The Mhe Magazine Makeover Contest!

Enter to win the Mhe Makeover Contest!

Presents by Hydratherma Naturals.

Visit www.facebook.com/MheMagazine to enter now through February 15th!  You must like the Mhe Magazine, Hydratherma Naturals and Natural Hair and Health Expo Fan Pages on Facebook to be Eligible.

Contest winner will join the Mhe Magazine and Hydratherma NAtural at the 2nd Annual Natural Hair and Health Expo 2013 in Birmingham for the ultimate Natural Hair Makeover on the main stage of the Expo!

The expo will take place on Sunday, March 10, 2013

The winner selected will enjoy two tickets to the expo, natural hair makeover including dinner for 2, a loaded gift bag full of Hyratherma Naturals products and a feature photo shoot published in the Summer 2013 issue of Mhe Magazine!

Like us on Facebook at www.mhemagazine.com

Natural Hair & Health Expo 2013 Returns to New Southern Hotspot – Birmingham, AL

January 31, 2013 (BIRMINGHAM, AL)– Birmingham once again takes center stage in the beauty arena as it hosts the Natural Hair & Health Expo 2013. Produced by Visions Beauty Distributors and sponsored by Design Essentials® Natural, the event drew a crowd of more than 2500 Southern naturalistas last year and is expected to double in size this year, attracting attendees from Atlanta, New Orleans and Memphis!

More than an expo or Meetup, this event is a complete immersion into the natural hair experience, offering the latest hair styles, hair care education, hair & beauty products and healthy lifestyle resources. Taking place on Sunday March 10 from 12pm to 6pm at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center (3660 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35243), the Natural Hair & Health Expo 2013 is designed to meet the needs of the general public and professional stylists alike.

“Last year, we really put Birmingham on the map as a style hotspot for natural hair and living,” says Victor Simmons, event producer and proprietor of Visions Beauty Distributors. “We’ve brought together that perfect mix of talent, creativity and knowledge that makes it a must-attend event for everyone interested in hair throughout the Southern region.”

Already a hotspot with multiple beauty shows and events, Birmingham is poised to be a major hub for the growing natural hair movement. “We’re very engaged with our fans and customers,” says Tracey Gibson, director of marketing for Design Essentials®. “We’ve noticed a sharp uptick in fans of the Design Essentials® Natural line in the Birmingham area and we’re excited to bring our products and hair care expertise to the people who love us most!”

For more information visit www.naturalhairandhealthexpo.com

Birmingham Stylists present the Birmingham Hair Show

Birmingham Stylists present the Birmingham Hair Show – Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 5pm – 9pm.

BJCC South Ballroom

$15 General Admission and $20 the Day of the Show.

For tickets and information visit www.birminghamhairshow.com or call (205) 800-5961.

That’s Haute: A Conversation with Darrius Peace

Darrius Peace, a twelve year veteran of the haircare industry, hopes to redefine beauty and leave a legacy with his latest endeavor: MyHairAintNappy.com, a resource for natural hair-enthusiasts.  The brand also features a book, My Hair Ain’t Nappy: A Black Man’s Introspective on Natural Hair, available via the website and on amazon.com

What inspired you to launch the website? MyHairAintNappy.com was inspired by my entire career of doing hair.  I wanted to showcase natural hair in a way that it has not been showcased.  When I first started styling hair I learned to do relaxed hair. But natural hairstyling came with me experimenting with my Afro-textured hair, which I incorporated into my styling.  We weren’t taught that in school.  I attracted natural clients because of my own natural hair.  As a result of doing both [textures of] hair, my relaxed clients’ hair wasn’t as lustrous and full as my clients who had natural hair.  The benefits of wearing natural hair far outweighed that of wearing relaxed hair.  I noticed a shift: people with natural hair became more organically confident.

