Tag: Natural Hair

Shea Moisture Product Review – CVS Haul

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Greetings!

I promised I’d do a quick review on my CVS Haul of the Shea Moisture products so here it goes.  About a month ago, there was a sale on Shea Moisture products at CVS for “buy one get one 50% off” and since a few of my friends have tried some of the products I couldn’t pass up on my chance to try for cheap.  I got a shampoo; Curl & Shine Shampoo and a moisturizer; Curl & style milk. Below you will find Shea Moisture’s claim and my results. Enjoy!

Curl & shine Shampoo

Claim: Gently cleanses, hydrates and detangles hair for bouncy and healthy curls. Ingredients; coconut oil, silk protein, and Neem Oil.

Results: This shampoo did the opposite of everything it said it would do. I felt like my hair was dehydrated because I had to lather three times just do get suds going.  The smell is enticing but if you have dry hair or just a lot of hair I don’t think this will do the trick in the moisture department.  I waited so long to do the review not just out of peer laziness but because I wanted to give this a couple washes – I had faith that it would deliver and it didn’t. Maybe it was better for you guys?

Style & Curl Milk

Claim:  Apply as a no-rinse protective and styling cream to damped, towel-dried or dy hair as needed. Detangles, conditions curl, while restoring body and shine. Ingredients; Coconut Oil, Silk Protein, and Neem Oil.

Results: We have a winner! I treated this product as both a conditioner and a styler to do my twist outs and two-strand twists. I used a small dollop for each twist I created mixed with natural refined shea butter of my own and sealed from root to tip. I sat under the dry for 20 minutes, woke up the next day and my results were satisfying.  I really like the smell that it left lingering on my hair for a few days and also the shine. I’m all about shine and fluffiness so I’d give this 4 afro puffs!

 

You can get these at your local CVS stores for around $11 but if you’re lucky you might catch a sale like me!

So what were your thoughts on shea moisture products?

Natural Selection Presents: “Fall Into the Natural” Brunch Affair

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Attention all Bay Area naturals, check out this upcoming meetup hosted by Natural Selection,  Cassidy Blackwell, “Fall Into the Natural” Brunch Affair.  Happening September 23rd at Hibiscus Cafe in Oakland. Enjoy inspiration and empowerment from special guest Dr. Kari Williams.  I’ve met quite a few ladies at these events and thought I’d share with you guys an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, learn something new, and of course win prizes and freebies! (and not too mention, who doesn’t love brunch?!) Check the details below for more information.

Date: Sunday, September 23, 2012

Time: 11 am

Location: Hibiscus Cafe, Oakland ca.

Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door

purchase here –> http://fallintonatural.brownpapertickets.com/

Your ticket to  “Fall Into Natural” includes one of the best #naturalhair event experiences you’ll ever have as well as:

–Live styling demonstrations for all styles of hair ranging from curls to coils to locs
–Presentation by world-renowned trichologist Dr. Kari Williams
–Panel discussion and Q&A featuring stylists and bloggers
–Delicious brunch buffet (included!)
–Shopping! Shopping! Shopping! YAY!
–Specialty cocktail (cash bar)
–Giveaways and goodie bags for all!

Fall Into Natural welcomes all stages, textures and ages of naturalistas and their friends, loved ones, and supporters.  And yes–kids are welcome to join!

Special thanks to Fall Into Natural Sponsors: Huetiful, EDEN Bodyworks and Strawllers for supporting this event.

Featured Vendors include:

Fatemeh’s Jewelry and Accessories
FunkyButtons
The Natural Splendor
La Femme d’Epaisseur Belle

Can’t wait! 🙂

Afro Chic’s Pick: Beautiful Textures (Review)

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Greetings! Yes, I know I haven’t posted on here in awhile but when life happens you can’t run from it.  With that being said, I’d like to share with you guys a quick product review that has my hair feeling so GREAT!

