Nappy New Year. And greetings to all of my kinky-kindred spirits!
Thanks for sitting in on my monthly ‘hairepy sessions’ about nappiness and things related last year and for all the positive email about my musings. I also want to send a big “nap dap” to those of you who asked for and purchased my book “Nappyisms !”
My apologies for being unable to respond to everyone in a timely fashion, but I do read your mail and your feedback is sincerely appreciated.
This year, I’ll be adding a few new themes to the mix. Look for “Power Naps,” which are short profiles of nappy notables and “Whatever Nappened To . . .?,” which are updates on people whose nappy hair or ‘nappy-minds’ have invited controversy in the past.
With your help, I’ll write columns that will dabble in a little folklore. Send me your nappy hair traditions, superstitions and old school natural hair-care recipes. I know that you have interesting, funny and even tragic stories to tell! I’ll be looking for them.
While I will be giving you a few things new, I won’t stray from the tried and true. That means that I will continue to devote some columns to answering your questions about natural hair-care. It’s no secret that I endorse embracing African-inspired hairstyles more as a cultural statement than a passing fashion trend. But no matter how I feel intellectually, I also want my nappy tresses to be tight!
With that in mind, I have asked Erin Anthony, a sister from my advisory team of natural hair care professionals to answer a reader’s questions about a hair care dilemma.
Erin is founder of the holistically-spirited Adaru Natural Hair & Braiding Salon based in Indianapolis , Ind. Check out her website. She styled the hair of the models that you will see in the photos!
Tracy of Houston asks: “What’s the best way to really rock bangs with locs? My locs are 5.5 years old, and I trimmed them to just past shoulder length in May. I wanted a different look but nothing extremely drastic. I cut nine locs in the front (one a little too short”> and now have bangs. Now what?
How can I make sure my bangs are banging?? Before the cut, my locs mostly went back or to the side. Now I want them to go in a different direction without having to constantly manipulate them all day. Also how do I get the ends to look more pointy than blunted? “
Erin responds: “Locks are an excellent option because they are extremely versatile, and when cutting them you create yet another styling option. Because locks are often heavy, they tend to consistently fall in the same direction. To change the look of your bangs you can choose from a variety of styling options. For a different direction, have your locks professionally pin-curled, which will allow you to swoop your bangs to the side or even wear them curled, falling gently on your forehead. Pin your remaining locks up in the back to highlight your newly-curled bangs. One of my favorite partners in the industry is Master Loctician Thierry Baptiste. See his website for styling ideas and pictures of pin-curled locs.”
Until next month, stay true to your ‘do!
