Parisian Beauty: Abie Hardy

Abie Hardy, President & Founder of Zuhint Cosmetics. Photo by Zuhint Cosmetics.

Kim Kardash Hair

Kim Kardashian

As I was walking home yesterday I did something I rarely do in Paris: I struck up a conversation with a complete stranger.

I'd seen said stranger many times before in my neighborhood and noticed her beautiful hair swinging behind her. She was always impeccably dressed in heels galore and nice bags. I'd always told myself one day I'm going to ask her who does her hair. And then after one day I'll have to interview her for my new blog when I launch it.

Of course said day has arrived.

So there I was walking down the street talking to my best friend on the cell when I saw her again. I shared the news with my friend who ordered me to TALK TO HER. "It's for the blog. Women need to know."

"OK OK", I said before catching up to the girl and saying

"Excusez-moi" (excuse me.)

I was immediately surprised because she was a lot... different than I had imagined. From behind she was a long haired diva killing it with black fitted slacks and a Burberry raincoat, with a bright yellow Bridget Bardot (Lancel) bag. Face to face she was a gum smacking teenager with Chris Brown belting out of her earplugs.I gave her my business card and told her I wanted to interview her for Black Hair in Paris. Before I could get the rest of my sentences out she interrupted me.

"Who have you met? Have you met Naomi Campbell?"

"No. Would you be interested..."

"Have you met Tyra Banks?"

"Um, no...."

"Beyonce?"

"Hey I'm not a Hollywood reporter, sorry."

"Who have you met then?"

"OK. Christine Kelly?" I offered, just to close the subject.

"Who's that?"

"You don't know who Christine Kelly is?"

"Pas du tout", (not at all) she said, losing interest.

Maybe she had misunderstood my accent. I tried again. "Christine Kelly? She is an award winning journalist, one of the first black women on French TV, with origins from Guadeloupe? She's written books on people like William Gallas the soccer star and Francois Fillon, the Premier Minister of France? Sarkozy’s right-hand mand?"

Dazed and confused...she was.

I finally got my point across regarding the blog only to find that my new friend didn't want to be interviewed or photographed just yet because she went to a Jean Louis David salon and gotten a Brazilian Blowout last week. Said blowout had managed to break off huge pieces of her very long hair.

"Why did you go to Jean Louis David" I asked. I mean, she was black. For me it didn't compute. JLD does not do black hair! I've been in their salons and they looked at me like I was an alien before not so politely telling me that they don't do "frizzy" hair! ( Now here I must point out that French hair schools do not teach students how to do black hair, but that's an article to come).

"Well, I thought it would be good. You know I’m from Martinique. It was 140 euros. And look what they did to me."

At that moment she started running her fingers all through her hair showing me the damaged bits. I must admit that before then, I thought she was wearing a weave at least in the back! I know, shame on me. Black girls can have really long hair, I know, I know, I know.

As if she'd read my mind she said "I'm from Martinique." 

I guess that explains everything? Or does it?

"OK that's nice." I said, as I looked around to see if anyone was watching two black women standing in the middle of the street talking about and looking at hair.

"But you know what?" she continued, "I'm going to change it. Do you know about the New York blowout?"

"No, ever heard of that."

"The Toyko blowout?"

Did she just say Tokyo? As in Japan? Why would that be any good for us? But “No, non plus" (no, neither") is all I said.

"Well I'm going to get a weave because I want Kim Kardash hair."

"Pardon?" (Excuse me?)

"Kim Kardash, you know, American celebrity?"

"Um, yeah, I'm American too. I think most people know her though"

"Are you American oh mon dieu! C’est cool. Yes I want hair down to my butt."

"But you have really long hair already."

“Anyway I want Kim Kardash hair."

I smiled and gave her my American friend/hair stylist's business card (silently wondering if I’d be killed for sending a Jessica Simpson-like client there) and told her to get there to have any further salon treatments. I also warned her to stay away from Jean Louis David!!!! 

“And don’t try anything called Tokyo blowout”!

 I walked off thinking, Next time I'm going to mind my own business!

(But don’t worry, I won’t.)

Oscars 2012: And the Winners Are...

Octavia Spencer

Viola Davis

Women almost everywhere were checking out the clothes and hairstyles of other women at the Oscars last night (or today by internet if you were in Paris, like me).

Octavia Spencer, who won for best actress in a second role had a nice up-do. (By the way France has become slightly obsessed with her and is giving her a lot of ink. Check out this article "Who is Octavia Spencer" by France Soir (French).

