Curls, Twists, Coils & Kinks Magazine May/June 2017 by Curls, Twists, Coils & Kinks Magazine

May/ June 2017 www.ctckmagazine.com

Natural Hair

On the Runway

Puddings Custards & Butters Oh MY!!!

SPRING TO SUMMER

TIPS -for-

Beautiful

skin

We know and love her from “Cosby”, “In living Color” and “That’s So Raven”

- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with -

T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh

VITAMINS & Healthy Hair

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2 March/April 2017

Table of Contents Departments 4 Letter from the Publisher 5

Meet Our Cover Model: T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh

6 Contributors 8 Ask the Expert: Make-up Q&A with Shavonna Finley 10 Ask the Expert: Hair Q&A with Danielle Green 12

BNCouraged with J.D. Richards

DIY: Hair Masks For Dry Hair and Oily Hair

36 Horoscopes: Predictions for May/June 2017

FEATURES 16 Natural Hair On The Runway By Ruth Wilson 18 7 Tips to Transitioning Your Beautiful Black Skin from Spring to Summer By Juliette Samual

20 Cover Story: One-On-One with T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh By Angela Turner

32 Vitamins & Healthy Hair By Monét Ravenell

34 Puddings, Custards and Butters – Oh My! Natural Hair Products and Their Uses By Monét Ravenell

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Letter from the Publisher Dear Reader...

I have had the most amazing past two months, busy in such a fantastic way! It has been just over 2 years since I published my first issue of Curls, Twists, Coils & Kinks Magazine. In celebration of the publications 2 year anniversary, March and April 2017 was an exciting time. There was press about the publication, which led to interviews and outreach from many people and sources that I would not have had the pleasure of meeting otherwise. I thank everyone who reached out to me and showed me their love and support in celebration of this milestone. It has been overwhelming and I feel truly, truly blessed – Thank You! This issue has been months in the making and it is now a reality. I have been a huge fan of our cover model, T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh since first seeing her on “In Living Color”. T’Keyah was so much fun to interview, we laughed a lot, she was serious as well as passionate about many topic, she was deep, she was such a joy, she is the truth. I hope that you enjoy this candid, in your face interview in the pages that follow. Spring is in the air and my wonderful contributors to Curls, Twists, Coils & Kinks Magazine are here to help you transition into the new season “on fleek.” Danielle answers questions about the new color trends for the upcoming season. Juliette gets your beautiful skin ready for the warm months ahead. Our girl Shavonna is offering up tips on what’s happening in make-up for spring. Natural hair products often smell good enough to eat and have the title to match. Mone’t Ravenell’s article titled Puddings, Custards and Butters – Oh My! Will explain their proper uses for natural hair. Ruth Wilson talks about natural hair on the runway and how Victoria Secret and New York Fashion Week has changed the game. Thank you for all that you do to make these pages come together. I pray that God will allow me to continue on this journey and continue to grow and provide even bigger and better issues for many years to come. Much Love! Carpe Diem my readers!

Angela Turner Angela Turner, Publisher

March/April 2017 | Issue 13 CONTRIBUTORS: Publisher & Editor Angela Turner Angela@ctckmagazine.com Creative Director/ Graphic Designer Rebecca Walters info@rebeccawalters.com Advertising Director Colleen Turner Ads@ctckmagazine.com Writers Shavonna Finley Danielle Green Monét Ravenell JD Richards Juliette Samuel Ruth Wilson (For more information, see page 6) INFORMATION: Curls, Twists, Coils & Kinks Published 6 times a year P.O. Box 370524 Las Vegas, NV 89137 www.ctckmagazine.com 888-601-1986 Advertise: Call toll free at 888-601-1986 or e-mail ads@ctckmagazine.com Subscriptions: To subscribe to Curls, Twists, Coils & Kinks magazine, call toll free at 888-601-1986 or visit our website at www.ctckmagazine.com/Subscriptions © 2016 A.Turner Publishing, LLC All rights reserved

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4 March/April 2017

Meet Our Cover Model

T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh them trying to look like “the we,” who are trying to look like … “the not we”! When asked about her signature hairstyle, T’Keyah said that for many years my signature style was the Senegalese, or double stranded twists. I recently went back to that, if for no other reason than the workout it gives my arms. Just as often, I wear my hair braided to my scalp or just out, however it feels like being. T’Keyah describes her style as Eclectic and said that with the pileous mood swings from meticulously neat, ready-for-the-boardroom flat braids to ridiculously funky frightening-to-White-people-and-someColoreds afros and most things in between.

T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh hair care routine We all remember our beautiful natural girlfriend, T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh, from In Living Color and the Cosby Show. Today, I am so grateful the she is gracing the pages of Curls, Twists, Coils & Kinks Magazine with her show stopping good looks. In the pages that follow, you will read my one on one interview with T’Keyah where we discuss, being natural in the 90’s, dating, working for Dr. Cosby and so much more. For now, she tells us about her fabulous hair, products she use and advice for those looking to go natural.

I began by asking, why did you go natural or have you always been natural? We are all born natural. I think the question we need to ask ourselves is why we go unnatural? I grew up getting my hair pressed. I got a perm for the first time right before I left for college. When I learned that it required something called a touch up, and that this procedure would have to be done before I got back home to Chicago, I started cutting my hair. The perm was gone when I got home that first holiday break. I got another perm right before I pledged a sorority. I thought keeping my hair intact would be one less thing to worry about while on line. Wrong! I managed to keep that perm until a few years after college, and didn’t get rid of it until after my first trip to Africa. In Senegal and Gambia, I saw African women with a myriad of hairstyles, including some with braided store bought hair, who seemed to be trying to look like us. Odd, I thought! They must miss us more than they know, and much more than we know. I decided that I’d rather try to look like the original them (the original me) instead of

As a child, when the hair styling decision was made for her she said, “like so many of my generation (and those before and those after), I sat by the stove adorned with fresh black cotton, and emerged with charred straight tresses ready to be wrapped in rollers in which I was forbidden to sweat.”

What product do you use to wash, co-wash and condition your hair? When it comes to products used for washing and conditioning her tresses T’Keyah likes to try many things and she likes to experiment. As a rule, she looks for products that do not contain mineral, petroleum, or other chemicals. To wash, she uses Clean360 handmade soap, and Greauxph ™ hair and body soap. To condition her hair, she uses Heavenly Healing’s (skin / hair) conditioning spray, and Mama Sunshine Treasures’ leave-in conditioner. For styling her beautiful hair she uses Olive oil, and Argon oil. T’Keyah said that her “I can’t live without” product or Holy Grail is water! If you don’t drink enough water, every part of your body tells on you, including your hair.

When asked, “What advice would you give to someone who is considering going natural?” “There is only one you. Would you like to meet her? I bet she’s absolutely beautiful and worth the time and patience it will take to get down to the root of her and see who she is.”

