Hair

Why The Mane Choice’s Tropical Moringa Is a Top Pick for Curly Hair

February 8, 2019

When it comes to hair care, The Mane Choice is one of my main choices (pun intended). Finding brands that work for me and my daughter’s hair can be challenging, but The Mane Choice is one that I can count on to satisfy our individual hair care needs.

I’ve tried several of the black-owned brand’s collections and have been thoroughly impressed — Tropical Moringa, one of their latest, is no exception. The delightfully-scented line includes a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask. The fragrance is so inviting that it mentally transports you to an exotic Caribbean island where coconut piña coladas and pineapple smoothies are on deck.

Infused with biotin, sweet oil, honey and moringa seed oil, each of the products brings out the best in both of our unique hair patterns. As someone who suffers from dandruff and occasional seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups, the shampoo effortlessly removes stubborn flakes, leaving my curls fresh and scalp clean. Also, since my hair sheds a lot during the winter months, the refreshing lather locks in moisture to prevent breakage. For my daughter who doesn’t have dandruff or breakage issues, the shampoo leaves her hair strong and smelling good without drying it out.

It’s no secret that we natural girls love a good conditioner, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s thick and rich, which I love because it saturates my coarse, kinky-coily hair providing it with ultimate hydration. Thanks to the sweet oil and honey, it provides an enviable gloss that’s hard to achieve with other products. For my daughter, who has finer, looser curls, it isn’t too heavy and doesn’t make her hair feel dense or weighted down. Instead, it restores moisture and defines her natural texture by enhancing her springy ringlets.

While I haven’t tried the other products from the line, since they’re packed with the same restorative and strengthening ingredients, I’m sure they’ll deliver the same supreme results.

Have you ever used any products from The Mane Choice? If so, what are some of your favorites?

Category: Beauty, Hair | Leave a Comment

Curls, Kinks and Waves Take Centerstage at ‘Texture on the Runway’ Show

September 13, 2018

Last week, all the kinky, wavy and curly-haired girls descended on Gotham Hall for Naturally Curly Presents: Texture on the Runway New York Fashion Week fête. #BlackGirlMagic was in effect and on full display.

The hot-ticket runway show featured popular natural haircare brands Camille Rose Naturals, Cantu, Carol’s Daughter, Crème of Nature, Mielle Organics, SheaMoisture and The Mane Choice who showcased intricate, eye-catching textured styles achieved using their products and original techniques. While fashion wasn’t the main event, it was still front-and-center with fabulous designs that aesthetically matched the mane attraction.

Naturally Curly founder, Michelle Breyer and TV personality, Amara Le Negra, kicked off the Sally Beauty-powered show and let guests know that they were in for an exciting, memorable evening. The two-hour show was filled with uber creative, unique sets that spoke to each of the brands’ culture and ethos. With a New Orleans marriage-themed show by Cantu and a dance-inducing, mother-daughter inspired set by Carol’s Daughter, the stage was undeniably lit!

From thick, cornrow braids that effortlessly flowed into a blunt-cut bob to locs styled akin to unicorn horns to a towering, curly mane – innovative styles that complemented textured hair were centerstage at the fourth annual event. Watching gorgeously melanated models strutting their stuff on the runway in a room filled with scores of beautiful women of color was a special feeling that’s elusive in fashion.

My cousin, Nicole Rogers and I at the Naturally Curly Presents: Texture on the Runway show at Gotham Hall in New York City on Sept. 6, 2018.

Texture on the Runway is a can’t-miss show for many Black women because it celebrates our hair and all its various textures, which is often shunned in fashion—especially during high-profile events like New York Fashion Week. The show doesn’t only let the fashion world know that textured hair is incredibly versatile, but it’s also big, bold and beautiful!

naturally-curly-amara-la-negra-texture-on-the-runway

Naturally Curly founder, Michelle Breyer and reality TV personality Amara Le Negra at the Naturally Curly Presents: Texture on the Runway show at Gotham Hall in New York City on Sept. 6, 2018.

Camille Rose Naturals

Cantu

Carol’s Daughter

Creme of Nature

Mielle Organics

SheaMoisture

The Mane Choice

What’s your favorite brand of the bunch?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion, Hair | 1 Comment

Unilever Fools Beauty Lovers in Epic Campaign Prank

April 20, 2017

Throughout the years, I’ve witnessed some pretty clever hair and beauty campaigns, but none quite as clever as what the folks at Unilver pulled off yesterday.

