Up Close: Yetunde Oshodi of Feels Like Home in Paris

Yetunde Oshodi of Feels Like Home in Paris

BHIP: How long have you lived in Paris?

YO: Eight going on nine years!

BHIP: How did you wear your hair before you got here?

YO: Before coming to Paris, I cut most of my hair off as I was afraid to put my hair in the hands of just anyone. It was relaxed in a mushroom cut, shaven in the back and long on top.

BHIP: What was your hair experience when you got to Paris--were you lucky in finding salons? Products?

YO: I kept my hair short for a while and just asked my husband to help me keep it shaven around the back. Then one day I met a woman who had scheduled an appointment with me to propose her company's services to me and when I saw how lovely her hair was, I just said, "Sorry this may seem like a strange question in the middle of our conversation, but please, where did you get your hair done." And that was when she gave me Nicole's number.

BHIP: Where do you get your hair done now or do you do it yourself?

YO: At Polished Hair Care. I am a loyal client. When I find a hairdresser I like or I will allow to put scissors to my hair - I don't leave her or him till one of us changes continents.

BHIP: Have you had any bad hair experiences in Paris?

YO: Not really because if I am feeling uncertain about the salon, I have just asked for braids. I mean how bad could someone braid your hair?

BHIP: People often talk about the negative effect "calcaire" (limestone), which is found in French water, has on their hair. Would you say it has affected yours? How?

YO: I am not sure if it has affected my hair but it certainly affected my skin and since my scalp is skin I would guess it had its effects on my hair - just making it dryer than it usually is which is already dry as it is.

BHIP: You've been here for a long time. Have you seen black hair evolve here? I remember when I first got here the weaves were HORRIBLE. You'd be on the metro and see tracks everywhere, but really noticible tracks!

YO: Ha ha! Same here. I see a lot more women with better weaves but I still find them a tad odd. Nicole convinced me for my trip to Asia not to have too much too worry about, to get a pony tail attached and another time to get pieces put in. I liked looking at myself with a bit longer hair but it was still a bit odd for me.

There are still a lot of wigs!

BHIP: How do you wear your hair in Paris now-Relaxed, natural, braides, weaves?

YO: Currently my hair is in twists with extensions (yes, I think extensions are Ok particularly because you don't have the odd bump on your head. ; ) ) I have not had my hair relaxed in about 2+ years now and it is quite long though you couldn't tell when I just get the 'fro going. I have had two or three Keratin treatments as well with the interest in loosening my very tight curls. Results have been mixed. But I think I'll try again.

BHIP: What's your current hair regimen?

YO: To be honest the less I do, the more my hair loves me and I think that is why I have been able to finally get from proper thick growth. I have a lot of hair!

BHIP: If you were in the U.S. would you be wearing your hair the same way? Why or why not?

YO: Probably, but not sure really.

BHIP: What advice would you give other black women, especially Americans who are used to have so many choices, about taking care of their hair in Paris?

YO: See a lady walking down the street with hair you like, do not hesitate to ask "where did you get your hair done?"

Debut at the Flute Champagne Bar

PLJ with Doni Belau of Girl's Guide to Paris

On February 23 Doni Belau, President of the Girl's Guide to Paris, invited Parisian bloggers, writers and partners to a cocktail event at the Flute Champagne Bar. The event was to celebrate a new travel club that has been created. I was very excited to go because one, Doni's a great person and I wanted to see her again; two, I knew some of my fellow writers (great people also) were going to be there; and three, it was the first time I was going to an event with my "new" hair! 

It was quite liberating not having to go to the salon, or fret about my hair beforehand. But suffice it to say that I did pull a "JKJ" (she knows who she is ;-) and decided to wash my hair at the last minute. It turned out quite lovely though. Nice curls and a "fresh" look. The funniest part is that once I got to the Flute Bar several of my friends tried to find me in the crowd and completely overlooked me because they did didn't recognize me with my new do. CLASSIC!

It was a great night, cool event, and lots of fun. Definitely to be repeated....Maybe I won't wash my hair at the last minute, but then again, who knows?

Polished Hair Care's Client of the Week

Hair by Polished Hair Care

Check out Polished Hair Care's client of the week. For your appointment call Nicole Pembrook at Polished Hair Care - Paris, Champs Elysees.

Up Close: Felicia Leatherwood of Loving Your Hair with Natural Care

Felicia Leatherwood

As you know, Felicia Leatherwood is coming to Paris! Owner of Loving Your Hair with Natural Care in Los Angeles, this natural hair specialist will no doubt make a huge impression here on April 1st. In fact, the event is already sold out! Ms. Leatherwood recently took time out of her busy schedule to speak to me. I can't wait for this event! 

BHIP: Is this your first time doing your workshop in Paris? In Europe?


FL: This will be my first time presenting a workshop in Paris, but I hosted a successful one last year in the UK.


BHIP: I read that you're touring Europe a bit. Do you expect the Paris workshop to be different than the one in London or Amsterdam? 