What does beauty mean to you? Beauty to me is being your best self, laced with kindness, and joy. Without kindness, your eyes will not cry cleansing tears. Without joy, your eyes will not truly shine! www.ctckmagazine.com 5

Contributors

6 March/April 2017

 Shavonna Finley

 Danielle Green

 Monét Ravenell

Shavonna is a Las Vegas native and seven-year licensed aesthetician and make-up artist. Additionally, she acquired training with MAC cosmetics and is a professional skin care expert and educator in her field. Her motto “love to beat that face.” Shavonna will help you look your absolute best by creating the perfect look that caters to your individuality! www.instagram.com/ lovetobeatface

A Kansas City native and owner of Radically Curly Salon in Las Vegas, NV. Having curly hair, she continues to educate herself in the industry and always caters to clients with curly hair. Her philosophy is to embrace and rock the fabric of your hair and be “Radically Curly.” www. RadicallyCurlySalon.com

Monét Ravenell is a freelance hair and beauty writer from Los Angeles, CA. She is a contributing beauty writer for TrendiMi.com and also works as a beauty host for WeAreOnyx. com. www.Monetfreelancewriter.com

 JD Richards

 Juliette Samuel

 Ruth Wilson

JD is a Cosmetologist, Certified Trichologist, Educator, Entrepreneur, Inspirational Speaker, Author and Certified Purpose Coach. Her heart desire is to empower and encourage women to be who they were created to be, through meet-ups, seminars, workshops and behind the chair. She has been married to her husband Lewis for 25 years.

Juliette Samuel is CEO-Founder of Nyraju Skin Care. She is an esthetician, aromatherapist, author, publisher and is the fragrance editor and ethnic beauty editor for BellaOnline.com. www.nyrajuskincare.com

Ruth Wilson loves natural hair! She is ahair video junkie who is always looking for information that will benefit curly girls and guys. She is a regular contributing writer to Curls, Twists, Coils & Kinks magazine and a friend to the Publisher who enjoys helping the publication when needed.

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Q&A Make-up

Ask the Expert

with Shavonna Finley

I noticed that blush is Q.Shavonna, being worn in a big bold way, subtle

is not how I would describe its current use and application. How would you recommend that blush be applied for 9 to 5 but at the same time looking current? Toya, New York

Hi Toya! Love this question! Blush is one of my favorite products! And the current spring trend for blush is the bold and bright! My suggestion for a 9 to 5 look is to use the same blush color in multiple ways such as on the eyes as eyeshadow to show the boldness. A light sweep of color on the cheeks, and packed onto the lip underneath a lip-gloss for a bright shiny lip color. Not only is this inventive and time saving, but it also plays into the monochromatic trend of the season. Happy Blushing!!!

of a shimmery glow finish, than a flatter lighter finish. The application should be with a fluffy eyeshadow brush and feather handedly applied to areas such as the upper cheeks, down the center of the nose, the temples, and the Cupid’s bow. My favorites are Oh Darling and Global Glow from MAC and Opal from Becca. Happy Highlighting!!!

will always be in style! I love the look of eyelash extensions. They are a lot of upkeep, but if you find an amazing lash artist it is definitely worth the investment. I see models on the Q.Shavonna, runway sporting the Dewey look. I

crave the Dewey skin look, it looks natural youthful and effortless. I know you don’t have to be 16 to look Dewey – are there any tricks or secrets you can offer an age 40 plus to ramp up the Dewey look?

I love to accentuate my Q.Shavonna, eyes and wear eye make-up, you

have taught me a lot. What is trending? Eyebrows go from penciled in then bushy to bold what is the brow trend for 2017 and are eyelash extensions or falsies still in style?

Dana, Tennessee

Hi Dana! Love this question! The Dewey look is so beautiful for the spring and summer seasons and the key is the glow factor in every product you use. I like mixing a cocktail of your favorite moisturizer, an oil or gel based illuminator, and a super moisturizing foundation, topped off by a cream highlighter and/ or blush for a little color. Skin is in! And this is a look that will definitely have you winning!!!

Khadijah, Rutherford New Jersey Highlighted skin looks Q.Shavonna, so pretty on most women I see

wearing it. I just cannot figure out what I am doing wrong with my application. I feel like my skin looks ashy when I highlight do you have any suggestions for proper application? Ellen, California

Hi Ellen! Highlighting is everything!!! My suggestion is to use a highlighting powder that has more

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Hi Khadijah! Thank you so much, I love hearing that! Brows and Lashes are life!!! And they are truly the focus of the moment! For spring 2017 the trend is a more natural brow. Either lightly penciled in with less structure or just bare and brushed in place. As for eyelashes, I’m definitely a falsie girl! And to me they

Shavonna Finley is a Las Vegas-based make-up artist sfnatis@yahoo.com, 702-825-0394 www.instagram.com/lovetobeatface

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Q&A Hair

Ask the Expert

with Danielle Green

Danielle, I love the summer months, it’s a great time to selfexpress but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. Are the cooler, deeper tones like Bordeaux and eggplant going to be the trendy hair colors for the upcoming summer months of 2017? Layla, Philadelphia

Teri, Either technique will work well for natural hair. The crochet hair is generally a synthetic fiber vs the human hair weave and require braiding. Hopefully you can find a stylist that specializes in one or the other technique. The weekly or monthly salon maintenance regimes will be the key to the overall health of your natural hair as well as home care recommendations.

Layla, Wonderful question. Hair color is something that I love to do at the salon. Summer months like any other season is a time to either go deeper or lighter. It really depends on what goals that you and your stylist have for your hair. Those colors sound beautiful and I say go for it if that’s what you want to do.

Danielle, I love the look that is achieved from crochet braids. It looks more natural than a protective style weave. What are your thoughts? Do you think it is a better idea to have crochet braids installed in natural hair versus a sew in weave? Terry, Texas

Danielle, I have tight coily type 4 textured hair, it is a thick and beautiful grade of hair with many strands. I have watched YouTube videos on Keratin straightening and silk pressing. It looks like a lot of heat and chemicals are applied to the Hair for the smooth hair process. What is the difference between the two processes and would you recommend this for natural hair?

Danielle, Most of the hair growth pills on the market contain the same essential ingredients that have been shown to be necessary for hair growth. There are so many vitamins on the market like Hair Finity, Mielle Organics healthy hair vitamins, and Sugar Bear hair vitamins. Is there any one that’s better than the other in your opinion? Kelly- Brooklyn, New York

Kelly, Hair growth pills are a marketing trend that’s here to stay. I just don’t recommend or endorse any pill to my clients. I prefer referring my people to a dermatologist, primary care physician or a nutritionist for any medications related to hair loss or scalp disorders.

Sondra, Kansas

Sondra, Clients love both. A silk press is perfect for someone that’s wants a temporary style that may last up to two weeks depending on hair type. Keratin treatments are only recommended after a complete consultation by a professional certified stylist. Look for a skilled professional with experience in natural hair to avoid any damage to your beautiful grade of thick hair with many strands.