Who will your website appeal to? There’s a new, natural woman in town: she is professional, she’s stylish, she’s sophisticated, she’s polished and she’s refined.  She is no longer interested in wearing chemical processes and she’s ready to sport her natural tresses in a conservative, yet edgy way.  Because she’s a professional, she’s not interested in being limited to solely braids, twists and locks.  She seeks out styles that are somewhat ambiguous and leave you questioning ‘Is her natural?’ or lead people to say ‘I wish my hair did exactly what hers is doing.’  [I'm catering] to that woman, the woman who is interested in learning and loving her natural hair, and in learning beautiful styling techniques that she can do all by herself that give her a salon-quality finish.  What sets [my resource] apart from other natural hair websites or blogs is that it’s coming from the perspective of a black male who has over a decade of experience in the natural hair care/beauty industry.

What other developments do you have in the works? I do plan to go on tour speaking about natural hair, working hair shows and appearing at workshops to helppeople learn to do their hair themselves.  My purpose is  not to take business away from salons, but between visits to the salon I’d like to help people learn how to manipulate their curly textures into beautiful, salon-quality masterpieces.

Some women are hesitant to transition because they think men don’t like it.  What’s your reponse to that? I know a lot of naturalistas are curious as to what black men think about their natural hair.  To be frank brothers don’t care.  It ain’t even about your hair; it’s about YOU.  We love confidence, we love beauty, and we love you when YOU love you.

Ultimately, what do you hope to accomplish? At some point I am going to retire from doing hair.  When I do that, I want to leave a legacy.  I would like for this brand to help redefine what we consider, or what we’ve learned to be ‘beautiful’ and incorporate our organic beauty into that definition, to love and embrace ourselves in our organic form.  I don’t want anyone to think I’m opposed to relaxers – I’m not.  I prefer that if you’re going to wear anything that isn’t native to your curl pattern, that you don’t wear it because you think your hair is nappy.  I hope that black people begin to employ more positive terminology in reference to our hair textures and omit words like “nappy” and all those other words that are antithetical to our being beautiful.

For more information, please contact Darrius Peace - dpeace@myhairaintnappy.com

Reasons to Celebrate Being a Natural Hair Diva!

The past two months have been amazingly full, but no complaints on my end at all! We had a great time at the August meetup of the Birmingham Naturalistas at the North Birmingham Public Library. This meetup group I founded is flourishing by the way under the leadership of organizer Marlecia Chavers. Stay tuned for great events coming up the next few months, like a product swap Sept. 10th at the Birmingham Public Library starting at 3pm. This is a partnership between the two meetup groups here in Birmingham — Birmingham Natural Beauties and The Birmingham Naturalistas. Email Katrina Watson at birminghamnaturalbeauties@gmail.com to let her know what product you will swap.

At the inaugural August meeting of The Birmingham Naturalistas, I had a chance to share why natural hair divas should celebrate. Where we are is nothing short of remarkable in this natural hair movement. Here’s a recap of what I shared per Javacia Harris Bowser in her blog, www.georgiamae.com.

Javacia wrote:

Lately, my social life seems to be dominated by Birmingham’s natural hair scene. And I’m completely OK with that. Thanks to groups like the Birmingham Natural Beauties I’m filling my free time attending exciting events that not only empower women of color but also unite us.

On Sunday I attended an event hosted by The Birmingham Naturalistas, another local natural hair group. It was founded by Keisa Sharpe of The Natural Hair Diva and is run by Marliceia Chavers.

There were games and door prizes and Sharpe gave a brief talk to offer us ladies a bit of encouragement. Her talk was titled “5 Reasons You Should Celebrate Being the Natural Hair Diva That You Are.”

1. There is no one quite like you. Sharpe told us to look at ourselves as an
original work of art and that it’s silly to try to copy someone else.
Interestingly enough, during the event I was chatting with a few women about
what prompted them to go natural and one woman told me she decided to make a
change after she looked around her hair salon one day and realized her ‘do
looked exactly like everyone else’s.

2. With natural hair you’ve discovered an authentic style that can bring
confidence and boldness. Sharpe said that revealing and sporting her natural
hair texture was nothing short of a spiritual experience.

3. The variety of styles you can wear with natural hair is
unmatched.

4. The support you’ll find is absolutely incredible. Groups like Birmingham
Natural Beauties and The Birmingham Naturalistas are proof of this as are the
plethora of natural blogs and YouTube channels out there.

5. People are working on your behalf to bring you all you need to help you on your natural hair journey. There are so many programs and expos in cities across the country to support women who want to embrace their natural hair but struggle to do so because of disparaging comments from family and friends and
for fear that they won’t be taken seriously at work.

As Birmingham’s natural hair scene booms I’m glad to be on the forefront and always hoping that this is not a fad but a movement.

Thanks Javacia for the report! Here’s the link to the article on her site: http://www.georgiamae.com/2011/08/5-reasons-to-celebrate-being-natural.html. Sign up to receive other cool stories from her, too. Shout out also to Tiffeny Currier for writing an article, too on her online magazine. http://bpositivemag.com/2011/08/23/tears-fall-for-birmingham-naturalistas/. She’s another great one to follow. Keep supporting us Birmingham. We really need you:)

***Article written by Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe. Sign up for more blog posts at www.thenaturalhairdiva.com, ”like” her on Facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva and on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair for more hair inspiration and events.

The Latest on Birmingham’s Natural Hair Scene

The Natural Hair Diva hanging with supporters Katrina Watson, Darrius Peace and Marliceia Chavers during The Birmingham Naturalistas first breakfast meet and greet in Center Point in July.

Just about a month ago,  The Birmingham Naturalistas came together for a breakfast meet and greet in Center Point. Well, it’s just about that time again. This weekend, many of you will have another unique opportunity to come together to discuss your natural hair journey and meet other natural divas who are on the same path. As I look into this, natural hair is the conversation starter. But what is happening is so much greater than hair. Women are laying aside the excuses, celebrating their differences and uniting to help one another embark on what I would easily call a journey of a lifetime in embracing and growing natural hair. I love what I’m seeing.

So…as always, here are a couple of tools to help you out. Sunday, August 14 the Birmingham Naturalistas will meet at the North Birmingham Library at 2501 31st Street North. This format will be more discussion-based and relaxed, and will feature great giveaways. Even if you’re not a member, come out for some great fun with a few girlfriends! Then next month, Faith Chapel Christian Center will host a women’s expo that will feature two natural hair seminars. Here, you’ll be able to ask questions about products, tips and see some great natural hair styles. That date is September 17. I’ll have more details to come on this in my next post.

In the meantime divas, Happy Trails!

***Article written by Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe. Sign up for more blog posts at www.thenaturalhairdiva.com, follow her on Facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva and on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair for more hair inspiration and events.

Natural Hair Divas: Birmingham and Beyond

Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe

Birmingham’s Natural Hair Community is alive and well…now it’s time to move that momentum forward. I’m excited at the number of you hosting gatherings and moving into true you acceptance. In fact, we just hosted a meet and greet breakfast as part of the Birmingham Naturalistas meetup group. The dialogue was riveting and awe-inspiring.

As you continue to awaken to all the possibilities of being true naturalistas, I want to continue to ignite a forward momentum in this community. I will seize every opportunity that comes available in the Magic City to educate, motivate and inspire you to love your natural tresses. But, I will also take this “I Love My Own Hair” movement to other cities in our state and nation. The momentum is there and I know solidly that my adopted hometown backs me 100%. Other Alabama cities must be represented and inspired. Other cities across our nation need leaders in this movement. And those who are already leading natural hair meetup models need support, and I will lend it.

So, here’s part of my expanded mission:

*I will continue the mission to push education and self-love with the growth of my non-profit “I Love My Own Hair” in Alabama and beyond. I will use this to provide more resources to natural hair lovers.

*I will host and participate in natural hair meetups across Alabama and the nation. I will be a presenter at meetups in Gadsden, Atlanta and Orlando and support gatherings in other cities.