Bloggers and editors were invited to an exclusive first-look at a new hair care brand, Evaus, claiming to bring “prestige” beauty and share-worthy strands to the masses. As a BG with natural hair, I was excited to find out what this new line would offer for those of us with curls, kinks and coils.

Held at one of my favorite hotels in the city, the Crosby Street Hotel—the chic, yet quirky event space was the perfect backdrop for the sleek, minimalistic packaging. Evaus’ modern aesthetic seemed ideal for millennial consumers who seek all-things cool.

After taking a whiff from one of the bottles, I was sold! I instantly fell in love with the delightful scent of the sweet, citrusy fruits that wafted from the container. Finally pulling myself away from the display samples, I along with the rest of those in attendance were whisked to a screening room where we were shown a video—but it wasn’t what many of us were expecting.

The clip showcased several bloggers and influencers gushing over Evaus and how its products had transformed their hair. From women with pin-straight hair to cropped natural ‘dos, all were impressed with how this new line made their hair look and feel. However, as the video progressed, it was revealed that “Evaus,” wasn’t a new innovative, high-end brand. In fact, it was a brand they were all familiar with all along.

Shockingly, we learned that “Evaus” was actually SUAVE (spelled backwards)! The popular drugstore hair care brand had gone undercover to prove the incredible power of label bias. The geniuses at Unilever wanted to drive home the point that price and labels do not have to be indicative of quality. Research shows that 7 in 10 women feel that premium or higher-priced brands and products are more trustworthy than value or lower-priced brands and products, which just isn’t true.

Suave Honey Infusion Collection is available at drugstores nationwide.

I’ve personally always loved Suave as a brand (drugstore beauty/hair care shopper here!) so I am not surprised by the results the bloggers received after using the brand.

This fun and super creative campaign is one of the most memorable activations I’ve ever seen. I’m proud to say that I’m a #SuaveBeliever!

Watch the brilliant video here:

Are you a victim of judging a product’s quality by its price? Do you use Suave? If so, what’s your favorite product and why?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Hair | Leave a Comment

Product Review: Dark and Lovely’s Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage Clumping Curl Crème Gel

February 27, 2017

There’s a lot of trial and error that comes with finding the right hair care products that work for both my daughter and me. We have two different curl patterns and usually what works well for her, doesn’t work for me. While she has fine, looser, easily tangled curls, I have denser, zig-zag coils and kinks that require tons of moisture.

Well, to my surprise and delight, Dark and Lovely’s Au Naturale new Anti-Shrinkage Clumping Curl Crème Gel is a godsend for both of our hair types. Formulated with two of my favorite hair care ingredients: argan oil and coconut oil, it provides ultra hydration while instantly eliminating frizz. For my daughter a small dollop defines her curls, creating perfect ringlets. While for me, it elongates and makes my hair easier to style. Also, in case you didn’t know, “clumping” refers to the process of hair strands binding together to create a natural, bigger and better curl.

dark-and-lovely-au-naturale-clumping-creme-gel

Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage Clumping Curl Creme Gel (L) and two of my other faves from the brand: Easy Twist Gel N’ Butter and the Clumping Curl Clay Cleanser.

Before

After

In addition, I love that this gel comes in a convenient mess-free tube. I don’t know about you, but packaging can make or break a product—and unlike many crèmes and gels, this one is designed smartly. Plus, did I mention how good it smells? The tropical scent takes me back to my recent trip to the Bahamas.

If your curls needs to be awakened, run don’t walk to your nearest Target or other mass retailer to pick up this product. Trust me, it will breathe new life into your hair.

Have you tried Anti-Shrinkage Clumpling Curl Creme Gel ? If not, what’s your favorite Dark and Lovely product?

Category: Featured, Features, Hair | 1 Comment

Say Hello to Your New Favorite Style Control Gel: Carol’s Daughter Pracaxi Nectar

January 6, 2017

I’ve been covering new hair care products for over a decade. Needless to say, throughout the years I’ve reviewed countless shampoos, pomades, puddings, creams, conditioners and more. So, when something earns a spot in my tried and true rotation, it’s GOOD.

