Prince has gone...natural!

OK so I know it's been ages since I've blogged here and I do apologize. A little hard to do it all--write articles, books, blog, interview. But I'm back and I'll try to bring you guys some new information! Starting with...PRINCE! He has gone back to his "roots". Now it makes me wonder what he was doing before. Perms? Relaxers? Anywho, what are your thoughts???? I know France will love it!

South African Film Crew Films Mark Clement Salon

Mark Clement and members of his salon were recently filmed by a South African Film crew. The documentary is focused on Paris and black hair. I was invited to attend but unfortunately could not be there. Still, I look forward to seeing the results of what is sure to be an interesting piece!

South African Film Crew

South African Film Crew

South African Film Crew

Style Icon: Christiane Taubira!

France 24 recently wrote:  "On January 29, French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira appeared before the National Assembly to defend a bill that would allow gay couples to marry and adopt in France. The speech has galvanised the left and given LGBT activists a new icon."

I agree on that, but I'd also like to point out that Ms. Taubira is also a fabulous STYLE icon. Have you noticed how she rocks those braids? J'adore!!!

Get Your Copy of Black Paris Profiles!

Black Paris Profiles by Monique Y. Wells

Recent Facebook post by Entrée to Black Paris - an award-winning blog I totally recommend!

Priscilla Lalisse-Jespersen is one of the 16 women featured in Black Paris Profiles. A big fan of natural hairstyles for black women, she is the creator of the blog Black Hair in Paris: http://www.blackhairinparis.com/. Learn more about Pris by getting your copy of Black Paris Profiles today: http://amzn.to/TXir3x

Make sure you get a copy of Black Paris Profiles, written by Monique Y. Wells.

Favorite Hair Products

Hair products available at Monoprix

What's on your list of favorite hair products? Are they available in Paris? Leave a comment; readers would love to know. I have tons, but one of my favorites is Knot Today by Kinky Curly. It was on Essence Magazine's "Beauty Best Sellers List" in 2008, and rightly so! Speak no more of tangles when you use this product. It truly works!

"KNOT TODAY TM is a creamy herbal conditioner and detangler designed to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls and tangles from thick curly textured hair. Can be used as a regular rinse out conditioner for wavy hair or as a leave-in for thicker curlier hair types. An excellent product to use after removing braids and extensions."

Can't add anything better to that than IT WORKS and you can even get it in Paris. It is NOT available at your local Monorprix or Auchan, but you can shop for Knot Today at www.bellebene.com!

Paris & Natural Hair

Natural Hair Academy Paris. Photo by PRISSY MAG.

Hey guys here are some of the questions I've received over the past year regarding Natural Hair in Paris. I hope this helps. Enjoy!

What has the trend in hair been where you live, do you see naturals all over?

It varies, depending on the culture. African women tend to wear braids, extensions, weaves and lots of wigs. We do see natural afros on some women though as there aren’t a lot of choices for women of color here in Paris.  First, hair stylists are only trained on European hair, believe it or not. The hair schools simply don’t train future beauticians on black hair. Most of the people working on black hair are unlicensed and therefore potentially dangerous when it comes to chemicals. People who do black hair have learned from just working on their own hair, family, etc. Another issue is economics. Many women here can’t afford to get a relaxer and pay for the upkeep.  

North African women tend to wear their hair naturally. I love their curls. You’ll see Moroccan or Algerian women with heads full of curly or wavy hair (if they aren’t covered up). Women from the West Indies wear their natural hair most often. My West Indian friends just wash it and go. They do get blow outs. Some of them wear braids in the summer. Americans here wear it natural, in braids, weaves or get relaxers--once they’ve found a good salon. That’s always the challenge for Americans. We are used to getting our hair done on a regular basis!

Do women stop each other on the street to exchange hair tips?

