Our foreign neighbor Canada is known for producing unforgettable musical talent like R&B singer/songwriter/actress Deborah Cox, who swore to us…
In the world of gossip, talk ain’t cheap…
What is it about gossip that draws us in? Better yet, how many…
The value system that our society maintains ceases to amaze me. In this crazy world of ours people who deal…
Sylvia Arthur sets out a few inspirational and enlightening facts to get your minds in gear to explore the big…
Ever since Rodney Parker chased me round the playground of P.S.139, past the teeter totter, through the sandbox, all up…
Imagine this…
You’re headed home after a long drawn out lecture in your evening college class. Cruising down the highway in…
A celebrity is a famous person.
A famous person is one who has a widespread reputation usually of a favorable nature.
A…
“No industry is black-owned. Actually, the (NBA) Player’s Association gets 49 percent of the revenue, since most players are black.…
This issue of The Colorful Canvas Files is brought to you by a living legend whose contributions have led to a significant…
My shrink said the strangest thing to me in therapy once. She said she was sorry she’d monopolized so much…
With Hollywood for years being a haven for the long-haired blond and brunette, it’s hard to be a sex symbol…
We’re only human and equally subject to the chronic brainwashing that inevitably instills varying degrees of bigotry. Racism, sexism, homophobia,…
Times are hard especially financially, however, my girlfriend does not seem to realize the whole world is undergoing something called…
It was proven best in the fashionable documentary The September Issue, that Fall is the New Year’s of fashion. Fashion…
The Coil Review site not only features, natural hair articles, tips, photos, product reviews and a salon directory, it’s also packed with information from stylists, dermatologists and trichologists all geared toward the mission of inspiring women of color to embrace their natural hair.
In June of 2008, Founder and Editor in Chief, Yardley Messeroux, embarked on this mission to create a resource of information on all things pertaining to natural hair by way of The Coil Review.
“As a woman who has worn natural hair for most of her life, I’ve found that resources are out there, but definitely limited. So I wanted to create a reliable guide so people can learn about the beauty and versatility of natural hair – and also to ultimately reset the stale standard of what is considered beautiful hair…a personal and professional goal of mine.”
Defining natural:
You would think this is a fairly easy word to define, but it’s not so cut and dry. To be natural, the way women of color use the term is – to not chemically straighten your hair. Well, that’s just part of it. “Natural” is accepting and wearing your own texture, proudly. Being patient and learning about your natural hair no matter how frustrating it gets basically, acknowledging the beauty of your God-given coils and curls.
My natural journey began with Dead Presidents and a Lye. No really – it’s true. I actually made the decision at a time when no one, not even the ‘fight the power – incense burning’ girls at school were wearing their hair naturally. I know, bad stereotype. I just remember one day I got the worst perm ever at the Dominican spot near campus when they ran out of no-lye so they gave me a lye perm, and a week later, my hair was falling out profusely at a simple stroke of a comb. That’s the experience that took me on a trip of reflection, which led me to the epiphany.
I reflected on the years past when my mother used to tell me how beautiful my thick long braids were, while I begged her for a perm to fit in with junior high classmates. I reflected on how self-loathing I was at the sight of new growth – damn near running to the salon to get it straightened and “fixed”. I also reflected on how restricted I was in situations like refusing to go outside if there was a rain forecast to avoid getting my hair wet. Now how ridiculous was that! Sometimes it takes an unfortunate event to get you thinking a little deeper, beyond the surface.
But what sealed the deal was Dead Presidents – my favorite flick at the time. Delilah wore her fro so sexy and confidently. The look was tough, in a fabulous way! That powerful image gave me the extra nudge – having me yearn for my natural texture even more. So I took matters into my own hands, began the transition and I enjoyed the hills and valleys along the way. Great experience!
Natural advice:
I could go on for days, so I’ll break it down into just four things. 1. Do it for the right reasons, ladies! Go natural for a reason that is healthy for your hair as well as your mind, or else you will likely regress and get back to perming again. 2. Read, learn and review photos that are inspiring. 3. If you feel challenged and frustrated, it’s okay. Nothing that’s worth it ever comes easy. 4. And finally, go to (“insert shameless plug here”) The Coil Review on a regular basis. Great information over there – wink!
