Hair

Raw Coconut Oil: The Only Moisturizer You’ll Ever Need

December 3, 2014

I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to embrace the whole natural coconut craze.

My fellow naturalistas and bloggers have been buzzing about it for a while, but now I’m finally boarding the bandwagon—better late than never!

For the past week, I’ve been using Vita Coco Coconut Oil on my super dry, brittle hair and haven’t been this pleased with a product since…I can’t even remember! This 100% raw, pure organic, cold press coconut oil has been a savior to my moisture-starved hair. It coats my kinks and curls without making them feel overly greasy or sticky. Plus, it doesn’t seem to create that nasty build-up that other moisturizers produce.

Vita Coco Coconut Oil available here, $9.99

And if you’re wondering about the smell, you guessed it—it smells downright heavenly. The scent is so tantalizing that my 4-year-old daughter asked if she could taste some. To her complete and utter shock, I said, “yes,” because the chunky wonder oil can be used for cooking or as a dietary supplement. While she wasn’t exactly anxious to eat more than a smidgen, it was quite refreshing to use something on our hair that’s actually edible. Also, as if this oil couldn’t get any better, it even soothes my eczema and winter-ridden skin! There are plenty of products and lotions that I like, but can’t use frequently due to my sensitive skin.

If you’re looking for a rich, multi-purpose oil this is IT!

Are you a fan of coconut oil? What’s your swear-by moisturizer?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features, Hair | 1 Comment

Get Rid of Grays with Black Opal’s Retouch Root Concealer Spray

October 16, 2014

There might be a gray hair movement taking place amongst celebrities, bloggers and fashionistas alike, but that’s one trend I won’t be partaking in.

I’ve been plagued with premature graying in one spot since I was 5 and have never liked my silver streaks. So, as soon as I was old enough to dye them, I did just that. However, since giving birth last year, I’ve steered clear of dyeing my hair to give it time to replenish and get back to normal.

In the meantime, I’ve been using Black Opal’s Gray Root Retouch Concealer Spray. I didn’t know they offered products beyond their lovely cosmetic line, but was pleasantly surprised. I simply spray it 2-3 inches from the pesky patch and it instantly covers my unruly grays! Plus, it dries almost instantly (give or take a minute or two).

Black Opal Gray Retouch Root Concealer Spray available here, $9. It comes in two shades: Medium Light Brown and Black/Dark Brown

Thanks to the illusion of thicker hair that the darkening formula creates, the spray also helps conceal the post-partum hair loss I’ve been experiencing around my edges (where my problem gray area happens to be).

Before (left) and After (right) – Black Opal Retouch Root Concealer Spray helps hide my grays, as well as camouflage my post-partum hair loss.

An added bonus is it doesn’t come off until you wash it out; no worrying about it smearing or smudging onto pillowcases, scarves or satin bonnets! It’s been my go-to for months and I will continue using it in between my dye touch-ups once I go back to permanently coloring my hair and when my post-partum hair loss ceases.

If you’re looking to cover up unwanted grays, this spray is a great buy!

Do you dye your hair to hide grays or do you embrace your pigment-free strands? Did you suffer from post-partum hair loss?

Category: Hair | 1 Comment

Event Recap: Dark & Lovely and Everyday People Brunch

October 7, 2014

A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Dark & Lovely to attend the Everyday People brunch here in New York City.

If you’re unfamiliar with the popular brunch series, it’s held monthly at trendy The DL on the lower east side and hosted by stylish girl-about-town, Saada Ahmed and Bravo TV’s Chef Roblé.

Prior to brunch, we bloggers/editors were seated in a comfy “style suite” area of the restaurant where we learned about the haircare brand’s Au Naturale Anti-Breakagé and Au Naturalé Anti-Shrinkage lines (I love the Anti-Breakage line, but still haven’t tried the latter) from Soft-Sheen Carson’s Artistic Director Mezel Jefferson.

Me taking a selfie at the Everyday People brunch held in conjunction with Dark & Lovely at The DL in New York City on Sunday, September 21, 2014.

After we received the rundown on the various products, we were encouraged to move into the main room for a lovely brunch buffet of eggs, french toast, fried chicken, biscuits, potatoes, bacon and other yummy offerings.

