Progress?

I had the opportunity to visit Hotlanta for the first time a few weeks ago. While sitting at the hotel restaurant my colleagues and I could see the swimming pool. I commented on how extraordinary it was to see little Black kids and little White kids jumping into the pool together. It was a sight that wouldn't have been possible 50 years ago.

Thinking about this on my way to and from my hotel, I couldn't help but think about this other establishment: Hooters! 99% of the waitresses working there were Black, but 97% of the patrons were White men... (at least this was the case during lunchtime).

So what do you all think? Racial progress? Integration? A sign of the work still to be done?

Check the Bike!

Here it is! The new Ninja, and the locks at 3.5 years!

Go Helga!

...more photos to follow!

I Don't "Die" About the Dye Job

...thanks Rachel Zoe...

Well, if you saw the photos of my summer vacation, you may have noticed that my hair color is quite dull. Before sisterlocking, I was a longtime braid extension wearer. Whenever I would take my braids down I would notice that my hair color was very dull, but I never colored my hair.

My sister and my good friend thought that it was time for me to do something about the color. I was also looking for a change (I actually thought about getting rid of the layers), so I submitted to the dye job.

We used two boxes of Feria ("black leather" I think). Yes, two boxes! After 45 minutes rinsing in the shower, I emerged from the bathroom looking like, to my mind, a vampire...

The change was stark I think, but after the trouble (and two boxes!), I was stunned by how quickly the color faded. I now have lighter roots and streaks of brown throughout. I'm not inclined to dye again soon, but I would love to hear your dying lock stories. Does the color fade quickly? Do you dye your own hair?

To be fair, I work out regularly so I do wash my hair often. The conditioner that comes with the dye has been the only product I use. My hair is not dry or brittle, and the texture is as before. Nonetheless, I don't think I will dye again until next summer...

Three Years and a Vacation

Three years came and went while I was on vacation! Unfortunately, my computer also went with the passage of time! So, these updates are late, but it is still summertime!

Once again, I was in Spain and Norway...


Modern art at the Reina Sofia in Madrid...


Again, 7-11 was the place to be for hot dogs and great hair photos!

Hope you are all enjoying your holidays!

Morning Doughnut!

In preparation for an upcoming conference, I have given up doughnuts for breakfast. BUT, that doesn't mean I can't have a morning lock doughnut!

Now, my locks are unique, so unique that no two are the same length or color! I am laying off of the "thin lock" stuff and I don't intend to focus on another issue here. My only point is that sometimes the unevenness of my locks make styling at this stage somewhat challenging.

Alas, my new discovery...
Well, it isn't all that new. I have seen various YouTube videos and real live people sporting this particular style. When I wore braids someone attempted this look on me using a sports sock...

Thus, I am happy for this recent purchase at Sally's. I bought one for my friends and daughter, but this is the first one I saw that has a color and texture that "matches" my own (my hair texture is not exactly like a Brillo pad...).



Anyway, I took pictures to show the process and a look that works well for (thin and) uneven locks. To make this work, you need the "doughnut," bobby pins (only for ends that won't lie flat), and large earrings (cuz they make updos super chic!). I tried to curl my bangs and the pieces around my face (even though my curl sets only last 15 minutes these days...).


(All those curlers for this?! Those curls just won't hold up!).

Use the doughnut to make a ponytail. With longer hair, the instructions suggest making a ponytail with a ponytail holder, then pulling it through the "doughnut."

Find the center of your ponytail. Put your index finger through to make a little burrow or hole. Out from that hole, flatten your locks against the doughnut.


I now used a ponytail holder, stretching it around the doughnut in order to force the locks underneath.



The stray lock ends you see on the sides of the bun can be hidden away with bobby pins, as necessary. (Even after almost 3 years, you can still see a lot of scalp after a re-tightening...blast!).


Voila! A super chic updo and a delicious "doughnut" for breakfast!

New Headshots

You may recall that in the fall of 2007 I was asked, for the first time in my career as an academic, for a headshot. I got a lot of great advice about which photo to choose from many of you, but I have to admit that none of the photos I sent were chosen. Instead, two other fellows and I posed for a group picture that was featured in the Department's newsletter.

Take a look at my first headshot.


Fast forward 1.5 years: I now have my PhD and am being asked for a new headshot! The good news is that someone is asking! The other good news is that the photo shoot (gracias a Keen-ah!) gave me the opportunity to compare how different my locks look now.



Amazing eh?! If you have seen the early stages of my locking experience you know that I was very concerned about how thin my hair was. I have mentioned several times that much of the thinning, especially around the temple, was due to what used to be a commitment to braid extensions. Other problem areas were due to a horrific relaxer I got on a whim while on vacation in Madrid (don't ask what possessed me. It just seemed so unfair that I couldn't walk into a hair salon anywhere in the world and get my hair done...)!

Although I don't think my hair has grown so much in the past 1.5 years, I am very surprised by how much fuller and thicker it is.



So know, all I have to do is to choose which photo I like best. I think one of them is a bit "sexier" than the other (definitely the look I am going for), but maybe one is more appropriate. I would love to hear your thoughts, but remember, I am single and looking!