Sunflower Mom on a Mission

"Setting the Record Straight"

2008-06-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Just wanted to respond to some of the comments that were received...I was asked to blog about what happens in our house and what some of the daily challenges we are faced with in our home life as well as Brenna's professional life. Because I am involved in an interracial relationship, and my daughter is bi-racial, that is what I discuss. I am in no way trying to tell anyone how to raise their child. I try to do the best I can with my daughter. I am in no way qualified to tell anyone this!! I am not in any way perfect!! Yes, I know that she is part AA and that is why she has the hair she does. But, as far as her hair type, it is different. Different, not being bad, just a different texture. As far as the marketing for this product, I believe it could be used for all ethnicities who have unmanageable hair.

Again, I try to instill good values in my children. They know that it is what is on the inside that counts. Unfortunately, the business that Brenna is in, looks play a very important aspect. It is tough!! I in no way mean to offend anyone. I realize that speaking about ethnicities is a very sensitive subject. I guess because I am so comfortable being with my husband and his family I sometimes forget that I am a "white woman" talking about sensitive issues. I would like to be seen as just a mom of no color just discussing some of the problems that go on in our lives, not because of race, but because of the crazy things that go on in our world!! We all have our opinions and I appreciate yours. Maybe I can learn from you as well.

I also would like to point out that I really appreciate the person who told me about the hair removal product!! I am definitely going to talk to our doctor about it!! ;)
We actually saw the threading being done this weekend at the mall. Brenna wouldn't go anywhere near it!! :) I am sure it works really well but it looked kind of painful. Is it???

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"Requests"

2008-06-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I have had numerous requests to put up before and after pictures of the product being used on an AA child. Unfortunately, the only way this can happen is if someone who uses the product will send the pictures to me. This blog is my own personal blog about MY family and our daily hair/life issues.

I know that there is an AA on the box, but, I am blogging on behalf of the multi-ethnic side. If you go to the Just For Me website, there is more information there for AA as far as the product goes. I wish I could be of more help with this, but, I could in no way respond to the effects on their hair type. I only know how it affects my daughter's hair. I know there are many who have responded to not liking the product...but, it really works for us!! I wouldn't trade it for the world!!

As far as it being a relaxer, it is my understanding that a relaxer straightens your hair completely. Is this not true? I have never used a relaxer on my daughter's hair. I did have a friend who used one on her daughter's (who is bi-racial) and it did straighten it completely. This texture softener does not. It just makes it more manageable. And yes, we got along okay before this product came along. It just took WAY longer to comb out her hair and it broke off WAY too much!! It doesn't now!! So though it may not work for everyone...it works for us!! :) WE LOVE IT!!!! DON'T LEAVE IT ON LONG!!! This works best!! It makes hair soft and smooth with beautiful curls, but straightens nicely as well!!!

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"New Problem on the Horizon"

2008-05-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Hello again!!!

Hope this finds everyone well. My household has been VERY busy!! Baseball is going strong with my husband and son...Brenna and I are busy with cheerleading and she has become very busy with modeling in the past two weeks!! She's been doing a lot for JC PENNEY'S!! :) She is having a total blast!!

BUT...we have come across a problem dealing with her headshots!! She was looking at her pictures and she thinks that she has a mustache. She doesn't like the hair above her lip!! She wants something to be done about it. My problem is...what do I do??? I know that there are several options out there, but, personally, I don't think it is a problem. Her hair is darker there because she has dark hair.

I have been trying to ignore this and I try to tell her that it isn't as bad as she thinks...but, she isn't buying it anymore. And to top it off, last week, I had her manager from LA ask about it!!! I WAS SHOCKED!!!! She said that we need to maybe do something about it!!! WOW!!!! I was actually kind of offended!!! I definitely did not say anything to my daughter about this!!

So...here we are. I guess something needs to be done. Anyone have any suggestions?? Have you tried bleaching, waxing, etc??? We have waxed her eyebrows before. She about DIED from the pain!! And what happens after that? Does the hair come back stubbley? If we bleach...won't that look awkward having blonde hair there since she is a brunette?

This is a totally new situation for me...HELP!!! Anyone out there have any suggestions??? I would greatly appreciate it!!! :)

Thank you!!!

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"New News"

2008-04-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

Listen up...JFM posted its first-ever newsletter on their website, jfmvipclub.com! The best part about it is that you moms can print out a copy from home for your daughters. And, there is a special section just for moms to read! Also, JFM launched a blog in January as a resource for African American moms. The link is: www.just-for-moms.blogspot.com. It has great hair tips for African American moms and also some self-esteem messages.

I mention this because I have had many questions in regards to the product for AA children. I feel this will better help those of you who have questions regarding the product and how it works specifically on AA hairtypes.

For those of you who were waiting for me to post pictures of my son...he cut his hair all off again!!! My husband took him. I was sooo upset because first of all, I love his hair longer. Secondly, I really wanted to put the texture softener on his hair to see how it would work. Maybe later on in the summer he will let it grow out so that I can use it! :) His hair type is way more coarse than Brenna's so I really wanted to test it on his hair.

Until Next Time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"Straightening Brenna's Hair"

2008-04-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

I actually straightened Brenna's hair 2 times this week!! That is how easy it is now! She had to do headshots Thursday and Friday. I wanted some pictures with her hair curly and also some with her hair straight.

Well, Thursday, we took pictures with it curly. I straightened it Thursday night for pictures on Friday. It only took about 35-40 minutes(I will explain how I do it later!) When we looked at the pictures from Thursday, with it curly, the lighting wasn't good, so...after taking pictures with her hair straight, I wet it to get it curly again so that we could get some better shots! She was not happy!! She wanted to keep her hair straight. So, I told her that I would straighten it again for her! I WOULD HAVE NEVER OF DONE THIS IN THE PAST!!!! It took way too long and was way to hard!! So, I straightened it for her again Saturday morning!! I timed it and it took 45 minutes!! That was from getting her out of the bath with her hair soaking wet and drying it and straightening it!! PRETTY GOOD!!! It also straightened out nicely!! What I mean by that is no frizzing. It was smooth and silky!!

So now to how I straighten it...I actually tried a new technique this time. It worked really well. First, I put the Just For Me Smoothing Gel in her hair (I use a lot of this, especially at the front of her head by her hairline)!! Next, I parted her hair separating the top half from the bottom half. I always start at the bottom and work my way up. After that, I would take about a 3 inch section of her hair and comb it smooth. While holding the end of it with my hand (to keep it straight), I would blow dry that section. Then I apply this shine serum. I believe it is from Neutrogena. I will check when I get home!! After I put that on, I use a straightening iron to straighten her hair. It is not one of the expensive ones either!! It is the wet/dry one you can buy at WalMart or Walgreen's!

So I continue to do this section by section working my way up to the top of her head. Brenna will sit and watch tv or read a book!! It is really very simple!! I have posted one of the shots so you can see how it turned out!! The last picture I posted was done at a photo shoot for Bloomingdale's! By a professional hair stylist! The one posted here is of her hair done by me!! :)

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"New Products"

2008-03-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

Just curious if anyone has had a chance to use the two new products? I really don't even know if they are out in the stores yet. But, I do know that they are giving them away for free on the jfmvipclub.com website!! You should really take advantage of this!! They really help manage Brenna's hair.

It was funny...yesterday, she had to go be put on film for a monologue. When she finished, the casting director came out and kept on talking about how good her hair looked on camera. She kept on about how shiney and healthy it looked! (We had just used the JFM products)!!! As I said before, I used to use the ProLine comb thru moisturizer...but, since Just For Me has come out with these two new products, we have switched!! No more having to use a man's product on my little girls hair!

Oh...my son is also letting his hair grow out!! I am going to try the texture softener on his hair here pretty soon!! I will let you know how it turns out!! :)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!!

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"Update"

2008-03-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I finally got in touch with MySpace and they finally removed the fake site!! I was not able to find out who put the site up. I would have to go to the police station and file a report because they cannot release that information to me because of privacy laws. Can you believe that??? It would be a long drawn out process. The police would of had to gotten with MySpace and they would have to get that information from them to get to me.

I wanted to know who did it...but, I wanted it off of there immediately! I would like to thank MSI Strategies for also helping in this situation!!

OH...IMPORTANT NEWS!!!!! Just For Me is coming out with 2 new hair products!! We were sent samples and they are absolutely wonderful!! One is a curl smoother. It helps soften tangles and helps define the curls. The other is a smoothing gel. It strengthens the hair and helps control the "frizzies"!

I actually use both of them on Brenna's hair. After she gets out of the bath, I put the curl smoother on her hair to help comb it out. Then I put the smoothing gel on and scrunch her hair gently!! The smoothing gel is not sticky and it really helps control her hair after a long day at school!!

Go to the Just For Me website to check it out!!! It is jfmvipclub.com!!!

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"The Wonderful World of Technology"

2008-02-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

I thought you might be interested in this...We found out not too long ago that someone has/had set up a myspace account under my daughter's name. There were pictures on the site that were definitely taken from her pictures that are on specific websites for modeling and so forth. Apparently, the site was set up when she was only 9!!! We just found out about it not too long ago!! The scarey thing is, is that you can't get in touch with anyone from myspace. You can email problems or report them...but so far...NOTHING!!! I have not heard a word from them!!

There were numerous conversations on her site between whoever set it up (pretending to be her) and older men from who knows where!!! This really scared my daughter. We talked about it...but, it just so happens that this week at our school, it is bully free week. The kids went and watched a cyberbullying video showing how easy it is to find someone on the internet!! Well, that really freaked her out!! She came down so my room bawling!! She was SOOO scared that someone was going to come into our house and steal her.

