African American women looking for an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals to straighten their hair, might have a new option. Natural Hair Care Oasis Green-Wonders. The hair line, which was created by a former employee of the maker of Ultra Sheen products, offers a natural organic, non-toxic, chemical-free straightener for black hair.

The creator, Angela de Joseph, who worked for years at Johnson Products and as associate beauty editor at Essence, created Naturalaxer Kit-In-A-Jar, the first multi-ethnic hair relaxer out of a growing concern over the harsh and toxic chemicals African-American women use to straighten their hair, she told Black Voices. She also is a founding editor of 'Sophisticate's Black Hair Styling and Care Guide,' and uses the products on her long, luxurious tresses. The product -- which de Joseph developed 15 years ago -- hit the online market this summer.

The Green-Wonders line is available at Natural Hair Care Oasis. It is comprised of 30 products. The straightener costs $29.99 and users can receive a $10 discount if they join a club for auto-shipping for six-week touch-ups.

"The skin absorbs hair topically via the scalp, which then enters the blood stream,'' said de Joseph, who grew up at the knee of her mother who owned a salon and beauty school in Trinidad. "The scalp is very sensitive and because of its proximity to the brain, it is important to avoid putting harsh chemicals in your hair.''

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Summer's most striking hair statement incorporates the unexpected. Braids are back and this time they're interlocked into classic hairstyles to create a look that combines elegance and edge. From up dos to low slung ponytails, let BV show you how a single plait can bring your look into pre-fall with just a touch of dimension and texture. Roberta "Robbie" Rogers, hairstylist at the Ken Paves Beverly Hills Salon gives us step-by-step tips on how to recreate these styles yourself. Get the hair and now scoop!

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I am a lucky lady indeed. At the Lollapalooza festival here in Chicago, I got to see Erykah Badu take the stage and bring her feminine power and unique energy to this traditionally rock, electronic and male-dominated festival. Click here for a review, complete with video!

Despite a late beginning and some sound cross-over at the end of her set, Badu was flawless and had the crowd completely under her spell. And her bold new hair and bangin' new earrings -- excuse me, Earwings -- stole the show!

Erykah is normally recognized as an icon in the natural hair community, but she's also always been known to rock a wig, extensions, and whatever else she feels like rocking! Her hair is provoking some interesting debate over at Black Girl With Long Hair regarding her status as a natural hair icon.

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As producers of the Oxygen Network were considering who to choose from to become a judge for their latest competition show, 'Hair Battle Spectacular,' it was only natural that hair extraordinaire Derek J would come to mind. When the Atlanta hairstylist was asked on short notice to be apart of the show, he happily obliged.

The renown fantasy hair stylist will be lending his expertise on Oxygen's fantasy hair show as a judge and mentor to 10 hair stylists from across the country. The show -- which premiers Tuesday August 10th at 10 pm on Oxygen -- will showcase the stylists' talents as they compete for a grand prize of $100,000.

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If you saw a woman walking past you on the street with a replica of an entire city block made out of synthetic hair balanced on her head, your jaw would drop. At the Bronner Bros. Hair Show, it's par for the course! Black Voices was on site at the famous trade show in Atlanta over the weekend, and we saw so many creative hairstyles -- from both hair models and show attendees -- that we just had to get some of them on film. Check out some of the more creative looks we came across at the show in our exclusive video!

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One of the biggest draws of the Bronner Bros. International Hair Show is an epic, fantasy-filled hair competition. At this year's show, three Southern barbers went toe-to-toe for a $20,000 grand prize and, of course, bragging rights. The competitors go all out for their battle skits, which included elaborate sets, costume changes and backup dancers. BlackVoices was there to capture some of the unbelievable showmanship and chat with a couple of the competitors. Check out our video for more!

Continue reading Bronner Bros. Hair Show 2010: The Barber Battle

When one thinks hair show, natural curls and waves rarely come to mind. But natural hair does have a place at the Bronner Bros. Hair Show. Black Voices was on the scene, and we scoped out some natural-hair experts and even ran into Asha Mandela, who holds the Guinness World Record for the world's longest locs. Watch and learn!

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The aisles of Bronner Bros. Hair Show were overflowing with vendors selling relaxers, flat irons and shampoos and conditioners, but the vendors who got the most love were definitely the ones selling weaves. Boasting 100 percent human hair, mostly from India or Brazil, these folks were serious about their wares. Black Voices caught up a few experts to see what the fuss was all about.

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If there was one thing that stood about Ahmad "Real" Givens on the VH1 reality shows 'I Love New York' and 'Real Chance of Love', it would have to be his long, luscious locks. Now, the man whose hair the majority of black women envy is the face of his very own line.

Givens is the co-founder of the hair care line 'Real Silk'. The line, which consists of products ranging from flat irons to heat protecting sprays, promotes long healthy hair. Givens' personal hairstylist Jovanna Moss developed the product line after she was determined to naturally grow the his hair to extraordinary lengths. Upon succeeding, the two were determined to share their secrets with the world.

Fortunately, Givens was so kind enough to lend me his personal hairstylist for an hour to give me a 'Real Silk' hair makeover. Want to see how their products work? Watch our exclusive video to find out!

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You might recognize Derek J from his star turns on 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' and in Chris Rock's documentary 'Good Hair.' In person, the sought-after celebrity hairstylist is hard to miss, thanks to his signature stilettos. One of the top stars of the Bronner Bros. Hair Show, Derek J was on hand at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta to chat with Black Voices about the show, the latest hair trends and his dream celebrity client.

Continue reading Bronner Bros Hair Show 2010: Black Voices Interviews Derek J

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