Danielle Green is the owner of Radically Curly Salon www.RadicallyCurlySalon.com

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Inspiration

BNCouraged with J.D. Richards

Being a Positive Influence

o you ever stop long enough to look at who’s around you? We encounter people every day that we don’t pay any attention to. We live in such a rushed society until if we aren’t careful we can become more callous to other’s needs and just focused on our own. Do you know your next-door neighbor? Have you introduced yourself to the person that rides the same train as you day in and day out? Do you thank the server that waited on you at the restaurant and leave a tip? Do you take the time to greet the person checking you out at the grocery store? Have you ever considered what kind of influence you are towards others? It is truly a blessing when you know that you have purpose and you utilize it to become a positive influence. Knowing that you have the power to have an important effect or impact on someone in a positive way is a characteristic of a true leader. Being a positive influence is an intentional decision because of the responsibility that it carries. You must look for opportunities to encourage and bless

others, because you never know what people are going through. You must learn how to look beyond what you see with your eyes and see with your heart. Just your compliment alone can make someone feel so much better about themselves. I heard a story about how this young lady went to her bank to make a deposit and the teller that waited on her was always very rude. Regardless of how nice the young lady tried to be towards the teller her response was always brusque. This went on for a couple of weeks. Finally, the young lady realized that she should take this opportunity and make a difference in the teller’s life. Before going to the bank that day, she went and purchased the teller a bouquet of beautiful flowers, and a card to encourage her that read, ” No matter what you are going through, there are others that care about you. Trouble doesn’t come to last, and this too shall come to past.” The teller’s eyes began to fill with tears and she wept silently. She began to apologize to the young lady and thank her for her thoughtful

gifts. The teller told her that her life was upside down and that she was so sorry to have been so rude. The teller came around the counter and gave the young lady a big hug. This young lady could have asked to see the tellers’ supervisor and complained about her behavior. She could have talked about her to those in line about how rude she was, or she simply could have told her off. Instead she decided to be a positive influence in her life. Did it take some additional time on the young lady’s part to do what she did? Did she take a risk that the teller could have denied her act of kindness? None of that matters when you decide to be the change that you want to see. How can you make a positive influence in the life of others? By looking for opportunities to be a blessing by showing random acts of kindness. Don’t allow another day to pass you by without making an impact in someone’s life. BNCouraged,

Jacqueline Denise “JD” Richards JD is a Cosmetologist, Certified Trichologist, Educator, Entrepreneur, Inspirational Speaker, Author and Certified Purpose Coach. Her heart desire is to empower and encourage women to be who they were created to be, through meet-ups, seminars, workshops and behind the chair. She has been married to her husband Lewis for 25 years. “It’s one thing to know who you are, but it’s another thing to know why you are”. - Myles Monroe

12 March/April 2017

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Do it Yourself

DIY:

Easy All Natural Hair Masks for Dry Hair and Oily Hair

For Dry Hair What You Need:

For Oily Hair What You Need:

4 Tablespoons of Honey

1/8 Cup of Milk

6 Tablespoons of Olive oil

1 Tablespoon of Almond Oil

Shower Cap or Plastic Bag

Âź Cup Oats Blender

Recipe & Application: Mix 4 Tablespoons of honey with the 6 Tablespoons of Olive Oil and apply to your hair. Place a shower cap or a plastic bag over your head. Allow the recipe to sit on your hair for 40 to 60 minutes. Wash and condition your hair as usual, your hair should feel smooth silky and hydrated.

14 March/April 2017

Shower Cap or Plastic Bag

Recipe & Application: Combine the milk, almond oil and oats in a blender. For shorter hair, you can cut this recipe in half. The recipe should have a paste like consistency. Remove from the blender and apply it you your hair and scalp. Oats are great for dry skin and dandruff, when applying, be sure to massage your scalp and cover your hair strands from root to tip. . Place a shower cap or a plastic bag over your head. Allow the recipe to sit in your hair for up to 30 minutes. Wash, condition and style your hair as usual.

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NATURAL HAIR ON THE RUNWAY

t happened just over 2 years ago, I am sure we all remember how Maria Borges made runway history, at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show wearing her hair in its natural state. Born in Angola, at the time Maria was 23 years of age and she walked the runway wearing a turquoise blue bra and feathers. Although Maria had previously debuted her TWA style at Givenchy in the fall of 2015, Maria was not sure if she was comfortable enough to walk the VS runway with her recently chopped natural hair. She contacted her agent and said she wanted to walk in the Victoria’s Secret show with her natural hair.

According to reports, Maria said that she was nervous, but felt that she had to do it, she did not expect Victoria’s Secret to say yes, but they did and she said she was so happy. Maria told People Style, “Being the voice of a few women was one of the best feelings, ever!” Maria has walked the VS Fashion Show 3 times in a row wearing her hair in its natural state. In 2016 Victoria’s Secret decided to allow every model to wear their naturally textured hair on the runway. Victoria’s Secret allowed the models to define their individual beauty as they saw fitting. Reports say that 51 women walked the runway for VS Fashion Show in 2016 with textured hair, no extension, no weaves, no wigs, ALL NATURAL! This is a powerful statement and kudos to VS, it makes you see them in a different light. We’ve come a long way baby! Fast Forward to New York Fashion Week 2017. New York Fashion week brought it home for the naturalistas. NYFW designers truly embraced the natural hair movement by showcasing numerous models of color, rocking their natural textures. As you can see from the images provided, texture is color blind and ranges from wavy to kinky curly. Growing up, I never could have imagined seeing this day. I remember seeing Beverly Johnson and Cynthia Bailey grace the covers of Cosmopolitan Magazine and Vogue Magazine. Seeing these beautiful black woman made me believe that being black with aspirations of becoming a model or being perceived as beautiful was really possible. Again, we have come a long way and a little progress is better than zero progress. We may have more work to do, but this is a welcome change and I hope, like me, as a little textured haired black girl this is encouraging and inspirational to the little black girls of today, who never envisioned that beauty could look just like them.

Ruth Wilson Writer

16 March/April 2017

Chanel De Leon Gomez rocking an afro at Burberry (Blue yellow jacket). Samir Hussein/WireImage- Photo Credit

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Alecia Morais at Tommy Hilfiger wearing a tiara and her natural hair.

BLUE DRESS NY FASHION WEEK Burgundy Bathing Suit. Neilson Barnard Photographer. Selena Forrest for Victoria Beckham Photo credit Randy Brooke

Karly Loyce with flowers accenting her braided updo at Rodarte. Instagram/@ karlyloyce- Photo credit

Fur Coat NY Fashion Week Photo credit JP Yim. www.ctckmagazine.com 17

18 March/April 2017

7 Tips to Transitioning: Your Beautiful Black Skin from Spring to Summer

t’s that time of the year when you’ve pulled off the heavy layers of clothing opting for lighter fabrics that show more skin. Just as you would transition your wardrobe from winter to spring and spring to summer, consider the needs of your skin.

Here are 7 Tips for Transitioning your Beautiful Black Skin from spring to summer:

Exfoliate. Get rid of the dead, flaky skin from winter once to twice per week. Be gentle though with the exfoliation. Sugar scrubs are gentle, natural and smell great. Add the sugar to a light carrier oil (sunflower and grape seed). Moisturize with body butter (cocoa or Shea) or oil to lock in moisture right after bathing. Don't forget to exfoliate the dead skin on your feet, so you'll be ready for the hottest line of sandals with warmer weather coming.

