DIY Whipped Cocoa Shea Mango Butter – Hair & Body

by MaiCurls via GlobalCouture

It was only in 2014 that I discovered my love for whipped butter. This gem has multiple purposes and who doesn’t love a product that can be used for both your hair and skin!

For Natural Hair: It helps to seal in moisture, provides shine and lustre to the hair and helps tame frizz and fly-aways. Due to the ingredients, it helps to make the hair soft and supple therefore reduces friction on the hair strands which helps to reduce tangles and knots. It also is great on the scalp!

For the skin: The whip helps to seal in moisture in the skin, especially when used after a shower or bath. It helps to sooth irritated skin, generates new skin cells and can help fade light stretch marks on the body. The butter leaves the skin feeling smooth without being greasy as it gets absorbed easily.

Recipe (this makes 9.4 oz):
• 2.5 oz Unrefined Cocoa Butter
• 4.5 oz Unrefined Shea Butter
• 1.0 oz Unrefined Mango Butter
• 2.5 oz Virgin Coconut Oil
• 1.5 oz Grapeseed Oil
• 1.5 oz Almond Oil
• 0.1 oz Glycerine
• 3 capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)

Mixing:
1. In a heat proof bowl melt the Cocoa butter in a double broiler (roughly 5-7 minutes) on low heat until it’s nearly fully melted. Then add the Shea & Mango butter to the bowl, the melted cocoa will help to melt the Shea and Mango butter.
2. Take the butters off the heat and add roughly half of the carrier oils and stir. 1 oz of Virgin Coconut Oil, 1 oz Grapeseed Oil, 1 oz of Almond Oil. (I like the add the oils in stages)
3. Place the bowl in your freezer for 15 minutes or your fridge for 20 minutes until the butter has hardened a little around the edges.
4. Take it out and whip for a few minutes before adding the 3 capsules of Vitamin E oil, 0.1 oz Glycerine and 10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil and then whip for 10 alternating between high and medium speed. Remember to scrape the sides of the bowl while whipping.
5. Return the mix back to the fridge for 5 minutes.
6. Take out the butter add the remaining oils – 1.5 oz Virgin Coconut Oil, 0.5 oz Almond & Grapeseed Oil and whip for the final 5 minutes.
7. I like to use my whipped butter piping bag to transfer everything into containers but you can use a spatula or sandwich bag by cutting a small hole in the bag to squeeze out the whipped butter and you are done!

Have fun and let us know what you think! 

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The Twist Out: I love Afro Hydrate & Hold Crème Review

I've officially lifted the seal on my product ban, I've only been using  castor oil, water and shea, which has been working pretty well for me as I have been protective styling for over 6 months now. However summer is coming and wigs are far to hot to wear on a daily basis so I'll be rocking my fro a couple of times a week. the first product I gave a test run is I Love Afro Hydrate and Hold Crème. This a styling creme that leaves hair soft and shiny with a light hold which is great for maintaining Twist and Braid Outs. 

I'm not a huge fan of twist outs, I never seem to manage to get it looking full and curly, it always seems to end up kind of sticky outy [for want of a better description!] however Hydrate and Hold Creme has given me a step up in the game, and its not just a fluke, I've used the product several times and my twists outs have been on point. for best result I used as directed on damp hair, I use a generous amount of product on each two strand twist and left to air dry over night. The next day I unravelled and fluffed and was left with this beautifully textured twist out that was touchable. This style lasted me 3 days just a daily fluff and I was ready to go. 

I was pleasantly surprised by this product, it absorbed into my strands, I did expect to be left with an oily residue, as I've had this with other styling cremes. However due to the healthy amount of Avocado oil in  Hydrate and Hold [one of the few oils that penetrates the hair shaft] my hair was left with no residue and no flaking like I've found with some styling products intended to give a light hold. If I have some negative it would be the size of the product it's currently only available in a 120ml tub and I've already done half of that in just one week [because I've been testing it out I've probably used it a little more than a regular person] so it would be great if we could get it in a bigger size. But that is a minor thing, I love this product it will definitely make it to my re purchase list. www.iloveafro.co.uk 

Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice,Theobroma Cacoa (Virgin Cocoa Butter), Persia Gratissima (Avocado Butter), Olea Europeae (Olive) Fruit Oil, (Camelina) Sativa Seed Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol (BTMS), Linseed, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Oil, Glycerine, Cetyl Alcohol (Stabiliser), Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Chlorphenesin, (Mild Preservative), Parfum

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Leave-in Love| My favorite leave-in conditioners of all time.

