Fuck Yeah Curls Curls Curls - Sometimes you just need a little inspiration

Fuck Yeah Curls Curls Curls

Sometimes you just need a little inspiration

Cut Your Own Bangs

When I saw this post, I thought ... "Hmmm, I bet it's only for white girls!"

To my surprise, the celebrity stylist, Ted Gibson is BLACK! My own fears, I would not let a white person handle my hair. God forgive me. I may be soooo wrong.

Anyway here is some great advice, regardless of race and hair texture ... "Cut Your Own Bangs"

The Cherry Lola Treatment - Fights Frizz

Mix
2 cups (400 grams) of Organic Plain Yogurt
3/4 cup (150 ml) of Braggs Liquid Aminos
... And to that mixture, add 3 tbsps of Baking Soda

Apply this mixture to clean hair, and leave on for 20 to 40 minutes.

Then co-wash (conditioner wash) out mixture from hair, by pouring water over head, so as not to lose the curl from the pressure from the shower head.

Let hair air dry, with a leave-in conditioner

Miss Jessie's NEW Deluxe Value Pack

Miss Jessie’s Hair Care has an amazing NEW Deluxe Value Pack for $64, this Mother's Day. Great news too, this deluxe value pack will be available through the rest of the year. The adorable collection includes product favorites like Curly Pudding and Quick Curls, all packaged in a cute satchel adorned with a bow – no gift wrapping required.

I've been a long time fan of Miss Jessie's, especially the Curly pudding, 'cause of its bubble gum scent and most recently, the Rapid Recovery Treatment. Xmas '08, I purchased a value pack, only to chemically treat my hair, two weeks later.  Sadly, I had to put them aside.  Now that I've grown tired of relaxed hair and chopped it, ever so often, I let my hair air dry with some of Miss Jessie's. I enjoy whiffing my bubble gum scented hair. Better yet, are the little travel sizes which are most convenient for my travels.

Read my post: Natural, Curly or Short Haired Girls

Sweet 7 Friend : HAIR INSPIRED

Lisa is my long time friend!  We've been friends from the age of 5.  ... And now, she is the girlfriend who always encourages me, especially when it comes to this blog and the one when we meet up, "we're a riot!"  We laugh, drink, trade beauty secrets, dress up, always ready to go out and make friends (all types), and dance. I can go on and on.

Our friendship is like the Madonna song, "CELEBRATION," which has become our anthem when we meet up! ... And I often tease, we're a great example of, "the blind leading the blind!"  LOL!

Inspired by the S7 post "Le Coil - Natural Hair," Lisa messages me, "I'm going to be looking out for more of your articles for natural hair. Think Imma put the flat iron to rest for most of the summer (well most of it). Usually have it up when curly but got the courage to wear it out. It's kind of freeing....thanks!"

Every day, Lisa flat irons her naturally curly hair to look like this ....

And thanks to the recent S7 post, this summer she will let her curly hair go free!

I LOVE IT, and 

I LOVE YOU, LISA!

... and if it makes you feel good then I say do it
I don’t know what you’re waiting for

An invitation to the dance of life

Come join the party, it’s a celebration

Anybody just won’t do

Let’s get this started, no more hesitation

Coz everybody wants to party with you

Le Coil - Natural Hair

I am excited about the following site since I cut and straightened my curly and long hair in 2009. Fed up in 2010, with what I considered "dead (relaxed) hair" ... I chopped off my straightened ends, in stages (2 days!).

Le Coil is a site that celebrates women with natural hair.  Hair inspiration for all naturals, it features a wide range of natural styles worn by celebrities, models and the every day person! Get ready, to love all types of textures, shapes and colors.  2010 is the year of the Natural!

Facebook Fan Page: Le Coil

Black Girl With Long Hair

It's been weeks now that I've been considering an initial chop of my straightened hair. Now that carnival is over and summer is approaching, I'm itching to let my hair go free. Seriously tired of the ponytail/bun, I want my curls back, even if short! I want to coil my hair 'round my fingertips!

Waking up to a friend's FB post about "The History of Black Hair" does not help alleviate my thought processes either. With natural hair care sites, like CurlyNikki which I mentioned not too long ago, I'm so ready to take a scissors into my hands!

CurlyNikki.com is a site focusing on healthy haircare and styling for natural kinky, curly, coily heads. The site debunks the misconception that natural hair cannot be manageable without the aid of relaxers and that afro-textured hair cannot grow long.

This morning, I discovered Black Girl With Long Hair, an ever-growing community of black, Latina and multi-racial women who choose to wear their hair naturally — with minimal or no use of chemicals, heat, weave or extensions. With discussions on everything from styling and upkeep to the social implications of going natural. At the heart of BGLH are interviews with everyday (and some not-so-everyday) people who embrace the beauty of natural hair.

Simply tired of being predictable me!

CurlyNikki.com - HAIR CARE

Ladies, ladies, ladies ... in 2008, I introduced you to a hair site "Healthy Hair Textures" that grew tremendously, eventually a membership fee was charged to join. How disappointing, 'cause not until recently have I found another hair care site comparable! I stumbled upon this new site, thanks to a BlackBerry status posted by the site's resident "CHEMIST" ... an initial fan of, and now friend to The Sweet 7, Tiffany (aka DaJewel). Tiffany is another carnival lover such as myself and soon enough we realized we had mutual friends in common. Small world, I tell ya!

Seen here: Tiffany and I are in the middle of 2 of those mutual friends!

CurlyNikki.com focuses on healthy haircare and styling for natural kinky, curly, coily heads. The site debunks the misconception that natural hair cannot be manageable without the aid of relaxers and that afro-textured hair cannot grow long. The site shows that kinky, curly, coily naturals come in a variety of skin colors with unique hair qualities (tight curls to loose curls), which are a testament to the amazing variety within the diaspora. Lastly, but certainly not least, the site proves that naturals can use the same products that are marketed to those with naturally straight hair (as opposed to products that have been historically marketed to us and that happen to have not so good ingredients).

The founder, Curly Nikki, started the website to document her haircare journey from relaxed to natural. The site has since grown to offer a plethora (and that's an understatement) of resources: hair journeys from countless naturally glam hair idols, product reviews (mainly from CurlyNikki), hairstyling for natural children, hairstyling for different lengths (twa, shoulder length and beyond), contests to win free products, CurlyNikki's hair revelations, a resident doctor to discuss certain health concerns and their affect on the hair, a resident cosmetologist and a curly chemist (me/DaJewel!) to analyze products based on ingredients and performance.

About DaJewel (friend to The Sweet 7)

"Curly Chemist" @ CurlyNikki.com

I found the site in the middle of last year, and have been following it faithfully ever since. Over time I reached out to CurlyNikki and the other members. she then invited me to be the curly chemist.

DaJewel's Background as a Chemist:

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Barry University. During this time, I conducted research with my professor and advisor, Dr. George Fisher. I also conducted research at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Florida. I did a research internship in Naples, Italy, through the Minority International Research Training (MIRT). I have presented posters at two American Chemical Society meetings and one Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) symposium. Datum that I generated while working with Dr. Fisher contributed to an article that was published in Amino Acids.

I have experience in method development, formulations, regulatory affairs and quality assurance in the following industries: cosmetic (Jason Cosmetics), food (Herbalife) and biopharmaceutical (Amgen). While working as a chemist (i don't feel comfortable listing my current place of employment due to a possible 'conflict of interest' with them and what i do on my own time), I am also pursing my Master of Science in Biotechnology/Bioscience Regulatory Affairs at Johns Hopkins University. I am a member of the American Chemical Society, Sigma Xi National Research Honor Society and Gamma Sigma Epsilon National Honor Society.

DaJewel's advice to women who want to switch from relaxed/constant heat styling to natural:

-Analyze why you want to go natural. Understanding the why could help you when you work through possible frustration when trying to find the right products and regimen for your hair.

-Decide if you want to transition or big chop (bc) and how you would like to do it. Everyone's hair journey is different because everyone is different. Find a way to get to the natural hair that fits your comfort level and lifestyle

-Don't get a texturizer because they are relaxers - not every cosmetologist is correctly informed about the science of hair.

-Understand that there will be negative comments. Don't study them.

-Find support in other naturals via anyway possible. This could be helpful when finding a hair twin to help you figure out what hair products to use

-Constant MOISTURE AND PROTEIN at every step of the hair regimen are essential to hair health (and thus growth). It has been scientifically shown that relaxed/heat styled hair needs approximately three times moisture and protein as compared to natural heads. This means relaxed/heat styled hair is actually more work than natural hair. Also, moisture and protein will play a big role in making sure the area where the new growth and processed hair won't break.

-Also, using protective styles (two/three strand twists, flat-twists, cornrows, bantu knots, bunning, etc) will promote moisture retention, hair growth (because you are simply leaving your hair alone), reduce tangles and can be two styles in one.

-Try to keep your ends off of your shoulders because the friction created by the fabric will dry out your hair and cause possible hair breakage-sleep with a satin/silk scarf and/or pillowcase. This will be imperative in retaining moisture in your hair-healthy hair doesn't need to be trimmed all of the time because it will have thrived under the unique protein/moisture balance-kinky, coily, curly hair may look tough, but actually its the most delicate hair in the hair type spectrum. as such, treat it like delicate lace and it will be good to you. Don't comb the hair when its dry. Instead, if you have to comb through it, do it when its wet and has loads of detangler in it. Some people (for example, me) eliminate the use of combs and just use fingers to detangle.

-The very nature of our hair makes it naturally prone to being dry, and as such, our hair pretty much drinks up moisture like is going outta style.

-Stay away from products with sulfates (they are harsh detergents in most shampoos that have been scientifically proven to dry out the hair), mineral oils and petroleum.

-Healthy hair does not need expensive products. Healthy hair products can be found in your kitchen.

-When in doubt, simply listen to what your hair needs.

-Once you find a set regimen that works, stick to it.

-These tips can also be used to maintain relaxed hair, but remember its actually more work to maintain healthy, relaxed hair.

Carnival Hair Tip

-Due to the harsh environmental effects during carnival, I highly suggest all heads to do intense moisture and protein conditioning before, during and after carnival. 'Cuz fab hair can't stop, won't stop after all the feting (partying).

The Sweet 7 ... what I do:

Not a stranger to boy cuts, the in between phase and long hair, I have a trick for the initial grow out phase from short to long hair or from relaxed to natural hair. I simply ONLY TEXTURIZE my front hair line, and sometimes the back. Personally, I prefer a smooth hairline. Yet, this leaves the rest of my hair (the growth) natural!

Anyway here is a video from a CurlyNikki.com member, revealing her big chop! Love it!

Thanks Tif (Dajewel)

See you on the road!

Same Girl ... One Versatile HairStyle

So I was perusing through the SALE section of one of my favorite sites when I came across the model below. Not only did I think she was cute, with her minimal makeup of black lined eyes, peach cheeks and neutral lips but what really caught my attention was her hair!

Carol's Daughter and Disney Proudly Announce an Exciting Collaboration!

Carol's Daughter and Disney Proudly Announce an Exciting Collaboration!

The full trailer for Disney's first black princess fairytale "The Princess and the Frog."

Asha's Faux-Hawk

A lot is revealed about a person on Facebook! And daily my friends tantalize me with their vacation, fete (parties) pictures to their serene and quiet moments.

Moreso, there are just some people who just seem to spark my interest ... I can't wait to see what they are up to next, 'cause they simply sizzle and dazzle!

So this picture of Asha at a wedding was very fab! Apart from her peachy blush, confident smile, I instantly was in love with her hair! ... And you know me, I hit up Asha, wanting to know a lil' more about it.