Go lighter. With humidity and heat rising, natural oil production in your skin rises as well. So you’ll want to adjust your skin care regimen for warmer temperatures. Moisturize your face and skin using lighter formulations and oils like jojoba. For your body, whipped cremes and lotions are also a good option.

Add moisturizing ingredients in your bath. Carrier oils like sweet almond, avocado or olive are great choices. You can also add finely grind up raw oatmeal (naturally soothing and restores moisture) and add it to your warm bath water. Don't forget to lock in moisture as soon as you get out of the tub.

With more sunny days, use sunscreen. Yes, we have more melanin but we still need protection from the UV rays. To turn your usual lotion into sunblock version, just add a few drops of essential oil like SPF-high carrot seed oil (SPF 40). Sunscreen can even be one of the ingredients in your foundation or as one step combined with your moisturizer. Don't forget to care for your lips by having protection in your lip balm too. You can even make your own. Whipped Sunscreen Recipe Get ¼ cup coconut oil, ¼ cup Shea butter, 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil, 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide

3. 4.

Shea butter and coconut oil are melted over warm water. Add other ingredients (carrot seed oil and zinc oxide) and stir before cooling in the fridge for ½ hour until solid. Whip for a few minutes until light before transferring to a jar with a lid. Keep it in a cool place.

Spring cleaning for your beauty tools. Get rid of products and make up more than 6 months old. Remember there will be a build-up of bacteria which leads to clogged pores and dull skin. Don't forget your makeup brushes and sponges, which should be washed with soap and water.

Use a hydrating face masque. Keeping your skin type in mind, add extra hydration to your face masque recipes by including ingredients like avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, cocoa butter or simply one with yogurt and banana together.

Though there will be more sun and warmth, still prepare for colder days. Since Mother Nature changes seasons at the blink of an eye these days, keep your favorite body butters near for the driest parts like hands, feet, elbows, knees and neck. Don't forget to take purse-sized lotion and moisturizer with you. Make those necessary adjustments in your skin care regimen to reflect the changes in our seasons as you move from warm to warmer. As always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty Juliette Samuel Esthetician/Author/Publisher Nyraju Skin Care

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20 March/April 2017

One-On-One

with T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh

e all remember T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh (pronounced Ta-Kee-ah Kristle Kee-Mah) as an original cast member on “In Living Color” from 1990 – 1994. She is best known for her roles as Erica Lucas on “Cosby” and as Tanya Baxter on “That’s So Raven”. Well, I had no idea that she would be just as funny off screen, as she is on screen. While interviewing T’Keyah, we laughed a lot, she is very funny, at the same time, she is very serious and really deep throughout most of our interview. To give you a little background, T’Keyah and I have been trying to coordinate this interview since the latter part of 2016, God aligned the stars for us in April 2017 and I am so glad He did. She is a pleasure to talk to and in this interview we discuss everything from acting, dating as a celebrity, children and the economic importance of strengthening our communities. I hope that you enjoy this one-on-one interview with our beautiful cover model T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh, just as much as I enjoyed our time together.

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Angela: Hi T’Keyah, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to meet you and interview you. I am so excited that we are finally able to make this happen. I have loved you and your work for a long time. T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: I was thinking about you this morning I got up really early today to do a favor for a friend who is a math teacher and her students are coming up to a big test and so she called me to give them a pep talk then she opened it up to questions which were supposed to be all about math habits and studying. One of the questions was, “How did you get your hair like that?” I said to myself, ‘Okay, not exactly the topic we are supposed to be talking about, but okay.’ I guess it’s a thing... it’s always going to be a thing, our hair! Angela: Yes, it is always going to be a thing and its just hair! T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: But it’s not. It’s not just hair. It so isn’t! I try not to sit on a soap box, but it’s so much more than that you know. I was thinking about this thing of black women that’s gone on since the beginning of time, especially in this country and recently with the racist remarks against high-profile successful black woman. Then I think of the other side of it and not to speak against anyone surviving today, because God bless everybody who stayed alive in this country. I think that we have to examine why we do what we do. Certainly I have had a thousand conversations about this with people who love my hair, are intimidated by my hair, are frightened by my hair, are jealous of my hair and what they perceive is my awareness and freedom to wear my hair as it comes out of my head. When we, as a routine, change the texture of our hair to that which is the historic texture of that of our enemy, it’s something to consider. Angela: I never got that deep in the thought process of what you are saying. T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: We are saying, ‘I celebrate my blackness,’ ‘black is beautiful...’ but do we really believe this when we adorn ourselves in the image of our oppressors? It’s hard for me to believe that we really believe that but to me I think it is a sign of our dysfunction. Angela: I agree, I never really thought about it that way, for me, when I made the decision to go natural, for a long time, especially when I moved to Las Vegas from the east coast, I realized that it is very different here, from the east coast. There is a lot more natural realness in New York, than there is in Vegas to me. Nothing against anyone, do what makes you happy, breast augmentation, butt implants, lips being injected, hair extensions, I did not understand it all. So, I got caught up in that fakeness, I have not had any parts of my body augmented, but I did begin experimenting with extensions and hair weaves because that was what I saw in Las Vegas, more so than relaxed hair, which is what I was wearing at the time. I felt unattractive, compared to 22 March/April 2017

“

You know, it’s okay for woman to do whatever they want. I’m not the hair police that people think I am, I certainly have my opinion.

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all of the other woman around me. It is an awful thing to admit to today, but it is my truth. T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: It’s the awful truth, but we survived! God rest her soul, one of my idols Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, who in one of her many stellar seminal speeches, in which she talked about the identification of black men. I remember listening with my sister, to this speech where she talks about the habits of black men. I don’t know, this was about the time, when men were wearing rollers in their hair. She talked about the habits of black men wearing rollers out in the street and she explained it in her wonderful way, in the persona of a young man looking around him, at success. The young man is saying “I’m seeing these women and they look like they making it”. Then that becomes your pattern, if I do what they do then maybe I will make it and if there are no black male role models then you have the tendency to adapt to the persona of the female role model. In similar terms if there are no naturalista role models who look like “they making it”, then we adapt to the persona of the woman, the strong, successful women who “look like they making it”. Who have adopted the hairstyle and wardrobe of the oppressor, or we look directly to the oppressor and say, you are making it, I know you are making it, so maybe if I look enough like you, I can pass. You know some try to lighten their face and do European modifications of their bodies without the common sense to say, wait a minute, their making it and we are not, why on earth would they be trying to look like us? We are so under foot that we can’t even finish that thought, the finished thought being that there is nothing wrong with us in the first place. So we continue to adopt in the un-natural way. It’s a lot more than hair and I would say that many people I know and love wear their hair in an un-natural state. My book is called “Natural Woman, Natural Hair.” I was thinking about making a sequel with a question mark at the end. Because I ask myself, ‘Am I a really natural woman?’ I certainly haven’t joined the Alicia Keys bandwagon with no makeup but I don’t use make up to look Eurocentric Some people contour to look more European, so it’s not quite the same thing but someone could easily shake their finger at me. I try not to stand on my soapbox, but I will be quick to explain what it looks like to me. When I was living in New York, there was an ad campaign, I believe sponsored by PETA, that showed animals wearing fur coats. The message was, ‘Doesn’t this look ridiculous to wear someone else’s fur?” I thought... that’s how some black people look to me, especially those with straight hair and straight wigs whose color, and features... and roots, don’t match that hair texture. My eye tends to go right to the hair line and I think, why would you put that on the top of your head?

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“The Debt” and his follow up book, when he said that even he The same thing with weaves, but I am an actress and I love is susceptible to that. I thought, ‘Oh my goodness.’ Cause you drama. You know, red hair this week, blonde the next week, know I got my fist up and I care what the white people think of then blue and then purple and then they came out with the gray. me. So I get it, I don’t shake a finger. I just call attention to what Yes! I love the gray hair, I hope the gray lasts long enough until I think it is. my entire head of hair is gray so I can be in fashion, without covering up. There is something about that Angela: blonde hair, though, that catches I had my 5 year stint with wanting me because I feel like it’s not just the I played a hundred to look different and fitting in. At flavor of the week, it belongs in a the same time I said to myself you different category, that category of different characters that know what I work in white corporate, Eurocentric with a genetic inferiority all wore wigs, because I am a banker and I can’t go to postured as superiority. That tends you can take a wig on work in an afro, I wish that I could. to get under my skin. I don’t really and off and change to Wearing an afro will not get me into care what you do with your hair, you the next character very a management position, I will never can shave it, paint it or whatever, but quickly. At the end of the get promoted, and I will always be when I think of the mental health of whatever I am today if I come to people of color that does cause me show, we all came out work with an afro. to question. and you would see my So one day I just decided in 2009, I natural hair. did not care. I did not go to work in Angela: an afro, but it was clearly textured, How do you feel about protective no longer European silky. Corporate hairstyles? Do you think it’s okay for America, has to a certain degree woman to wear protective hair styles, and still needs to evolve with the times and people need to be just to take a break from their natural hair? promoted based on their merits and credentials, not based on aesthetics and the texture of their hair. So I did it and people T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: were like “are you going outside looking like that?’ You know You know, it’s okay for woman to do whatever they want. I’m not the hair police that people think I am, I certainly have my opinion. the criticism. Maybe not so much for you, since you have been a naturalista for longer period than I have. I don’t know if this is When you say protective hairstyle, because I have heard this something that was happening at that time, it probably was more expression before and woman say, “Well I have this weave to prevalent when you came out as a natural. It is a little bit more protect my hair.” I say, “You have this weave to protect your hair acceptable today, but in 2009 I received criticism from some from what the hair devil?” of my girlfriends who said, I cannot believe you are not going I have this in my book, this is my 3rd, no 4th foray into being to relax your hair anymore. I heard comments like, you look like natural because I was born natural. The last time I went una boy, it’s not attractive, and you will never get anyone to date natural, it was not for a job, it was because I was modeling. you looking like that. It really makes you question your decision, I used a product that I modeled for and it broke my hair off because you feel like men don’t look at you and you just have severely when I needed a touch up and didn’t get one. So, I to be strong. It is really a difficult thing to do, you have to be a didn’t get the touch up and it kept breaking off and it was quite strong individual or at least have a strong support system behind horrible. It happened right at the time when I was doing the pilot you. for “In Living Color”. To protect my hair I wore it breaded onto T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: my head, which is an extremely protective hairstyle. You can condition it deeply and then braid it then you can leave it braided I absolutely agree, we are bombarded and I use the example of one of my nieces, because I have an army of nieces and for quite a long time. If your hair is longer you can tuck in the nephews. When one of them was a little girl, she was around 3 ends of your hair or pin it in a way that won’t damage your hair. Unless you work in the sun or sand, you don’t need anything else. or 4 years of age she said to me “When I grow up I want to be white”. When she said that to me I literally sank to the floor. I If you work in a climate were you need to protect your hair from thought how can my niece, my niece have said that to me and the environment, you can wear a hat. Other than that, a natural to my face? But it occurred to me that she was a smart little girl style can protect your hair and I don’t think you need anything and already aware that the princesses are white. The girls who else. get the guys are white. So, of course, if you want to be happy When you say protective style in this context, I think the issue is and successful and have a love life, that is what you are going to protecting your hair, while being acceptable to society. Now have to be. we are in a different conversation. I think that is what people Who else, other than kooky Aunt T’Keyah is telling you something sometimes mean when they say “this is a protective style”. It’s to to the contrary? How can I, as an aunt, possibly compete with protect my image, as a working person. I would like to retain my literally every magazine cover? How can I compete with literally, paycheck. So while my hair grows out, I am going to wear the every other television show out there, that I am not on? And some costume of the agreeable people. that I am on? It’s a system! Again, I am not enjoying a perfect level of mental wellness. I I explained to a son of a friend who called his mom racist, which succumb to the tendencies to which all black people succumb. I have to correct black people often about that word. When I I was greatly comforted when I read Randall Robinson’s, book

