: 10-2005

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 12:56 pm: |

It’s individual preference and taste. I think every black woman should have this choice without being subjected to some kind of political racial lambasting. As long as the hair is clean, groomed and managed, I could personally care less. Straight, relaxed, natural, dreads, etc, all work for me. It depends on the individual. One particular hair style for one women may or may not look appealing on another. Again, individual taste and preference.
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 1536
Registered: 03-2004

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 03:01 pm: |

I like the hair worn naturally however it looks like that. Most straightened hair is greasy and it stinks--sorry. Plus that the women don't want you to touch it especially after they have laid out big coin to do it.
Try as we want to get around it Black people are straightening and dying their hair so it will look like white people's hair. They should hear how white people joke about them when they walk blonde--but of course they all say they don't care what nobody white thinks. Right.
Probably the final reason why I am against straightening is because I have seen so many elderly black women dealing with the embarasssment of going bald after years of torturing their hair and scalps.
But then again, do what you like.
Renata
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 129
Registered: 08-2005

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 03:11 pm: |

Texturizing is actually relaxing it, but it's not left on long enough to straighten it. You have to tell the hairdresser how you want it. It can be left on just long enough to get the bulk down (like mine) and it still looks natural. Or leave it a little longer to kind of curl it. How it curls depends on your own personal curl pattern.
The cool thing is that as it grows out, you can't tell where the natural hair ends and the texturized hair begins. (Depending on how long you leave the chemicals on.)
Blaklioness
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Username: Blaklioness
Post Number: 21
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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 03:16 pm: |

Chrishayden:
That's an authentic take, and it makes sense.
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 2824
Registered: 01-2004

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 05:31 pm: |

Oh blah, blah, blah.zzzzzz. I wear my thick, beauuuuuutiful wavy hair natural, and color it a gooooooolden brown, an effect that really complements my radiant high-yellow skin! ...heeey ethiopian...how ya doin, sweetie...still dodging the immigration authorities? he-he... And "hi" to you also, Moonie. How's my favorite unflappable girlfriend? I see your old nemesis surfaced, hoping to rival hurricane Wilma the latest threat to America's safety. HAHAHAHAHAHAH
Afroamerican
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Post Number: 46
Registered: 08-2005

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 06:07 pm: |

"The important thing is not what's ON the head but what's IN it................"
Therefore, I believe my hair doesn't make me MORE or LESS Black. My parents did that!
Blaklioness
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Post Number: 25
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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 06:45 pm: |

What you put ON your head may be connected to what you have IN your head...think on it.
Tonya
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Username: Tonya
Post Number: 641
Registered: 07-2005

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Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 07:21 pm: |

Gotchu, Reneta, thanks!
Thanks a million, Crystal! The site is unbelievable!
Roxie
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Username: Roxie
Post Number: 257
Registered: 06-2005

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Posted on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 09:05 am: |

My mother started to relax my hair at age 6 so when I went natural ,it felt like I had someone else's hair for a while. I had relaxed hair for so long, It felt NATURAL to have relaxed hair.
This may or may not be surprising for some of you african-born observers:
During the 80's everbody either had a jericurl or a press-n-curl, and it wasn't for "maitenence" like it is is now. For girls of my generation it was virtually MANDATORY to have a black girl's hair relaxed, regardless of their texture. I don't even remember my first relaxer, but I do remember seeing other little girls, even younger than 6, wriggling and whining in discomfort from the burning of the lye.
Then when I was in high school I saw little girls age 5-8 with (guess what?) extensions in their hair. Could you imagine a kid that young having to sit several hours on end having to keep their head still in he chair?!
What I like now is that more little girls today are allowed to go natural and able to wear more natural-friendly hairstyles.
Nubianem
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Post Number: 2
Registered: 11-2005

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Posted on Saturday, November 05, 2005 - 04:19 pm: |

Hair straightening can cause brain cancer (is it the electric or microwaves?). Skin lightening creams can cause skin cancer and an aids-like skin and blood disease. About two years ago, the Kenyan govt and scientists found out that skin lightening creams were very, very dangerous. However, the Kenyans also found out that liquor caused impotence in men and so, the women of a number of towns and villages in Kenya organized and destroyed as many liquor shops as they could while the police simply watched and the system did nothing. Many Kenyan men were becoming very dangerous and very diseased because the liquor they were drinking was destroying their immune system (like AIDS).
So, we should try to stay away from straightening hair, particularly with any hot comb and the chemicals. These things are destroying our ability to be sensible, calm, intuitive and devinely conscious. As one will see here http://community.webtv.net/nubianem3 and will read here "A History of Education Book II," PUBLISHED BY www.Xlibris.com SKIN LIGHTENING, HAIR STRAIGHTENING, DRINKING LIQUOR ARE ALL GENOCIDAL HABITS.
It has been said already that Black men and women developed mathematics and weaving as well as geometry and design over one million years ago due to the need to braid hair, which uses mathematical formulas called 'fractoids.' Therefore, everytime a Black women or man takes time to braid hair and applies the fractoid system of geometric patterns and counting, he or she is creating for himself or herself a superior brain.
Anytime a Black man, woman or child uses chemicals, heat or electrical vibrations to straighten hair, he or she is destroying his or her braincells. Anytime we use skin lightening creams and such products, we are making ourselves open to AIDS-LIKE DISEASES.
Nubianem@yahoo.com
http://community.webtv.net/nubianem3
http://community.webtv.net/paulnubiaempire
Nubianem
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Post Number: 3
Registered: 11-2005

