BeYouTFull UnivHercity

INTRODUCING THE FIRST EVER - Youth Natural Hair Parade: Check it out! Sunday, July 5th 2 pm at the International African Arts Festival in Brooklyn! I ROCK NATURALLY - Youth Natural Hair Parade To Register contact: info@newbein.com NEW BEIN' = NUBIAN.NYC

It is a well-established and known fact that the number of African American women and men globally and nationally wearing Locs are grossly underestimated in the statistics on Natural Hair.     The Natural Hair industry has its roots essentially as a “cottage industry” an almost “underground” “subculture” industry which pioneers like Madame CJ Walker opened up.   They created a path for struggling Black Women particularly, to have a means of providing for their families.   I recently reviewed “ethnic hair care” industry statistics which definitively indicated many segments within the industry that are unaccounted for by mainstream American reports.   Black Men are definitely not even a part of this equation, not at all. They are non-existent in this arena as in most ( except Sports of course).   It’s really crazy when you think about it because if you walk down any Urban community in America in 2015, you’ll see throngs of “Kings”, Black Men, wearing the ...

Yesterday I had a wonderful visit from a Sister who came to the New Bein’ Showroom in Brooklyn to buy New Bein’ Hair Care Products.  She had read my book ( Hairlocking, Everything You Need To Know) and it inspired her.  She had been contemplating starting Locs and had done extensive research.  What a Divine visit.  This young Sister was intelligent, spiritual, and very self-aware.  She spoke quite poetically about her “hair journey” up until this point (she’s in her mid 30’s).  Some of the things she said really struck me.  She said she was “the dark one” in her family (even though she’s really like caramel toned). Everyone else was "light-skinned".  She had really thick, long, black beautiful hair though, so she was acknowledged for her hair. She said she realized at a young age, that her hair was her “identity” (wow…!)  As she got older she recognized that she had lived and bought into this, even as far as the men she had attracted i...

One of the most exciting and expanding genres in the hair accessories world is NATURAL HAIR ACCESSORIES !  The precedent for this until recently ignored market really began with the whole “natural” movement, which first manifested in food with a demand for natural foods; foods without pesticides, chemicals, etc.; for healthier eating. Secondly, in consumption, consumers sought natural ingredient products only that bore the precious label of “all natural”. Finally in, “going Green” and respecting the ecology of the planet.  Indeed this movement has grown and is well established in American society now. Also in this “natural era” we are beginning to seea response to the growing need for NATURAL HAIR ACCESSORIES.  As the world is quickly accepting the global citizenry of everyone, “natural hair” has found its way on this path toward recognition and equality. Truth be told, NATURAL HAIR ACCESSORIES have always been created within a multitude of indigenous “ethnic” cultural...

For sure, the wearing of HAIR ACCESSORIES was born right after Eve put her loin cloth on.  I am guessing that she grabbed some flowers, of course the most beautiful one’s ever, and wrapped them into a stunning floral wreathe around her hair! As I think about it, all of the Greek and Roman Goddesses wore them.  From Queen Elizabeth’s diamond brooch hairpins, to the Crown of Nefertiti, and the wreath of Diana, every glorious culture on the planet wore fabulous HAIR ACCESSORIES in their crowns! Today HAIR ACCESSORIES are an absolute must for every woman and girl. Perhaps it’s because a woman’s hair has been identified as her Crowning Glory that we instinctively have the impulse to glorify our crowns. No longer do we want HAIR ACCESSORIES just for special occasions, or for stature, we want HAIR ACCESSORIES for everyday style. We used to tie our hair back with things from nature like rope and string. Rags transitioned into kerchiefs and scarves,especially when doing “woman’s wo...

Our world is so full of diverse ethnic groups. All these groups are widely known for some aspect that is predominant in their culture. So what is it about our African American counterparts that we admire so much? Their ethnic styling of hair, of course! African Americans have always been blessed with luscious, curly locks that they style in ways we could never pull off completely. Be it au natural or long dreadlocks, African American women have always rocked their so-called ethnic hair so perfectly. So what makes this look even better? Hair accessories would get lost in that gorgeous mane. Plain ponytail holders and jewellery would not complement the hair as much as we would think. Bejewelled hair accessories are another story altogether. With the right amount of bling and sophistication, hair ornaments go well with the ethnic hair and make it look classy. Made with different types of materials and colors, there is a wide range to choose from to adorn your hair for the occasion. ...

Requiem For A Natural Hair Icon: Our Sister Since learning of the death of Titi Branch, the co-founder of Miss Jessie's hair care products, a "Natural Hair Icon" in my book, there has been a heaviness dwelling in my heart and Spirit.  It has compelled me to write this "letter".  This occurrence I call a "selah" moment (from The Bible) meaning a "pause and reflect" moment.   As a Master Pioneer in the natural hair industry who has contributed to paving the way for "natural hair" Love , my first thoughts beyond the pure sadness in my heart was, "be careful what you ask for" . For although I have been in the Natural Hair industry creating phenomenal products and events for the past 30 years,  I never got the BIG DEAL like Carol's Daughter or Miss Jessie's. Many of my customers, friends and loved ones (like myself)    f elt  that I / New Bein' was deserving of it.  Facts...it didn't happen. I though...