I feel in my heart that it is someone that knows her. There was actually a letter on the site and they were pretending to be her mother and father saying that they/we allowed her to have the site and to not make fun of her because she was on Barney along with other comments!! CRAZY!!! Numerous mispelled words!!! It is obvious that it was written by a kid but they also knew too much personal information about her. I will keep trying to find out who did it but I just want parents to know how easy it is for someone to take your information and make it their own...even a child's.

What a scarey world we live in now!!

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"Using the Texture Softener"

2008-02-19T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hello!!

Just wanted to share this with the last person who commented on thinking they left the product on their child's hair too long. She thinks that she left it on too long and her daughter's curls loosened more than she wanted them too. You really have to be careful and make sure that you read the directions for the time really carefully. What is hard is that you start on one side of the head so the product is left on longer on that side. This actually happened to me!! I took too long to get to the other side of Brenna's hair and it loosened the curl more than the other side.

Don't worry, though. It only took about a week and a half for it to curl back up even with the other side. You also need to make sure that you don't comb through the hair repeatedly. Also, using a bottle of the sunflower oil on the hair before you apply the product really helps with my daughter's hair type. I know, of course, that our kids all have different hair textures. Kids of mixed heritage have ALL types of textures. I have found that this is what works best for Brenna's hair!!

I know that there are many people that feel this product will damage the hair, but, I know for a fact it does not. We are soo happy that Brenna booked this job!! It has truly become a blessing in our household when dealing with hair issues!!! :)

Until Next Time...
"Sunflower Mom"

Thank you!!

2008-02-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank those who responded to my alligator skin post!! You had wonderful suggestions. We have tried the baby oil and it seems to be working! It is a baby oil wash. I do have to say, though, that I upset my daughter when she heard that I posted her problem.

Last year it didn't seem to bother her, but, I guess this year with her being older, it really did! She was mad that I was letting everyone know her problem. I really felt bad about it. We had a talk about it and I see her point. So...I will be discussing posts with her (if they are specifically about her) before I blog!

But, I do have to say that she was thankful to all of the suggestions. Especially that it is working for her!! :)

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"Alligator Skin"

2008-01-31T20:19:00.000-08:00

Hello!!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful week. It has been a very fast week for us!! The weather has also been crazy!! 50 mile an hour wind gusts, freezing cold weather and now I just saw on the news that it is going to be 76 on Monday!! You just gotta love Texas!! :)

The winter weather brings me into my topic today and also what we have been discussing at our house this week...alligator skin!! With all of this dry, cold weather, it seems to be causing problems with my daughter's skin. Her legs are sooo dry and it doesn't matter how much lotion or oil she puts on them, they still look VERY scaley. They are not ashy, but just look very scaley. Almost like she really does have scales. I honestly have never seen anything like it before. Our whole family gets really dry skin in the winter, but, with a little bit of lotion, or baby oil, it softens it up. I don't know what is going on with her legs. It is very strange and now it is making her very self conscious of them. Especially at cheer practice when she wears shorts.

If anyone can give me some tips...I would, or should I say, Brenna would appreciate it!! :) It was funny, the other day I walked into the bathroom and she was putting the Just For Me conditioner on her legs!! She is trying everything in the house. The wierd thing is is that it is only on her legs. It isn't like that anywhere else on her body.

Moving on to another subject...I am thiking about trying the Just For Me Texture Softener on my son's hair. He wants me to put it on his hair and see if it will help with the the dry, wirey texture of his hair. Of course, I love his hair. Except right now, he has it shaved. He has beautiful curls...and my husband shaved them all off at his request. He wants to grow it longer, but he doesn't like how curly it gets when he grows it out. He thinks it makes him look like a little kid. He is going to let it grow though so I can apply it to his hair. I will let you know how it turns out in a few weeks!!

Well, it is getting late!! Gotta get some sleep!! :)

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"A New Year"

2008-01-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello again,

I know it has been a while since I have posted, but, it is a new year and we are ready to go full speed ahead!! :) Many of you have had questions about the product and so I will try to catch up to speed with you in the following months.

First, I would like to catch you up to date on my daughter's last 6 months. She has been quite busy with modeling and acting. It is funny...some of the clients want her hair to be straight while others damand that she come with it curly. Thank
goodness for this product because it allows her hair to be styled both ways and look really good. Before the product, when we would straighten it, it would still be frizzy. Now, it is sooo shiney and looks like it could really be naturally straight. When we took Christmas pictures, her hair was so shiney and beautiful straight. I didn't really pay much attention to it until my mom and cousin made the comment about how healthy and shiney her hair looked while they were looking at the pictures. It has really never looked like this before. It is amazing!!

On the other hand, all she has to do is wash it and back come the curls!! Which, of coarse, is my favorite way that she wears her hair. I think she looks too grown up with her hair straight. I think that is one of the reasons why she likes it like that. Kids always want to grow up to fast!!

She actually booked a Twister High School Musical commercial which aired on Disney and Nick. For this, the clients wanted her hair straight because they wanted the girls to look older. They also like her hair straight at Bloomingdale's. You can actually see pictures of her on their website right now under the kids section. You can see how nice her hair looks.

She just did a cheerleading catalogue shoot this past week where the client called 3 times to make sure that she came with her hair curly. Her agency also requested that her hair be curly in the headbook. Again, they want her to look younger!! :)

So I guess what I am getting at is that it is so nice to be able to interchange between her hairstyles. I no longer have to spend 2 hours straightening it. I did it the other day in 30 minutes!! A new record time!! Also, when she wears it curly, I no longer have to do her hair for her!! This really frees up my mornings to work on myself!! :)

I think that she is also beginning to realize how lucky she is. She has "the best of both worlds!!"

Until Next Time...
"Sunflower Mom"

Message from the Hair Care Expert: Why Texture Softener is NOT a relaxer

2007-08-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

There has been a decade long misconception about relaxers, texturizers and now Texture Softener. In essence a relaxer is designed to take the hair from A to Z. That is to straighten any type of over-curly hair...100% straight. To get the hair straight, you have to use a manual process, by smoothing it out either using your hands or a comb. Alternatively, the Texture Softener has the same basic technology, but you do not use the hand or comb to straighten the hair. Texture Softener is buffered by the exclusive anti-breakage Sunflower Oil Formula which acts to gently protect the texture of the hair and infuse moisture throughout the process, yielding a much different product AND OUTCOME. Realizing that there had to be a happy medium between 100% straight and 100% natural, the makers of Just For Me saught to develop a safe, gentle way that would give mom's an alternative. The Texture Softener in essence gives a girl the best of both worlds; hair thats easy to comb, soft and managable with ability to retain her natural texture.

2007-07-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Can you use the Just For Me Texturizer to "Define Curls"? Yes it can. Just follow instructions as outlined for the application. Then, to define curls for daily wear, apply the Just For Me 2 in 1 Conditioner on damp hair. For firmer curls, also foam in a small amount of the Motions Light Styling Foam. Scrunch hair to sculpt in the level of curl or wave pattern desired. Let it air dry or use a difusser attachment to your blow dryer to lock in curls. Don't touch curls after it dries.

If hair is very thick and dry, apply the Just For Me Oil Moisturizing Lotion to damp hair FIRST, then follow the styling techniques above.

Good Styling!

"New Role Model"

2007-05-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

Go Jordan Sparks!!!

My daughter is sooo excited to see Jordan Sparks in the finals of American Idol!! She said the other day...Look mom, she is just like me!!!

Soooo glad to see more people of mixed heritage in the spotlight!!! :) It really makes my daughter feel good!!! :)

Until Next Time (again)
"Sunflower Mom"

"The Time Has Come!!"

2007-05-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

Well, my daughter is leaving for camp tomorrow with her entire fourth grade class and will be gone for 3 days. Now will be the true test!! I will not be there to help her with her hair. YIKES!!! It is a good thing that we just applied the texture softener last week. Otherwise, it would be impossible for her to comb out her hair! There will be a camp sponsor there...but, of coarse no one really knows how to do her hair the "right way". My daughter told me not to worry!! She said that she has it all under control.

We will see!! :) My husband will be there but he will be with the boys and is not allowed in the girls cabin. Also, the girls are getting to the age where they want to do their own hair their own way. I am not to sure how the other kids would react to having her dad have to do her hair. I am sure she would not let him anywhere near her!! It would be too embarrassing for her.

I know that she will be able to do it!! Thanks to the Just For Me TS!! I promise you...this stuff still amazes me. We brush out her hair after she gets out of the tub and there is NO HAIR in the hair brush!!! I have more hair in the brush after doing my hair than she does. It is crazy to me how it works!!

I told my husband to take pictures of her daily so that I can see how her hair looks!! I will post them on the site so that you can see the results. I have no doubt that she will do a good job. If it wasn't for this product, though, I would have been very worried!! It is supposed to rain everyday this week and usually when it rains, her hair turns into a frizzball!!

I am anxious to see the results!!

Well, I have got to go and get finished packing them!! :) Will post more later!!

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"Questions and Answers"

2007-05-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

In the past few weeks, I have had several questions regarding the use of the product and also reapplying the product. This is what I found works for my daughter's specific hair type.

First, when I applied it to my daughter's hair the second time, I applied it to her entire hair (not just the new growth). BUT...I used two whole bottles of the sunflower oil. This is what I did that worked for me: I applied one full bottle of sunflower oil to her hair while it was dry and gently combed out her hair. I then applied the product to her hair per the directions. I do not have to leave the texture softener on her hair long because of her specific hair texture. Again, that is what I found to work for my daughter's hair.