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Posted on Saturday, November 05, 2005 - 04:49 pm: |

Another habit that is alreadying destroying, wiping out and lessening the number of Blacks in America, while every other group uses Blacks to move ahead, and BOASTS ABOUT BEING THE 'LARGEST MINORITY' in America (a lie since Blacks are a racial minority of about 45 millioin people and there are basically four races in the US; BLACK AFRICAN, EURO-CAUCASIAN (ARABS, 50 PERCENT OF HISPANICS, NORTHERN INDIANS FROM INDIA ARE CAUCASIANS) AND ASIAN MONGOLOIDS. Caucasians are about 220 million, Mongoloids are about 10 million, American Indians (including some Mexicans) are about 10 million, African-Americans are about 45-50 million. Native American Indians (also Mongoloids) are about five million. People who are mixed with Black are Black because THE BLACK RACE IS THE PARENT RACE AND ALL RACES WHO ARE NON-BLACK/NEGRO ALREADY ARE COMPOSED OF 50 PERCENT (IN ASIANS) TO 90 PERCENT (IN DALITS, UNTOUCHABLES, BANIAS, TRIBALS OF INDIA). Hence, if any of these groups have children with a Black person, that child is BLACK BASED ON THE GENETIC FACT.
That means WE SHOULD REJECT CALLING HALF BLACK AND HALF WHITE OR HALF BLACK AND HALF OTHER RACE AS 'MULTIRACIAL' OR BIRACIAL. THAT PERSON IS BLACK BECAUSE THE BLACK IS THE ORIGINAL RACE..THE PARENT.
Yet, due to the SOCIAL CONSTRUCT OF RACE IN AMERICA, WE MUST TAKE STEPS TO PRESERVE OUR BLACKNESS, OUR GENES AND OUR CULTURE.
The greatest destruction to Black people is the very ignorant and destructive 'integratioin' and mixing that OUR ANCESTORS DID NOT WANT AND THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT WAS NOT FOUGHT TO ACHIEVE.
Integration did not mean having babies with white women/or men or marrying into white families and raising children that HATE BEING BLACK.
Integration meant removing ECONOMIC SEGRATION AND OPPRESSION AND INTEGRATING OPPORTUNITY AND THE ECONOMY.
So, apart from the problem with 'frying' our hair, lightening our skins and rejecting our Blackness is the POISON ENGAGED IN BY BLACKS TO THE POINT OF COMMITTING GENOCIDE ON OURSELVES. IT IS BLACK MEN AND SOME BLACK WOMEN MARRYING OTHER PEOPLE AND CREATING MORE ENEMIES FOR BLACKS WHILE DESTROYING THE BLACK RACE.
THIS IS ONE REASON WHY THE PSEUDO-CONSERVATIVES PROMOTE 'MULTIRACIALISM' AND MIXING TO DESTROY BLACKS WHILE THEY DO ALL THEY CAN TO PRESERVE THEIR WHITENESS.
http://community.webtv.net/paulnubiaempire
Kola_boof
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Kola_boof
Post Number: 835
Registered: 02-2005

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Posted on Saturday, November 05, 2005 - 05:44 pm: |

Well, Nubianem.
I've been telling everybody the same exact thing on this board for years when it comes to the race mixing, etc.
However, being an African-born African, I'll never accept that biracial people are BLACK or that mulattos are just black people.
They're most definitely related, but they're not Black Enough....the color difference itself, causes an UNSPOKEN division. And since the vast majority of African people feel that way--I don't lie about it.
In Africa, the mulattos have their own separate race--their own cities, areas, etc.
And there are VERY FEW of them on the continent in comparison to Black people.
VERY FEW.
Renata
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Username: Renata
Post Number: 178
Registered: 08-2005

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Posted on Saturday, November 05, 2005 - 06:01 pm: |

I've heard that there is an unspoken rule in South Africa and Haiti (half-blacks' refusal to live near full blacks), but I didn't realize that the same applied to most of Africa.
Also, a question: I've always wanted to visit West Africa (Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, or Ivory Coast). Considering my skin color, how would I be accepted there, if at all? I've never had a problem with those W.A. that I've met here, but acknowledge that it may be different there.

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