Viola Davis stunned with her natural look, saying that her husband told her to leave her wig at home! Appparently, he understands her wearing wigs for her roles, but wants to see her HER hair at home. I have to say I agree with him. Although her hair wig is pretty in the orange dress (see below), I prefer her hair on Oscar night. There's just something powerful and beautiful about it.

Viola Davis

Seeing these gorgeous women reminded me that I didn't see ANY black women on the red carpet for the Cesar awards (French equivalent of Oscars) Friday night when Omar SY won. Nor did I even see any in the audience. Sigh. But that's a wholeeeeee-nother-article. Stay tuned.

Natural Hair Academy: Get Ready!

Felicia Leatherwood

Get ready Paris naturalistas! On Sunday April 1 from 12 noon until 4:30 pm you'll be able to ask your natural hair questions to one of the world's premeire experts. Los Angeles native, Felicia Leatherwood, who has conducted haircare workshops for women around the world, is coming to Paris.

Jane Carter

We can't wait to attend. Ms. Leatherwood's workshops are an invaluable resource to women who want to learn how to maintain and take care of natural hair. She has been doing hair since she was nine years old. Her experience is solid, having worked on stars such as Jill Scott, Kim Coles, Will Smith, Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, and Hill Harper. Her work that has appeared in People magazine, Essence, and InStyle, as well as in film and television.

Jane Carter (Jane Carter Solution), Cassidy Blackwell (The Natural Selection Blog) and Shea Moisture will also be appearing with Ms. Leatherwood.

Sponsored by Clarisse Libene and bellebene (which we have just discovered and love ) and ak-a, you should not miss this rare opportunity my friends. What a great way to learn more about natural hair: in Paris, on a peniche, with experts, food, cocktails and a giftbag to every participant! This is the first time I myself have heard of such an event in Paris. We are definitely going to be there, but hope you'll be there too.

The 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
More information: www.facebook.com/Natural.Hair.Academy.Paris
and on www.bellebene.com/html/naturalhairacademy

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

Naturally Me in Paris

I am a new naturalista. But I never planned to be. I didn’t go for the big chop. I didn’t have a hair tragedy or develop an allergy to chemicals. I didn't watch Chris Rock's Good Hair. I came into the look I’ve always wanted simply by accident. Serendipity is my friend.
 

I got my first relaxer at 13. I tagged along with my aunt to the salon. While sitting there amazed at her glossy results she asked me if I wanted one. I said yes, all gooey-eyed, and that experience led to me using chemicals for the next two decades. Before my relaxer I got my hair "pressed" as folks back home call it. Every Saturday night we'd go to my grandparent’s and sit in the middle of the kitchen. I still remember my grandmother saying "Grab your ear girl" and me cringing, hoping she wouldn’t slip and burn my finger. When she'd finished and all the smoke had gone, there we sat with our long hair reaching our shoulders. Happy. Proud. Ready for ribbons and church on Sunday.

Those were the days.

After I initially got my relaxer I kept it simple until I reached 18. I was away at college and modeling part time. For one of the fashion shows the organizers sent me to a hair stylist. She turned out to be a weave specialist and said "Why don't you try it, at least for the show?" I went from having a bob to being a diva overnight. That led to what I call my "Diana Ross years." Afterwards I wore long hair extensions (braided in, glued in, sewed in) off and on for several years. If I cut my hair and missed it, I'd go and get it weaved in again. If I simply got bored with my already long hair, I'd go and get even longer hair. Curly weaves were my kryptonite.

In 2006 I decided that length no longer mattered to me. I didn't need super long hair. Not even long hair. I went for a super short bob and it was one of the best looks I've ever rocked. But then, I let my hair grow out and I was bored again. I returned to my old habits and went and got another weave. Sigh. The vicious cycle was hard to break. I finally got rid of it once and for all in 2009.

I was then expecting a bundle of joy. I didn't want to go to the salon. I went for a long time without doing anything to my hair other than a simple shampoo and a pull back. After the baby came I knew it was time to get my head taken care of. Nicole Pembrook of Polished Hair Care told me on my first trip back to the salon, "You know what? You don't need a relaxer. I'm not putting one in. In fact you never needed one."

WHAT?

I didn’t believe it. I'd had a relaxer since...forever. In the back of my mind I thought "I'll just try it out. She'll see." That day I walked away with a shampoo and blow out. No one could tell that I didn't have a relaxer. I would wear my hair blown out and flat ironed for the next two years.

