Guys & Our Natural Hair Revolution

April 19, 2012

It’s pretty evident that we’re in the midst of a natural hair revolution! We BGs are going natural and embracing our natural kinky, coily, and curly locks like never before (well maybe we have gone done this self-loving path before, but you know what I mean). We’ve chopped our relaxed strands and decided to let our God-given manes do their own natural thing.

Whether worn in a eye-catching Afro, twists, short crop, or any of the infinite styles that allows textured hair to shine, it’s great to see our crowning glories being celebrated.

However, after a recent conversation I had with friends and family, I’m wondering if our brothers are loving our natural kinks and coils as much as we are. Personally, my husband was a bit resistant when I first did away with my shoulder-length relaxed hair, but has now embraced it completely.

What’s been your experience with the opposite sex when it comes to your natural hair? Was your husband/boyfriend confused when you decided to cut your relaxed hair, etc? Or has your significant other always loved your natural hair? Guys, what’s your take?

Category: Beauty | 11 Comments

BGG Chats w/Celebrity Hairstylist Kiyah Wright

April 17, 2012

Recently, I stopped by Procter & Gamble’s Studio in Rockefeller Center to catch up with celebrity hairstylist and Clairol Professional Colorist Kiyah Wright as she transformed three fabulous women into full-on glamazons!

Wright was on-hand as part of the Clairol Professional “Reveal the Fabulous in You” Facebook contest awarding three lucky women from across the country with a trip to New York City and a hair makeover by the famed stylist.

While I only met one of the winners, Fannie from North Carolina, she was beaming with excitement and anticipation of what magic Wright had up her sleeve when it came to her makeover. “I’m not sure, but so far I think it’s going to be some curls,” she guessed.

Kiyah putting finishing touches on Fannie’s ‘do!

From Ciara to Jennifer Hudson, Wright has styled the tresses of some of the hottest stars on stage and in Hollywood. When it comes to the the right color, cut, or style, Wright knows what looks best on her clients.

Check out some snippets and tips she shared with me: 

Advice for giving my hair some much-needed pizazz:
“You should get some color! You’re not ready to be gray. You need a semi-permanent, which Clairol offers. It’s less damaging and provides shines. I would also add some warmness to it too. Like lift it up a few shades.”

Her favorite style to create for a client:
“I enjoy doing makeovers the most. I am more about giving each client a custom look.”

On the most timeless hairstyle of all:
“The bob is like an old favorite and it looks good on everybody. You can do a bang, a side part, or a middle part with a bob. It’s just classic; it never goes away.”

On her styling technique: 
“I take a lot of pride in my work. I’ve been doing it over 18 years and I’m still excited about it. I do a lot of seminars, etc. One of the things I preach to the students is that most stylists don’t style hair in the mirror. They sit on the chair and they turn the chair away from the mirror and go for their own comfortability versus looking at the client while they’re styling, but that’s how you get inspired.”

Her favorite spring trends:
“This season is all about color-blocking, ombre, and liquid liners. It’s also all about the pastels. I recently did a how-to on how to create your own clip-ins and go from day to night by popping in a bit of pastel pinks, etc.”

Her thoughts on the natural hair revolution:
“I think it’s just people’s way of expressing themselves. This is who I am. This is my hair. This is a part of me. People are just expressing themselves in fashion, clothes, and with hair.  Right now it is a bit of a trend, but it’s really who we are. I think being natural is forever, but you can change up your natural look.”

The key to maintaining healthy hair:
“Making sure that you are conditioning it often, at least weekly. Textured hair should not be shampooed more than twice a week. Make sure to get bi-monthly trims and tie it up at night with a scarf, or use a silk/satin pillowcase and even carry it when you travel!”

Be sure to check out Kiyah Wright’s blog for more tips and how-tos!

How do you currently wear your hair?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Interviews | 3 Comments

Sponsored – Aveeno’s Beautiful Change Challenge: Part 4

April 16, 2012

Our spirits and minds are the most important aspects of living a beautiful, healthy, and balanced  life. If those two major principles are out of whack, feeling good is nearly impossible. In an effort to feed my mind and keep my spirits high I’ve been trying to take 30 minutes of “me” time each day for the Aveeno’s Beautiful Change Challenge.
Whether I use that time to take a relaxing bubble bath, flip through a magazine on my patio, or download a new app on my iPad, that “me” time is my opportunity to simply put myself first and do what I want to do. Being a mom and wife, that precious half-hour can seem even more necessary. While I felt guilty taking time for myself the first few days, I’m now getting used to it and aim to increase it to a full hour!