Soft-Sheen Carson’s Artistic Director Mezel Jefferson, guest, Saada Ahmed and Chef Roble. Photo By: Pete Monsanto of Fly Life Images/Dark and Lovely

Photo By: Pete Monsanto of Fly Life Images/Dark and Lovely

It was a fun afternoon of mingling with fellow bloggers, editors and trendsetters (aka “the cool kids”) with awesome hair and eye-catching fashions. The food, networking and people watching was good, but the music made the event! I’m a true ’80’s baby, so listening to the hits of the 90s was a treat. Hearing old school Usher and Mase songs made me feel nostalgic and provided such a cool vibe. There was also a performance by R&B duo and neo-soul pioneers, Les Nubians, but I left (mommy duties called) before their set started.

Les Nubians performing at the Dark & Lovely and Everyday People Brunch at DL in New York City on Saturday, September 21, 2014.

If you’re ever able to attend (not sure if it’s ticketed or invite-only since I was invited by Dark & Lovely), I highly recommend it because the mix of food, people and music makes for an unforgettable brunch!

Have you ever attended an Everyday People brunch? If not, do you get together for monthly brunch dates with your friends?

Category: Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix, Hair | Leave a Comment

Get Uzo Aduba’s Emmys ‘Do In 5 Simple Steps

August 26, 2014

I may be one of the few people who hasn’t seen Netflix’s hit comedy series “Orange is the New Black,” but it was hard not to notice how stunning its breakout star Uzo Aduba looked at last night’s Emmy’s.

The actress, 33, who took home the Emmy for ‘Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series’ for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren last week (during the Creative Arts ceremony), turned heads on the red carpet in a scarlet Christian Siriano gown and chic updo that complemented her natural tresses.

Uzo Aduba at the 66th Annual Emmy Awards in Hollywood, CA on August 25, 2014.

Celebrity hairstylist Jamika Wilson created the eye-catching ‘do with the help of Motions Salon Hair Care products. “Our look tonight was ‘classic beauty!’ A soft, simple pulled-back bun with a little volume, to keep it soft at the crown. Very glamorous and chic!” describes Wilson.

I’m loving this style and will try to recreate the look thanks to these simple steps provided by Wilson below:

How To:
CLEANSE Start with clean, dry hair – try the Motions Lavish Conditioning Shampoo

CONDITION Use Motions Moisture Plus Conditioner, comb through to detangle and ensure even distribution

TREAT Apply Motions Straight Finish Sealer to the hair to prep before blow drying straight. Next, flat iron the hair smooth making sure to leave volume across the crown, then pull hair back into a simple bun and secure with hair pins. Tip: for added volume, fluff hair with fingers at the root

FINISH Smooth sides and edges of hair at the nape of the neck using Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade and set with the Motions Light Hold Working Spritz

STYLE Finish with the Motions Oil Sheen & Conditioning Spray to keep the look natural and in place

Products Used:
Motions Lavish Conditioning Shampoo, Motions Moisture Plus Conditioner, Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade, Motions Light Hold Working Spritz and Motions Oil Sheen & Conditioning Spray ($3.99 each) and Motions Straight Finish Sealer ($6.99).

All Motions Hair products are available at beauty and barber supple shops, food, drug, and mass-market retailers nationwide, as well as online at drugstore.com. Follow Motions on Instagram and Twitter @MotionsHair and Facebook.com/MotionsHair

Did you guys watch the Emmys? Would you try to recreate Uzo’s hairstyle?

Category: Hair | Leave a Comment

New Hair Product Launch: SoftSheen-Carson Hydra Steam Moisturizing System

August 4, 2014

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a press breakfast hosted by SoftSheen-Carson to celebrate the launch of its latest Professional Hair Care Treatment: Hydra Steam Moisturizing System, at the L’Oreal headquarters here in New York City.

Johnny Wright, SoftSheen-Carson Artistic Style Director and stylist to none other than the First Lady Michelle Obama, gave us bloggers and editors a detailed overview of the line as we munched on scrumptious egg pies and sipped the event’s signature blueberry smoothies.

Johnny Wright, SoftSheen-Carson Artistic Style Director and celebrity stylist, telling attendees about the benefits of using the Hydra Steam System.

Created for all hair types, this system, which consists of six products is especially great for us naturalistas. Thanks to its revolutionary steam-activated technology that’s infused with Aloe Vera, it seals in moisture that our tresses crave. In addition to intense hydration, the line promotes curl definition, combats frizz and prevents breakage.