In December 2011 I was travelling home to America for Christmas. I had a weave specialist’s number. He was inexpensive and good. I didn't want to go back to relaxers or weaves but I wanted to change the texture. I wanted curly hair again. It turns out he wasn’t available (thank God!) so I decided to wash it myself. However, when I looked in the mirror afterwards I didn't recognize my own head: I had a head full of naturally curly hair.

It's been two months since I had a blow out. My family, my friends, and most of all, ME love my new hair! The icing on the cake was when my daughter, who has curly hair too, looked at me, patted my hair, and said "Mom pretty hair." 

What more could a girl ask for? Absolutely nothing.

Omar Sy Wins!

Omar Sy reacting to his best actor award

Now I know this is supposed to be a black hair blog but how could I not give a shout out to our brother, Omar Sy, who last night became the first black actor ever to take home best actor award? It's not possible! So congratulations Omar!!! And just to tie it in to....um...black hair...."Omar Sy has shaved off his teeny tiny fro in an effort to...."  OK that's enough.  
GREAT job Omar!

Salon Review: Maria Dolores Institute

Maria Dolores Institute-photo by Maria Dorlores

A reader from my Anglophone webzine  Prissy Mag gave me this recommendation: Maria Dolores Institute. I previously had no knowledge of this salon. I had no idea it existed.

Maria is Dominican and has been living in Paris for several years. African-Americans coming from NYC especially know that Dominicans "can really do some hair" as my girlfriend would say. The salon is conveniently located in Le Maris. It's small but completely adequate and well organized. The atmosphere is professional but also relaxed, especially when it comes to the music. You'll be snapping your fingers and singing along in Spanish. The thing I most appreciate is that as soon as you arrive at your RDV you are taken care of. You have no time to read a magazine. You are in and out in one hour if you have a shampoo. If you get a conditioner, it's 90 minutes tops. Maria's hair products include: Alter Ego Italy and Sebastian, Loreal and Mizani.

The lady who washed my hair was thorough and asked questions and gave good hair advice. The lady who blew-out my hair was quick and effective. Prices are extremely reasonable too: around 35 euros for a wash, with a conditioner around 52 euros.

Bottom Line: A very good address.


Address:

Maria Dolores Institute

167, rue Saint Martin

Paris 3rd arroindisement

Metro: Rambuteau (ligne 11)

Metro: Etienne Marcel (ligne 4)

Telephone: 01 42 76 07 90

China Moses

China Moses, by Le Figaro.fr

American China Moses is one of the few black women we see often on French TV. She's the daughter of jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater and film and television director Gilbert Moses.

China is a singer, songwriter and producer but since September 2011, we've seen her as music chronicler for French TV show Le Grand Journal on Canal +. China always has her do done right, whether it's natural, relaxed or somewhere in between. I don't know where she gets her hair done but I'd love to ask her.

Natural Hair Academy Coming to Paris!

Get ready Naturalistas (and those who wanna be)!

Salon Review: Polished Hair Care

Polished Hair Care

Owned by Nicole Pembrook, an American from San Francisco, this salon has expertise in hair extensions, cutting, straightening, the permanent blow dry, colouring techniques, eyebrows, and flat-iron curling and tons of other things. For Nicole, Polished Hair Care is more than a hair salon. It is a sanctuary where women of all origins can experience professionalism and tailor-made services. 

Pros: A very experienced and talented team, great products, perms, conditioners, advice, and much more. Easy, central location. Nicole and her team are tops!

Bottom line: A good salon with a good staff. Their shampoo is the best I've ever had. DO make an appointment beforehand and DO be on time as the salon gets busy.

Address

Polished Hair Care Salon

76-78 Ave. Champs Elysees

Metro: George V

Tel: (33).1.43.59.31.48

Audrey Pulvar

Audrey Pulvar

French journalist Audrey Pulvar is extremely nice. One of my girlfriend's contacted her for a hair salon question and she responded with the info! Now that's cool. Audrey always has her hair nicely done. I've never seen her with a "bad hair day." Love ya Audrey!

Sweet Buttah!

Curl Prep's Sweet Buttah

A few days ago I received what I called a mystery package in the mail. I didn't know if it was a box of Thin Mints or a new hair product to try out. Guess what? It was indeed something for the hair: Curl Prep's Sweet Buttah! Yippee! (I'm becoming a product junky).

Sent to me all the way from New Jersey, Sweet Buttah is hailed as the buttery solution that is perfect for hydrating natural hair, providing funky two-strand twists and more. I can't wait to try it out! ALSO stay tuned for my interview with Curl Prep's founder, a super nice lady by the name of Candace Kelly!  In the meantime, it's time to start experimenting...