 I realize that I've placed so much attention on finding the best deep conditioner that I've pretty much neglected a crucial wash day step.  Sure, the right deep conditioner can right a myriad of wrongs.  You can strengthen and moisturize your stressed tresses in one powerful step.  But, at the end of the day, the conditioner gets washed out and goes down the drain.  Then, we have the opportunity to "recondition" the hair in a lasting way.  But only if we have the absolute best leave in  we can get our hands on.

I've tried my share of leave-ins over the years.  But nothing can compare to this current line up.  I'm looking for products that can bring heavy moisture, detangle like no one's business, and protect the hair during the heavy manipulation that occurs post wash.  Here are my faves.

It's a 10 Leave In
Due to my own neglect, I'm often plagued with these massive, destructive knots which require lots of manpower to rectify.  When this happens, the man for the job is It's a 10!  Whenever I get an email from some poor soul who's contemplating chopping off her hair because of the sheer amount of knots she has to contend with, I instruct her to go out and by this leave-in.  It's like the go-to leave in whenever emergencies arise.  It's a 10 boast of giving the hair 10 benefits but, to me, the detangling power is unmatched.

Biolage Keratin Dose.
Well, almost unmatched.  Biolage stepped up it's game in a major way when it launched the Keratindose leave in.  This stuff had me signing it's praises.   Detangling and conditioning all in one magnificent package.  The actual product has the consistency of a creamy, hydrating conditioner but is applied using a spray bottle just like any other run of the mill leave-in.  I also give it extra points for being a powerful product on wet or dry hair.  I can literally use it as a moisturizer in the L.C.O process.  Oh, I should also mention that I'm picking up a box of the Biolage Keratindose concentrate. It comes in little tubes that is applied to the hair like an intensive treatment. It's formulated with silk amino acids and a "professional level of keratin."  Lookout for a review in the future.

Biolage Daily Leave-In Tonic
Although Keratindose is absolute perfection, I still love and will always reach for the daily leave in tonic when I rollerset.  In my humble opinion, Biolage Daily Leave in is the most moisturizing, watery leave in, I can get my hands on.  Just like the Keratindose, the actual product looks like a conditioner but in a lighter consistency.  There's nothing bad I can say about this leave-in.  It's absolutely the best light, conditioning leave-in that I've ever tried.

Grund Tiger Protein Reconstructor Leave-In Spray
I had a leave-in that softened the hair, and a couple that detangled, but I had nothing to reinforce my hair with additional strength.  I searched and searched until I somehow stumbled on Grund Tiger Protein Reconstructor.  Although I'd never heard of the brand before, I relied on the glowing reviews and the high price point as a sign that this could be a solid product.  And boy was I right.  What I love about this spray is that it does strengthen and reinforce the hair but without out none of the unwanted stiffness one might expect from spraying a protein laden product on the hair.  To me, Grund's protien spray is worth every single cent.   I don't use it all over but instead focus on weaker areas and on the ends.  It's darn good stuff.   They also have a protein moisture mist which also received great reviews from the people who've tried it.  I don't need another moisture leave-in but I'm so tempted to try it.  If it's as good as their protein spray with a boost of moisture, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

Nexxus' Pro Mend Split End Binding Leave-In
Honorable mention goes to Nexxus' Pro Mend Split End Binding Leave-In Creme.  It's the heaviest of all the leave-ins I own.  I like a thicker product for when I'm deep into my stretch and need something a little heartier to manage my mane.  All though it's meant for split end repair, I use it all over.  I mean, the active ingredient alone should make you want to try it.  Seeing video of split ends sealing back up still brings chills down my spine.  Make sure to apply a watery leave-in underneath to add moisture then layer on the leave-in cream to seal it in.  This stuff will have your ends on point!  If frizzy, unruly ends are your issue, give this baby a try.  I also like how it provides a bit more sleekness to my hair, almost like it's sealing my cuticle layer while taking care of my damaged ends.

One realization I've made while writing this post is how I've neglected the proper use of leave-ins the last several months.  My plan is to organize them all together so I have the entire crew with me on wash day making sure I use the right one for the job depending on my hair's needs.  I've experimented with a post wash L.C.O using Aveda moisturizer on dripping wet hair (just out of the shower) and layering with oil.  This time, I'll utilize these leave-in moisturizers and layer with oil.  I suspect I'll get an even better result since these products are made for moisturizing already damp hair.

