December 3, 2015

AHOMH FASHION FOCUS: Photoshoot W/Frank Ross


I try all kinds of beautiful, different, edgy, sleek, or fun hairstyles whenever I have a professional photo shoot; however, for whatever reason, I don't often do the loc knots style for them. In fact, besides the one I'm about to tell you about, I've only ever done the short style for one other shoot and it was for actor headshots not fashion photography. I guess maybe I sometimes feel it's too "cutesy" of a style.

That all changed on a recent shoot with Frank Ross Photography.  I was actually asked to do makeup for the shoot's model when they got a last minute cancellation. Somehow in the mix of things, I ended up in front of the lens too. The result was magic if I do say so myself haha:


With the lighting angles and wardrobe, the hairstyle definitely escaped the "cutesy" arena and gained some edge. Of course it's all in the styling too: I have one side of the front two-strand twist bangs swept up over to the other side and used edge control to make the edges more sleek. I love how the photos turned out.



- "Mo hair"

 
Rahkua Ishakarah

Instagram: @aHeadOfMyHair

DONATE TO MY PROJECT AFRICA CAMPAIGN:

November 5, 2015

Halloween Hair!

I LOVE to dress up for Halloween and kool hair is the perfect touch to complete a great look. With Halloween on a Saturday this year, I decided to do a whole "Halloweekend" and added a little costume element to my look Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It was very fun to say the least.


FRIDAY

I work with kids during the week teaching arts enrichment and we were having a school-wide Halloween carnival that Friday. They encouraged the staff to dress for the occasion but I still had to wear my work shirt so I decided to focus more on a makeup costume. I wanted something that I didn't really have to dress for but that would still be kool enough to make an impact. Hence, the ventriloquist's dummy!


I was looking through my old posts and the "Hairspiration!" tab of my blog trying to find an idea for this year's hair that would match the dummy look. I finally found something on my YouTube channel: The Three Bun Cluster.








I made a couple of modifications to the look - like adding an extra twist on the front opposite the side braid, making two large braids up into the bun at the back of my hair, and one strand twisting the buns instead of two-strands - and it came out exactly how I imagined and complimented the costume perfectly. A lot of the kids (AND parents) were wowed (and a little freaked out lol) so I think it went awesome!

Saturday

The actual day of Halloween I wanted to be something cute, sexy, and stylish because I also had a performance that night at The World Stage in Leimert Park. I decided to be a fairy!


Again, I wanted my makeup to be kool, so I looked up a couple different fairy face ideas and put them all together to create my own:


My costume was pretty simple. I wore an all white dress that I made myself last year (and have only gotten to wear it once) and I threw on some white glitter wings and the most comfortable white Steve Madden pumps ever... and I was a fairy!


I decided the hair worked again for this costume as well so I kept up the three bun cluster and just added a little tiara :)

SUNDAY

I didn't really go all out on Sunday's "costume" but I did throw in a fun touch to give a "not everyday look" so it was clear I was still participating in HalloWeekend. I dressed in all black with gold chucks, gold printed bead necklace, and leopard print watch. Then I threw on some leopard kitty ears and cat eyes eye liner. It was cute…don't have many pics. The versatile three bun cluster did an awesome job of staying up and fresh and served this outfit perfectly as well.


How did YOU spend Halloween?

Did you wear any new and exciting costumes?

Tag me on your IG photos with #AHOMHalloween!

 - "Mo hair"

 
Rahkua Ishakarah

Instagram: @aHeadOfMyHair

DONATE TO MY PROJECT AFRICA CAMPAIGN:

October 26, 2015

AHOMH REFLECTIONS: Impulse Cut



How many times have you almost "impulse cut" your hair? OR…how many times have you ACTUALLY done it!?

So we've all heard of the "impulse buy": That quick purchase you make of that yummy, tempting Snicker's bar in the grocery store line…That album download you made right away after getting turnt up by that track you HAD to have…That last second eBay bid on that perfect earring for your freekum dress, haha, yea, we've been there.

But how many of you have ever gotten out of the shower from a fresh hair wash, started the detangling/retwisting/styling maintenance routine and thought "WHAT IF I JUST CUT IT ALL OFF!"

