Last night, I had the opportunity to catch a private screening of Chris Rock’s new docu-comedy, “Good Hair.” After much publicity and online buzz, I must say it didn’t live up to my expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it was ok, but after seeing so many clips on TV, it was as if I had seen the entire movie already. I thought that there would be something more that wasn’t shown in the clips, but there wasn’t. Perhaps, he could have included a few African-American women who were proud of their natural hair to give the documentary a bit more balance.

If you’ve seen the trailer, you know that he takes viewers on a journey through African-American women and our hair plight. He delves into the obsession that some of us have with chemical relaxers and weaves. He goes behind-the-scenes to enlighten moviegoers on how both products are made. Rock even travels to India to find out how the most popular weaves are produced.

He also speaks with several celebrities including Nia Long, Raven-Symone, Dr. Maya Angelou amongst others to get their opinions on the aforementioned topics. These snippets are sprinkled throughout the film, which provide occasional funny anecdotes. In addition, there is an underlying story about a celebrated hair show that takes place in Atlanta. Throughout the film, Rock follows four of the hair show contestants around as they prepare for the big show.

All in all, “Good Hair” raises many great points about how we perceive ourselves, the lack of black-owned haircare products, and the lengths we’ll go in order to “look good.”

So I ask, “What’s the most you’ve ever paid to have your hair done?” This includes, weaves, relaxers, cut, color, etc. Are you planning on seeing the movie when it opens this Friday (in select cities) and nationwide on Oct. 23rd? Please share!

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Mizani products are a staple at most hair salons around the country and for good reason. Recently, I had the opportunity to try their popular Gloss Veil on my hair and was completely satisfied with the results. It goes on as a weightless mist, but packs a powerful punch of sheen. It leaves hair shiny and not heavy. Plus, it is preservative-free with a non-drying formula, which includes moisturizing avocado and rice bran oils. It’s perfect for obtaining a light shine without the unwanted greasiness that similar brand sprays typically cause.

Mizani Gloss Veil available at fine salons nationwide and select retailers. Click here for the list of salons.

Have you ever tried Mizani hair products? What do you use for a bit of sheen?

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I receive countless emails from readers who want advice on finding a great salon in the NYC area; well I’m finally able to share that I have found one that I HIGHLY recommend – Wellington Hair Spa located 119 W. 23rd Street in Chelsea.

Last week I had the pleasure of having my hair done at the salon, which was unpretentious and quaint. Since I hadn’t had my hair done professionally in months, Patrick Wellington (owner/stylist) and his assistant Joanne Laguerre definitely had their work cut out for them. I opted to forgo their offer of a relaxer and had my hair simply blow-dried and flat ironed. I know the heat isn’t ideal for our hair, but I wanted a straight style without the chemicals.

For anyone who knows me, I am hardly ever pleased when I leave a salon so this was one of those rare occasions where I was actually satisfied! My only regret is not taking a before and after picture at the salon to share with you!

So for anyone in the NYC-area who wants to go to a stylist who is incredibly professional and knowledgeable about all hair textures: from processed strands, to lovely au naturel locs, Wellington Hair Spa is the salon for you!

How often do you visit a salon? What do you love/hate about them? Speaking of hair, I just received the trailer for Chris Rock’s documentary, Good Hair. Are you looking forward to seeing the movie when it’s released in October? For those who haven’t seen the trailer. Here it is! Share your thoughts.

**The winner of the Bobbi Brown Lip Crayon is Mimieyes! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address info.

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Now that summer is officially here, it’s time to get your hands on the tools that will keep your tresses looking terrific all season long. Folica.com is home to some of the hottest hair styling tools on the market. From the popular Sedu flat iron to tourmaline hair dryers, you are bound to find the right tool for your ‘do at Folica.com.

Are you doing anything different with your hair this summer? Perhaps you’ve been thinking about shaving one side of your head like Cassie, or going for a big, curly, bouncy look a la Alicia Keys or maybe you’re low-maintenance and will opt for a short crew cut like Kanye West’s main-squeeze, Amber Rose!

Here are a few of the sales that Folica.com are running so you can keep your locks looking lovely:

Versati Red Hot Straightening Set available at www.folica.com for $39.99 (a $192.93 value). This set includes: the Versati 1 inch Power Styler, 8oz Sedu Smoothing Boost, a Heat Proof Pouch and a travel size pop-up brush and travel bag.

Chi Beach Blue Straightening Set available at www.folica.com for $99.99 (a $248.95 value). This set includes: a CHI Limited Edition In Love Aqua Blue Blush 1″ Flat Iron, 8.5 oz. bottle of CHI 44 Iron Guard, 2 oz. bottle of CHI Silk Infusion and a Folica Heat Proof Iron Holder

Sedu Pink Revolution Sleek & Straight Set available at www.folica.com for $99. This set includes a pink Sedu Revolution Pro Nano Ceramic Tourmaline 1 Inch Styling Set, a Sedu Professional Straightening Accessory Comb, a Folica Pop-Up Brush and Travel Bag, and a Vera Bradley Signature Bag

BaByliss Summer Vacation Styling Set available at www.folica.com for $99.99 (a $246.99 value). This set includes: Babyliss PRO Nano Titanium Ionic Dryer, BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Mini Flat Iron 1/2″, Babyliss Pro TT Tourmaline Travel Dryer, and Babyliss Pro Silicone Heat Mat

**One lucky reader will win this Sedu Summer Styling Set, which includes: Sedu Revolution Pro Tourmaline Ionic TGR 4000i Hair Dryer, Sedu Revolution Pro Ionic Finger Diffuser, Sedu Beach Beauty Sea Salt Spray, ESCA 3-3/4″ 5X Lighted Travel Mirror, Folica Pop-Up Brush and Travel Bag (a $312.98 value). Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

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Last year when I interviewed celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen whose clients include Rihanna, she told me that there was one key to keeping locks looking lovely and healthy – conditioning. Generally conditioners are used to help prevent heat damage, moisturize, gloss, de-tangle, and smooth our strands. My absolute favorite conditioner is Pantene’s Relaxed & Natural Intensive Moisturizing Conditioner. It always leaves my smelling good, looking shiny and more manageable.

What are some of your favorite conditioners? How often do you deep condition your hair? Check out some of these:

Pantene Relaxed & Natural Intensive Moisturizing Conditioner available at www.drugstore.com for $5.99

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner available at www.walgreens.com for $6.99

Philosophy Strawberry Milkshake Conditioner, Shampoo, Body Gel available at www.sephora.com for $16

Ted Gibson Clarity Color Conditioner available at www.blissworld.com for $26

Creme De La Curl Conditioner available at www.missjessies.com for $16

Dr. Miracle’s Feel it Formula Hot Gro Hair & Scalp Treatment Conditioner available at www.walgreens.com for $8.49

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