SoftSheen-Carson Hydra System Moisturizing System includes: Sulfate-Free Cleanser, Steam Masque, Curl Designing Cream, Refining Coil Cream, Moisturizing Sealing Spray and Finishing Oil is available at Sally’s Beauty, prices start at $12.99

“Steam treatments hydrate hair 5 times more effectively than using a conditioner alone. They infuse moisture to hair and gently open hair cuticles to allow conditioners to penetrate deeper,” says Wright.

Obviously since the line is brand new, none of us in attendance had tried it, but we were able to see the results on two beautiful models with different hair textures, one of whom was the thrifty fashionista, Afroista (I’m sure you guys are following her on Instagram. If you aren’t, you should be!). The model on the left has a tighter curl pattern similar to my own. Therefore, Wright used the Refining Coil Cream because it softens and provides low hold, as opposed to looser curl patterns that require more hold such as the model’s on the right. For her, Wright used the Curl Designing Cream, which helps define and elongate curls.

Models (Afroista is on the right) showcasing their Hydra Steam System-treated hair.

With the word “steam” in the name, it’s pretty clear that a hair steamer is encouraged for this particular treatment. I honestly have never used a steamer before, but was happy to learn that I can easily replicate the effect of one by using a conditioning cap or steaming hot towel. Although this product line is designed for professional use, it can still be easily used at home too.

I can’t wait to test this line because my hair is beyond dry and brittle. Plus, I’m still suffering from post-partum breakage since having my son last fall. Hopefully, the Hydra System will be just what my parched locks need.

*FUN FACT: Johnny Wright divulged that FLOTUS is in fact natural and he’s in the process of convincing her to wear her natural curls soon!

Do you use steam treatments? How do you keep your hair hydrated?

Category: Beauty, Hair | 6 Comments

Product Review: CurlyKids Hair Care Line

July 22, 2014

We are witnessing a natural hair revolution.

For the first time in decades, we BGs are embracing and proudly flaunting our natural hair textures in droves. But, the best part of this newfound self-acceptance is that we are teaching our children to love their kinks, coils and curls too!

Thanks to brands like CurlyKids, a hair care line that caters to kids’ curly-haired needs, moms like me can comb and style our little one’s hair with confidence.

For the past six months, I’ve been consistently using CurlyKids products on my daughter’s hair. Created to treat a multitude of curly hair textures, especially those with excessive dryness and breakage, the line includes: shampoo, conditioner, gel, control paste, curl defining lotion and detangling sprays.

CurlyKids Hair Care available here, $5 each

Usually, I tend to use a variety of product brands to achieve a desired effect or style. But, this time I wanted to see how the entire line worked together. And, I’m glad I did.

Ava getting her hair washed using CurlyKids Shampoo & Conditioner.

From the sulfate-free shampoo to the frizz-taming control paste, I’ve been pleased with how well the products complement each other. Since she has super dry, easy-to-tangle hair, I have to use products that will properly moisturize without leaving behind a greasy or sticky residue. Luckily, CurlyKids gets the job done.

Ava sporting her signature topknot using CurlyKids Curly Gel Moisturizer.

Out of the line, the Curly Gel Moisturizer and the Super Detangling Spray are my two faves. The gel is fragrance free and doesn’t create that unsightly flakey crust that we all dread. Plus, it adds moisture while taming her curly fly-aways. The Super Detangling Spray makes manageability a breeze because it unsnarls her strands effortlessly.

I achieved this pigtail look by using CurlyKids Control Paste, Gel Moisturizer and Detangling Spray.

Although the brand’s site says it’s for “mixed hair,” my daughter is 100% African-American so it’s safe to say that it’s suitable for ALL curly hair types. Oh and to top it off, all of their products are only $5!

If your little one is in need of some TLC for her tresses, definitely check out CurlyKids!

What products do you use to keep your kids’ hair looking good?

Category: Baby, Beauty, Hair, Health, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 3 Comments

Quench Your Curls: 6 Moisturizing & Conditioning Sprays for Natural Hair

June 9, 2014

We BGs who rock hairstyles that show off our natural curls, waves, kinks and coils know that hydrating sprays are essential to achieving some of our favorite looks.

Although I stopped relaxing my hair in 2007, it wasn’t until last year that I finally started using hair spritzers and leave-in conditioning sprays to help enhance, moisturize and maintain my curls. They can tame frizz, define curls, as well as provide a bit of shine. Plus, now that summer’s around the corner these sprays are perfect for overall rejuvenating and refreshing tresses in hot and humid weather.

Check out these picks to help quench your curls:

Ouidad Botanical Boost Moisture Infusing & Refreshing Spray (8.5 oz) available here, $17