Second, for the one whose results ended up straightening the curls a little more than you would have liked, this is what I have also tried. Do not apply the texture softener on her hair until the tightness of the curls go back to the way you like them. As far as managing her hair in the meantime...I have applied the sunflower oil onto her hair and used it as an oil treatment. It helped with combing out her hair and helping with the breakage. When you use the product again, make sure that you do a tester on a small section of her hair before you use it on the entire head. That way you can judge how long you need to leave the product on the hair to get the results you want. It will not straighten the hair entirely, but it will loosen the curls quite a bit depending how long you leave the produt on. Again, I can only speak for what I have found to work on my daughter's hair and her texture type. I hope this helps you. If you still have questions, I can have our hair specialist blog to let you know what she thinks from a professional stand point! :)

All I know is that when I use this product, it absolutely makes it 10,000 times easier to comb out her hair and helps prevent breakage. My daughter lets me know when it is time to reapply because she starts having a hard time combing out her hair herself!!

Believe me, if I didn't trust the product, I would not use it. With my daughter being in the modeling business...her hair is one of her best assets. It is actually what helps her book jobs so I would never put a product on her hair that I wasn't sure of the outcome.

I hope this helps with some of the questions and concerns. Again, you can visit the Just For Me webite where there is a q&a section as well as an instructional video for applying the product.

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"Positively Texas"

2007-04-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

Just an update...My daughter and I appeared on a local television show which aired this morning. We were invited on to discuss the issues of raising multi-ethnic children. Overall, I think the interview went really well. We were able to mention the product on the show!! :) I hope the word gets out even more!!

I am amazed at all of the responses that have been coming in. I know that this product may not work for everyone...but for the majority...it has been nothing but positive!! I AM SOO HAPPY!! I also appreciate all of your advice dealing with the "hairy" issues. I have noticed lately, though, that she has been wanting to wear her hair straight and/or down all of the time. The more I thought about it, I think that she is trying to hide her neck. We actually had a long discussion this afternoon about this. It has REALLY affected her more than I thought. We did have a talk about how boys usually say things or will chase and hit you because they like you. They just don't have the social skills yet. That is their way of saying they like you...by teasing you. She finally realized that. She knows that it is what is on the inside that counts but she is VERY sensitive when it comes to her being hairy. We actually made a big decision this weekend and my husband and I let her shave her legs. She wouldn't even wear shorts because of the black hair on her legs. That really helped boost her self esteem. The first thing she said was, "I can wear shorts now!!"

My mom is actually the one who suggested that we let her shave. I really didn't want her to until she was at least 12. I had told her about the teasing at school so they had a discussion about it at her bowling night. My sister-in-law and my mom said that if it would make her feel more confident...then to let her do it. THAT WAS BIG NEWS!!! :) I was trying to remember how old I was when I started to shave. I do not like the fact that she is growing up. It is very depressing!! :(

Oh well...I did want to address one of the comments that I did receive the other day. My daughter had really tight springy soft curls when she was younger. I really thing you should try the product and also use the pro-line comb thru moisturizer. It really helps weight down and tame the hair especially with the texture softener. You have to make sure that you read the time directions. The product will not take out the curls, but it also depends of the results you want. If you want to tame the frizzies and make it easier to manage, as far as combing it out, but still keep it really curly...don't keep it in as long. If you leave the product in longer, it will lengthen the curls and the hair will hang longer. We actually left the product in a little longer the last time we used it (because she had her hair cut on Barney and they chopped it). It helped make her hair hang longer. Also, you might want to try using 2 bottles of the sunflower oil. Use a complete bottle on the hair before you use the product and then mix as the instuctions tell you. We have tried it several ways!! It ALWAYS makes her hair easier to comb and way less breakage.

I hope this helps!!

HAPPY HAIR
"Sunflower Mom"

How Do I Reduce The Volume In My Daughters Hair?

2007-04-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

BRINGING DOWN THE VOLUME

Does your child have soft, waves that are too full and volumous? Many kids do. It’s not coarse or difficult to comb, but it so thick and full that it over takes your child’s face. Consider these tips;

SHAMPOO
Avoid shampooing everyday (unless swimming or in sports activity). Over-shampooing tends to dry the hair and scalp. Unless she has an oily scalp, try to limit shampooing to every couple of days.

BLOWDRYING
Don’t blow dry hair from wet to dry, instead, apply a leave in conditioner then comb hair down smooth. Let hair dry under a hooded dryer from 80% to completely dry. *for fine to medium hair, sparingly add the Just For Me Hair and Scalp Conditioner *for coarser textures, add the Just For Me Oil Moisturizer on damp hair before drying. Both are great at smoothing and controlling volume.

NIGHT TIME CARE
Wrap, tie or cover hair at night to maintain the smoothness and reduce frizziness. A satin scarf or wrap cap from your local beauty supply are great alternatives.

SCHOOL MORNING MADNESS
Try not to rewet hair in the mornings. If you must, just lightly mist with the Leave In Conditioner. Otherwise, dab some of the Just For Me Hair and Scalp Conditioner ( flat ironed straight hair) or Crème Conditioner. (for wavy/curly hair). In the palm of your hands and smooth down frizz.

I will have some before and after photos for you soon of some moms and daughters who took my advice. In the meantime, have a Happy Easter!

Roz

Dr. Jeff Gardere's Advice on Teasing and Name Calling

2007-04-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Hi! It's the Moderator again! I've been monitoring the conversation about children picking on other children because they seem different. So I asked our clinical psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere to chime in on the discussion to give you Sunflower Moms and Sunflower Girls some tips on how to deal with it. Here is what he had to say:

"Yes, kids can be very cruel especially around the issues of name calling. The fact is they do not yet have the skills to censor their thoughts, so what we are basically left with is a verbal diarrhea; everything comes flying out. Also,because of their immaturity they do not know how to express their unbridled,sometimes hormone filled, hyperactive, emotions in an appropriate manner. So they may actually like or are attracted to another kid, but instead of saying “I like you,” they will instead pull a pigtail, punch a shoulder, or say something rude and obnoxious. It's part of their long road to maturity!

"What we need to do as parents is to help our kids better interpret, understand, express and verbalize their feelings in a more civil, loving and appropriate manner. At the same time we can also talk to our kids and prepare them for the ievitability of being taunted by other kids because of their appearance. Primarily we should get them to verbalize what has been said to them and how it makes them feel. That in itself is a great release and balm to their hurt feelings. It also gives us the opportunity to have “conversations” in order to help them understand what the taunting may actually mean and most importantly that the name calling is irrelevant, often harmless, and part of the outrageous slings and arrows of growing up."
--Dr. Jeff
If you have questions for Dr. Jeff, feel free to pose them in your comments to this post. Thanks, Dr. Jeff!
The Moderator

"Sunflower Girl...Again!!"

2007-04-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hi to everyone who reads this! Just a few weeks ago this kid who use to sit by me in class told me that I have a mustache, and a hairy neck. But I told him "you can say anything about me because it does not offend me at all." later on that week he told me this too, hey Brenna, your mother is white and your father is black so that makes you mixed! then they started to laugh a little . I felt very depressed but I tried not to let it show on my face. I don't understand why kids have to be so mean to people. How would they like it if somebody came up to them unexpectedly and just "Hey your mother is black and your father is chinese than that makes you blanese." My mom and dad tell me that I am special and I should be proud to be different than everybody else because that is a good thing.I know that they are right but it is so hard to ignore them.
It is late so I have to go because my mom said I have to go to bed.
Talk to you later, Sunflower Girl!!!

"Mean Kids"

2007-03-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I hope all is well out there in the hair world. Everything is well here with the exception of "boys" entering into the picture!! I didn't think it would happen this soon...but she is in the fourth grade. I know that my daughter has a crush on two little boys at her school. Well, I accidentally found a letter that she had written. It said that one of the boys that liked her doesn't anymore because she has a hairy neck and a mustache! Can you believe?? Not only do we have to worry about the hair on her head, now its her neck and face. What do you do or say?? This is a new one for me. Yes, she is kind of hairy on her neck but it shows up more because her hair is dark. I feel so bad for her. She would never say anything to me about it and I dare not say anything to her because I don't want her to think that I am prying into her business. She wrote in her letter that she told him that everybody is hairy and has hair on their face. I know that it hurt her though.

How come kids are so mean to each other? I don't understand. Has anyone experienced this with their child? If so, please share. This is a first for me...the boy issue. I don't even want to think about my baby girl and boys!!! Oh my!!!

On another note...I really appreciate the comments and support that you all have been giving to each other. You all have some really good advice! I think it is great that we have a place that we can come to share and help each other.

I would still love to have pictures to post on the site of before and after pictures. Not only do I want pictures of kids, but of adults as well who have used the Texture Softener!!

PS...HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! :)

Until next time,
"Sunflower Mom"

Looking for a NYC-area multi-ethnic family for national talk show

2007-03-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

Greetings...
If you know a family that has a mixed-heritage daughter of African-American descent between the ages of 4 and 11 years old that lives in the NYC area who is struggling with self-esteem or identity issues especially as it is tied to day-to-day hair care, please contact us. We are attempting to help a national talk show in planning for a "self-esteem make over" show featuring our Sunflower Advisory Board's clinical psychologist, Dr. Jeff Gardere. If you want some insights into the topics that will be discussed, please visit www.texturesoftener.com and click on the Advice for Moms tab. The Conversation Starters that you find there will be core to the show. If you know a family like this, or if this describes you, please write to us by responding to this post. We'd also like to view pictures of you and the whole family...but please do not post phone numbers on the blog....just an e-mail address will be fine. We'll be in touch with you soon!

The Moderator

Beautiful "Natural" Hair Still Needs A Little Help

2007-03-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

Don't let your desire to be true to your "natural" hair, make you feel guilty for trying to make your hair manageable. Some beleive that "natural"is best, that is hair with nothing on it? Curly hair restricts the flow of oil to the scalp, simply because of the curvature of the follicle beneath the scalp. The result is hair that tends to deflect light, look dull, dry and lacks moisture.... what happens when you comb it without anything on it........it pops off. Why should you consider using a product like Texture Softener on your child's hair?

1)to reduce the time it takes to comb and style it,
2)to reduce the stress and pulling on your child's tender scalp,
3)your daughters hair swells and frizzes when she wears it down,
4)your daughter is ready to start styling and caring for her own hair,
5)if you want to make her hair is manageable, while keeping some of the natural curl pattern and you're not quite ready to relax it straight.

I applaud you for teaching your child that her natural hair is beautiful and you want to make it even better.

If you aren't ready for a Texture Softener, but still require a little help with manageability, try the Just For Me Oil Moisturizer and the 2in 1 Conditioning Detangler on damp hair. When used together, they'll help soften and moisturize your daughters hair.

TIP:When detangling the hair, remember to section hair and comb it out from the ends and work your way up.

Anonymous - Son with curly hair

2007-03-01T19:30:00.000-08:00

About your sons hair, I would recommend cutting the straight hair off, down to the curly part. I am sure that it would be a lot neater. He could use Just For Me on his hair. Just shampoo it, towel dry, mist some of the 2 in 1 Conditioning Detangler...then massage a little of the Just For Me Oil Moisturizing Lotion on the hair while it's still damp.

"Touching Base"

2007-02-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

Hello!!

Sorry it has been so long since my last blog. I have been very busy!! Not only is it coming up on the end of the nine weeks where I teach, but I am also in the process of moving homes!! YUCK!!! I don't have much time and will write more later, but I just wanted to let you know that I have been reading your comments and I really appreciate them! If you haven't done so, please take the time to read what others are commenting on!! It is sooo nice to know that there are others out there with the same problems I face. It is also nice that we can share our experiences with each other. I truly appreciate your support!! I am also glad that you are finding the product useful!! Again, if any of you would like to send any pictures, we can post them so that others can see the results!

I also want to apologize if I offended anyone with one of my past blogs. I did not mean to do so!! Please accept my apology!! :)

I will get back with you tomorrow!! It has been a very long two weeks!!

Happy Hair!!!

"Sunflower Mom"

Love Yourself. Love Your Hair.

2007-02-13T16:20:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here in Laguardia Airport and thought I'd let you know that the kick off for our "Love Yourself. Love Your Hair." Campaign went well, but it's just the beginning. Dr. Jeff Gardere did a great job telling the media here in New York about the "Conversation Starters" for moms who want to impact positively the self esteem of their daughters (click on the "Advice for Moms" link). Did you know that it can all start with the conversations during your grooming ritual in the morning? Yes...a little girl's self esteem and self identity is closely linked with the way she views herself. And her hair is very much a part of that self image. You can read more about the initiative on Yahoo! News. How can you take part in this national dialogue? You can start by adding your comments to this very blog. There will be other opportunites too. Stay tuned.

Yours in texture...

The Moderator

"Help with the Product"

2007-02-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

Hello!!

I have had several questions about when and how to apply the product. I can explain it to you but it probably would be easier if you were to just visit the Just For Me website. It gives VERY detailed directions as well as shows you an instructional video. On the site, there is also a Q & A section with many of the questions that have been asked here several times.

As far as applying the product, it should be applied to dry hair. When I applied it to my daughter's, it had been washed the night before. I also received a comment about my daughter's hair looking manageable before the product. It really was hard to manage and maintain. With a lot of work and time, yes, it looked good. But, it took a lot of time and many, many hours of experimenting with different products to see what would work the best. Her hair would break off and I would also pull out a ton of it every night when I would comb it.

This is what I have found that works best for me...I do not shampoo my daughter's hair. I only use cream rinse (or conditioner) on it. When she gets out of the tub, I towel dry her hair and then I apply about a quarter size more cream rinse on her hair (especially on the ends) without rinsing it out. I then apply the proline comb thru product on her hair and I comb it out while it is wet. This has been our usual routine every since she was little. I comb it out in sections as well. Thank goodness she has a hard head. It would really be a battle if she didn't!! I would always try to find something to keep her busy while I was combing!! A book or a toy usually worked well. I would also give her a baby and let her comb her hair out while I was doing hers. It would usually take me a least 10-15 minutes to comb out her hair. Now, with the JFM Texture Softener, it takes only a couple of minutes!! We still do the same routine, only now, SHE CAN COMB IT OUT!!! I am finally free of having to do it!! There are only a few tangles but she is able to manage them herself!! It is great!! I now have more time to spend on myself...OR SLEEP IN A LITTLE LATER!! :)

I hope this has helped some!!

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

Options for Natural Hair

2007-02-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

Lot's of moms say to me " I don't want to put anything on my child's hair, I just want it to be natural"..... While in the same breath they say " her hair is so tangled and bushy in the mornings and when she comes home from school, I just don't know what to do"...

What makes hair curly
All hair takes on the shape of the follicle. ( a tube-like impression below the scalp). Each hair has it's own follicle that may or may not curve the same direction. So as the hair grows out of the follicle and through the scalp it starts to coil, gets intertwined and causes tangles.
We know the issue............... now what's the solution?

Let's Talk About Your Options
Regular daily combing and brushing will automatically cause hair to pop off. Hair with nothing on it will continue to re-tangle even after you've combed it out. Also, natural hair is very porous ( kind of like a new sponge) so it absorbs all the moisture in the air. On a humid day, it swells and expands. *clinical test show that natural breaks 80% more when it's untreated.

Temporary Treatments
You can put products on the hair that temporarily soften it and make it easier to manages. For really thick hair, curly hair you have to put twice as much for effective control and manageability plus you have to use the products daily, for best results. Because you have to use so much product it can be time-consuming and costly. For thin, fine hair with loose curls, this may be the best way to go.

Longer Lasting Treatment
The Texture Softener is for longer-lasting results. The Treated hair is softer and easier to manage on a daily basis. Hair repels water a bit more so that in humid weather it wont draw up or swell and frizz as quickly. When you shampoo the hair it's easier to comb out and style. The Sunflower Oil in the Texture Softener is great because it helps to detangle the hair BEFORE you apply and it adds an extra level of conditioning during the treatment.

Roz's Reco - For Longer Lasting manageability, choose the Texture Softener

Winter Weather Hair Care Tips

2007-02-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

BURRR..... I just came back from Minnesota, Chicago and New York.... all really cold and dry climates. Did you know that cold weather restricts the sebaceous glands (oil glands) that are attached to the hair follicle? Often, this reduces the natural flow of oil and moisture needed to keep hair and skin soft and supple.

Notice that in the winter or in colder climates that your daughter's elbows and knees tend to be more dry? Well the hair experiences the same draught.

Roz's Reco - If you shampoo daily, try skipping a day or two. After shampooing add a moisturizing conditioner, like the Just For Me 2-in-1 Conditioning Detangler. Normally no rinsing is needed, but this time, ADD twice as much as you would normally. Place a plastic cap on your child's hair for about 10 -15 minutes. Next, lightly rinse out some of the 2-in-1 Conditioning Detangler (you want to make sure that you leave some product in the hair). This gives the hair long-lasting moisture throughout the cold winter days.

While the hair is STILL DAMP, apply the Just For Me Oil Moisturizer (start with a small amount, but for thicker hair, use it liberally). It really adds shine, control and moisture. Let your daughter's hair dry under a hooded dryer on a low temperature. Hot blow dryers deplete moisture and cause breakage. PLUS the hair is most fragile when it's wet. And lastly, NEVER let your child go to bed with wet hair.
HAVE A WARM AND TOASTY DAY!

Double Duty with twin girls

2007-02-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to offer my comments about healthy, beautiful and manageable hair. When I started working on the Texture Softener concept, I would always keep an eye out for little girls (AND moms)that I thought would benefit from more manageable hair.

A very close friend of mine just had GIRL #4..... All under the age of 12. All of them with pretty, long, thick hair. The twins turned 7 in November, both with hair down the middle of their backs. Now in first grade, they wanted to get out of the big, thick pony tails and braids...... and to wear their hair a little more freely. But this was asking a bit much for mom. She would comb their hair and put it in a pony tail for 3 - 4 days at a time. I suggested the Just For Me Texture Softener on their hair ... But it was difficult convincing dad to let the girls get something on their hair..."This was too much like growing up". But after the first time he saw them, he personally called to say thanks and that they were so excited about their new look. Their hair still had a natural look, but the curls weren't so tight. Mom told me that shampooing their hair was nothing like the ordeal she had to deal with before...No crying, pulling or taking time-outs. Her time was cut in half!

Introducing Roslyn Baker, Licensed Cosmetologist and Children's Hair Care Expert

2007-02-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

I am the Sunflower Mom Blog Moderator. I'll rarely post, but today is special. It's the day that I introduce another member of the Just For Me(tm) Texture Softener(tm) Sunflower Advisory Board, Mrs. Roslyn Baker. Did you think she was Miss America? Well, almost! She's Mrs. Richardson (TX), and she is currently vying for Mrs. Texas! Wish her well. (Isn't she pretty? And she's just as nice). "Roz" as we like to call her, is also a children's haircare expert. She is a licensed cosmetologist and has spent the last 15years developing techniques and products for children's haircare. Roz will contribute once a week with answers to your more technical hair care questions. Oh yes, one more thing...she is also a mom and was instrumental in the launch of the original Just for Me(tm) Relaxer which remains #1 Mom Trusted...a much different product than the Texture Softener--and she can tell you why. Although both are extremely gentle, there are some differences between the products as well as the way you apply them. So think of the question you've been dying to ask...and with that, I'll turn it back over to Kim, Brenna...and now, ROZ!

Oh, yes! And stay tuned to www.texturesoftener.com for something extremely special! Another member of the Sunflower Advisory Board, nationally renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere helped the board develop advice for parents of ethnic and multi-ethnic girls, because we realize that there may be some tough social issues that your child may encounter at school, with friends, with family, and yes, in the media. We realize that there is a strong link between your daughter's hair and her self-image and self esteem. We thought it be a good idea to help parents navigate these issues. Intrigued? He'll be in New York City on Tuesday to talk to the media there as part of the "Love Yourself. Love Your Hair." Campaign. We'll let you know where to tune in as it happens!

Ok... enough from me...

Happy Texture Softening!

The Moderator

"It's me...Again!!"

2007-02-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

Today my mom asked me why I like to wear my hair strait. And I told her because I get sick of people playing with my hair and saying "Your hair is so beautiful,will you trade hair with me." And I get sick and tierd of it. So I just like to change my hair style every once and a while. I've also had curly hair ever since I was born and people still did that.

Another reason is that almost all my friends have strait hair and I want to be like them but they want to have my hair. Isn't that funny? But I am happy to have my hair because I can do so many diffrent things with it and I should be happy with what I got because God made me diffrent from everybody else and I am proud of it!!!
<3> Brenna Demerson

"It's Me...Sunflower Mom's Daughter"

2007-02-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

Guess what? I can comb my hair without depending on my mom anymore. I can finally get a comb thru my hair because of the Just For Me product. I really like this stuff! It makes my hair alot easier to brush out. A couple of weeks ago I straitened my hair all by myself. That is the first time I have ever done that. I stayed at my friends house and I suprised my mom when I came home. She couldnt believe that I did it all by my self! She was happy and proud. I hope that you use the Just For Me product like me. And it may help you like it did me.

I will be writing more!! If you have any question for me...I will be happy to answer them!!

Brenna

"Not Just For Kids"

2007-01-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

Hello!!

I have received numerous comments from adult women who have tried this product and they have nothing but wonderful things to say!! Even though this product is marketed for kids...I feel that it is important for everyone to know that adults can use it too!! :)

It was also brought to my attention that I should also remind people that it is NOT only for bi-racial children. It is for African American children as well!! It is marketed this way on the box, but in this blog, I have really only talked about how it works for my child who of coarse is bi-racial.

Please know that it is for several different types of hair!! :)

I also wanted to share these pictures with you!! My daughter received her own personal JFM doll!! It is actually her!! I thought it was cool! They have the dolls hair styled the way my daughter's is on the JFM Texturizer box!!

In this picture, my daughter's hair is straightened. She actually straightened it all by herself for the first time ever!! :)

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"Thank You"

2007-01-05T08:12:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!!

I hope everyone's New Year has gotten off to a wonderful start!! It is hard to imagine it is 2007. We started back to school yesterday and it was hard to write '07 on everything. Time is flying by.

I wanted to start this new year by thanking all of you who have read this blog and responded so positively to it!! I want this to be a place where we can share both positive and negative occurances while being involved in a multi-ethnic relationship and raising our children in this day and age.

Dealing with the race issue is very difficult at times. I want this to be a support system for all of us. A place where we can share stories of our lives whether they are dealing with raising our children, dealing with hair issues, or just simply supporting one another with everyday life occurances while being involved in a multi-ethnic relationship.

As far as hair goes, I AM on a mission to let people know about the JFM Texture Softener. I am not trying to change hair, nor do I want kids to feel bad about their hair. The fact is, I have a daughter who is bi-racial and I live with her hair issues everyday. I also have to listen to her everyday!! Some days she is happy with her hair and other days she is not. I remember when I was little, I wouldn't be happy with my hair. I wanted it to be curly because my hair is straight as a board! It doesn't seem to matter if you are caucasion, hispanic, or asian...it is pretty much typical that people always want hair that they don't have!! :)

I want those of us who have bi-racial or multi-ethnic children to have a resource to share stories, gain knowledge, or just simply get ideas about how you handle certain issues. With the JFM Texture Softener now available for us, I feel this is a great stepping stone!!

I love reading your comments and being able to share pictures with you. I hope you share lots more with me!!

To all... I hope you have a very happy and healthy new year!!!

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"Nappy Hair??"

2006-12-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!!

Well, it is pretty late so I am going to make this short and sweet! I just thought this was kind of ironic. My daughter was shooting a movie this weekend and she plays a character named Camilla. Well, she lives with her dad (who is single). So, needless to say, her character isn't too well taken care of by her father. She pretty much dresses herself as well as doing her own hair.

So, here comes the ironic part...The producer of the movie said that her hair was too perfect. He had the hair dresser "nap it up"!! Her hair was all over the place!! It's funny, because we work so hard to try and get it looking good and he wants it nappy. My daughter about died!! She didn't like what they did...but of coarse, it was just for the movie so she didn't worry about it too much. The producer even made the comment that when they shoot her morning scene, he wants it even nappier!!!

Every time she passed by him, he kept on fluffing her hair up on the top and making it really wild! HE LOVED IT!!! She did not!!! As soon as we wrapped for the day, she wanted me to put her hair up immediately!!

It seems that no matter where we go or what we are doing...it is all about the hair!

I will write more later...just wanted to share this. I thought it was fitting!

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"Beautiful Inside and Out"

2006-12-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!!

I hope everyone is doing well and getting their shopping done! Can you believe there is only 2 weeks left until Christmas? I am soo excited!! I love this time of year. The kids are excited, all of the neighborhood is decorated with lights and the jam packed stores and TRAFFIC!! HA!!

It really is a fun time. We only have one week left of school. I can't wait for that!! I need to get the rest of my shopping done. Nothing like waiting til the last minute!!

Well, in the past week I have received several responses to my blogs. I do want you all to understand that I totally believe that it is what is on the inside that counts. What makes a person beautiful is not what they look like on the outside such as "beautiful skin" or "hair". What matters is what is on the inside. I truly believe this!! My husband and I try our best to instill these morals in our children. I don't want them to treat people differently because of looks as I don't want anyone treating them differently. It just seems that hair has always been an issue for my daughter. Every since she was a tiny baby, people have always gone up to her talking about how beautiful her hair is. She has heard this about a million times. Even last night at her choir concert, a mom came up to her and said people would kill for her hair. She went on and on about how beautiful it was and that she wished she had hair like it. So maybe in a way, because she has heard this so much, she is kind of obsessed with her hair. Although, she wants it to be straight. So even though she hears this, she wants it different. So, I guess what I am trying to say is...by wanting people to try this product, I am not trying to change the way their hair totally looks. I just want them, as well as the parents of multi-racial children, to feel confident in themselves. Many parents have emailed me with concerns about how to take care of their childs hair. I just want to save them the time and money from what I went through when my daughter was young.

PS...I have had numberous requests for more before and after pictures. If any of you have used the product, whether on yourself, your child, being multi-racial or African American, please send me your photos. From what one of my readers has stated: "It worked wonders for her hair!" (she was an adult African American)

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"Happy Holidays"

2006-12-03T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I hope everyone is well and getting into the holiday spirit!! I know we are around our household!! We spent all day yesterday putting up the tree and decorating the house inside and out!! It looks so festive around here!! It took me a while...but I am finally getting into the holiday spirit. Everything these days just seem to fly by. I feel like it was just Halloween yesterday!! We rush right through Thanksgiving and here we are!! I swear I saw Christmas stuff out before Halloween this year!! It seems everything is just rush, rush, rush!!

It is very depressing that my babies are growing up so quickly! I wish I could just freeze time. My son is into the going out with friends phase and never wants to be with us on weekend nights, and my daughter is really gettting into this grown up "girl" phase. She carries her purse with her everywhere with all of her lip gloss, perfume, etc...Now more than ever, she is concerned with how she looks, dresses, and especially the hair!! Although she is growing up, I do every once in a while see a glimpse of my sweet, baby girl. For example, yesterday. It was the sweetest thing...we had finished decorating. (The girls did the inside while the boys did the outside.) When the guys finished, they came in and we were all looking at our beautiful tree! My daughter lite all of the candles on the coffee table, had us all gather around the table and hold hands. She wound up one of the christmas musical decorations and while it played, she wanted us to sway back and forth!! I started to cry!! It was the sweetest thing ever!! She really loves her family and it is very important to her that we stay together!! It was funny, she wound the thing up so much that it played forever. We stood there swaying for about 5 minutes. My son was funny!! You know, he is 13 going on 35!! He thought it was goofy, but he did it anyways. But, before the song ended, he ended up sitting on the couch swaying. My daughter made the comment, "I guess he isn't in the spirit yet."

It was such a heart touching moment. I will never forget it. I don't want them to grow anymore!! :(

I hope that this holiday season your family creates some loving and lasting memories that you will be able to look back on and just SMILE!!!

Until next time...
"Sunflower Mom"

PS...The picture of my family above was taken at my sister-in-laws sister's wedding. I had just put JFMTS on my daughter's hair a couple of days prior!! Isn't it shiney and beautiful???