I recently attending my second natural hair meetup in San Fran with “Beautiful Textures” which was a conversation on natural hair, maintenance, and more.  I was able to meet more people with natural hair and also picked up on this awesome freebie.  Beautiful Textures is a natural hair care line claiming to provide amazing manageability and styling versatility.  Whether your hair is curly, kinky, coily, or straight their product line works for everyone.  I had a chance to try two products on the line; Tangle Taming Moisturizing Shampoo and Moisture Whipped Curl Creme.  Below you will find their claim and my results:

Tangle Taming Moisturizing Shampoo

Beautiful Textures Claim- Benefits:

  • Detangle ~ Restore Shine and Body
  • Improve Manageability
  • Soften and stretch natural curl pattern
Let’s face it. Residue and build-up on scalp and hair looks unhealthy and stunts the natural growth of your hair. To help ensure your hair reaches its full growth potential, cleanse, detangle and hydrate daily. Tangle Taming Shampoo can be the first step to achieving softer, more defined curls, healthier looking elongated coils, or simply silky hydrated hair with unforgettable body!
MY RESULT:  I will have to admit that after wear Senegalese twist after two months this did it’s job.  If you have the type of hair that is hard to detangle and breaks off easily I’d recommend this shampoo. I applied a generous amount to my hair and with two lathers I was able to comb through my hair from roots to tips without and breakage or hard pulling. The smell is lightly whipped so it doesn’t seem like you’re putting yogurt or ice cream on your hair.
Moisture Butter Whipped Curl CremeBeautiful Texures Claim- Benefits:

  • Soften and Nourish Curls ~ Silken Waves
  • Elongate Kinky Coils ~ Tame Frizzies

Dry, brittle, thirsty hair stunts natural growth. To help ensure locks reach their full growth potential, refresh and hydrate your mixed textured hair every day with Moisture Butter. Moisture Butter helps maximize the styling options of mixed textured hair by helping achieve softer, more defined curls, healthier looking elongated coils, or simply silky-smooth hydrated hair.

MY RESULT: Okay, hands down! My twist-outs have been A-MAZING! I was a little iffy with the title being “curl creme” that my hair will shrivel up but the best result is to to this twist out when wet.  It’s been almost a week and my curl definition keeps getting better over time.  My styling options are usually limited when I used my usual product but the silky smooth texture really makes my hair manageable and versatile.

So the question is where can you get a hold of your own Beautiful Texture?  Sally Beauty Supply of course!  All of their products are under $7 ….can you believe it?  For more info and to view their whole line visit www.beautifultextures.com

Natural or Knot Hair Mixer at J. Posh Design Studio

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This past Friday I went to my first natural hair mixer EVER! I had no idea what to expect, but I knew that I wanted to be surrounded by women that looked like me, with hair like me, similarities, and simplistic beauty that I possess even if were just for a few hours. The natural hair mixer was put on by Sheree Murphy of Natural Habitat Beauty Boutique. Two meetup groups “Naturally Beautiful” and “SF Naturals” from meetup.com were in attendance at a Oakland location at J. Posh Design Studio.  There were drinks appetizers, vendors, and warm spirits.

I walked into live music, spoken word, and visual artists who shared their love for black beauty. Not only did I mix and mingle with the guests I was able to check out the cool vendors. Natural Girls United had a display of beautiful hand crafted ethnic Barbie dolls.  Willie D’s & Mrs. Louise Boutique displayed their plus size lingerie and there were also Nique Cosmetics and M.Williams Accessories.  I enjoyed the variety of the vendors and was given a lot of information in the goodie bag given to me at the door.

The icing on the cake for me was when I won one of the door prizes; A gift basket full of goodies by Naptural Roots . Check it out!

I wish had more pictures however I’ll update once I get a hold of the photographers at the event.  I can really say that for my first time attending a meet up event with a bunch of people with your similar interest is AWESOME!  I recommend anyone looking to find fun things or to build your network in your area to check out www.meetup.com … It’s really THAT simple to do what you love =)

Afro Chic’s Youtube Style: Bantu Knot Twists

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Hey folks! I’ve been quite the stranger to my hair these days and with my busy schedule I’ll be honest and say its hard to keep up with the latest products and show you guys at the same time.  Last week was a bad hair week so I decided to wash my hair and start all over with the old faithful two strand twist.  However, this time I took to youtube and found an awesome hair blogger who introduced Bantu knots to my usual routine.

