Nu-Locs , The Glamorous Executive

Hair by Debra Hare-Bey 718-221-5581

Thanks to Sheryl at Pro Body Piercing who did the fantastic work.

And a view from the back...

Pretty funky huh? Was well ace walking through town with her today, all the heads turning!

(braided weave)

Until a few years ago I thought that I had to be chemically enhanced to be loved and romanced. As a woman of color, this is a very real issue in this country. Let's get real for a few moments shall we. Every black woman in America has been misjudged by someone at some time and place in her life for something as trivial and as monumental as her hair. Kinky, coiled, curly or "nappy". We adopt inferiority complexes about our hair from the media, our peers, loved ones and perfect strangers. What do they know?

Some of us carry that baggage from the cradle to the grave. I say it's time to exhale and let it all go. We are all uniquely beautiful in our own way. Going natural i's a very personal decision and I'm not attempting to "convert" anyone; I simply want to champion those of us who have evolved mentaly and spiritualy to acknowledge that there is nothing wrong with the kinks in our hair, it's our kinky minds that poses problems. Love your natural hair and it will love you back.

As for me, I began the difficult process of slowly untangling myself from the matrix of "lyes" a few years back. Originally I didn't think that I could do it. I had always surrounded myself with people who looked like what I thought I wanted to look like and dated the types of guys who would not support me in a decision to be my most natural self. You know the types of men who only want a woman if her hair is "unbeweavable", silky straight and down to her butt. All I had heard growing up was that so-and-so was so pretty because of her hair and all of the women that were celebrated in the media didn't have kinky hair.

Kinky hair was not cute! That was the message I got growing up. "Fix her hair", "Oh your hair is so KINKY", "She needs a perm" and other such negative comments never helped my self esteem or that of any of my friends. I took this mentality from my adolescence into my early adulthood. I had every wig and weave available for over a decade. Madness. Fortunatly for me, I was finally able to move beyond that realm of negativity wrapped up in pretty lies. There was nothing wrong with my natural hair. God loved me enough to create me that way. Who was I to tell him that his design was flawed?

(braids)

You don't need to immitate anyone else to be beautiful. Deciding that I wanted to go natural was just the first step. I tried all sorts of natural styles and I was fine until I spotted a cute relaxed style one day in a magazine and decided that I just had to have it. Well, the day af ter I had it relaxed (by another professional) all of my hair began to shed and break off. That was my final attempt at relaxing my fragile hair. I took my clippers and shaved it all down to a very cropped ceaser. Remember Grace Jones. Yeah, that was it. I colored it a mild shade of Auburn and allowed it to grow.

(loc extensions)

My once fragile hair began to grow faster than my patience. You would think I had learned by now right? Somewhat. I tried all sorts of natural styles, but quickly became frustrated with my hair being dry and brittle no matter what I did. I decided to seriously explore locks and I knew that I wanted them if I could have micro sized locks that allowed me to retain my femininity and my desire for versitility. I began to investigate Sisterlocks(tm) and aftera very short time I decided not only to live the life, but to become a representative. So began my natural life and I love it!

Life after Sisterlocks(tm) is so Beautiful!

Actually I was trying to see if I could get SketchUp to animate the moving points seen in the first half of the screencast. In the end I did it manually with the assistance of section planes. The second half however is done automatically. Get the model and click on the beginsweep/endsweep buttons after opening it in SketchUp.

One problem I have with these works is that there is no reason to stop the particles -- the number of generations is infinite! In fact, this is listed as a prediction of the latest paper, arXiv:0804.0037. Since I personally prefer to limit the abundance as much as possible, I got interested in the idea of using elements of the quotient of a braid group. In other words, starting with a braid group, with the standard presentation of cross-overs between adjacent strands $latex \sigma_1, \sigma_2, \cdots$, but adding the condition $latex \sigma_1 ^k = I$ for some power $latex k$. Note that requiring this ensures that all generators meet the same kind of condition, coming from the braid relation $latex \sigma_i \sigma_{i+1} \sigma_i = \sigma_{i+1} \sigma_i \sigma_{i+1}$. Luckily, there are only a finite number of such quotients, as detailed in the braid theory book "A Study of Braids" by Murasugi and Kurpita.