FL: I get excited about all of the workshops I do and no two are the same. I look forward to the Paris Workshop and the response has been amazing!


BHIP: As an American expert I am sure you will be well received here in Paris. Do you feel that European women will have different hair needs or questions for you than African-American women? Or do you think that naturalistas will pretty much have the same issues anywhere?

FL: I think that women all over the world have some of the same hair care needs and concerns, the only difference is, what products are available. A lot of work goes into making sure you can get the products that you need to keep a good kinky curl of hair!


BHIP: What do you hope participants will get out of your workshop?


FL: Inspiration, Empowerment and good hair advice!

Rama Yade

Rama Yade

Mame Ramatoulaye Yade (born 1976) is a local politician who served in the government from 2007 to 2010. With the upcoming presidential election she's back in the news again...Hmmm... A suivre! 


Still looking good as Rama!

Permanent Blow Outs at Polished Hair Care

Polished Hair Care

Polished Hair Care Salon, owned by fellow American Nicole Pembrook, is an upscale hair salon located on the famous Champs Elysees. Now this salon is offering its clients the permanent blow dry (also known as the Keratin straightening treatment, The 12 week blow dry, and The Brazilian Blow Dry)!

According to professionals, the permanent blow dry is the only anti frizz hair straightener designed to be used on bleached, highlighted, colored, relaxed, dry & natural hair. It straightens and conditions leaving the hair soft and easy to manage. It also returns the hair to its original healthy, shiny, smooth condition. You can see the results immediately after the treatment is completed and it lasts up to four months as the treatment fades progressively.

I haven't tried this blow dry because I've recently gone "natural", but I did talk to four different women (including the one pictured above) and they all swear by it.

From now until a limited time only, the salon is offering the permanent blow dry for an introductory price of 250€ (first visit only).

For more information, visit their Facebook page, or call and make an appointment at the salon today!

Address

Polished Hair Care Salon
76-78 Avenue Champs Elysee
75008 Paris
Tel: 01 43 59 31 48
International: +33 1 43 59 31 48
Fax: 01 43 59 33 89

Up Close: Clarisse Libene of Bellebene

Clairisse Libene of Bellebene

This week Clarisse Libene of bellebene was gracious enough to answer a few questions regarding the upcoming Natural Hair Academy she's sponsoring. Featuring Felicia Leatherwood of Loving Your Hair With Natural Care, Jane Carter and other notable hair experts, this rare event is taking place in Paris on April 1. As a new naturalista, I cannot tell you how excited I am about attending this workshop. Here's what she told me.

BHIP: When and why did you decide to do the Natural Academy workshop with Felicia Leatherwood?

CL: When I saw the videos of Felicia's Natural Hair workshop, I knew we would have to work together. I created the concept of Afro Hair Academy in Paris since 2010 and it is pretty much the same. Coaching, giving tips and advices and teaching women of color to embrace the beauty of their natural hair texture. I am a real fan of Felicia as a hair artist and as a person and wanted my French girls to meet her.

BHIP: Is this the first time Felicia has done this event with you in Paris?

CL:Yes it is our first time together!

BHIP: Who do you expect to attend - women who are transitioning? Full naturalistas? Hair stylists? Beauticians?

CL: Mostly women who are transitioning, relaxed women and full naturalistas. Most of the people who already took their tickets and called us told us the same thing wether they are natural or not: they cannot find the right routine to take care of their hair. We will be here to help!

BHIP: What do you hope participants will walk away with?

CL: Tips and advice of course but mostly confidence in the beauty of their hair. This is my major goal and I hope Felicia and I will be able to do that.

BHIP: Will you do more workshops like this in the future? If so, when is the next one?

CL: Well, with the opening of our flagship store in Paris, we had to postpone the next academies in our agenda. We pretty much expect to have another event in the summer.

BHIP: I have to ask you about bellebene.com. I've just discovered the site and I love it! Why did you launch it? Has it been successful? I would think so. There is indeed a need!

CL: Hey, thank you. I created the blog nearly four years ago when I decided to go natural. At the time, all the resource about natural hair was on American blogs and youtube channels, we did not have anything for us in France. So I decided to test products I could not find here, and give advice. Hair is really a passion for me. and then, the creation of an online store came a bit as something logical. We were the first to carry Miss Jessies or Jane carter in France. The website is meeting a larger audience each year and we are really happy about that. I means that what we do is helpful.



The Natural Hair Academy Details:

Date: Sunday April 1, 2012
Time: 12 noon until 4:30 pm.
Workshop: 12-2pm
Cocktail and products, photos questions/answer session: 2pm-4:30pm
Place: Peniche Alize, port de la Rapee 75012 Paris - Metro Gare de Lyon

Contact: contact@ak-a.fr This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
More information: www.facebook.com/Natural.Hair.Academy.Paris
and on www.bellebene.com/html/naturalhairacademy

Buy your ticket here:http://parisnaturalhairacademy.eventbrite.com/