No, women do not stop each other on the streets to exchange hair tips. I tried it a couple of times when I first moved to Paris. It’s not “normal” here. It’s a pity. That's what prompted me to write my hair article "Combing for a Black Hair Salon in Paris." I hit the streets of Paris to find good competent hair salons and stylists. Then I put together a list. It has been extremely useful to folks. Not surprisingly, this article has gotten more hits than any other article on my website! Like I said before, Americans are used to getting our hair done and we look for the same type of services we get back home. We want professionals who are trained on black hair. This is why my article has been so well received.

Are there natural hair events and parties there like we do in America? If so what are they like if you have attended?

Only one that I know of so far, which was sponsored by Bellebene called the Natural Hair Academy, which was held last spring. It's a great idea! They're actually having another one next spring 2013.

Do the stores have sections for natural hair products?

As for my present stock (and I’m still experimenting) I brought them back from America with me, and ordered some others online. However, I wasn’t really looking for this type of hair product before because I had a relaxer. I’m going back to the black hair stores in Paris this weekend with fresh eyes! I’ll be sure to report back.

In terms of careers, is there a concern about wearing natural hair at work?

No. I do find it much easier here to wear natural hair. Besides writing books and running my webzine Prissy Mag, I’m in a French company often too and some of my collaborators have natural afros. For the French, it’s normal. It’s natural. It’s beautiful! I’ve gotten tons of compliments.

What is the difference in how your country treats women with natural hair and how you perceive America treats women with natural hair? 

It seems to be more acceptable and more attractive here. I think the French perceive it as lovely. It’s part of the mystery of a black/Arab/African woman. It’s “natural”! When I last lived in America it seemed like you’d be the odd woman out if you wore natural hair. People sort of expected you to be a bit bohemian, very eccentric or afro centric. In France, they have a more logical reasoning. Its science pure and simple: you’re black; you have a curly or wavy hair texture. We’re white, we have a different texture. End of story. 

What are some of your favorite styles in general and how to do you normally like to wear your hair?

Polished Hair Care gave me my first twist out and I love this look. I’ve always wanted curly hair and to think that I already had it until I started getting it relaxed, sigh. The twist out is very easy to do and maintain and I love the texture it gives my hair. I’ll wear it full or partly pulled back and it looks great. I’m in hair heaven for the first time in years. If I don’t twist it I wash and let it dry naturally.  This style is great too—tighter curls and more compact, but amazing. I look in the mirror and I can’t believe it’s all my hair. No relaxer. No curling iron. No flat iron. It’s wash and/or twist and go. I wish I’d done this years ago!

Natural Hair Academy: Take 2!

Natural Hair Academy in Paris

Back by popular demand: Natural Hair Academy! Sponsored by Bellebene (and others) with the fabulous Felicia Leatherwood, this time you have two dates from which to choose: Saturday March 9, 2013 : 12h-15h OR Sunday March 10, 2013 : 13h30-16h30. Read my post from the last workshop (April 2012) and see the pictures on Facebook!

Goldy Hair: Weave Hair Specialists in Paris?

Photo from Goldy Hair

I've been getting messages regarding Goldy Hair, a new hair company located in Paris. Has anyone else heard of it or bought hair from them?  Their tagline says they're Brazilian hair specialists, but in the About section, they only refer to having Indian hair. It looks like they sell both though (check out the online boutique). 

Also according to their site they specialize in straight, wavy and curly hair, and even have hair closures for sale-something you don't see everyday in France. I'll definitely try to get more info ASAP for you guys. However if you try them out before I do, let us know!




GOLDY HAIR
38, rue de la tour 75116 Paris France
Tel: +33 7 79 80 00 42
Email: contact@goldyhair.com



Before and After...with Salon Mark Clement

Before

At the Salon Mark Clement you don't have to be female to get your hair done! Mark and his staff specialize in cuts for men (and kids) too. Check out this recent before and after, featuring twists!


After



 

Address:

Mark Clement Salon

58 rue Volta

Paris, 3rd arrondissement
Tel: (33).1.40.27.03.27

Find him on Facebook!