*I will continue to write inspiring articles for my Web site, other online blogs and local, regional and national magazine publications. In addition to partnering with Urbanham, my partnerships also include CurlyNikki.com. Check out her site, you won’t be disappointed.

Those are the major goals that will produce major results. Again, I recognize I cannot do it alone. I need your support.

• You can like my Facebook page and suggest it to friends www.facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva.
• You can visit my Web site www.thenaturalhairdiva.com.
• You can follow me on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair.

Great things are in store. Are you ready Birmingham? I know I am…

***Article written by Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe. Sign up for more blog posts at www.thenaturalhairdiva.com, follow her on Facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva and on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair for more hair inspiration and events.

Birmingham Naturalistas: Where Do We Go From Here?

Formal meetups…small gatherings…support groups… we have that and more when it comes to natural hair in the Birmingham community and it is exciting to watch it unfold. In fact, we have a breakfast meetup scheduled at the Golden Corral in Center Point Saturday, July 23 starting at 8:30 a.m. So the next question is — where do we go from here? I have a few ideas and plans, but the general answer for that is we go bigger, better and increase awareness and support.

I realize that I cannot do it alone…so I’m committed to supporting others who have like-minded visions and I ask you to do the same. Sure, I’m a natural hair advocate and I whole-heartedly support women and men who love and care for their God-given strands. But the lesson and my mission here is much greater. I’m an advocate of any movement, idea or function that promotes unity and particularly with natural hair, self-love. It’s no secret that low self-esteem contributes to a number of personal and some would even argue societal ills. Well, I’ve seen how this journey can and will bolster a woman’s self-esteem. I’ve seen the transformative power and support through meetups. I’ve seen the love that flows from connecting with like-minded naturalistas. We are women who are hungry, not just for information on natural hair, but for edification and encouragement on this journey; yearning to hear someone say, “You are beautiful, just as you are.”

This has been a beautiful, awe-inspiring journey for me and my heartfelft prayer, as I begin the next leg of the journey, is that more women come to know and love not just their natural hair, but also themselves. Next week, I’ll share some of the things I have in store and what direction I’m moving in. Happy Trails, natural divas!

***Article written by Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe. Sign up for more blog posts at www.thenaturalhairdiva.com, follow her on Facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva and on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair for more hair inspiration and events.

One Big Thanks Birmingham!

Keisa "The Natural Hair Diva" Sharpe

Thanks Birmingham for showing up and showing out at the Magic City meetup! More than 300 of you packed into Meeting Room J of the BJCC June 25th to talk hairstyles, support vendors and fellowship with other naturalistas. My prayer is that you left with something good.

Seeing your faces inspires me to keep working to bring you more information to help you care for your natural hair. But just seeing all of you under one roof was so inspiring too…and it motivates me daily. Not only do I hope you took away some tips or encouragement to stay the journey, I also hope you made connections with other like-minded women. Vendors were set up selling all natural products and demonstrating natural hair styles. And did you see some of the cool fashion? T-shirts, hair goodies and some of the earrings were just sharp. Next time, we’ll do it bigger and better, and I’d like to hear from you regarding what you want to see. Would you like a stylists’ panel? More time to see the vendor setups, or more time to meet and greet other women? Write me at keisa@thenaturalhairdiva.com.

Meanwhile…after my speech…I was working as usual! I recorded some videos from the meetup. First one…I talked to LaToya Miles…co-organizer of the Magic City meet up about takeaway points.  Go to my Youtube.com channel for the video. Also, shout out to my volunteers who helped set up at my table. Don’t they look fabulous? You ladies rock! I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again…GREAT things are happening in the natural hair community in Birmingham. Stay tuned…

***Article written by Keisa “The Natural Hair Diva” Sharpe. Follow her on Facebook.com/TheNaturalHairDiva and on Twitter @Ilovemyownhair.

The Magic City Meetup is Here!

What is your current style routine?
I  simply keep my hair moisturized at all times. My tresses love water and oil. I
love a big “Juicy” twist out, Braid out and up-do! When I say “Juicy” I mean a
well-moisturize twist out

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