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because I felt like this was really my fight, not his and I could not hear them say, “Black people can be racist” which if you don’t bear to put him through this pain and I am a believer in picking know any better you might say that. That’s like the people who your battles. This was one I could win, but my son did not want say “all lives matter” as if all lives can matter, when black lives me to fight for this. don’t. I was explaining to him that racism is not an opinion, it’s a system and that my opinions and the opinions that I try to feed T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: into the brains of my nieces and nephews, cannot compete with a system. A system that on all fronts, is filled with images that say WOW!!!!! That hurt me, you cut his hair? I thought you were going to say you changed schools. There is so much work to be there is something wrong with us. My opinions cannot compete done. with a system. Our current challenge is overcoming the mentality that we have to work within a system designed to undo us. It’s Angela: a ridiculous notion! It’s like saying I’m going to get upstairs by No I did not switch schools, it was a great school for him and I running up the down escalator. Impossible! … Well at least very difficult. You can either walk up the up stairs or build stairs around did not want him to get into all the politics behind his hair and the school faculty. the corner. That would make more sense and more people could (I did not verbalize this to T’Keyah, but when she asked me did I follow you if you did that. change his school? This is when I realized and I never realized it Angela: until that moment) I don’t think that it even EVER occurred to me to When my son and I moved to Las Vegas from New Jersey, my change schools, it never crossed my mind. son was a baby. In middle school I had dreadlocks started in his hair. By the time he made it to middle school, he had his hair in Angela: dreadlocks for about 3 years at that point and his hair was well pass shoulder length. He was having problems at school because What made you decide to write your book “Natural Woman/ Natural Hair”? some of the faculty at this private school addressed him as a girl T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: on several occasions. I think due to the length of his hair and the The book came as a result of me being alone in my awareness fact that he had a pretty face, if you know what I mean. Not that of black natural hair when I started on “In Living Color”. There he looked like a girl, but his face had softer features at the time. was no-one that the network could find to do my hair. So I did Well, he came home to me crying, he was so upset and he said to me that he wanted his dreadlocks cut off because people were it myself, fortunately on the show, I played a hundred different characters that all wore wigs, because you can take a wig on addressing him as “young lady” and he was having to correct and off and change to the next character very quickly. At the end the faculty that he was a boy. I told my son, that was not going of the show, we all came out and you would see my natural hair. to happen, that is part of your culture and your heritage, I told At the time I was wearing hand twists, then switched to double him, I will go to the school and I will address this and I will take stranded twists. I had my hair hand care of this and you are not cutting twisted for the first time when I went to your hair. In the meantime I shared Senegal on a trip and I loved it. I also my conversation that my son and I had it wire wrapped, it was really the had to a very close family friend of At the time I was first Afrocentric style I had ever worn, mine, whose son also attended this wearing hand twists, which was really African Afrocentric. school and they were outraged. then switched to double Wire wrap is a spectacular thing, if They went on to explain to me that stranded twists. I had you want to do something different with there was an older student who my hair hand twisted your hair, try that. Because you can has been attending this very same for the first time when literally sculpt your hair after. school, but whose father was a Because your hair is wrapped in wire, Dr. and a big donor to the school. I went to Senegal on a you can take the pieces of wire and They said his hair was falling at trip and I loved it. sculpt your hair however you want with the middle of his back and it really it. I had it done when I was there and I set me a blaze internally, to the tried to keep it up, but I couldn’t. I tried point of tears in secret. I cried and I tried, but it was pathetic my little because I did not want this to be attempts and so I never got that re-done but I did start wearing what it was starting to look like for me. I did not want this to be twists afterwards. discrimination towards my baby. So, there was no-one that the network could find that did natural hair and so I did it myself. The next series I did, it was the same So I met with the Principal and he said to me that his hair cannot situation. Because there was nobody to call within the ranks of hit his shoulder and he would either need to wear it in a ponytail the union that did natural hair, they went in and got someone or cut it. We tried the ponytail thing for a while and the struggle from the neighborhood to do my hair. Eventually, that person for my son, was not getting any better and he was no longer the happy, child that he once was and he pleaded with me for about joined the union and then another person joined the union and so I got a few people to join the hair and makeup union which is 2 weeks after I met with the faculty. Finally I decided to give in not an easy task to do. I am very proud of that. because my son was 11 at the time. Too young to fight this battle at such a young age, without me by his side every day at school to tell these people what I thought of them. So I cut his hair off www.ctckmagazine.com 25

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Ralph Harris and the Smollett family. Most people know Jurnee Smollett Bell and Jussie Smollett. Although they all were on the show. Jurnee, Jussie, Jake, Jocqui, Jojo and Jazz - all of them were on the show. The year after that, I did a show called “The Show” which was loosely based on “In Living Color.” John Bowman, who was one of our Writer/Producers, produced that show. That show lasted a season as well. While we were still working on that, Damon Wayans started his animated series called “Waynehead” and I did a dozen or more voices for that show and that show lasted one season as well. That carried over to “Cosby” and “Cosby” lasted four seasons and the year after that was when we started “That’s So Raven”. The timeline is a little eschew because we actually recorded an entire season of “That’s So Raven” before it ever aired. We shot it the year after Cosby, but it didn’t air and I didn’t think it was going to air because that had never happened to me before So I thought, “Oh well, that is not going to happen”. So I ended up moving back to Chicago and once I got settled in Chicago they called and said they were ready to go forward with “That’s So Raven” and I thought “Oh! That thing we did”? I returned back to Los Angeles to finish the other 2 seasons that I did of allow that show. be “in or Then for the most part, I retired. The long and the short of that is I was helping to out!” We must remain take care of the Grandmother that raised Angela: “IN” with ourselves all me. At the time, it was a task to do both, I agree, I have always had this of the time! PERIOD. work and take care of her. She was my position that we as blacks really priority, so I decided to shift focus to her don’t understand how powerful and I saw her through her transition and we are, we all just don’t know it I then I just did not feel like performing yet. I really feel that we don’t need anymore frankly. It occurred to me, years later, that it had stopped lending institutions, we can create our own. We don’t need to buy being fun, when she could not recognize my work anymore. certain popular name brands, although I do love some popular But you know, life is an adventure, it really is and I’ve had some brands, we have our own black owned companies that produce drama but I don’t know what I would change if I could. Maybe the same quality fashions. I just don’t understand why with all of I do know a couple of things, but for the most part, I appreciate the power we have, especially the spending power and the way my life. Even in the years when I cried more often than I didn’t. that we direct and dictate fashion. When it comes to hair and Because that is my life, so why would I trade with somebody else, clothing especially, why we don’t come together and increase so I choose to appreciate it. the wealth in our communities and support our own, I will never During that time between “That’s So Raven” to “Here’s Johnny” I understand. I feel that the black culture is often copied and that would work if somebody asked or if I got bored, but I wouldn’t we are very relevant, like you said earlier, when it comes to hair, hustle, like you have to hustle to really work in this industry and I we need to dig in and teach our kids, our nieces our nephews to was fine with that. learn to embrace their natural beauty and teach them that they are So a couple of years ago, I thought, “so am I doing this or am I not beautiful just the way that they are. It’s hard, it’s hard to teach but, I doing this?” That’s when I realized that I was okay enough to be am of the opinion that it is so very necessary. a performer again. So I came back and I started my low grade hustle and did a few projects, took a few classes to shake the cob T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: webs off and get into the rhythm of being a performer again. I I agree, I couldn’t agree with you more. got a new agent and booked another series and I have nothing to complain about. Angela: So for “In Living Color” you worked on that series from what year Angela: to what year? So where you ever married, are you married, do you have kids? T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: No, I would, if you know someone, please if you would let me 1990 to 1994. That was my first series as a regular. know about him, because it’s late in the afternoon, but it’s not evening yet. I am open to that. It’s sad because every once in a Angela: while, I have a fit of bravery. I went on one of those dating sites After that what was your next project? and it did not take me long to chicken out and shut down, because T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: as soon as someone asks me for a picture, I’m done. The following season, I did a show called “On Our Own” with Now, the landscape is very different and you have a lot of people who are wearing their hair natural and styling it naturally. Not as much as I do, it’s more people with natural hair wearing it out. They twist it and wear it out, there are not a lot of people styling it in different ways. You see it in magazines and social media a lot more but you don’t see it as much on television yet. It is still, in my opinion, that you could be wearing mixed-acceptability- hair when you twist to elongate the curl. If you twist or braid your hair rather than wear it out, it’s straighter than if you were to just pick it out and wore it natural and I think it is therefore more acceptable. So, there is still a ways to go, but certainly the landscape is unrecognizably different from what it was in 1990. The sad thing is that I did not invent, braids, twists or cornrows. I remember so vividly and clearly, seeing Cicely Tyson on Soul Train and thinking, that must be the most beautiful individual I have ever seen in my life. But those braids made me believe and oh, I will never forget seeing that. Then it went away, it went away with the 70’s afros and cornrows and beads and all of that. It went away because we don’t understand yet that we can’t afford to allow ourselves to be at the mercy of fashion. We can’t allow ourselves to be “in or out!” We must remain We can’t “IN” with ourselves all of the time! ourselves to PERIOD.