"Before and After Pictures"

2006-11-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

I hope you all are well! I am doing great. I received a comment from one of our users and they were nice enough to send me before and after pictures. I would like to share them with you!! It is funny...when she went to look for before pictures, she said that the majority of them were with her daughter's hair up in a pony tail. That is so similar to my situation. Probably 95% of the time, I would put my daughter's hair up in a pony tail. It was just easier and if she did wear it down, by the time she got home from school, it would be frizzy!!! She hated it, I wasn't proud of it. We would constantly have to spray it with water to and put conditioner on it to tame it down. So, I completely understand where she is coming from!!

In this before picture (on the bottom), she said that she tried to blow dry it a little to tame the curls.
This was one of the few pictures that she could find with her hair down!! The picture at the top is the after picture! Look how soft and tame her hair looks!!! She is beautiful!!! The mom stated that she was extremely pleased with the product as well as her daughter!! That is the most important thing!! She loves her hair now and always wears it down now (to school). The mom said that it is so nice to not have to rush in the morning to try to do something with her hair. "It is so easy to manage now!!". GO JFMTS!!!!! You are the best!!!

Until Next Time,
"Sunflower Mom"

"Before and After Pictures"

2006-11-03T19:08:00.000-08:00

Hello!!

Hope all is well with everyone. It seems that with the product popping up on the shelves all over, the site has been getting a lot of hits!! That is exciting! I have been asked by several people to see before and after pictures of my daughter's hair. The picture to the left is an after shot. I have to transfer my before pictures to this computer! My other one is on the blink!! Anyways, you can check out other before pictures on the JFM website! I will get them on this site tomorrow!

I would really like for those of you who have used the product to share your pictures as well! I think it would be great to see the results of this awesome product on all of the people who have used it! I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see that it is helping you all with your hair troubles. If you go to the JFM website, you will see that it has been recently updated and it will give you an abundance of information on the product. It actually shows a video of how to apply the product step by step. It will help you and also will answer many of the questions you may have about the product.

One thing that I have also noticed is there has been no static in my daughters hair. Normally, when the weather gets colder, her hair gets really staticy (sp?). I don't know if it is because of the texture softener but whatever it is...I like it!

Changing subjects...I have a question for you. I would like to know what the hair trend is in the area you live. Where we are in Texas, the girls all want their hair straight. For a while, bangs were out. But now, it seems that long bangs that whisp to the side are in. And guess what, my daughter wants bangs!! Now, with her hair...that is impossible! "It's not fair!" is what I hear from her all of the time. What do you say?? It is very frustrating to me. I want her to be happy with the hair she has. It is beautiful!! But of coarse, we always want what we can't have! Hair is beginning to be a big deal at her age. She is only in the fourth grade!! I don't remember really caring about my hair that much when I was her age. I guess times have changed!! Well, I know that they have...I TEACH 6th GRADERS!!! Boy, have times changed!! SCAREY!!

Well, it's getting late...I just can't seem to get used to this time change!! I know that I have rambled tonight. Just had a lot on my mind!! Please share your thoughts with me!!

Until Next Time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"It's Making Its Way Around the Globe"

2006-11-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hello again,

I am pleased to hear all of the wonderful comments from those of you who have found and tried the JFMTS!! It won't be long until all are hooked. I would like for those of you who have tried the product (and if you have them) to send me before and after pictures. I would like to share them on the website. I think it would be good for others to see how the product works. It is important to know that it doesn't straighten your hair!! It just tames it.

I actually tried the product on my son's hair. His hair texture is more on the hispanic side. It is very coarse and curly. It softened it up and made it look more healthy. His hair was somewhat wirey looking. It really looks and feels softer. The curls are smooth! So...not only does it work on my daughter's hair, it also works for my son. You just have to make sure you read the time chart and use it for the correct length of time according the their hair type. :) What else can I say...It is "Worry Free Wonderful"!!

Has anyone out there used it on their son's hair? I would love to hear about it!

PS...Just to let you know, my daughter's Barney episodes are airing now!! :) Her character name is Olivia! All of these episodes are pre JFMTS!!

Please keep the comments coming and let me know where the product is popping up on the shelves!!

Until Next Time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"Horray It's In The UK!"

2006-10-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Great news!! The JFMTS is now available in London UK since last week at every good Afro Retailers. RRP £2.99

"How Soon Can I Use This Product?"

2006-10-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Again!!

Well, I am getting more and more positive feedback from my friends that have tried the product. They are really amazed at how easy the product was to apply and also how well it worked on their childs hair. I have had several who were concerned about how soon they could apply the product after putting a perm or a relaxer on their hair.

As with any product, you should wait several months before applying. The JFMTS does have a mild chemical so you do need to be careful when applying. Please make sure that you read the directions very carefully. It also suggests that you test a small section of your hair just to make sure that you get the results you desire. Try not to apply it to the previously permed section of your hair, only to the new growth.

Remember, the texture softener is not a relaxer. It will, however, help to lengthen the curls to make them more manageable. If that makes sense. It in no way takes the curl out of your hair.

Another thing that I really like about the product is that it doesn't have a strong odor. It smells good! It doesn't smell like you just put chemicals on your hair. I really like that!! I remember when I was young and would get a perm, my hair would stink afterwards and not only that, I couldn't wash it for at least 2 days so that I wouldn't wash out the perm.

With JFMTS, you can wash your hair anytime afterwards without messing up your hair!! Again, I just can't say enough about how much I LOVE IT!!! I hope that all of you out there will give it a try. I know that you will love it too!!

Until Next Time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"Thanks"

2006-10-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

I hope all of you are doing well. I have recently had many hits to my blogsite!! I am extremely happy that you all have shown such interest in the site. I am also pleased that everyone has began to discover the benefits of using JFMTS regardless of race…

Just a quick recap...the JFMTS does not change the texture of your hair nor will it damage it!! I have used the product on my daughter's hair several times now over a 7 month period and I have not noticed any texture changes or any damage to her hair. It is not like a relaxer which can dry out and damage the hair when used over a period of time. Again, it helps make the hair more manageable. For example, it helps tetangle the hair, controls the frizz as well as makes it easier to straighten with a flat iron.

Believe me...I would not use this product if it had shown any signs of damaging or changing my daughter's hair. She is in the modeling/acting business and her hair is her number one seller!! So, needless to say, I would not continue using a product that would damage or change her hair.
She actually just booked a job with AT&T a couple of weeks ago. The first thing they mentioned to me the day of the shoot was how beautiful her hair was and how healthy, shiny and curly it was!! They loved her hair!!

The JFMTS also does not wash out in several hair washes. It actually lasts up to 12 weeks. We have gone up to 11 weeks before having to apply the softener again. It really does work and lasts quite a while. I am very pleased with the product!! What's more important is that my daughter is pleased with the product. She is getting to the age where she is concerned about how she looks and especially how her hair looks. I really hope that you will give the product a try!! I really believe in it and I think that it is wonderful that proline hase targeted a new product for our multi-ethnic kids!!

THANKS AGAIN!!!!

Until Next Time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"It Has Been A Great Week"

2006-10-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Again!!

I hope all are doing well!! I wanted to let you know (if you don't check the comments) about our latest success story with hair. I received a comment from a Just For Me user in Florida!! She is an adult who actually used the product on herself!! I honestly never thought about it being used on adults...but why not?? She is an African American woman and she absolutely loved the product!! :) I should be receiving some before and after pictures of her and I will be posting them onto the site to share with all of you. This is very exciting!!

She purchased the product last week at Wal Mart. So we now know that it is available there. I also know that it is available through the website at CVS. If any of you see it on the shelves...please let me know about it!! I know that it takes it a while to get distributed to the various stores as well as getting on the shelves!

I myself just received some more of the texture softener!! I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about applying it to my daughter's hair by myself. You know, the hair stylists did it for her when she did the shoot and for the follow up!! I did do it, however, and it was really easy!! The directions are very clear and easy to follow. Her hair is back to being "easy"! She was getting really frustrated with it because it had started drying out again before she could get out of the bath. It was also really ratty!! The texture softener solved that problem quick!! I am telling you...it is that amazing sunflower oil!!! I LOVE IT!!!!

Again...I would love for you to share your stories with me!! I look forward to hearing from you!! HAPPY HAIR!!!!

Until Next Time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"Dad's Point of View"

2006-09-22T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I would like to introduce myself...I am "the dad"!! I wanted to tell you some of my thoughts and feelings on being in a multi-ethnic family, especially taking care of my daughter's hair!

SCAREY!!! That is the word that comes to mind when I first think about doing her hair. First of all, I have little experience doing a girls hair...but, I couldn't believe all of the products we went through to find the right one. I thought hair was hair. Wrong!!! I have always cut my son's hair and dealt with his hair, but his is short and easy to maintain. My daughter's on the other hand is very long and full of tangles. I was scared to brush or comb it because I thought I would hurt her. My wife would just run through her hair pulling my daughter's head all over the place because of the tangles. I tried to be more careful and gentle. It was impossible to be gentle. Her little head would get pulled all over the place. When she was smaller, we would set her in front of the tv with a book or toy to keep her occupied while we combed it. That is how long it would take to get all of the tangles out. I didn't really think we would ever find a product that could make such a huge difference on her hair.

This texture softener is really good!! I can now comb through her hair without pulling her all over the place! :) She has a hard head so it never really bothered her...actually, it would hurt my wrists. They would get a really good workout! Funny, huh?

I really am glad my daughter booked this job...if it wasn't for that, we probably never would have tried this product!! It is AMAZING!!! :)

THANKS "JUST FOR ME"!!!

The Sunflower DAD!!!

"Now AVAILABLE at CVS!!"