These are my absolute faves. If you have a leave in that works magic on your hair, leave a comment below.



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Ask the White Guy: Do Blacks Need to Relax Their Natural Hair to Get Promoted?

Question: 

I am a Black woman from continental Africa who chooses to have natural Black hair, not relaxed or chemically altered in any way. I wear my natural hair not as some political statement but because it is the hair that God gave me and intended me to have, just as it was intended for some Caucasians to have blue eyes or blond hair. 

I have heard about women and men of African descent being overlooked for promotions or outright being fired because they choose to wear their natural hair, braids, twists, mini Afros, locs and so forth. I understand that you do not represent all white people nor do you speak for the whole white race, but I wanted to know if whites in general feel disdain for natural Black hair in corporate America, or is it just an overblown issue? 

Also, I have heard that the more “African” you look–dark-skinned, coarse hair (think Wesley Snipes, Whoopi Goldberg)–the more ignored and overlooked you will be in the workplace … and the more light-skinned or “whiter” you appear (think Halle Berry or Beyoncé) you appear, the easier it is to get promotions. Is this really all true? Are there “preferred” Blacks in corporate America? Isn’t diversity supposed to be inclusive of everyone–natural hair, blue eyes, fine hair, etc.? 

Also, why does wearing natural hair, braids, locs, twists or any “Black” hair style that accommodates and is more healthy for our hair structure have to always be perceived as something negative, or worse, “political”? Why does the coarse hair on my head need to relaxed or chemically altered to be “presentable” in the workplace? Please be honest.

Answer:

There’s no doubt in my mind that Black people have been overlooked for promotionsbecause of natural hair or darker skin color. Psychological tests show that people most trust people who look like them. Since white men run most corporations in this country, straightened hair and/or lighter skin is going to be an advantage (disturbing, but let’s keep it real).

However, allowing a bias like this to go unchecked is detrimental to business, as hair texture has no connection to talent or ability. An inability to manage past immaterial things like this makes a company less competitive.

This is where diversity management returns on investment. Companies that manage past bias and hire, mentor and promote equitably have better talent. They are also better prepared for the future as our country becomes more diverse. Our DiversityInc Top 50 data proves that representation is tied to recruitment and retention.

This isn’t a theory; it’s a reality for companies that earn a spot on The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity. DiversityInc Top 50 companies have up to twice as much representation of Black, Latino and Asian people in management than the overall management work force in the United States.

Equity equals quality. That means a corporate culture that is so out of touch with reality as to not have good diversity management is not a good place for anyone to work–not just Black people.

If you think your company “isn’t ready for natural hair,” then you should check out our career center right now.

However, please consider this carefully: President Obama won a decisive majority of white people’s votes and diversity was a key factor in determining the 2012 election, so if you think your company really isn’t “ready for that,” it may be that your perception is out of date.

I think America is ready for the Black women (and men, but this is mostly a woman’s issue) in our lives to be more natural with their hair–and I’m looking forward to it.

Luke Visconti’s Ask the White Guy column is a top draw on DiversityInc.com. Visconti, the founder and CEO of DiversityInc, is a nationally recognized leader in diversity management. In his popular column, readers who ask Visconti tough questions about race/culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability and age can expect smart, direct and disarmingly frank answers.

Shikakai Powder for Cleaner, Healthier Natural Hair

by Sabrina Perkins
As more women encompass natural ways to care for themselves and their bodies, gravitating to yesteryear’s methods for high quality beauty maintenance and reducing their carbon footprint is appealing and gaining momentous traction. Nothing wrong with loving the latest and the greatest in beauty and personal care, but if you want to tap into Mother Nature’s garden of natural treasures, you merely have to take a lesson in history. We all want healthy, lustrous hair and our world is bombarded with new man-made products to try, but many women are taking greener pathways to beautification.

For thousands of years people in India have used a holistic approach to healthcare called Ayurveda therapy. Ayurveda means “the knowledge for long life” and this alternative pathway to wellness strives to retain harmony between the mind, body, and spirit while keeping illnesses at bay. According to the University of Minnesota, the durability of this holistic therapy is significant, as 90% of India’s population still uses some form of Ayurveda therapy today.

Using Ayurvedic powders for hair care has resurfaced as a viable option for people who choose natural ingredients for cleansing, conditioning, and even coloring their tresses. Far from new but gaining popularity, Ayurvedic powders have been pushed to the forefront for excellent hair care must-haves. A hugely popular one is shikakai powder and for good reason.

What is shikakai powder?
Shikakai powder comes from the shrub-like tree that grows in central India and shikakai translates to “hair-fruit” or “fruit for hair”. The fruit bark, leaves, and pods are ground together to make the powder, which is often used to make a slightly acidic shampoo. Shikakai powder can cleanse the hair and scalp without stripping it of natural oils because of the low pH levels. Before commercial shampoos, the women of India used shikakai powder and reetha (soapnuts) to cleanse their tresses. This powder is perfect for individuals who prefer a low foaming cleanser and with its anti-dandruff properties it is also appreciated. Shikakai is high in vitamins A, C, D, E, and K and antioxidants, which are essential for healthy and rapid hair growth. Not just great as a shampoo, this powder also has amazing detangling properties. Mix it with amla to can condition your curls and protect the scalp.

Shikakai cleanser

• 2-3 tbsp. shikakai powder
• 2-3 tbsp. water 
• Mix powders and water into a runny paste. 
• Let the paste set overnight at room temperature. 
• Apply to hair the following morning and work the paste through the hair and scalp with fingers. 
• Allow it to sit in the hair for 15- 20 min. and work into the scalp again before rinsing thoroughly until water runs clear. 
• Apply a heavy oil like coconut oil if the shikakai paste if difficult to rinse out. 

Simple shikakai & neem hair pack 

• Shikakai powder
• Neem powder
• Yogurt (or favorite natural conditioning agent) 
• Mix equal parts of powders and yogurt into a thick paste. 
• Apply to scalp and allow to sit for 15-20 min. 
• Rinse well and style as usual.

Check out this tutorial by Duchess Gabrielle

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Style Obsession | Off the Shoulder (+ how to)

...a hint of understated sensuality with minimal effort.

You know how everyone has their favorite and most flattering body part?  It could be your ultra toned legs, curvaceous back, or tiny waist.  Or, maybe you're going through that phase in life where you favorite parts aren't as show stopping as they used to be.  No worries, there's one part on everyone's body that is undeniably feminine yet rarely gets it's props.

I'm referring to the oh so subtle "off the shoulder." I've always stayed away from wearing this look because, to me, peek a boo shoulders were even more risque than a tiny skirt.  A woman with an exposed shoulder is confident in herself while appearing ultra casual and nonchalant.  She's not trying to be sexy.....she just is.

In my dresser lies a heap of old, unattractive t-shirts.  In their present form, they instantly rob me of any sex appeal or style.  But, if I were to get a little creative, those homely t-shirts can easily be transformed to stylish casual wear that I'd actually want to wear even in public.

Now, I know for some of us, walking around with shoulders exposed might feel a bit much. I'm one of those people who's always wearing a bra 24/7.  In order to partake in the shoulder revealing trend, I've amassed a small collection of bandeaus for added support without having to worry about cumbersome straps.  But, in all honestly, the "off the shoulder" can also be executed with a little peak-a-boo strap.  Just make sure it's not an actual bra strap.  Your other options are a bathing suit strap (for those hot summer days) or a super cute cami.

One of my weekend projects will be to transform several of my frumpy tees into flattering tops.  I'm looking forward to accessorizing my exposed neck and shoulders with dainty necklaces and finishing off with a flirty fragrance.




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We Are Obsessed With The 4C Natural TWA – 20 Women Who Rock Their TWA Fiercely [Gallery]

The post We Are Obsessed With The 4C Natural TWA – 20 Women Who Rock Their TWA Fiercely [Gallery] appeared first on Black Hair Information.

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The Top 8 Ways To Keep Your Summer Hair Color From Fading

 BY PETRA 

Did you just get a fresh color job? Of course you did, it is Summer time, well almost, so maybe color is still on your agenda for this year and you have not taken the plunge yet.

If you are still thinking about it or if you have already committed to your color then this post is a great one for you to read.

Once you head to the salon and get your color, the onus is now on you to keep your color as long as you can because if you got it professionally done, chances are you paid a pretty penny for it.

