Phenomenal . . .

Phenomenal . . .
Life, Growth, and Connection (This sunflower was nourished by my hands.) 2010; Photography by Benita Blocker. Please become a follower of this blog.

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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Hairstyle Comparison: Relaxed versus Locked

The badge picture is my hairstyle with relaxer and straightening.  My lock styling on the right was done to duplicate the relaxed look on the badge.  How did I do?  

The two pictures were taken almost nine years apart.  
I am trying to age gracefully . . .  (over 40 club)



Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Blog Celebration: over 415,000 pageviews!


Oh yeah!  Phenomenalhair.blogspot.com has reached over 415,000 pageviews.  I am so thankful to my followers and to my frequent visitors.

My blog traffic is around 12,000 visits a month.  I am so happy that people stumble across the blog in search of different perspectives on the topic of hair.

I am hoping to add a "Donate" button for paypal donations as well as possibly making an e-book available.

I look forward to reaching 500,000 pageviews by the end of the year.  So far, I believe that I am on track to achieve this goal in 2014.  If you are new to this blog, please Follow and spread the word!


Haircutting: Keeping Sharp Shears

 So which pair of shears would you rather for me to cut your hair with?  One shear is worth $20, and the other shear is worth $200.  Which one cuts better? Honestly, a new $20 shear may cut the same as a $200 shear.  The biggest difference is when the $20 shear starts getting dull, then you trash the $20 shears and buy another pair.  Now, when the $200 shear get dull, then you call a "Shear Smith" to get the shear sharp again.  You can probably guess that the shears with the black handles are the cheaper $20 shears.


Jack Burkhart has been my shear smith for several years.  He does a great job with the shears, and he lets  you know upfront if the shears are in need of sharpening.  If they do not need sharpening, then he does not sharpen them just to make money off of you.

He has a great personality and a warm spirit.  I trust him to take great care of my shears.  He also sells shears at different price points. 

Those who cut hair extensions often need two different pairs of shears.  One for extension hair and one for regular haircutting.  I often need both type sharpened.  If it is not in my budget to get two shears sharpened, then Jack visits the area enough that I will hold out until his next visit.  Typically, sharpening cost $25 for one shear.  Sometimes he offers a multi-pair discount.  Just remember he brings the shears back to life within his mobile workshop.  There is no shipping.  Also, it is same day service.

He does not sharpen cheap $25 shears.  If your shears are not a good quality, then he will deny service.  He wants to be fair and honest.  He services the Carolinas.  If you give him a try, then let him know that Applebaum Salon referred you.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Dreadlock Spotlight: Delvin Choice

 Mr. Delvin Choice just auditioned on "The Voice" television show for Spring 2014.  He calls his Lock Roll hair styling "The Lobster."  This "Lobster look" seems to be his signature look.  I look forward to following Delvin Choice's music career!


Straight Dreadlocks: The Medusa Effect

A Black woman confessed to me that she felt that all (dread) locks hanging loose reminded her of worms or a Medusa.  She didn't like seeing scalp and a mini-afro at people's root and "worms" hanging down from it.

However, she liked locks when they are curled professionally like mine below.  They look like a regular hairstyle.  It looks full and not a lot of scalp showing.  The Black woman making the confession had a Type 3 curl pattern.  It  is always interesting to hear how people of all races view hair locks.

Depending on one's natural hair texture, wearing locks "un-curled" may never be viewed as corporate professional enough.  So again, some textures of hair will always be high maintenance whether natural, relaxed, or locked.  Just get used it!  LOL!  There will always be a corporate standard.