By Tanya Maswaure
Previously, we discussed black hair, including politics and good natural products to use. However, there are so many avenues to explore when it comes to natural hair. We have spoken about some advantages, but in our hair journeys, we can encounter hazards. This is beyond straightener burns and upper arm strain from all the combing. Some of these hazards can actually be fatal such as chemical poisoning from hair relaxers, specifically the toxic chemical called Lye.
Goodnews Lekpea
Growing up, I struggled with turning down people’s requests. I was a people pleaser.
I was the only one tasked to check up on the others among my peers. Whatever responsibility shared amongst us, I bore the heaviest; that was because I didn’t know how to tell them I could not. It was completely draining. But I didn’t know how to turn them down.
Goodnews Lekpea
In our present-day, decent fashion is a long-forgotten art. A lot of people tend to shy away from modest fashion because they think it is not popular, fashionable, trendy, or in vogue.
By Tanya Maswaure
Last week we spoke extensively on the politics of black hair in all of its states, natural, relaxed or braided. Black hair has always been an important conversation amongst black communities internationally. It goes beyond cosmetics and looks, it is our heritage, and we are determined to keep it alive. With that in mind, for hundreds of years, women have maintained, grown and styled black hair in unique ways and with many different products. Presently if you are to walk into a pharmacy or drug store, there are rows of products specifically for black women. Unfortunately, as we discussed in the previous article, some of them promote straight hair and texture change. With the new natural hair awakening, many have literally turned to our roots. Black women are resorting to natural products, and we are here to discuss the best of them and how to use them.
By LEKPEA BUEKOR
Aloe Vera, the simple houseplant, is a ‘wonder’ plant, often disguised in plain sight. “It is a gel-like substance gotten from aloe, which is a succulent plant that commonly grows in hot, arid environments,” New York-based cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, M.D., says.
By Tanya Maswaure
From the time a black girl has grown her hair long enough, it is the parent’s job to decide what to do to maintain her hair and keep it neat and unique. Thinking about my childhood, I recall my mother’s effort and attention to my hair. One common occurrence we relate to regardless of our continent, nationality or tribe was the ‘relaxer’. The smell of the chemicals mixing with your hair and the straightener on your hair is one I share with many other black girls in the world. Why do we put so much effort into making our hair straight? Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie spoke about black hair extensively in her book Americanah but what about black hair that makes it so memorable. Why is something seemingly cosmetic and minuscule so political?
By LEKPEA BUEKOR
Every parent loves to see their children playing cheerfully and thus it is heartbreaking if your child is failing to make friends. It is even worse if they are being rejected.