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28 March/April 2017

Angela: Oh! You are so beautiful, your pictures are gorgeous, and what do you mean?

his room and I had to walk by his room to get to my room and so God forbid the train was delayed and I was late reporting to work. God, it was like the teenager sneaking in after curfew. So I would come to work very early to avoid that, because I just held him and still do, hold him in such high esteem. He was wonderful to me, I didn’t have a dad growing up and like most of America who watched “The Cosby Show” I wished that I could have a dad like that and then God gave me him. He was wonderful, as was, Madeline Kahn. I was the closest to the two of them on the show and her passing was a major, major loss. She was sunshine, she was just wonderful and a consummate thespian. Living in New York for those four years shooting “Cosby” was a great experience. I love New York, I miss it a great deal.

T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: The thing is, I work in an industry where people are so false and people date people because they are on television and not because they like walks in the park. Years ago, I signed up for one of these things and starting corresponding to someone and I didn’t have a picture up. Finally, he asked for a picture and so I thought, I’m in for it now. I sent him a baby picture and he said “Oh! That’s cute, maybe I can get a high school picture next.” Sure enough, as soon as I sent him a recognizable picture, everything changed. This put me off of those kinds of things. I am busy and most of the actors I know are usually already spoken for Angela: or are not naturally inclined to date black woman. I am active in my sorority and so I don’t meet a lot of eligible guys there, and so What about working with Phylicia Rashad? if you know of a nice young man, send him my way, I’m taking T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: : offers now. To answer your question, NO. I have never been married, I don’t She’s great too, I was not as close to her as I was Dr. Cosby. She was just spectacular though, and have any children of my own but another real theater person. I catch her my family did not require me to on stage every chance I get Bill Cosby add to the gene pool. I have worked a certain way, very quick and 24 nieces and nephews and still Oh my gosh! Just as you have to be able to adapt a certain counting, expecting a new one “That’s So Raven” gave skill to keep up with him, which was just in June. I love them all to bits but me children, “Cosby” confounding to a number of guest stars. I didn’t plan to not have children. gave me parents and Phylicia Rashad was excellent at that. I thought for many years of particularly a dad. I was They had a shorthand that had to have adopting, but didn’t want to be very close to Dr. Cosby been developed on “the Cosby Show.” a single mom. I am actually It’s always a joy to watch her. She is just thinking about it again. Because wonderful, just spectacular. I’m glad that again, it’s late in the afternoon, she is directing, I would love for her to but it’s not evening yet. Maybe direct me in something. She is very warm there is someone out there who and a wonderful person to work with. Everyone on that show, might actually want a kooky actress to make their lunch. Doug E. Doug, he was so nutty the whole time, like if he acted really goofy, no one will notice how gorgeous he is and just focus Angela: on how funny he is. It was a wonderful company of people that I am sure there are many suitors out there, you are beautiful and included stints with Mary Alice, Sinbad, Darryl Bell and Jurnett you bring a lot to the table. I know that it is difficult because I am Smolett... and speaking of gorgeous, my “Cosby” husband in the same boat. I am single and I bring a lot to the table, but Darien Sils Evans. And the guest stars! Oh my goodness, you sometimes being independent is threatening. It is threatening to name them. And then there were all of the other luminaries who some people and can be off putting to certain men. They think were just there visiting or hanging out with Dr. Cosby. It was they can handle it and especially if you have been single for a awesome. long time it’s hard to be as flexible as someone might need you to be. Angela: Bill Cosby, to me, seemed so magnetic, you just have this Angela: attraction to him. I remembered growing up and my parents were Can I ask you, how was it to work with Bill Cosby, Phylicia married for 23 years, so my parents didn’t divorce until I was Rashad and the whole crew? By the way, Cree Summer, do you stay in touch with Cree Summer? My brother had a huge crush on probably 17 or 18 years old. I had both of my parents growing up all throughout school, but I used to watch that show and think Cree Summer, a huge, huge crush on Cree Summer. WOW!! There are people like this, people who actually live like T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: this. My parents were successful in their own right, they were I never worked with Cree Summer. We both have done a lot of not doctors or lawyers, but they had 4 children and I am the 2nd voice over work and we both, at some point, worked with Dr. Cosby, but not at the same time. She was on “A Different World” oldest of my 4 sibling. So, it was really refreshing to see a black family who looked like this and I so looked forward to it coming and I was on “Cosby”. Oh my gosh! Just as “That’s So Raven” on the air every week as did thousands if not millions of fans did gave me children, “Cosby” gave me parents and particularly a too. dad. I was very close to Dr. Cosby, my room was across from

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Angela: What are your thoughts about what’s going on, if you would care to share? What’s going on with Mr. Cosby now? Do you feel like he is being treated fairly? Do you have an opinion one way or the other? T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: Of course I have an opinion. The main thing is just how completely heart breaking it is. I met him in 1996 so I certainly could not speak to anything in his life before then. He treated me with the utmost respect and I never saw him behave disrespectfully to anyone. That is my personal testimony. When I think of what’s happening, there is not a truth that is not heartbreaking. One thing I will consider is isolated indictment, right now woman don’t enjoy respect, that’s the bottom line. If we did then you wouldn’t see fully clothed men in scenes with bikini clad woman. We enjoy considerable disrespect, but it’s better now than it was years ago. I remember as a child in the 70’s, seeing ads in magazines for “Venus flytrap”. If you don’t know what that is or for your readers who may not know what it is. Today, it would be considered a date rape drug. But it was

T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh, Inc. T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh (Pronounced: Ta-Kee-ah Kristle Kee-Mah) www.twitter.com/TKeyahCrystal www.instagram.com/TKeyahCrystal www.facebook.com/TKeyahCrystalKeymah www.TKeyah.com Stewart Talent 7250 Melrose Ave. #4, L.A., CA 90046   (213) 943-2970 www.StewartTalent.com 30 March/April 2017

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One truth does not make truth-tellers out of liars and one lie does not make liars out of truth tellers.

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openly for sale and people bought it in unmarked packages. I like to watch old movies. In the 60’s there was this phrase “masher” and people would say, oh that guy is a “masher”. A masher is a person who groaps woman. I suppose they could be arrested, but that expression lives in time, when woman expected a certain level of disrespect and put up with it. That doesn’t excuse men participating in immoral, if not unlawful behavior. One truth does not make truth-tellers out of liars and one lie does not make liars out of truth tellers. Angela: So what’s next for you T’Keyah? T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh: Today I am in very early talks with a friend who is working on launching an all-natural haircare product line. It is in the infant stages and I am considering it. I cannot talk about the product line, but my friend created this hair care product for her child. The market is saturated with products, but not many that cater to the specific needs of natural hair. It is also important that the products that we use and the people from whom we obtain them are politically important and economically beneficial to us. We must get control of that. It doesn’t make sense that we are not in control of it. My new series is called “There’s Johnny” It is a behind the scenes comedy about the “Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” set in the early 1970’s In it, I play Roz, Johnny Carson’s secretary and chief gatekeeper. A major fan of Johnny Carson’s, I found living in the world of that show marvelously surreal! It has a really great cast led by Tony Danza, Ian Nelson and Jane Levy. Paul Riser and David Simon are the creator of the show. It will debut on NBC’s digital platform, Seeso, on August 24th. Angela: Thank you T’Keyah, it has been a true pleasure to have this time with you. T’Keyah keeps herself very busy, but you can connect with her through her social media. Thank you T’Keyah for this open and honest interview, I wish you continued success in the years to come and you are always welcome to come back and visit me at Curls, Twists, Coils & Kinks Magazine anytime. Readers please show T’Keyah your love and let her know how much you enjoyed this interview her social media information and Agent contact information is featured to the right.

