Hair Crazy

I love hair! The second thing I notice about someone after their eyes is their hair. I mean all of their hair, facial and what's or what's not on their head. Being an indigenous African and female I have a fascination with all hair styles natural, relaxed and manufactured. It seems that unless you're really wealthy in Africa the quality of hair and hair care that you get is extremely variable and visibly poorer than our sisters in the more developed worlds.
I'm on a search to find the best hair products for the indigenous African woman whether she has locks, natural hair, relaxed hair or a blend of any of the above and wigs, weaves, braids and all fixtures in between. I'm really interested in weaves and wigs because I am known for my love of braids. Much like Brandy in the '90s my perennial hairstyle is some form of individual braiding. There has been a recent craze within Harare for Brazilian products and lace wigs which I will definitely check out in the course of my research.
I have relaxed hair but recently fell in love with a weave made by called Diva…I love it! Mostly because it suits my personality and even though I've had it for over a month quickly going on two (I normally will stretch weaves for a maximum of six weeks before removing it) it still feels awesome to walk into a place and know I'm not the only one who loves my hair. I will admit that I have a vanity about me when it comes to my hair and I'd apologize but if you ever bump into me when I'm leaving a hair salon grinning like crazy and seemingly floating on air you'll know I'm being modest when I say I love my hair.
There is just something about going into the day with the confidence of beautiful, vibrant, sexy, chic, well-styled hair that doesn't fade. A bad hair day for me can kill the vibe of awesome clothing. I love to dress up and if I can't dress up I like having a complete look. I often change my clothes to suit my hair, if I get inspired to style my hair professionally despite having chosen a casual outfit I will dress semi-formally rather than let the hair style go unaccompanied into the world…that is just me. I know it sounds crazy and those who have seen me on a bad hair day will wonder if I'm not lying but I swear to goodness if I'm in a good mood so is my hair.
I will be making a hair trip to neighbouring South Africa soon to explore the goods of a company whose braiding extensions thrilled me and see what else they have on their shelves. Stay tuned to be in on where I'm going and what I'll be looking for. Until next time…get your mane on!
Leona

Getting a mane style is always a big deal for me. I normally plan it well in advance and budget for it at least 4 weeks prior. I know that might seem drastic but it helps when I get to the point where I can't stand the idea of having my current  mane style for another day. When that happens and I have everything I need for my next mane style I just waltz over to the hair salon and get a new look.
There is just something about leaving the salon with a fresh, funky mane style that I can't seem to get enough of. The plus is when people's heads turn and they admire. Yes, there are haters out there who will look and frown BUT if I love it... baby, you can kiss my freshly done up mane. I kid you not. I do not care much for everyone else's opinion unless I want them to agree with me that the new mane-do makes me look absolutely fabulous. Yes, I am vain. It has taken me the greater part of three decades to admit that but now that I've accepted it, I think folks should too.
What I really want to talk to you about is the mane change that is going to happen either this weekend or the weekend after. I'm so excited and nervous that I'm having dreams about it. If you've read my hairstory you'll know I've been pretty much on the same relaxer for over a decade now. I had a chat with Jackie and we discussed changing relaxers and getting me healthy, happy locks.On Jackie's word Dark & Lovely isn't what it used to be but Organics Root Stimulator's Olive Oil Relaxer has got what my mane needs to be thick, healthy and happy. Now I haven't had my mane relaxed in about 4 months which Jackie Says  is the right amount of time to give my hair a chance to grow out so that it won't get a culture shock with the new relaxer. SO...my next few salon trips are going to look like this:

Trip 1 : Relaxer Change and Oil Treatment
Trip 2: Oil Treatment (two weeks after trip 1)
Trip 3: Oil Treatment and braids or a weave (two weeks after trip 2)

About trip 3, I am not fond of weaves but I just want my hair to rest after being introduced to a new relaxer and I have to admit I am not one for thick braids so, it is probably going to have to be a weave.
So, not the most exciting blog but I had to write because the next few blogs will be exciting and I'll be creating a Jackie Says page soon often so keep an eye out for what Jackie Says about mane-technology. Until next time, mane-tain it!

Mane Attraction

Okay, if you haven't guessed it I love hair...don't get it twisted, I'm talking about heads of hair. I believe that we all need to maintain the mane attraction...our hair. Man, woman or child, a bad hair cut and/or hair style can break deals and give a false impression of your personality. I can hear the free children mumble about how it is wrong for folks to judge somebody by their hair...I have my doubts that anyone can tell me they have never judged anyone by their hair...I'm willing to be wrong but we've all done it (at least once).
I am not a hair dresser, hair stylist or hair professional in any capacity but I'm a hair diva...whether I'm wearing my hair, braids or weave in a bun for a work meeting or wearing my hair, weave or braids in wild curls I need to feel good. That said, I have had my share of bad hair days, poor style selections, and wrong hair decisions. Like Kat Williams said once, "You have to be in tune with your star player." Trust me, bad hair ain't gonna get you nowhere...
My focus will be on good hair practices, things to expect and demand from your hair salon, hair dresser and hair stylist. I have never had my hair professionally done anywhere outside of Africa so, if anyone from anywhere else can back up what they're saying I welcome corrections. While I may throw in the odd tip for hair types other than those found on indigenous Africans, it ain't likely so white folks, Asians, and all other races in between, sorry, it'll be a while before I feature anything related to your hair types if ever. None of my Caucasian or Asian friends live in Africa so you might get bored. Keep Checking though..you might get lucky.
I will also feature hair styles, hair dressers and hair stylists that I personally think are awesome...get ready to explore wigs, weaves, hair accessories and all things hair related because hair is everyone's mane attraction