It’s really simple and you create a nice bouncy curl that last all day.  Below is a picture of the before, after, and results.  If you would like a better visual check out the video below of Hair blogger “PRETTYDIMPLES01”.  She keeps it real and has all the cute innovate ways to style your hair.

I absolutely love the new bouncy look and I can’t wait to style it for Halloween.  Look out for a new post on using a roller set on twists!

Afro Chic’s Pick: Keracare Hair Product Review

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Happy Monday everyone! I hope you are kicking off your productive week and speaking of productive, I haven’t been so proactive on my natural hair care posts. Although my regimine has been the same all summer I tried a new shampoo and condition from the Keracare Hair Product line; Hydrating Detangling Shampoo and Dry & Itching Scalp Conditioner.  I received some very positive results so I’ve decided to share with y’all. Below are the product claims and then of course my spill.  If you have any feedback do share with us in the comment box below =)

Hydrating Detangling Shampoo

KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo is a beauty bath for hair that produces a rich lather as it lightly conditions and cleans hair. pH-balanced and excellent for relaxed, permed or color-treated hair. Contains natural botanical extracts. Decreases interfiber friction. Repairs trichorrhexis nodosa (damaged areas along the hairshaft) and fly-away split ends. sImproves cuticle alignment. Concentrated formula.

Benefits
• Moisturizes hair as it conditions hair for a healthy-looking appearance and feel.
• Removes excess oils from hair and scalp without over- stripping hair.
• Helps minimize hair breakage.
• Seals hair cuticles as it repairs damaged hair.
• Superior detangling for easy wet and dry combing.
• Leaves hair soft and shiny.
• Economical to use.

My Claim:  Before washing my hair I had used a lot of gel based products on my hair for a couple of weeks so this shampoo was very succesful at cleaning my hair with only two small lathers.  I liked the smell of it, although it was not enough for me.  I loved to smell my hair for a couple of days so I was kind of disappointed.  Overall the shampoo made it very easy to detangle when it came to my conditioning process.

Dry & Itchy Scalp Conditioner

The technologically-advanced KeraCare Dry & Itchy Scalp Moisturizing Conditioner is the first product of its kind to effectively combat a dry and itchy scalp. Actively relieves itching. Rehydrates and rebuilds fibers’ outer structure to help minimize hair breakage. Gentle enough for frequent use on relaxed, permed, color-treated or natural hair.

Benefits

• Moisturizes, cools and soothes the scalp.
• Regular use helps prevent dryness, itching and flaking before it starts.
• Promotes healthy-looking scalp and pliable hair.
• Superior detangling for easy wet and dry combing.

My Claim: If you are like me and workout a lot the sweat always tends to kink up my hair and tangles it up when I wear my twists so I was very pleased with the results of this conditioner.  I applied a small amount to my hair and after 5 minutes I combed it through from the roots to the tip with ultimate ease.  Not to mention the cool feeling soothed my scalp, it felt amazing.  I think I gassed it up enough, you get my point. lol

Nightie Aphrodites x New York Times Magazine Celebrates Afros

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“How to pull of a Heartbreaking evening gown? Just Use Your Head.”

This is so dope.  The New York Times magazine, “T”, fall fashion 2011 shows off Afros in a black and white spread by Alice O’Malley.  The natural hotties are of course Solange, Esperanza Spalding, Les Nubians, June Temple, and Corrine Bailey Rae.  They are modeling beautiful evening gowns and their gorgeous natural hair.   Which one is your favorite photo?

MsStarStyles “Hair Haven Chic” is Reesa Speaks

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I know this gets a super late pass However, I was selected as the “Hair Haven Chic” of the week from Ms. Star Styles’ hair, fashion, and makeup blog a few weeks ago.  I was given questions on how I became natural and my favorite hair products and natural hair styles.  I get a lot of these questions while I’m in the streets so why not share you this awesome post.  Star is an awesome fashionista and I love visiting her blog. You can check out the “Hair Haven Post” post HERE and the rest of her blog for more tips and fashion indulgence.

6. What are the advantages to having natural tresses?
“Versatility.  You can wear your hair curly or straight.  I love how long it grows.  Also, It’s pretty cool to be that black girl who doesn’t have to run for cover when it starts to sprinkle or can take a dip in the pool with no worry.  One last thing, it saves me a lot of money.  I only go to my hair stylist to get my ends trimmed twice a year and I do my hair myself, so…..you do the math.”