To show how this works, let's go through the simplest case (ignoring those which are isomorphic to the permutation groups on $latex n$ elements). This is $latex B_3 (3)$, the group of braids with three strands and the condition $latex \sigma_1 ^3 = I$. This group has 24 elements, which would correspond to 23 particles since we designate the identity element $latex I$ as the vacuum state. Thus, we're almost but not quite at the number of quarks in the standard model when we include all flavors, chiral states and antimatter. Unfortunately, the braid-particle correspondence does not give this exactly, although it is interesting to see what we do get, so let's start working! By the way, there is a nice group homomorphism from $latex B_3 (3)$ to the 3x3 matrices with entries in $latex {\mathbb Z}_3$ which is easy to work with.

For simplicity, I started labeling the group elements according to their order $latex |g|$, i.e. the power $latex k$ for which $latex g^k = I$. This gives

To tease out the "particle properties" of these braids, we use two operations, charge $latex C$ and parity $latex P$. The charge operator acting on a braid takes it to its inverse; this is equivalent to reflecting through either the top or the bottom of the braid (where the strands are attached). Parity is equivalent to reflecting in a mirror to the side of the braid. Whenever I figure out how to use the LaTeX package XY-pic, I'll draw some pictures! These two operations are sufficient to figure out what kinds of particles we have, although extra stuff, such as $latex SU(3)$ are not so obvious...

Anyway, besides the vacuum state $latex I$, we get five "neutrino-type" braids, where acting with $latex C$ is the same as $latex P$ -- one state is the right-handed particle, the other is the left-handed anti-particle. These braid states I have labeled $latex \alpha_2, \alpha_3, \alpha_{10}, \alpha_{16}$ and $latex \alpha_{20}$, and their anti-matter partners $latex \alpha_4, \alpha_9, \alpha_{11}, \alpha_{21}$ and $latex \alpha_{23}$ (obviously, which are the matter and which the anti-matter is arbitrary at this point). There are also three "quark/lepton-type" particles, where $latex C$ and $latex P$ do not give the same particle -- this means a given particle has separate chiral matter and anti-matter states. The final state is a "scalar-type" particle $latex \alpha_1$, in the sense that it has no handedness ($latex P$ acting on the braid gives the braid back) and is its own anti-particle.

So, instead of the three neutrinos and nine quark/lepton particles, we get something rather different. However, this is only the simplest of the quotients of braid groups; perhaps there is space in the others for the standard model. I hope to explore this further, as well as the question of how to pick out the group representations of $latex SU(3) \times SU(2)$ which gives the particle quantum numbers. At this point, there is no sense of what quantities are conserved, so there is no way to know which particles are stable or not. Perhaps this is a question which will eventually be answered when the braid dynamics are developed.

Instead, I found a wonderful article about Clifton Green, an Emory University finance professor. It's his job at home to braid his adopted Ethiopean daughter's hair. Surprising enough that a dad would be the designated braider. What's truly impressive is that he is a white man who takes great care to treat his daughter's hair appropriately.

When Green was little, his own dad "made me feel like I had hung the moon," he says.

That's what Green has always wanted to give his kids, and as he tosses Miriam high into the air, her smile and giggles and twists of hair show him he's doing all right.

So, the snark can wait. Happy Father's Day!

DIVAH is an EXPERIENCE
DIVAH is a LIFESTYLE
DIVAH is YOU

DIVAH Salon * 13936 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, MD 20707 * 301-604-0260

Pretty nifty huh?

Done by Cheryl and Shaky at ProBody, 24 Imperial Arcade, Huddersfield. Plug plug!

(Thankfully, they are the artificial type, so should she decide to remove them, it’s fairly easy and won’t leave her with clumps of hair missing).

Today, despite everything that’s been going on recently, she looked really happy, probably the happiest she’s been in a long while. I know lots of other shit stuff is going on, but I think this new image has definitely had a profound effect on her. I just hope that it’s the start of a whole new makeover for her life, as well as her style.

Here’s us together...

Ok, so I understand that this isn't life-changing or anything, but I found it special.

Miss R was born with what I thought a decent amount of hair.  Not enough to do anything with, but she still had hair.  Looking back at these old pictures, I now laugh at what I thought was a lot of hair.  Here is a picture from the end of last March of the first time her hair was put in a pony that we called 'the quail tail.'  It was called that because as her hair started getting longer it always curled forward.

Then in September, there was finally enough hair to split into pig tails that almost always cutely curled over.  This is a favorite and how I normally do her hair unless I'm being lazy.