2006-09-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

Good news!! The Just For Me Texture Softener is now available at CVS stores. It was actually in this weekends brochure for CVS. I saw it with my own eyes!! I am very excited!! I also received an email from one of the users and I would like to share some of her comments with you:
- "We absolutely LOVE the product!"
- "Madyson was not uncomfortable during the application at all and it didn't smell bad like some products. I was able to comb through Madyson's hair so much easier than before."

She sent me some before and after pictures and as soon as I receive the okay...I will post them on the site so that you can see the difference for yourself!! The daughter wanted to straighten her hair after using the product so the mom flat ironed her hair and she was so impressed that her hair actually stayed straight and didn't frizz!! :)

I can also tell that it is about time to put another application on my daughter's hair again. It is going back to its original dry and tangling ways. It is soo obvious how well the product works on her hair. It is way more manageable and way less tangles!! She even said it herself the other night after getting out of the bath!! She came and told me, "Mom, it is time to put some more texturizer on my hair; it is getting dry again." After looking at the calendar, I realized that she was right!! The product can last up to twelve weeks. It has been a little over ten weeks for her! Thank goodness it is out on the shelves now!!

I have also been told that it will be available in Walgreen's in October!! :)

Let me know how it works for you!!!

Until next time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"Can this product be used on previously relaxed hair??"

2006-09-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

Yes!!! A person can use the product on previously relaxed hair. However, ONLY on NEW GROWTH and not on the previously relaxed part of the hair. To be safe you shouldn’t try this until the hair has grown at least ¾ of an inch or more before trying… on previously relaxed hair.

One of the professional hair stylists will be blogging this week to give you specifics on how to use the product with all of the various hair types when it comes to multi ethnic children. She will also give you her insights on hair manageability options.

I would also like to encourage those of you who read this to check out the comments that are made. There are some wonderful support groups. We are not alone!! It seems that no matter where we live...we are all dealing with the same issues. I really appreciate you, Leo, for what you said!! We really don't owe anyone any explanation!! We just need to make sure that our children have a strong support group and that they understand that they are not alone!!

Until next time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"Funny Story"

2006-09-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

I just wanted to share a story that one of my collegues at work shared with me the other day. She is a white female who is also married to an African American. She has 3 boys and the other day they were giving their dog, Casper, a bath. The youngest, who is in second grade, was trying to control the dog while they were bathing him but the dog would not listen to him. So the mom yelled for the dog to be still and the dog obeyed her. When this happened, the son made the comment to his brother..."You know why Casper listened to mom? Because she is white and white people stick together!!!" Of coarse, Casper's fur is white so he made the assumption that he is a caucasion dog! So the mom said well, how come you listen to me??? Your not all white? He said...That's why I only listen to you "half" the time!! Get it???? Because he is half!! Isn't that funny?? It is also sad in a way that he is already understanding how this society is for the most part. "White people stick together". A second grader is figuring out how cruel the world can be! It kind of shocked her!

We also started sharing stories about other experiences that we have encountered. These are not so funny. I will share them with you in my next blog!! They are actually quite lengthy. I just wanted to share this short story with you!! I would also like to thank all of you that have commented and have given your prayers and your support for my family. I truly appreciate it. I wish the same blessings to all of you as well. Thank you for all of the wonderful compliments on my daughter too!! I feel that I am very blessed to have such a wonderful, grounded family and kids!! God has been good to me!! :)

PS...I was informed that the product should be in the beauty supply stores now!! It should also be in the other stores real soon!! VERY EXCITING!!!! I actually received a comment from one of the mom's who has used it on her daughter's hair and she as well as her daughter were extremely pleased with the product!! She said that it was the perfect fix for her daughter's hair. She actually tried the product a few days before school started (which I thought was kind of brave because usually you don't try anything drastic right before the first day of school). She said that her daughter was glowing!! She sent pictures and as soon as I am able...I will let you see the wonderful results!!! All I can say is...AMAZING!!!

Until next time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"Are You Her Mother???"

2006-08-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I held a cheerleading camp at my gym for a local youth organization. My daughter was up there with me to help out with the little girls. After the camp was over, my daughter was yelling for me to show me something. When I went to her, one of the campsters (she was probably 6) came up to me and asked if she was my daughter. She seemed shocked when I said, "yes". She said, "But you don't look alike". I told her that she looked more like her daddy. She said, "he must be dark, what does he look like?" " I told her that he was a tall dark man. She looked at me and said, "he must be really dark! I told her she was right!! He is very dark!! I am sure that she didn't know that he was African American. What do you say to a 6 year old? So I just kind of left it at that.

My daughter didn't hear any of this conversation. I wonder what she would have thought about it? I wonder how she would have responded to her questions?

I have even had adults ask if she was my daughter. It gets frustrating sometimes!! I carried her for nine months, went through the sleepless nights...YES...she is my daughter! I don't feel that I should have to explain why she is darker than me or tell them that I am married to her father who is African American. Who knows...they probably think that I adopted her!!

PS...I was reading this to my daughter...she wanted to know what I was writing about. When she heard the last sentence, she made the comment, "that was mean". I asked what was mean? She responded, that those people probably think that I am adopted. I think I hurt her feelings. :(

Until Next Time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"Parade of Products"

2006-08-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

Well, I just finished straightening my daughter's hair! It was the first time that I have straightened it since using the JFM Texture Softener. Just to let you know....it used to take me a good 2 hours to get it straightened. Tonight...a little less than an hour!! She has been after me for the last several nights to straighten it and I have been putting her off because it is usually such a pain! I was totally surprised tonight. It was so much easier and straightened soo much faster. I cannot tell you the difference this product has made on her hair. This is how she looks with her hair straight! It smooths out just the same but alot faster with the same results. I can also get a brush through it while it is dry. That would never of happened before. Way less breakage as well! I am telling you, that sunflower oil WORKS!!! Too bad it isn't sold by the bottle!! :)

Straightening her hair also got me to thinking about all of the other products that we haved used on her hair. You know, on my hair when I was little, my mom used to give me a hot oil treatment when my hair would get dried out. Well, I thought if it would work for me then I should try it on her hair for the dryness. It DID NOT WORK. It made her hair so, so greasy. It also would not wash out. It took about 4 hairwashes to get it back to normal...and no, it did not take the dryness out. It made it even harder to comb out because it also made it gummy. I would try African American products as well and they would do the same thing. They were way too greasy for her hair texture or to thick (if that makes sense). Her hair texture was in class of its own and there was absolutely nothing on the market for her. I really didn't understand it. I figured that there had to be something out there somewhere for kids of dual ethnicity...but I was wrong. My mom and I went to every store, beauty supply store and even beauty salon to try to find something for her hair type but we were out of luck! Thank goodness that she was too young at the time to really worry about her hair. She probably would have been devistated on several of those days!! It was a tragedy. Also very frustrating. Thank goodness we do not have that problem anymore!! We will be JFM users for life!!!

Until next time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"About This AMAZING Product"

2006-08-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

The JFM Texture Softener is calcium hydroxide based. It is not thyo-based neither is it composed of the same ingredients of a relaxer. It basically is a hair manageability solution for curly, coarse or kinky hair that contains an exclusive Anti-Breakage Sunflower Oil Formula. It is a haircare product that takes the worry out of manageability for moms and their daughters! It is neither a relaxer nor a texturizer.

From personal experience, I can say that it takes the frizz out of the hair and softens it up...especially on the ends. For example, before we used the texture softener on my daughters hair, when she would get out of the bath, her hair would already be dry and frizzy especially on the ends. Now, when she gets out, her hair is still wet with no frizz at all. And as far as taking out the curl...no it does not. My daughter's hair is still very curly, it is just more tame and much easier to comb out and manage!! Also, when I used to brush out her hair, we would have a brush/comb full of her hair from it breaking off or just from pulling it out because of the many tangles and knots. That is definitely not the case anymore. :)

Until next time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"It's Coming!!"

2006-08-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

I am soo excited!! Just glanced at the calendar while planning out my school work and realized that the new Just For Me Texture Softener will be on the shelves in less than two weeks!! This revolutionary product is absolutely perfect for our children's unique hair maintenance needs. Believe me, I will definitely be stocking up my bathroom shelves!! It is so easy to apply and makes my daughter's hair so manageable!! All I can say is MOISTURE, MOISTURE, MOISTURE!! It is wonderful. Usually getting my daughter's hair ready for school was such a pain...NOT ANYMORE!! She is now doing it on her own!! I don't have to help her comb it out. I can now spend more time on myself in the mornings instead of fighting with her and her hair!! Talk about "worry free"!! It's great. I am so thankful that there is finally a haircare product specifically designed for kids of dual heritage.

Until next time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"Mean Girls and Guys"

2006-08-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

Hello!! I am sure you will be glad to know that I survived my first week back at school!! What a busy week it was. I am glad to finally get back into a routine schedule. The kids seem to like their new schools and their teachers as well, so that is a good sign!! :) I pray that we all have a smooth year!!

As I stated in my last blog, I would like to share with you some of our personal experiences that we have faced being a family of mixed heritage. It first goes way back to when my husband and I were first dating. At the time, I didn't really think about what others would say or think about me dating a man of a different race. I was concerned, however, with what my family would think. I wasn't quite sure how they would react. I am not going to lie...it was extremely difficult at first. It also didn't help that it was at the exact time of the OJ Simpson scandal!! But in the end, they accepted my decision and felt that my happiness was the most important thing! It is sooo nice to have a supporting and loving family! I honestly do not know how I could survive without them!! Too bad everyone else is not that supportive! Let me explain...I traveled to Florida to visit Tim (my husband). He was there for spring training for baseball and I was on spring break at school so I went for a visit. On one of his days off, we decided to go to a local flea market and shop around. Well, while we were walking around, a man from a booth about 20 feet away shouted, "Hey OJ!! Why don't you and the lady come on over and get your picture taken?" (He had a booth that you could get your picture taken with exotic birds) I couldn't believe my ears!!! Did he actually say what I thought he said??? Needless to say, my husband was furious!! He immediately started over towards him to set him straight! I grabbed him and told him that he was definitely not worth getting into trouble over. The nerve of a total stranger to say that. Right then, I knew, that people were not as accepting as I thought they would be. We of course always get the occasional stares and glares from the "older generation" but what happened in Florida was by far was the worst that I had ever experienced!

As far as my son goes, I don't think that he has ever had to deal with this situation. My daughter, on the other hand has been through more than I would ever have wanted her to experience. It all seems to take place at school. For example, one day she got into the car after school and I could tell that she was upset. I asked her what was wrong...but she didn't want to talk about it. Finally, I got her to tell me what had happened. First, you need to know that she had just transfered to this school and she was in the 2nd grade. Well, while she was in PE, she was walking around the gym with a little girl that she had met. They were talking and walking and having a great time...until this little boy came up behind them and told the little girl not to talk to that "African American" with her frizzy hair. Can you believe...a 2nd grader said that!! They both just ignored him but it absolutely crushed my daughter. She didn't want to go back to that school ever again. Personally, I didn't want her to either! It took everything in me not to "go off" but I knew that this was the time to take advantage of a learning situation. How dare that little boy say that to my daughter, how dare that man in Florida say that to my husband and I!! I felt so sorry for my baby. I told her that she did the right thing by ignoring him. I did, however, tell her that if he ever said anything like that to her again, to tell him, "No...I am just a girl!!!" And to also go and tell the teacher. We talked about how everyone is different and that God made everyone the way he wanted them. How boring it would be if we were all the same! Kids have also asked her questions about having a "white mom" and a "black dad", or "Is that your mom, because you do not look alike"? It is hard for her to understand because she just see's me as "mom" and her dad as "dad". We are not colors to her. I often wondered about how she would be treated growing up being a kid of a mixed race. I would always watch the television specials about how tough it was for kids of a mixed heritage to grow up in our society. They would always get teased or be confused about who they were. Are they black, are they white? I did not want that for my child. My husband and I try our best to teach our children strong morals and values. We want them to understand that we all have different values and beliefs and we need to respect that. I honestly think that our children, because they are of a mixed heritage, will be stronger and more considerate of others when it comes to being different. We are just a normal family trying to raise our children to be the best that they can be!! Luckily, we have a very strong support group...OUR FAMILY AND OUR FRIENDS!!!!

Until next time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"Trying To Fit In"

2006-08-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

Hi!!

You know school is right around the corner and everyone in our house is getting excited and nervous about the first day back!! Myself included (being a teacher)!! That got me to thinking about how important it is to "Fit In" for our kids. We are originally from Midland, TX. Well, in Midland where my son went to school from kindergarten to 2nd grade, there were kids of "many colors". He seemed to "fit in" fine. But...when we moved to Keller several years ago, it was a totally different story. My son was entering the 3rd grade and my daughter into Kindergarten. When we went to "Meet the Teacher" before school started we were in for a rude awakening!! Out of the entire school, there were two African American boys, and then my kids. They were the only African American students in the entire school! I really didn't think about it at the time, but when we got home, both kids made the comment about how they were different from everybody else. Boy, did that open my eyes!! Who would have thought that a 5 year old would pick up on something like that?? I was excited about meeting their teachers and them going to a new school!! They were concerned about being the only ones of "their kind" at school. That was depressing!!

The more I started thinking about it...the more frustrated I got. For example, filling out all of their school records. What ethnicity do I mark?? African American, Caucasian??? No...I get to mark "OTHER". Isn't that a nice way to label my kids? What is wrong with putting a multi-ethnic box on the form? I hate labels! We are all just human beings trying to find a place to fit in. I just recently have found a wonderful support group! The Mavin Foundation. This group supports people who are multi ethnic or who are involved in multi-ethnic relationships. It was actually developed by a 19-year old multi-racial college student who wanted to launch a magazine dedicated to the "mixed- race experience". It is an amazing group of people who do amazing things!! They are spreading the word about "our problems" and how to deal with certain issues. We are definitely not alone!!!

Well, it is getting late and I have to get my daughter to Barney at 7:30 in the morning!! Check back in a couple of days when I will be discussing personal situations that we have encountered being a multi-racial family.

PS...Check out the new Just For Me website!!!

Until next time...
"Sunflower Mom"

Why "Sunflower Mom"?

2006-07-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hi again!!

I had a question from one of my readers wanting to know why or where the nickname "Sunflower Mom" came from. Well, let me tell you...You know this new product that I am the spokesmom for (Just For Me Texture Softener)? Well, it contains a little bottle inside of the box that is a "miracle worker"! It is an ANTI-BREAKAGE "SUNFLOWER" OIL FORMULA!! This product is not a relaxer...it is a texture softener.

The sunflower oil prevents damage from combing and styling! Remember in my previous story I said that I couldn't comb out my daughter's hair without pulling out tons of it or it breaking off??? Well, let me tell you, the sunflower oil really works!!! I am amazed at how easily her hair combs out. She can even do it herself!! That in itself is amazing!! You know the older your kids get, the more independent they get. She has been wanting to comb out her hair by herself for the longest time but never could because she couldn't even come close to getting out all of the tangles. Well now, it is no longer an issue. I could go on for days about how much I love this stuff!!

Anyways, that is how I came up with the name "Sunflower Mom"!! Pretty catchy, huh?? :)

Until next time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"The Unknown"

2006-07-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

Before my daughter was born, I was very curious and kind of worried about how her hair would turn out. I have several friends that have multi-ethnic kids and some had African American hair while others had hair I've never even seen before. It was very wirey and unruly. One of my friends even had a child with blonde hair!! Needless to say, I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know if I would be able to manage it.

Well, when she was born, her hair was straight as a board. That is how mine is so I thought "Okay, I can handle this!" Well, by the time she turned 1, her hair was like springs! It was soft, but curly. I will never forget the mornings when she would wake up...Hair going everywhere and FFRRIIZZYY!!! My mom kept her while I worked and let me tell you, she went through every caucasion hair care product on the market for curly and frizzy hair. Every day when I would go to pick her up, there would be something different in her hair. One day, greasy. The next day hard as a rock!! It was awful!

Everywhere we went, people would want to touch her hair. Everyone loved it...except Brenna! She wanted it straight. Even at 3 years old she was wanting me to straighten her hair. I tried to blow dry it and curl it with a curling iron...NOT!! Her hair was scarey!!! It looked like she stuck her finger in a socket! So one day I heard a few of my students in class talking about ironing their hair so I thought I would try it! So there I was, my baby's head laying on an ironing board and I was ironing away! My husband thought I was going to burn her hair off!! I was afraid I was going to burn her. But instead, I burned myself!! OUCH!!! It took me a good 2 1/2 hours to get it somewhat straight and in less than 30 minutes...it was frizzy and tangly!! Brenna absolutely loved it!! I thought she looked like a scarecrow!! My poor baby!

Well, while my mom was trying to control the frizzies, my mother-in-law, who is African American, would send her home with greased up hair parted into 5 different sections with pony tails everywhere! She was going through all of the African American products on the shelves. We were lost!! We would go from one extreme to the other. Thank goodness my daughter didn't mind when we messed with her hair! It is funny when I think back on everything now!! It is a good thing she had a tough head and I had strong wrists(combing out all of the tangles!!) :)

We finally found Pro Line Comb Thru thanks to my husband. He would use it on his hair and our son's. So I figured...why not try it on our daughters? It worked the best by far...but IT WAS FOR MEN!!! Still couldn't find anything for multi-ethnic girls!! Her hair would hang longer and not be as frizzy....but it was still a pain to comb it out!! I could never comb out her hair without pulling tons of it out and it breaking off really bad. I was afraid she was going to be bald by the time she was 10!! Well, enough about my horror stories!!

Is there anyone out there that can relate to my problems??? Sometimes I would feel as if I were all alone!! Do you have any funny "hair stories"? If so...please send them to me so that we can share and laugh with each other!!

Until next time...
"Sunflower Mom"

"My Story"

2006-07-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hello!

My name is Kim aka "Sunflower Mom". I would personally like to welcome you to my site! I created this blog because I feel there is a need for us who are involved in multi ethnic relationships with children to address some important issues. One of these being hair care for dual heritage children. Myself being in a relationship as this...I have experienced this problem first hand. I have 2 wonderful children. My son is part African American and Hispanic (he is actually my stepson) and my daughter is part African American and Caucasion. They are 2 beautiful kids...but with very different hair textures which at times can cause major problems in our home. Have you ever noticed that there is nothing in the stores for "multi-ethnic" hair??? Especially for children!! Their hair is in a class of its own!! I have spent the past 9 years trying to find the perfect product that would work on both of their hair types and had failed...UNTIL NOW!!!! There is a new product that will be arriving in stores soon and it is absolutely wonderful. It is the Just For Me Texture Softener!! It is a "hair maintenance system" for kids of dual heritage. This product is UNBELIEVABLE!! Finally a product that addresses "OUR NEEDS"!!

I am very excited about this new texture softener and I will share more with you in future blogs. I will also be sharing my own personal experiences of being involved in a multi ethnic relationship with children and the trials and tribulations we go through everyday!! I look forward to your comments as well as you sharing your stories with me!!!

Until next time...

"Sunflower Mom"

We tried it...and Love it!

2006-07-25T20:47:00.000-07:00