What inspired you to cut/style your hair this way?

Change inspired me! Nothing else. I had been wearing my hair in a big 'fro for a couple of years and loved it but grew tired of the time it took to get it looking right. I absolutely love change and had worn my hair short for years before so I was not AT ALL apprehensive about cutting it. The only thing that is an absolute 'no-no' for me are chemicals. I embrace my natural curls all de way!

So, I went to my hairstylist and said, "Chop it!" He was wonderful and replied, "Okay! Can I give you a faux-hawk?"... and I told him, "Of course! Do anything you want!" He is amazing and I completely trust him.

About 20 minutes later, I left the salon feeling like a milllion bucks!

Which products do you use & how do maintain your hair?

I consider myself low-maintenance when it comes to hair ... another reason why I chose to remain natural for the last 17 years.

Everyday, in the shower I condition my hair with Pantene Hydrating Curls. This stuff is amazing and very affordable. I think moisturization is everything so this is easily my MUST HAVE product. The one that I use is specifically for curly hair. The bottle reads, "Pantene pro-V" (at the top) and then about midway down the bottle it should simply read, "CURLS". I get it at any drug store, like Shoppers Drug Mart, if you're in Canada like me :)

For styling I use a leave-in conditioner that my stylist recommended by a brand named Perfecta. A little goes a long way. A 'dollop' is all I need. The leave-in conditioner that I use is called Perfecta (the brand) Hair Mask and Leave-In Conditioner. This was recommended by my stylist and unfortunatley, I have found that it is not so readily available. I stock up on this stuff from an obscure little hair store inside of a Chinese mall, Pacific Mall, here in Toronto. I can't even tell u the name of the store b/c it is in Chinese writing. I stumbled upon it completely by accident while shopping in that mall. My advice is to check hair salons for Perfecta Hair Mask and Leave-In or and ask a professional where she might be able to find it. Before I fell in love with this product I did use Miss Jessies Curly Pudding or Dickey's Kinky Curly creme to style. So many people ask me about my hair regimen and I'm reluctant to mention these two products because they are pricey and also require a fair bit of manipulation ( I like tings that are cheap and quick!...lol). But if you don't mind the money and time those could be the products.

For added shine for an event or fete or something, I use the amazingly affordable Eco Styler Protein styling gel (black tub). The last part of the 'recipe' is Eco-Styler Super Protein Styling Gel (the black one only...the clear one, I find, is too thick). I get this at any black hair care store. Very easy to find. And that's it! The whole process takes 15 to 20 minutes. Quick and easy! I love it.

My hair grows super fast so I have to go get it shaped up every couple of weeks.

Asha is ownin' it!

And she may be unto something too ...

Check out:

Five Big Trends of Fall

XOXO Asha!

Solange's Au Natural Look

Can't believe no one told me about Solange's bald hair cut!  This is exactly what happens when I have no access to the internet, I feel like I've been dead for a week. Thank goodness I caught this one in time, since my last post "Celebrity Style: The Partially Shaved Head," I wanted to bet that Solange would be next in line. ... And she is, by shaving it completely off.

Since I've cut my hair a few times, a few of my favorite hair products for both short and long hair which is natural and/or texturized hair, are mentioned in the post "Natural, Curly or Short Haired Girls."

... And the Best Days to either Cut Hair to Increase or Retard Growth during July 2009.

Celebrity Style: The Partially Shaved Head

Bad Boy records artist Cassie caused a stir on the internet when she released pictures of her half shaved head via Twitter. 

Then Carmen Electra got the ballsy cut!

Later La La Vazquez (former MTV VJ/NBA star Carmelo Anthony’s wife)

 joined the club.

Below are ladies that have been rockin’ the partial shaved head before Cassie.

Actress Selma Blair

Singer Kelis

Singer Jack Davey

Designer Melody Eshani

Rihanna is also on the half-shaved head trend with a new partly shaved look of her own. She clipped the sides and back of her head, leaving a thick pompadour on top. 

I like it!