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.

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!

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?"

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!

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/