Natural beyond hair:
In the past, I used to be the first to say, my hair is not who I am and I don’t have to fall into a stereotypical “ tree-hugging lifestyle”. I found myself to be more of a self-proclaimed ‘Sex and the City’ type of gal, which I’m sure you could have gathered by the feel of the commercial. But when it comes down to it, it’s not even about that. Once we allow ourselves to arrive at a place where we’re really enjoying our natural hair, we tend to realize the benefits of embracing other aspects of a natural lifestyle. It just makes more sense. Healthy foods, healthy products – basically a healthy life in general.
Being natural introduces you to a better quality of life; and who doesn’t want that? I personally gravitate to all natural products due to the findings from research I’ve done over the past 10 years on hair products and hair overall. I also find myself buying more organic foods, too. So yeah, it definitely spills over into my lifestyle.
Creating The Coil Review’s re-launch commercial:
For decades we’ve seen hair commercials on TV where the women fling their shiny, bouncy straight hair around which are the images that, unfortunately, have set the general standard of beauty for all women. So we at The Coil Review thought, hmmm, let’s make a commercial that sets our own standard of beauty for women of color; and in doing that, let’s show them how sexy and cosmopolitan natural hair really is.
One of the main objectives of The Coil Review is to help reverse what American history and mainstream media have done that has affected the way Black women perceive their natural texture, by showcasing positive images of our own natural beauty. That was really the main goal of the commercial. By the way, there is no doubt talent runs in the family, the commercial was directed by her sister, Tricia “T.Mezz” Messeroux, who breathed life into the concept.
What’s In store for the Re-Launch:
Honestly, the purpose of re-launching The Coil Review was to give it a face lift, making it more inviting and enjoyable for daily perusing. So, I’ll leave that a secret so you all can be surprised.
Clutchettes and gents make sure to log-on to The Coil Review next month and support the beautiful ladies behind this wonderful destination. For more please visit thecoilreview.com.
Much like a celebrity recycling dumpsite, UK reality show “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!” is rife with…
A girl’s got to read, this all Clutchettes know. So, to help navigate the ever-expanding world of books, Uptown Literati…
Clutchettes – we know how important it is to be educated and informed on all things beauty. From eyelash application…
By now most everyone has heard of the copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Filmmaker Regina Kimbell against Chris Rock/HBO, concerning…
Earlier this month, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, CREW, reported that the House Ethics Committee is currently investigating…
Loved it! You know I will be logging on July 1st. I just enjoy your articles. I am so glad that we “met”. My hair will always thank you.
Awesome article/interview! Yardley is gorgeous!! And yes, I get the “Sex in the City” vibe from her photo. =) I’m grateful for the The Coil Review and the concept behind it. And I can definitely relate to gravitating “to more natural products” and how this “spills over into my lifestyle”.
Great read! I’m really looking forward to the re-launch.
Your feedback is tremendous! It gives The Coil Review that extra reinforcement to continue doing what we do. So, thank you abundantly.
Ah, and because support is so necessary, I invite everyone to check out my sister, T. Mezz and her wonderful project on http://www.toddlewood.com. Enjoy!
Thank you Clutch–you’re fabulous! It’s great to see ‘Sisters Supporting Sisters’:-)
Thank you so much for the encouragement, great article! Yardley’s story is an inspiration, an idea can flourish and create real change!
thank you La, for giving me something new and exciting to go check out in the future!!!
I love it. Thanks for sharing. I will share it with BAP Living members.
Fantastic.
[...] PurpleZoe: Love it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCjyLLK9U_8&feature=player_embedded #Napptura… June 24th, 2009 [...]
[...] PurpleZoe: Love it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCjyLLK9U_8&feature=player_embedded #Napptura… June 24th, 2009 [...]
Loved this. Keep it up Yardley.
LOVE the article, and in my hearts, I saw myself in her.
I cut off my perm in HS (over a decade ago). I was through with it. People made fun of me, but I was over it. And so began my journey: mind body and soul. Ever growing.
Thank you for sharing.
Really can’t wait to check it out – being a hair fanatic myself.
WOW, i’ve visited the website and i love it!! Keep up the good work. God Bless
I just visited the site and it looks great. I’m relaxed and I still love reading information on healthy hair.
The video was cute too!