I took this photo when I took some “me” time and visited Mexico a few weeks ago. 


When you take time out of your day to unwind by yourself, it gives you clarity and allows you to recharge so that you can be the absolute best you that you can possibly be.

New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®”


How do you maintain a healthy mind and spirit?

Category: Beauty, Travel & Lifestyle | 3 Comments

Flip For CoverGirl’s Duo Lipcolors

April 12, 2012

Do you enjoy mixing colors to get your desired lip shade? If so, CoverGirl has made the joy of mixing and matching even more fun with their new Blast Flipstick Lipcolors.

These cream and shimmer duos blend together perfectly to create a pretty pout. Plus, you can always opt to wear one of the lip colors solo without flipping to the other side for blended beauty.

With combos like red/gold or mauve/lavender, you’re bound to get noticed with these bold, unique shades. 
Available at www.drugstore.com for $7.99
Have you tried these dual-sided lipsticks? If not, do you tend to blend your lip shades? One lucky reader will win a tube. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week.
Category: Beauty | 9 Comments

Women of Worth 2012 Nominations Now Open

April 11, 2012

We’ve all heard the iconic beauty slogan, “Because You’re Worth It,” but how many of us really celebrate our worth? That’s why L’Oréal Paris is encouraging us to acknowledge and nominate a woman in our lives who’s making a difference in her community with their “Women of Worth” campaign.

Ten motivational honorees will be chosen for their momentous contributions. Each honoree receives $10,000 for her charitable cause, and one National Honoree will be chosen via a public online vote to receive an additional $25,000 for her charity. All ten honorees will be recognized, and the National Honoree will be announced, at an awards ceremony and dinner hosted by Hearst Magazines and L’Oréal Paris in New York City.

Whether she’s combating childhood obesity by leading a crusade toward implementing healthier food choices in school cafeterias or inspiring young girls in underserved communities, we all know someone who’s worthy of this honor.

2011 Women of Worth Honorees

Nominations are open until May 31st. Click here to learn more.

Do you know someone worthy of this honor?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Sponsored – Aveeno’s Beautiful Change Challenge: Part 3

April 9, 2012

Who says you’re ever too old for preschool TV programs? While, I’m well beyond the playground crowd, I’m still enlightened by shows that my toddler watches. Recently, I heard Barney – the beloved purple dinosaur, singing about the importance of brushing our teeth without letting the water run.
Call it a minor “Aha” moment,” but before Barney belted out that catchy green tune I’d never thought twice about how ecologically irresponsible I’d been throughout the years. For as long as I can remember, I always kept the water on while I brushed my pearly whites.

                                      New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg “Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®”
How do you incorporate being green into your daily beauty, health, or household routines?
Since that eco-edification, I’ve made a conscious decision to turn off the tap while tending to my dental hygiene routine. Plus, I also use that same water-saving practice when I wash my face in cold water to get my blood cells flowing for healthy, clean skin.

I now realize just how smart and easy it is to conserve our precious H2O by making slight adjustments to our daily household and beauty routines.

Category: Beauty, Travel & Lifestyle | 1 Comment

Video: Paula Patton Gets Camera-Ready with COVERGIRL

April 3, 2012

Paula Patton seems to be on the fast-track to becoming one of Hollywood’s hottest stars. While there’s no denying her natural beauty, the new mom does get a little help to keep her looking camera-ready.

Celebrity makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff has worked with the starlet to enhance and maintain her gorgeous glow since joining the Covergirl team. Below, she shares a few tips on how to get the Covergirl Queen Collection Brand Ambassador’s lovely look.

From perfecting your pout to dramatizing your gaze, the following beauty tutorials are a terrific way to master specific makeup applications.

Check out the videos below:

Click here for more videos!

Do you frequently visit YouTube for beauty how-tos?

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments