Andreas Haircuts: August 2013

Gorgeous style perfect for any special occasion.

Love this little models hair and outfit!

Linda Pearl Fils-Aime, also known as A Lady Named Pearl, was born and raised in Miami, FL to parents that migrated from Haiti to the United States. Pearl started rapping when she was 19 years old after singing background vocals in a studio. “As I heard the rapper deliver his rhymes,” she recalls, “I thought to myself, this is something that I would like to do.” That night, she went home and wrote her first 8 bars. The next day, she went to that same studio and asked the producer if she could record the rhymes she wrote. He let her, and when she walked out the booth, he gave her the name "Black Pearl.” Pearl’s 8 bar rhyme was added to a song that later landed on the radio, and her rap career was born. Pearl’s hip hop style is infused with Jazz, African, and Caribbean influences, while blending empowering lyrics with beauty and style. She credits Lauryn Hill, Grace Jones, and Fela as her major influences.

In June 2012, Pearl released her debut album "Transformation"executive produced by Daz-I-Kue of Bugz In The Attic, to glowing reviews. Of the album’s 12 tracks, Pearl states that track number 3, titled “Natural,” is her favorite. The first single from the album, “Natural” pays homage to the natural beauties of the world and has a real connection with audiences. But, the song has an even deeper connection to its writer.

In 2010, Pearl went natural. “My hair was damaged from chemicals, and I became frustrated. I was wearing wigs to hide the damage,” Pearl remembers. “After a while, I reached a point, where I no longer wanted to put chemicals in my hair, I no longer wanted to wear wigs or weaves, so I did the big chop.” Pearl refers to this decision as one of the best decisions that she’s made in her life. “I have found my identity, and I love who I am.”

Going natural has also benefited her career as she has found an audience that shares her values. “I have a unique look, and it's me, no hiding under anything artificial.” In addition to being a performing artist, a model, and a professor, Pearl also serves as "2013 World's Next Top Natural Hair Model," sponsored by Taliah Waajid. This title helps her spread her advocacy.

Pearl does not feel pressured into conforming into mainstream media’s image of beauty because she is happiest with her current image. “The youth motivates me to maintain my image,” she says. “I want them to know that it's not all about weaves. You have options, and you can still be fly, sexy, and cool, rocking your natural hair.”

For more updates on Pearl, please visit her website at http://www.aladynamedpearl.com. ~ Written by Kentrice Rush

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This gorgeous cartoon portrait of Camisha is by Samax, who is the artist behind Ghetto Manga. I absolutely love his art work. "Samax Amen is a freelance cartoonist and illustrator. He self-publishes his fan magazine GhettoManga Quarterly, makes comics, does caricatures at parties and other events, and sells all kinds of things with his art on them."

If you would like your portrait drawn by Samax, he will offer a 10% discount to all of the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog readers. Just enter the discount code "Natural" when submitting an order here. To see more of his work, go to GhetooManga.com or check out his blog Ziontific. Here is more of his work -

Natural Girls United! is hosting a fun giveaway. Two lucky winners will win a gift package of three makeups from Revlon. Here is are the packages:

Giveaway Package #1
Revlon Colorstay Eye Shadow Seren
Revlon Colorstay Eye Shadow Siren
Revlon Smokey Shadow Stick - Atomic Nucleaire

Giveaway Package #2
Revlon Colorstay Eye Shadow Addictive
Revlon Photoready Blush - Peach
Revlon Smokey Shadow Stick - Smolder Braise

To win, follow these steps:

Be a follower of this blog
Like Natural Girls United! on Facebook
Go to the Natural Girls United! website and tell us your impression of why having dolls that look like children and women from all cultures is important? Or tell us something interesting you learned from visiting the website?

This contest will end in two weeks on August 27th, 2013 at 10 pm. After the two winners are announced, which ever winner that emails Natural Girls United! first at naturalgirlsunited@gmail.com, will be able to choose the makeup set they want first. The second winner that to responds will receive the remaining makeup package. Good Luck everyone!!

**Update: Winner will be announced on Monday, Septmber 9th, 2013.

To see more, go to Natural Girls United!

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A link to this story was just shared with me today. It is about Aevin Dugas who has the world record for the largest Afro.

"Aevin Dugas of New Orleans, Louisiana holds the Guinness World Record for largest natural afro entering the book with an astounding 4 foot 4 inch circumference. Ms. Dugas’ afro is larger than a disco ball and Guinness says that it’s so sizable that she could fit the world’s shortest man inside her hairstyle. The 38-year-old social worker has grown her hair for over 14 years and credits her mother as her first inspiration to go natural saying, “My mom has this picture of her with an afro before I was born, and I thought it was such a cute picture. I was like, ‘Ooh, when I go natural, I want to wear my hair like my mom.’”

But at one time Aevin wished for bone straight hair and got perms which resulted in chemical burns on her scalp. After that she swore off chemicals and went natural sporting the style she wears today. Aevin told the Daily Mail, “I don’t know why, but there’s something very important to me about little girls appreciating my hair and then wanting to wear their hair the same.” As proud as Aevin is of her luscious locks, she also concedes to the downsides of her crowing glory like difficulty with peripheral vision while driving, getting hooked in trees she passes, and getting caught in people’s drinks at clubs. The record holder explained, “I don’t wear it like this on an airplane because people would probably slap me, because it touches people. I’ve had somebody want to beat me up at a concert,” adding, “So it can be kind of problematic, but I still wouldn't change a thing about it.””