Up Close: Ava Mitchell

Ava Mitchell

Recently I went home to attend the funeral of a beloved family member. It was a very hard and sad occasion, as one can imagine.  While there I met some new friends, who were just great folks. One of them is a lady named Ava who graciously accepted my request to post her photo on this blog.

I spotted Ava in the family crowd immediately. One, because she was wearing a beautiful blue dress and two, because she's a natural and her look was just overall fierce!  We talked and later became friends on FB. Like I said, she's fierce and wears her natural hair well. I was surprised and happy to find quite a few naturals during my Alabama trip--not only in nearby Atlanta, but in my very own community/neighborhood. Oh, and I got quite a lot of compliments on my own natural 'do. Pretty exciting and interesting.

I hope to interview Ava soon to find out what it's like being a natural in the Deep South. For some reason I don't believe it's the same as being a natural in Paris or even in New York or LA. Maybe I'm wrong? Hence the interview! By the way, Ava also has a daughter who's an artist and a natural too. We'll have much to cover.

Stay tuned.

Fun in the South of France, Hat Included

My big floppy hat

Whether your locks are straight, relaxed, natural or curly, the summer sun can be very damaging to your hair. Before I left for vacation in the South of France, I picked up this hat at H&M on sale for 7 euros and it's worth every centime! It does a great job at keeping my natural hair hidden from Antibe's hot, hot rays, and to top it off (no pun intended) I've been told it's pretty cute! 


*Thanks to my sister DD for inspiring me to get this one (she has a similar model).*

Shalamar in the House!

Shelly R. Fox, Howard Hewett, Mark Clement

Howard Hewett, former lead singer of the group Shalamar and his wife were at Mark Clement's salon recently. Howard's wife is a client, having found the salon through my other site, PRISSY MAG. Very cool. Very cool indeed. Too bad I wasn't there. I would have asked for some singing. I was and still am a big Shalamar fan!

Birthday Dinner in....the U.S.!

Birthday Dinner

I had planned a birthday dinner in Paris with friends. However sometimes life doesn't work out the way we plan, right? So on the morning of my special day I was actually on a plane headed for Atlanta. I would have never guessed that I'd be spending my birthday with half of my family back in the States! Yep, life sure is funny sometimes. Birthday dinner in Paris--to come.

Karen Byrd: Coming Soon!

One of Karen Byrd's dolls

Great news! The busy lady behind Hair by Karen Byrd has agreed to talk to me about her amazing dolls! In case you forgot, Karen creates black dolls with dreadlocks, afros, straight hair and curly curly. Natural Beautiful HairDolls are just plain awesome.

Stay tuned for what is sure to be a fascinating interview!

Up Close: Monique Wells of Entrée to Black Paris

Monique Wells

Monique Wells is one of my favorite people in Paris! When she's not busy enlightening us on Entrée to Black Paris, she's helping others discover the beauty of the place we call home (Paris!). She was kind enough to answer a few questions for me regarding her own personal hair regime. Here's what she said.

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

MW: Before I came to Paris (in 1992), I wore braids. I started wearing braids when I went to graduate school in 1985. Before then, I processed my hair (straight perms, Jeri Curls).

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

MW: I got my hair cut into a short Afro just before I moved to Paris and have worn my hair
in this style since arriving. I brought my “black” hair care products with me (in bulk) when I moved here. I have always purchased shampoos and conditioners that a person of any race can use in stores around town such as Monoprix, Franprix, etc. For products similar to what we used to call “hair grease” ( LOL!), I buy them from the States when I go on vacation and bring them back. A little goes a long way for me!

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

MW: No, but I attribute this to the fact that I am completely natural – no extensions, weaves, or chemicals. It’s pretty easy to find a black hairdresser who can cut men’s hair. When I first came, I just showed a photo of what I wanted and they reproduced it. I’ve only had three hairdressers in 20 years, so they pretty much know what I want.

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?

Monique and Paul Stromberg 

MW: My hair is fine and always short, so the limestone has not proven to be a problem for me. In fact, it adds “body” to my hair! But the hard water is terrible for my skin – I am constantly putting lotion on my hands and I always use lots of lotions on my legs and feet before going to bed. I use Oil of Olay (called “Olaz” here) on my face twice a day – it is an excellent moisturizer.

BHIP: You've been here for a long time. Have you seen black hair evolve here?

MW: I remember when I first got here the weaves were HORRIBLE. You'd be on the metro and see tracks everywhere, but really noticeable tracks! Yes, the weaves were horrible! They are somewhat better now. I have never been impressed with the black hair styles that I’ve seen people wear here and that remains true today. I have also remarked that dreadlocks are not at all popular among women here.

BHIP: How do you wear your hair in Paris now-still natural, right?

MW: I am completely natural. This included no coloring – I am naturally salt-and-pepper, with the salt becoming more dominant each year. I have dramatic patches and swirls of white amidst my naturally brown hair. My hairdresser, my mom, and others have commented that my hair looks as though God created a beautiful canvas on my head.

BHIP: Yes, I agree, lol! Where do you get your hair done or do you do it yourself?

MW: I go to a hairdresser for my haircuts. I wash and condition my hair myself.

BHIP: What's your current hair regimen?

MW: Home care two to three times a week; haircut once a month.

BHIP: If you were in the U.S. would you be wearing your hair the same way? 

Monique at Scientific Event

MW: Yes, I would wear my hair naturally if I were in the States. Spending more time on my hair than I do at present would take away from the time that I prefer to spend on numerous other activities. I am a no-fuss kind of girl, and when I began getting my hair braided back in graduate school, I marveled at how lucky I was because I only needed to spend a day getting my hair done every five to six weeks. Now I am horrified at the thought of spending that much time at the hairdresser! 

My current hairdresser takes an hour to cut my hair because she does 99% of my cut with scissors. (There’s always time for a good chat.) When she retires, I may just go back to having the entire thing done with clippers, reducing my time in the chair to a matter of minutes!

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?

MW: I would say that if you are moving here, bring a large supply of your favorite products with you so that you can take your time in finding the best place to buy your products here or to find the best substitutes for what you cannot find here. I would also advise you to ask people who have healthy-looking hair and appealing hair styles where they get their hair done. I’ve taken to keeping a few of my hairdresser’s business cards with me so that I can give them to people who ask me where I get my hair cut (this happens fairly frequently). Finally, I would advise you to realize and accept that it may take some time to find just the right salon.


Read Monique's awesome blog Entrée to Black Paris and check out her travel site: Discover Paris!

Brazilian Extensions at Polished Hair Care

Photo by Polished Hair Care

OK ladies who love it long and sleek, but need a little help--you'd better get over to Polished Hair Care in Paris! Nicole and her staff are doing fierce Brazilian extensions. And to answer your question, yes, I am tempted. 

Kelly Rowland Rocking It

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland is quite popular in France. Known for being a part of Destiny's Child, she's recently worked with French DJ David Guetta. Check out her sleek look!

Wedding Hair!

One of my readers sent me this beautiful picture. I love the hair! Thoughts?

Beautiful!

R.I.P. Donna Summer

Donna Summer died this morning after a battle with lung cancer. The disco diva was 63. Summer was a 5-time Grammy winner who shot to superstardom in the '70s with iconic hits like "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls." Who could ever forget those songs? And that HAIR!  R.I.P. Donna!

Must-Have Dolls!

My buddy Kim Petyt pointed this link out to me. Look at all these original beauties from Natural Girl's and Women United! How could we not buy one of these dolls? This idea comes from Karen Byrd, who wanted to take-on the project of customizing dolls hair, to have the look and feel of styles and textures of African American & Mulit-Cultural (ethnic) women and girls. I'll try to get more info soon. These are just lovely!!!