If you would like to be the next “Hair Haven Chic” please send your interests to msstarstyles@yahoo.com 🙂

The Afro Chic Favorites: Summer Beauty Things ’11

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I’ve decided to share with you guys my favorite all things beauty.  Well, not all just 10 things that I can’t live without when it comes to hair, makeup, and beauty products.  I get asked a lot about my regimens, what products I use, and how I do my hair and it always amazes me that people find insight in my everyday musings.  I’m honestly writing this right now looking a hot mess but don’t get me wrong these products work.  So here are my top 5 products that I live by, where I get them from, and how I use them. Enjoy!

Avon’s Kiss Therapy- Sheer Rose

Avon’s Kiss Therapy and I met sophomore year of college and I LOVE this on my lips.  Here’s the problem, I hunt these like a lion in Africa because they are discontinued through the catalog.  However, Ebay’ers have them for reasonable price of $6 min. bid.  So it’s a real vintage find that I like to collect.  I’ll be sad when I can no longer find them online 😦

Victoria Secret Dream Angels- Heavenly Flowers Perfume

This is my everyday scent.  Discovered it one day with my best friend in Vegas and I love it.  It’s a very fresh, yet romantic smell that doesn’t over do it when you spray it all over your body.  It’s about $12 at Victoria Secret stores and it comes with a set.  I like to catch the big sales so I bought it separately.  So yes, Reesa smells like flowers.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects- Nail Polish Strips

Raise your hand if your manicures only last 2 days! That’s me.  When I stumbled across Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips I was reluctant because I didn’t want to go back to elementary with the press on nails BUT it’s far from it.  It’s really easy to do and comes in 63 different colors and prints.  I run through a manicure in literally a day and these lasted two weeks without a scratch, HOLLER!  You can get them for about $7 each at drugstores but I recommend you snag a coupon from your Sunday paper and get that deal.

Elasta Care Penetrating Moisturizer Spray

I live by this moisturizing spray.  For all you naturals out there trying to maintain a beautiful curly mane, this is it.  I use it once a day before I style my hair right when I get out the shower and it locks in the moisture and keeps your hairs nice and soft all day long.  it’s about $7 at select beauty supply stores.  It’s a great staple to add to your collection of hair products if you live in an area that’s very drying.  The Bay Area lacks humidity that my hair loves so I like to call it my “summer in a bottle”. Don’t ask.

Free Your Mane Conditioning Pomade

You are never to young to lay those baby hairs down and this is why the Free Your Mane Conditioning Pomade is my favorite.  It’s a very light pomade that lays your hair down no matter your texture.  I like to use this when I do my blow outs where my hair is straighter.  It holds my frizzy edges down nicely. It’s a pricey $15 but it’s worth it. http://www.freeyourmane.com

MAC Surf Bronzer Collection- Glitzy Bronze

I like to wear blush on my cheeks but this summer I came across this MAC bronzer “Glitzy Bronze” and I love it.  Especially after a long day in the sun, it really makes your skin pop when you go out for a night out on the town.  I apply it with a small blush brush ( made this up) and smooth it over my cheeks, nose, and temples.  Definitely helps with my radiant glow.

So there you have it! Just a few things that I have been using all summer.  If you like to share with me your daily products please do so in the comment box below.  I would love feedback and new ideas!

The Beauty Within by Dead Prez

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I’m really starting to appreciate artists and their efforts to uplifting natural beauty. It’s not about hate or discrimination so when I see Dead Prez devoting a song on the essence of natural beauty it really shines a positive light. They released it around Mother’s Day last year but it can never get out when you are celebrating Mama Earth. (Earth Day, Mother’s Day, catch my drift?) The main stream media doesn’t always portray the “natural woman” in a positive aspect so it’s only right that I give spotlight to those that do. “The Beauty Within” is taken from the mixtape with DJ Drama “Revolutionary But Gangsta Grillz”. Artists Stic Man and M-1 or RBG explain the essence of naturaly beauty over B.O.B’s “Nothing on You” beat. What do you guys think?

Dead Prez “The Beauty Within” from kinetikcinematix on Vimeo.