Then this past January she finally had enough hair to pull it all up into pig tails.  Although her hair is long enough to do this, it's usually done like the above picture.

This is now the latest and greatest hair style for her - the french braid.  When Mr D came home he was surprised that she actually sat for me to do it.  What he doesn't realize, is that all I have to do is ask her to do her hair and she plops herself on my lap and lets me play.  This will be the new favorite!  She looks so cute with her hair like that and it looked even cuter before she grabbed the comb to try to do her own hair and pulled some of it out.

I'm sure someday soon I'll look back on this and laugh again and what I thought was a lot of hair. 

Take this look for example; some messy twists and braids collected into a bun in the back, then dressed up with some ribbons, bows, or headbands. I decided to do my own little twist with it this afternoon. It takes only a moment and adds a pretty touch to any outfit, no matter how simple.

A bright red ribbon to top off a twist of braids and my simple black dress has much added style for anything that my happen in my day.

Be creative and playful- have a little fun with some extra attention to yourself. You'll love the results, not to mention the mood in your day.

For some more ideas, here are a few other twists I have done in the past (and happily still will soon again). Bows, twists, braids, and ribbons- young and playful or sleek and elegant you decide. Its great especially when you are wearing a shoulder revealing dress or top, or maybe have a pretty collar on your shirt or jacket. Its the clean swept look that screams glamour and luxury.

As simple or glamorous as you want to make it; have a few pins ready and dress it as you please. Above all have fun and have style.

Cornrow braids- with cornrows you have so much versatility. The are cute, neat, and always in style. Running out of ideas for a new change, try this cute hairstyle with the braids going across the front of the hair. Get this exact look at Seventeen.

High Pony Tail- Put a new twist on the ponytail with a high ponytail. This is a beautiful look. Learn how to do this exact style.

Headbands- They are back sweeping through shopping malls around the world. Headbands are perfect for teens. Just throw one on and you have a new hairstyle. You can use large ones or use multiple small ones for different looks.

Bangs- Always a favorite thing to add dramatic change to your hair. It's not for everyone, but if you are able to get away with go for it! They can make you look fabulous!

Updo- An updo is a great for formal and casual occasions. The can be easily achieved for a casual look or you can go all out for formal occasions. Add flowers, diamonds, and other items to "fancy" it up.

Hairstyles are all about personality. If you like it go for it.

The Los Angeles Times today has a story about MENA SUVARI pulling an '08 style blackface [Website - TheLostGirl’s Blog].

SUVARI who is starring, in new film 'Stuck', by STUART GORDAN, is playing a part that logic and common sense dictate should be played by a black woman. The reason being, her character, BRANDI, is based on CHANTE MALLARD, a very real and very...um... black woman.

But in true Hollywood style, the casting directs, the producers, directors and who ever else gets in on this circus, all thought better of hiring someone black and hired SUVARI and braided her hair.

The braids are supposed to suggest her life circumstance, as we all know, all poor black women are legally obliged to have their hair braided or weaved at all times, so they are easily identifiable.

It was in conjunction with [director] Stuart. I think we just wanted to kind of establish BraNdi as a particular kind of girl from a particular place. I think that we felt that it would be, like, Providence, Rhode Island, with a mix of cultures. That's kind of what we were going for."

Riiight....

Story courtesy of LA Times

Written By - TheLostGirl ONLY for TheLostGirl’s Blog website - Accept no imitators. http://iamthelostgirl.wordpress.com

Please let me know if you are reading this post ANYWHERE other than http://iamthelostgirl.wordpress.com. I, TheLostGirl, have NOT given permission for my post to be reproduced elsewhere. Anyone else who has this post up has likely pilfered it - cheeky bugger! You deserve better than stolen content. Read the real blog at my site – accept no imitators.

I know they're out there, hidden within the pages of some magazine, or in the stylist chairs of the local salon. I've cruised through multiple site dedicated to styles you can do from home, from two strand and flat twists,twist outs, and fros, to braids, weaves, wigs, and wraps. But since I never learned to braid (no little sisters or cousins to practice on, and the Barbie style head was out of the question for my mom) , and the budget doesn't allow for salon trips, I'm feeing a bit at a style loss.

My first two strand twists were decent, but not decent enough for me to wear them outside the "safety" of my home. And the twist out... fugeddabout it! *lol* I know they take time and patience to perfect, but with the summer coming up I need something both "effortless" and "cooling" (covering the head in wraps or synthetic hair is a no-no for me). And something that, should I happen to land a job outside of my home, won't have "The Man" fearing a tribal revolt at any moment. *lol*

So what's a sistah to do, ya'll? What do you do?

While you're contemplating your advice and answers... check these out...

NOTE: The last three, although relatively poor in quality, had an exceptionally strong influence for me. Not simply because of the styles, but the model's swagger, and the narrator's monologue. I wish I could have attended this personally.

If you're in the same boat as I am, I hope some of the styles the videos have inspired you to try your hand at something new.

Blessed Be...

Idadi

]]> http://11nwillow.wordpress.com/?p=71 Tue, 20 May 2008 19:01:46 +0000 heavenly1 http://11nwillow.wordpress.com/?p=71  Natural hair at its' best

hairstyles: Debra Hare-Bey, layout: Keston Duke

10. TopKnots- Elegant, beautiful and very sophiticated. Exactly what you want for that special occasion. Brides, this means you.

9. *The Afro Weave- If you can't grow it, sew it.  Don't leave Eryka Badu hanging! You go on with your bad self and rock your own groove thang (ask about the Afro weave special 135.00 hair included).

8. Short Cut- Not for every one! You do have to have the right shaped head and personality.

7. Cornrows- Stylist beware: if you can't cornrow, refer to a stylist that can. The key to this beautiful hairstyle is finding a stylist that cornrows well. Remember, no lumps and bumps.

6. *Braided Wrap- Boy, I  love everything! This is truly another favorite of mine because there are no two braided wraps that will look the same. The Braided Wrap is uniquely done to resemble straight hair that is  layered and feathered.

5. Healthy Hair- Noticed, I said "healthy hair".  Healthy hair is always a winner when it's worn in an attractive manner. Remember, it does require upkeep and lots of tender, love and care.

4. *Locs- Shall I say any more.  Locs are simply beautiful. I like them both groomed and ungroomed.

3. *Kinky twist- Another favorite I've worn many times. When kinky twist are done properly, it looks like your natural hair and guest what- it doesn't have that man made curl at the end. Like your natural hair when twisted, it ends with a natural puff curl.

2. *Feathered Bob- It was a difficult choice to make this #2 because this style is so "hot" right now; bob's are everywhere. The wonderful thing about this bob is, it is classically beautiful, sweat and frizz proof and unique.  You won't see yourself comming and going because there are no two done exactly alike.  

drum roll please   ........................................................................................................................

1. Nu-Locs- Anyone that knows me and The Studio knows that this is my all time favorite style. Nu-Locs are fabulously beautiful, easy to maintain, absolutely washable, and looks better with each passing day. This is a great way to loc your hair if you so choose or remove in three (3) yes, 3 whole months and try something new.

How do you maintain the hairstyles from the top 10 list- natural oils. Of course, I highly recommend Remedy for Dosha my line of natural hair oils. Stay tuned for the newest  3-n-1 hair oil- Dream hair body bath oil; all natural, vegan and organic. For more information, go to ohmyheavenlyhair.com

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HAIRSTYLE, I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW? Leave your comment

* Not photographed. For more information on Debra's styles, please call 718-221-5581 

Looking like SPAGHETTI
Super tight
Cornrows
Frizzy
Straight back wack

After MUCH consideration I have decided that "Looking like SPAGHETTI" is supposed to be the highest rank (even though it goes against my strong feeling that telling someone their hair looks like spaghetti would be insulting). Obviously I am guessing and might very well be wrong (although I am a very, very good guesser), but if I AM wrong then there IS NO RATING SYSTEM and this whole contest (?) is a sham.

This girl comes in at number 2 despite sending in a photo covered in sharpie scribbles and no less than three layers of scotch tape, but I have to give honorable mention to the brave men and women who took it upon themselves to upload a picture of their braids despite not knowing what that word means. Well done, men and women. And well done, R. Kelly.

]]> http://divahhairsalon.wordpress.com/?p=25 Tue, 06 May 2008 00:35:09 +0000 divahhairsalon http://divahhairsalon.wordpress.com/?p=25

13936 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, Maryland 20707 * (301) 604-0260

www.myspace.com/divahhairsalon / www.kentballardphoto.com