Salon Review: Célianthe Coiffure

Célianthe is supposed to be the oldest Black hair salon in Paris.

Pros: Their products are familiar-Optimum, Dark and Lovely,etc. They do braids and weaves as well, and it's a nice, modern salon.

Cons: The welcome is not as warm as the other places, and this salon takes walk-ins only, so I had to wait a long time.(You must reserve however if you are getting a weave.) I didn't receive any advice about my hair or its condition either.

Bottom line: I'd be interested to know how this salon is now. When I first wrote this review I'd gone there in 2005. 

Address:

Célianthe Coiffure

48 rue Fbg. Monmarte

Paris 9th arrondissement

Metro: Le Peletier

Tel: (33).1.47.70.70.42

Salon Review: Hairy Taj Coiffure

Hairy Taj

Taj is a wonderful stylist who has trained in the United Kingdom and the United States, and he is constantly traveling to different hair shows and workshops to keep his skills tight. His work is often featured in hair magazines, and he works with several local artists, but he's very down-to-earth and accessible. The salon is a multi-service salon, offering everything from weaves, to relaxers and coloring. Taj is also specialized in treating natural hair, but has products for all hair types.

Bottom line: A good address.

Address:
Hairy Taj
111 rue Quincampoix, 3rd arrondissement
Metro : Etienne Marcel
Tel: (33).1.42.77.52.92

Hair Products or Thin Mints?

Mystery Envelope

Sooooooo I was very happy and excited when I went to my mail box and pulled out this envelope marked "fragile"!  You might be wondering what it is. I am too, although I have to admit I am hoping for some hair products. A kind lady from the U.S.A did say she was sending me some samples of her lovely looking goodies.

Then again my sister sends me packages too. And didn't someone promise me some Thin Mints last week.

Hmmmmmm...à voir. I guess I'd just better open it then. Stay tuned to find out what was in the envelope!

Black Hair in Paris Blog

"Reasons...the reasons that we're here..."

I started this blog because quite frankly, I’m slightly obsessed with my hair. It wasn’t like this before. It only started when I moved to Paris in 1999 and couldn’t find any good hair salons. That experience (yes it was painful) led to me writing an article entitled Combing for a Black Hair Salon in Paris. It’s the most popular article on my Anglophone webzine Prissy Mag, so I knew there was a lot more to explore on this subject. At Prissy Mag we gets tons of emails every week from people who need even more hair information. I wrote a list of what we call good salons, but people also want to know where they can buy products. They’d like to know else is going on in Paris as far as hair is concerned. For example, do straw sets exist? What about loc extensions? And, they want to know what my personal hair experiences in Paris have been like lately. So stay tuned. We gotta lot to talk about!

Salon Review: Univers Phytos

Univers Phytos

My stylist in Atlanta swears by the phytospecific line, which includes a relaxer without chemicals and all natural plant-based products. Appointments must be made in advance for this ultra-clean and chic salon, which is why you won't have any wait when you arrive. A great salon for people with certain (wavy/curly) hair textures. As I had a relaxer when I went, I didn't feel that the plant-based product was strong enough for me. It didn't get my hair as straight as other relaxers. I'd like to know how the product works on natural hair though.

The only con: A little pricy, and again, the relaxer is good for certain textures of hair only.

Bottom line: Depends on your hair type.

Address:

Univers Phytos

109 rue Faubourg-St. Honore

Paris 8th arrondisement

Tel. (33).1.45.22.13.14

Salon Review: Kanellia Hair

Kanellia Hair Salon

Kanellia is another salon that specializes in its own natural, plant-based products. The founder, Ms. Sandrine Jeanne-Rose, has also created her own line of beauty products for Black skin. Besides doing hair, the salon also offers massages, facials and other beauty treatments. You must make an appointment.

The salon is located in one of the galleries or mini-shopping centers on the Champs Elysées. Look for the number '66' and walk all the way to the back of the gallery, then take a right and you're there.

Possible Cons: No weaves or braids done if that's what you need, and they only use Kanellia products.

Bottom line: Again, depends on your hair type and what you're looking for.

Address: 

Kanellia Hair

66 av. Champs Elysées

Paris 8th arrondisement
Metro: Franklin Roosevelt
Tel: (33).1.42.56.02.57


Please note: I was not able to get my hair done at this salon when I first reviewed it in 2010, but it was recommended by several people. I have since been able to test it out and that review is coming soon!