Enter: Carol’s Daughter new Pracaxi Nectar Style Control Gel. Infused with acai extract and natural oils, this miracle in a tube instantly awakens my daughter’s curls.

Carol’s Daughter Pracaxi Nectar Style Control Gel available here, $10.99

Although it’s formulated to reduce frizz and tame flyaways, it makes her dry hair super soft and moisturized—something that doesn’t happen with most gels. I don’t know about you, but in the past when I’ve used products that aim to “control,” I’ve been left with sticky and goopy concoctions that slick down hair making it hard and crunchy. Oh and let’s not forget that crusty white film that they create.

Well, this control gel defies the odds and manages to keep curls defined and hydrated. Plus, it smells so good! If you like tropical scents, this will become an instant fave. Coming in a little over $10 at Sally’s, you’ll want to stock up on this soon-to-be staple.

What’s your all-time favorite Carol’s Daughter product?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Hair | Leave a Comment

Event Recap: Texture Media Presents Texture On the Runway 2016

February 15, 2016

New York Fashion Week is in full swing and this past weekend I attended a show, but the focus wasn’t on fashion—it was all about the HAIR! Yep, Texture Media’s 4th Annual Texture On The Runway Show sponsored by Target was a showcase of curls, coils, kinks and waves.

Held at City Winery in Soho and hosted by Michelle Breyer of Naturally Curly and Patrice Yursik of Afrobella, the evening was a celebration of textured hair. Not only did the runway feature ravishing crowns, but also the entire room was jam-packed with women of color rocking beautiful natural styles.

The 45-minute long show was broken down into five parts featuring styles from popular hair care brands such as Dark & Lovely, Cantu, Crème of Nature, Design Essentials and Garnier. Dark & Lovely got the party started with their energetic presentation set to the upbeat Beyoncé track, “Grown Woman.” Big, bushy Afros moved to and fro as the dancers grooved to every beat. It was an incredible way to start the show and set the tone for the rest of the night.

Next up was Cantu with cute short curly styles and bold, eye-catching updos. They were followed by a red-hot set from Crème of Nature. Their lineup included Diana Ross-esque blowouts, big bouncy curls and a stunning, precision cut Afro. Then, Design Essential models donning unique styles such as a lop-sided faux bob, textured topknot and a lavender cascade of waves strutted down the catwalk. The show’s finale included a lovely wash-n-go, a center-parted teased bun and a flirty, curly ponytail.

Plus, all of the show’s vendors were on hand to give attendees information about the products used in the presentation and how to recreate some of the looks at home.

The diversity of textured hair is remarkable and this showcase is just a wonderful way to put our manes on a celebratory platform.

The night of the show I was suffering from a bad hair day, but managed to salvage my curls by tying a colorful, wiry headband scarf around them.

Whether you wear your hair straight, curly, in braids, in an Afro or somewhere in between, what do you love the most about your hair?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured, Features, Hair | Leave a Comment

Mizani Launches New True Textures Line

November 19, 2015

Known for being the authority on relaxers, Mizani has now launched an entirely new line for naturals—True Textures!

The L’Oreal-owned brand has done a complete overhaul of its former True Textures line and has upgraded it with products to enhance our curls, coils and waves. The 8-product line includes: Moisture Replenish Shampoo, Moisture Replenish Conditioner, Cream Cleansing Conditioner, Style Refresher Milk, Curl Enhancing Lotion, Curl Define Pudding, Intense Moisture Replenish Treatment, Twist and Coil Jelly. All of the products are infused with natural ingredients such as marula, olive and coconut oils, which provide a balanced level of deeper moisture for creating gorgeous curls.

My ultimate favorite is the Twist and Coil Jelly. The consistency is of course like jelly and the smell is downright divine. It gives hair the hold it needs for optimal definition, without the flakiness or dryness that comes with other brands.

While Mizani is a professional brand, these product are incredibly consumer-friendly. Ever since cutting my hair a couple of months ago, I was hesitant that my former shoulder-length twist-outs would look like a bunch of shrunken crinkles, that has not been the case. I’m loving my short curly Afro and Mizani’s new products have made my transition to short hair so much easier.

From professional hairstylists to bloggers like me, this new line is sure to be a favorite amongst those who love and care for natural hair.