If you're into live comedy, shameless storytelling and funny black chicks, chances are you've tuned in once or twice to 2 Dope Queens. And if you haven't, you may want to catch up with the podcast and all its hilarity.
Best friends Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson host a live comedy show at Brooklyn's King Theatre where the pair, along with guest comic pals tackle topics ranging from life in New York to sex and hair journeys. The two queens fearlessly bring a fresh take to the live comedy scene typically dominated by a boys club.
"For our show, people get to be the stars of their own stories and they get to be the stars of their own stand-up," Jessica said. "It's really cool to give our friends, people of color and different orientations an opportunity to speak for themselves, and to be sort of the main character as opposed to being a side character."
After four seasons of serving as a go-to podcast for most millennial minds of color, HBO has picked up the hit podcast and recently released the first teaser trailer indicating a premiere date of February 2, 2018.
True to the central theme of their podcast, the queens will be taking on subjects like "dating white baes" and "sex" through a series of four hour-long episodic specials. The show has already commanded big props and respect with Sarah Jessica Parker, Jon Stewart and Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black) named as some of the guests set to make appearances.
2 Dope Queens comes as another breath of fresh air in an already glistening colorful television and film paradise oozing Black Girl Magic. Game changers like Shonda Rhimes and Ava DuVernay are already blazing trails on basic television and the movie industry with hit shows for Shonda and top producing blockbusters for Ms. DuVernay.
And with our favorite indulgence, Insecure, already coming back to HBO for its third season next year, along with two new shows produced by Issa Rae set to premiere on the network, the stage is set for some dope representation of women of color who are finally getting their proper shine.
"Two Dope Queens and HBO going half on a TV baby? A dream come true," Phoebe said about the news. "The work wife and I are beyond thrilled that the formula we've perfected over the past year four seasons of doing the podcast (Ignorance x Cocoa Butter + Comedic Honesty) is being brought to this network."
Just this time three years ago, it would've been easier to spot a baby deerbra than to find a black woman starring in her own show on a premium cable channel. Now the presence of black women with a lead platform on a big stage is ever-flourishing and hard to ignore. The addition of 2 Dope Queens to HBO's diversifying lineup is hella lit.
What a time to be alive for black women in television!
To tide you over until the specials premiere, have a listen to their podcast here.
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Now, when you go to the hair store you are inundated with all kinds of hair textures, colors, and more. That’s why it was so upsetting to read the latest report about synthetic braiding hair.
Delmaine Donson/ Getty Images
A Feb 27 Consumer Reports article revealed that most popular synthetic hair brands that are used for braiding have dangerous chemicals such as carcinogens, lead and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The report stated that 10 of the brands were tested and all 10 had these chemicals. These brands included Shake-N-Go, Sassy Collection, and Sensationnel.
These chemicals include benzene, which is a carcinogen that has been linked to acute myeloid leukemia and unsafe levels of lead, which can cause kidney damage, brain damage, and cardiovascular problems in adults.
In children, it can cause brain and nervous system damage, learning disabilities, behavioral problems and even developmental delays.
James E. Rogers, PhD, director and head of product safety testing led the testing for synthetic braiding hair. “Our exposure and risk analysis found all nine products could expose a regular user of any of these products to a level of lead that could be concerning over time,” he said.
As shocking as this is, it also brought some clarity around why I’ve had issues with wearing braiding hair as of late.
Not only have I dealt with scalp irritation, I’ve even had breakouts on my back from the hair touching. Since then, I’ve started rinsing the hair with apple cider vinegar, and haven’t had that many issues. However, the report stated that ACV isn’t a “cure-all” and can potentially release harmful chemicals when rinsing the hair.
@javonford16 Replying to @Julianna Rebundle vid: @Javon Ford Beauty #blackhairstyles #braidinghair #blackgirlhairstyles @Consumer Reports
While the report sparked some outrage, chemist Javon Ford has a different view. In a TikTok video, he shared that the report was tested for oral exposure and not dermal exposure.
He showed a screenshot of an email he allegedly sent Consumer Reports questioning their decision to test this way. The email said, “the best model to use, in our view, is the ingestion model for the reasons given in the article.”
“While I understand they went with that model, I don’t agree with it because you’re not intentionally ingesting braids,” Javon said. The chemist also said that the amount of chemicals found in the brands is “conservative” compared to other types of products.
So what does this mean for us braid-wearers? If you still want to wear braids, but have some concerns, you can limit how often you wear them. Another option is wearing non-toxic braiding hair or plant-based hair. The only downside is that it's pricier than synthetic hair.
The Consumer Report also suggested checking for recalls, reading labels carefully, and reporting adverse effects. Hair isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so it’s best to do your research when making purchases.
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Feature image by AzmanL/ Getty Images