That's how I felt today. I have often had the almost impulse cut. Where I'm like "this" close to just chopping it all off….Thankfully I come to my senses before it actually happens but the thought does cross my mind.

I've only ever cut my hair once in my life. That seems absurdly abnormal when thinking about the folks who cut theirs every two weeks, but everyone has their own hair journey. When I cut it, I chopped about 6-7 inches of my locs off. I don't know why I did it; it was just one of those impulse cuts that you don't plan for and you sometimes regret afterwards. It just happened.

I don't know when that big chop day will come, but I know it is on the horizon. I just pray that I'm able to resist my impulse cut urges so that I can do some careful planning, reflection, and meditation before it happens. And I'd also love to share the experience with you all via the AHOMH YouTube Channel, which won't be possible if I succumb to those little hair monsters on my left shoulder whispering in my ear to just cut it on the fly!

How many of you have ever cut your hair on impulse?

Did you regret it afterwards?

Show your pics with hashtag #AHOMHairImpulseCut

 - "Mo hair"

 
Rahkua Ishakarah

Instagram: @aHeadOfMyHair

DONATE TO MY PROJECT AFRICA CAMPAIGN:

September 24, 2015

Long Time No See

Well, well, hello there my pretties…I know, I have been gone for the LONGEST time…but I wonder did you really miss me? My hair is still doing awesome (lol) and SO much has gone on since last I posted. Well, it's been many months so I would hope that a lot has gone on…

* I released "I-N-S-A-N-E" music video from my debut album "Love, Loss, Lies"
* I performed on a whole slew of awesome shows connected to my Project Africa campaign
* I've considered chopping all my hair off like a thousand times…then decided against it
* I WENT TO AFRICA!

Of course that's a VERY broad summary overview of what's been going on for the past 5 months, but you're pretty much caught up. And as much as I'd LOVE to say that I'll return to my old posting schedule, I don't want to give any false hope (if there was any hope involved)… What I CAN say is that I will resume posting in general as I feel inclined and I'll even catch up on some unreleased posts from the past months that you'll want to read and see!

Hope all is well with you all and welcome back to a Head of MY Hair!


- "Mo hair"

 
Rahkua Ishakarah

Instagram: @aHeadOfMyHair

DONATE TO MY PROJECT AFRICA CAMPAIGN:


March 24, 2015

PROJECT AFRICA BENEFIT CONCERT - April 3rd - Jackson, MS

So y'all remember that teaser I posted back in October for my music video release?
http://aheadofmyhair.blogspot.com/2014/10/i-n-s-n-e-music-video.html


WELL, THE OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE IS FINALLY HERE!

On Friday, April 3rd, 2015 I will be throwing a benefit concert for my Project Africa Campaign (which you should really check out NOW) and the "I-N-S-A-N-E" music video will be premiering at the concert.

The dope visual, "I-N-S-A-N-E", (shot by NYU grad, Cullie Poseria and edited by recording artist/celebrity editor, Law) chronicles a story well known by anyone who's ever fallen in love with someone who's not worth it, who puts them through hell, and who drives them just a little insane!
This is really a can't miss moment, so please stay tuned and be sure to check out the video on April 3rd! And if you'll be in Jackson, MS definitely come out to support the concert featuring live performances from some amazing artists, including yours truly! 


In the meantime, subscribe to the channel and be on the lookout! YouTube: RAHKUA




- "Mo hair"

 
Rahkua Ishakarah

Instagram: @aHeadOfMyHair

DONATE TO MY PROJECT AFRICA CAMPAIGN: http://igg.me/at/PALA


March 17, 2015

#Dear Me


March is officially recognized as Women's History Month. For International Women's Day (March 8th), YouTube put forth the challenge to

March 10, 2015

STYLE ALERT: Braided Mickey Mouse Buns


I went to a little mixer last weekend and tried out these cute mickey mouse buns. I've done a similar look before but this one is a little more intricate and it turned out a lot better, so I decided to share the style for this week's STYLE ALERT! :) 

March 3, 2015

The Faux Locs Trend….Offensive???


Recently @naturalhairguru posted this photo on instagram and a whole host of people went in on the subject:



One of my friends saw the post and tagged me asking what I thought about it. I had a LOT to say and

February 24, 2015

Zendaya Smells Like Patchouli Oil and Weed!?


Zendaya Coleman (American actress/singer/dancer) made a bold statement this weekend not only with her beautiful red carpet look at the 2015 Oscars, but

February 17, 2015

Be My Valentine!?

Love is patient, love is kind.

I LOVE Valentine's Day. I blame it on my Libran romanticism and sentimentality  but who knows…and who really cares, because I think it's awesome!



I often hear the complaint (from cynics everywhere, haha) that V-Day is dumb and shouldn't be considered a holiday because you shouldn't wait for one day out of the year to start showing someone love. They're missing the point. Valentine's Day, for me anyway, is not about choosing one day out of the year to show love; it's about

February 10, 2015

PROJECT AFRICA


This week I'm taking a little break from the hair to tell you about an awesome campaign I just launched called Project Africa!

I've been presented with the opportunity to travel to Africa this summer for cultural, artistic, educational, and historical enrichment. I've long dreamed of the chance to travel back to the motherland and am so excited to have this come up.

BUT I need help getting the funds necessary to make the voyage. I will need a minimum of $5,000 to make this a feasible possibility and am appealing to YOU for help! I want to get the community involved in supporting important cultural endeavors like this one which will have a lifelong impact.

You can learn all about the campaign (the who, what, why, when, and where) on my Indiegogo page here: http://www.igg.me/at/PALA. Be sure to watch the video appeal, read the description, and most importantly select the perk that works with your heart and pocket's ability to give! Any donation level is greatly appreciated :)

After your monetary gift (which can be considered tax deductible with our backing from non-profit, T.I.F.H.A.P. Inc.), please continue to share the love by spreading the word about the campaign! Tell your friends online and off about Project Africa!

Help make an IMPACT!


- "Mo hair"

 
Rahkua Ishakarah

Instagram: @aHeadOfMyHair

February 3, 2015

STYE TUTORIAL: Triple Braided Crown

This weekend I did a show at Universal City Walk's "Infusion Lounge", performing for a fellow loclistas bday concert. It was SO much fun and in addition to all the "Wow, I loved that song!" that I got, there was also a lot of "Your hair looks amazing!" :) So much so that I rocked it the next day for Superbowl Sunday and decided to write this post about the simple to achieve, relatively low maintenance style.

It's funny how often I discover new styles when it's time for some loc maintenance love! It's because

January 27, 2015

Loc Retwisting Session


I had the privilege of working with an awesome client today with some beautiful fire red natural hair!  She wanted me to retwist her newly forming locs and i was happy to take on the task.

She texted me the night before in a mini panic because she had decided to wash it the night before and felt she'd ruined all the hard work of her initial installation. It was her first time washing it since getting started 9 weeks ago so

January 20, 2015

MLK Day Parade


Yesterday culminated the 3-day weekend in celebration of a national holiday for the great activist, orator, and leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Every year, a parade is held in his honor that runs from MLK and Figueroa streets to the historic Leimert Park with thousands of people cheering and riding and walking and waving. 



Unfortunately,

January 13, 2015

Kids at Kamp! Discovering Natural Hair...


Over winter break, I taught at a camp for kids where they got to play and do enrichment activities with us while their parents were hard at work. The school system here gave the children from December 19th all the way until January 12 for vacation. That's a LONG time! But luckily I was there to help! Hahaha...

Anyway, so I usually do my hair in curls for the holidays. In general I love the aesthetic, but the bouncy look always makes me especially happy and feel like I fit in with the cheerful spirit around this time of year. :) Thus, I had a great "loc knot out" going on when I came to teach the kids this past week at camp. 

THEY WENT CRAZY OVER MY HAIR!

It was actually really funny to see

January 6, 2015

PRODUCT REVIEW: Shine 'n Jam™


I wrote about an awesome hair expo I went to a couple months ago and promised to review a couple of the products that I received in the swag bag. I didn't review as many of them as I originally thought I would because I just didn't like the products - either what they did to my hair, how they made it feel, or how they made it look. I just didn't want to give energy and time to writing about products that I personally found useless. 

I did discover a couple that have proved very useful and worthwhile to discuss though. One of which being the Shine 'n Jam products. They came in these cute little circle packets including: