London Olympics Entry #3: Gabby Douglas and Hair Politics

I write this journal entry particularly to the black women who thought Gabby Douglas' hair was inappropriate or unkempt.

While the rest of the US are celebrating a newly minted American hero, some Negroes are fuming over something as petty as her hair. I guess this is what happens when the emphasis for black women has become how one looks in the eyes of others, even if it is to her own detriment.

Tis true, we are the first to attack our own about our coily tresses; however, if you are a black woman, you know the first tormentor regarding your kinky aesthetic looks just like you.

But since a good portion of black women in the United States have been locked into years of relaxers, flat irons, extensions and weaves, we don't even know what their natural hair really looks like anymore, nor how to care for it.

I am sure most of these critics look in the mirror and see their thinning or disintegrated edges, male-patterned baldness at the crown, severe breakage and empty patches where hair used to reside, and still think Gabby's hair is a mess.


But this time, as you attempt to project your self-deprecation, something I understand is not all of your own-doing, I am telling all of you to step the fuck off.

Keep your 'Buckwheat' images tucked into the orifice of your arse. And don't come crying to people like me when a non-black person calls you a nappy-headed ho.


Our tresses do not wisp about in the wind. They roll and wine in spirals like a Trini Calypso song during Carnival. We are not Snow White, no matter how biracial and octoroonish you may think you are, our edges will forever puff up in resistance like a Zulu army.

SPOILER ALERT FOR MEN WHO DATE BLACK WOMEN: If you have only seen us with relaxed, pressed hair and tracks or weaves for years than it is highly likely that there is not much to work with. Case and point, Naomi Campbell

Healthy Hair Care Products a Sista Can Afford and Can't Live Without

Hair Robics founder, Stephanie Suthers has been growing her hair naturally since her early 20s, she is now 57.

I used to love her, Carol's Daughter that is. Back when you had to wait a month to get your product, pre-Oprah, when the oil, oiled your scalp, and it was made with some down home love.

I applaud Lisa Price's success. And her expansion. At the moment, I just can't afford her products. Plus I've found some other, much more wonderful things that I use to play in my hair.

Here are some things that I swear by, and I've been wearing my hair perm-free, my whole life.

Nope, not a mixed-chick, or a curly-frizzy wearer. I'm a knotted, knotty head who has worn locks to cornrows, to twists, to fros.

And after wearing locks for 11 years, I can say that my hair is still amazingly complicated. A journey that I used to despise is today a honor I wear on my crown.

These products are black owned, herbal, vegan, budget-friendly and effective. Tell them that Eco.Soul sent you.

Darcy Botanicals' hair moisturizing products brings life into hair that is stripped of moisture. As an avid swimmer and someone who cranks up the thermostat to 77 degrees in the winter, my hair gets extremely thirsty.

I first tried out a product by Genuine African Formula for my crusty feet called, Gator Balm. I saw it on Penn Herb's site and was intrigued by the simple packaging that looked like an old school Queen Helene fixture. But the name, Gator Balm was the most interesting. "Anything that carries a name like that," I thought, "has got to produce great results." And they sure did. My little flour kickers that ripped bed sheets at night began to get some luster and smoothness. But I still had to get dead skin from 1985 sworn off my heels by my Latina pedicurist, Evelyn.

However, I was so floored by Gator balm, I plunged into their all-herbal hair products. I fell in love with the Herbal Rinse and HairGrow Gel. I love to give myself twists and the gel, that you put on your scalp lays my active hair down. And softens it as well, not plasters it to my head. And it is not a cakey mess. The rinse has seaweed and a host of herbs that moisturize and soften my complex head of curls.

Hair Robics is the best kept secret in black hair care. I've been using the products off-and-on since 1996. The reason that I'm sparse is because distribution is not as expansive as it should be. Damn the monopoly of hair care by China and Kore stores.

I met the Suthers, a wife-husband duo who owns the company. Stephanie started creating the system when she was in her early 30s. Not at 57, she has hair and body care that is marvelous.

I honestly can say I love all of their products.