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Vitamins & Healthy Hair T

he health of your hair absolutely starts from the inside out. Oh no, not this again. I can already hear the moans. But no matter which way you slice it, your internal health is vital to achieving optimal hair health. The best way to get your vitamins is directly through the food you eat. But sometimes it’s not always possible to get the nutrients you need through your food. If this is the case, you may start to incorporate vitamins into your routine. Here are the top vitamins to achieve healthy hair. Vitamin B

This is also known as B complex. This group of vitamins includes B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. B vitamins are responsible for our energy levels, muscle strength, metabolism, skin, nail and hair growth. You’ll know you’re deficient if you’re feeling sluggish or weak, bruise easily or your hair isn’t growing. B vitamins can be found in foods like eggs, grains, nuts and vegetables. Include more of all the B’s, B12 is the most important.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is quite possibly one of the most overlooked vitamins for hair health. This antioxidant vitamin is known for building and repairing tissue, which is vital for hair health. Vitamin E can be found naturally in foods like almonds, broccoli, seeds, and avocado. Some people have even experienced major benefits from applying vitamin E directly onto the scalp. When applied directly on the scalp, it increases blood circulation, reduces inflammation and boosts oxygen to the scalp, which ultimately results in hair growth.

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals your body needs, yet nearly 80 percent of people in the U.S. are deficient in this vitamin. Lack of magnesium can cause PMS, type 2 Diabetes, heart attacks, depression and fatigue. Magnesium helps your hair to grow long and strong. You can find magnesium in foods such as salmon, seeds and nuts.

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Zinc

During a 2009 study conducted by Annals of Dermatology, researchers found that during a 12 week time period, those who were suffering from alopecia, and supplemented their diet with a 50-milligram dosage of zinc gluconate, found that their zinc levels significantly increased. The results are so powerful for zinc supplementation that doctors have now begun to prescribe zinc as an effective treatment for hair loss amongst alopecia patients. You may want to experiment with lighter dosage amounts to enjoy the same benefits. To get zinc naturally, eat plenty of seafood, poultry and dairy.

Fish Oil

Fish oil has been strongly linked to hair health and hair growth. It’s considered one of the top six vitamins for hair. Fish oil helps support the thickening of the hair, and it also reduces inflammation on the scalp. When the scalp is inflamed that can cause severe hair loss. But fish oil isn’t just great for hair, it’s also great for the skin. To get your dose of fish oil, eat foods rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6, like salmon, tuna, egg yolk and walnuts.

Drink Water

Okay so water isn’t exactly a vitamin. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t include it. Water is essential for not only hair health, but basic human functioning. Our bodies are comprised of 70 percent water. So to keep it in peak performance, we should aim to ingest at least half of our weight in water. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds. Try to drink, at least, 75 ounces of water a day. Water is particularly good for those who struggle with excessively dry hair. If this is a problem, then make sure you up your water intake. Your hair will thank you for it. It is entirely achievable to grow your hair without the use of vitamins. But why not use as many tools available to you to help you along the way. Also note, that if you can’t afford to buy additional vitamins, look for a high quality daily vitamin without fillers, containing a good amount of the vitamins listed above. Eat as many healthy foods as you can, and up your water intake, and you’ll be well on your way to shiny, soft and gorgeous hair. Cheers to your health!

Monét Ravenell Writer www.monetfreelancewriter.com

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Puddings, Custards and Butters – Oh My!

Natural Hair Products and Their Uses

As a kinky, curly girl, you’re probably accustomed to owning an arsenal of hair products. From detangle to gel, it can be overwhelming to decide which products are truly necessary. Perhaps you’re confused about curl tamers, like puddings, custards, and the like. Don’t worry, because CTCK Magazine has got you covered. Check out this list of the 5 natural hair products you should know about.

Curly Pudding Curly Pudding was made world famous by the haircare line Miss Jessie’s. This curl cream was specifically designed to elongate and stretch the hair. It tames hair and adds unbelievable shine. Because it’s not a gel, it leaves the hair soft to the touch. This product is ideal for those seeking definition, but without the crunchiness of a hair gel. Conversely, thicker hair types may find this product more useful when used as a twist out. Puddings may be just a touch too heavy for those with finer textures. Recommended Hair Product: Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding $38 34 March/April 2017

Curly Custard Custards are great for those seeking a bit more definition. Its texture mimics a lighter version of gel. It also adds shine and helps tame frizz. Many custards are naturally made, and contain humectants, making them ideal for those who don’t like a lot of heavy product in their hair. Something to keep in mind is that those whose hair reacts adversely to humectants may want to steer clear of curly custards. Custards may be okay to use as a stand-alone product. Just be sure to experiment. Recommended Hair Product: Cantu for Naturals Define & Shine Custard $6.99

Curly Lotion Curly lotion is a styling aid, which imparts shine, defrizzes and softens the curls. Many curly lotions are derived from natural ingredients like sweet almond milk, soy protein and coconut milk. Its liquidity quality makes it ideal to mix with other hair products like gels. But generally, if you want to use curly lotions as a stand-alone product, they are probably best for those with finer hair textures who don’t prefer a lot of product in their hair. Recommended Hair Product: Curl’s Milkshake Curl Lotion $18.00

Curly Butter Curly butters are all the rage in the natural haircare community. In fact, they’re so popular that many naturalistas have taken to creating their own butters. However, if you’re not of the DIY variety, you have plenty of brands to choose from. Curly butters are generated from natural butters such as Shea Butter, Mango Butter and Avocado Butter. These butters are whipped up into a smooth, creamy texture. They are particularly excellent at imparting major shine and moisture. Curly girls have found success using this product for twists outs. Because of its heaviness, curly butters are probably most ideal for those with very thick textures. Finer hair types should steer clear. Recommended Hair Product: Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter $13.97

Pomade Pomade is a waxy substance derived of a petroleum jelly or water. It may also contain other natural hair butters like Shea Butter. Pomades help fight frizz and generate shine. Because it contains oil, it will generally melt upon instant hand contact. Pomade, however, should not be a substitute for gel, as it has a tendency to contain a lot of waxy ingredients. Pomade is a pretty rich product, so should be used sparingly. Otherwise, pomades are best used as a stand-alone product. Those with finer textures may want to use this product ever so lightly. This likely won’t do much for those with a very thick texture, in terms of creating definition. But it will give you unbelievable shine. Pomades are ideal for men, or women with cute curly Afros.