Here is what you need to do to maintain your Summer color once you get it:

1. Do not shampoo your hair too often

I have a serious problem with this because to be quite honest if you have a scalp that is prone to build up then shampooing your hair weekly or ‘often’ is a must.

What you have to do is focus on your scalp and shampoo your hair very quickly to avoid your color fading. There really is no getting around it though, shampoo will fade your color and that is just a fact.

2. Do not wash your hair right after you get your color done

We advise that when you finally get your color wait for the pigment to settle before washing your hair. The idea here is to allow your cuticles to lay flat sealing the pigment in. If you jump in the shower right after you get the color done you will end up losing a lot of dye. (wait 72 hours)

3. Washing your hair with hot water

Hot water of very warm water would open up the cuticles in your hair strand and release more dye into your shower than you probably want.

The best thing to do is rinse your hair in luke warm to cold water, this preserves the color and keeps it from fading.

4. Avoid hard water

Hard water should be avoided at all costs anyway, but if you live in an area that is known for hard water and you must use it to wash your hair your color will become dull over time.

Invest in a shower filter; you will need one, and if you need to know which ones to purchase, read this post.

5. Use sulfate free shampoo’s

Sulfates strip your hair of moisture and it will also strip your color away as well. Using a sulfate free shampoo will do the job of cleansing your scalp but you wont have to worry about your hair being stripped of its color and its moisture.

6. Pre poo

When you pre poo with oils it helps to protect the strand from the harsh effects of shampoo as well, so doing a hot oil treatment before cleansing is a great idea for preserving hair color.

7. Use a color depositing conditioner

These conditioners can help to preserve your color more than you would if you just used regular conditioner. Your color will not be first day vibrant but it will at least last a little longer than it would normally.

We have a few suggestions for you to try Aveda Clove Conditioner for those of you with lighter shades or medium browns. Then there is Joico Color Infuse Red Conditioner for our red heads!

8.  Avoid the sun

Sun damage is real ya’ll especially in the warmer months but also in the Winter. Not only can the sun damage your hair, it can fade your color as well.

The best option is to wear a hat when you plan to have a day out in the sun, and wear sunscreen on your hair. There are a number of products to choose from on the market for sun protection, Paul Mitchel has a sun protecting product you can try as well as Aveda.

However if you prefer a more natural approach to sunscreen you should read this post that lists the top 7 natural oils that have SPF in them.

Touching things up

Just a note on touching up your roots because many of us like to do this when our color starts to grow out and we want to avoid having two toned hair. If you are using a touch up product on your hair that can be matched perfectly to your color then touching up might help to extend your color.

However using a box color to touch up salon color is a big no no because the chances of you matching is next to impossible.

Your best bet is to go to the salon and ask them to touch up your roots for you so that you can extend the life of the color you have.

Our number one rule despite the need to have fun with our hair is never to sacrifice the health of your hair for the sake of preserving a chemical job. This means that if you need to keep your scalp clean then you have to do what you have to do. If your hair has build up and needs to be clarified you have to clarify regardless of if your color fades or not.

Comment below and let us know if you plan to color your hair this Summer!

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Craving | Dr Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense (the even skin sunscreen)

My current wish list is pretty short.  And on top of that list is an new and better sunscreen.  You see, ever since I've been practicing the Korean layering regimen, come to expect quite a lot from each product in my routine.  All the serums are doing a bang up job of addressing my various skin issues.  But I feel like my sunscreen needs to work a little harder to contribute to my overall goals.

Sure, the one I currently use is high SPF and does a decent job at blocking out the harmful rays (I suppose), but I'm ready for the next level of sun protection that addresses uneven skin tone.  I know that the simple act of wearing sun protection daily does have positive effect on managing dark marks. Yes, I understand that sunscreen is vital to helping promote perfectly even skin.  But, now that we've ventured into the world of BB & CC creams that boast of having multi-level benefits, I expect my sun protection to do the same.

Which is why I have my eyes set on Dr. Dennis Gross' Dark Spot Defense SPF 50.  It's a paraben free sunscreen that claims to moisturize, prevent and minimize hyperpigmentation while loading the skin with beneficial antioxidants.  I'd love to complete my skin care routine with a product with multi-level benefits.  It appears to be a fairly new product because there aren't that many reviews online.   This one is from a happy customer.

WOW!!

I have been looking for a face lotion with high SPF and this does above and beyond that. Not only does it not leave a greasy mess on your face after you apply it or if you start to sweat, it has vitamin c and e which is vital for your skin in order to prevent signs of aging. I would recommend this product!

I'm not an expert in ingredients but I saw a few things that caught my eye. Glycolic acid to help lighten dark spots via exfoliating the dead skin cells.  This super sunscreen contains plant oils such as  olive, evening primrose,  and echium oil (which boasts of omega 3,6, &9).  Not to mention vitamins C + E which load your skin with antioxidants and black rice extract which is also rich in antioxidants. I also appreciate that it contains glycerine which I suspect will help provide a moisturizing quality to the formula.  My current line up of sunscreens are too drying for my taste. After reviewing all this sunscreen has to offer, I just don't get that excited about what I currently use.  I need something that compliments this new skin care regimen and helps take my skin to the next level.

I suspect it won't be long until I have this product sitting on my dresser.

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PERM RODS on 4c Natural Hair

FTC - Not Sponsored / all products used were purchased with my own money.
Products Used:-
Warm Water mixed with Olive Oil (in glass spray bottle)
Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner
Denman Brush
Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Serum
48 Large & Extra Large Perm Rods (from Superdrug)

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3 Amazing Deep Conditioners Under $10

by Elle D

It’s no surprise that deep conditioning is a staple in many natural haired women’s regimens – protein-moisture balance is a key component to retaining length and preventing breakage. Most recommend deep conditioning at least once a week and several of us have a lot of hair, so it can get a bit expensive to rely on deep conditioners that cost $20 for 8 oz. When I deep condition my hair, most regular sized bottles only last me 2-3 uses. With weekly treatments, that can cost $40 for deep conditioning alone per month. Wow.
So, I decided to seek out inexpensive deep conditioners that I can purchase locally. At first it was a little difficult depending on where I shopped (CVS didn’t really yield great results), but I ended up finding some awesome deep conditioners that I’ve added to my staples. Check ’em out!

Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Smooth Deep Conditioning Treatment

Cost: About $5 for 8oz.
Aussie Moist is a staple for many naturals as a rinse out conditioner, but have you tried the 3-Minute Miracle treatments? This one will leave you have super buttery and smooth, and the bottle is so convenient to use in the shower. No cap, no jar — the conditioner squeezes right out of the bottle, minimizing wasting conditioner. Be careful if you practice the Curly Girl (CG) Method though, this one does contain Bis Aminopropyl Dimethicone. However, this cone is not supposed to accumulate on top of itself (which causes build-up), so you may be okay.

Hask Deep Conditioners

Cost: $5.99 for 6oz or $2.99 for 1.75oz
Hask released a line of deep conditioners that I have 100% fallen in love with. And bonus? They contain strengthening proteins, but still leave hair soft, which usually doesn’t happen for me unless I’m using Curl Junkie Repair Me!, which retails at around $30 for 12oz. I’ve used their Argan Oil Repairing, Monoi Oil Nourishing, and Macadamia Oil Moisturizing versions, and I love them all. I’d say that the Argan version is a bit more strengthening than the Macadamia and Monoi versions (my hair feels a little stronger after it, but still soft). I wish these came in MUCH bigger sizes (like, 32oz), but at $5.99 (at Ulta, and I usually have a coupon) a pop, I don’t really mind hauling or making a quick trip to the store to get more.

Giovanni 2 Chic Ultra-Repair Intensive Hair Mask

Cost: $8.99 for 5.1oz
This Giovanni DC is a little more expensive (and thicker) than the other conditioners I’ve mentioned, but it’s still a pretty good deal. The smell of blackberry and coconut milk is absolutely delicious, and this DC will leave your hair smooth (especially on the ends). It does contain dimethicone, but it’s close to the bottom while all the yummy ingredients are towards the top.

Looking for a more detailed review of these conditioners? Check out my YouTube video, where I go into each DC more in depth.

What are some of your favorite inexpensive deep conditioners?

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17 Popular Natural Hair Youtubers That Slay Us Daily With Glamorous Pictures [Gallery]

The post 17 Popular Natural Hair Youtubers That Slay Us Daily With Glamorous Pictures [Gallery] appeared first on Black Hair Information.

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Do this today to ensure a powerful month ahead.

I recall a time when I worked with a supervisor to create a 30 day action plan for one of her lower performing managers.  We discussed all of the actions and goals that needed to be met within the 30 day timeline.  A little time passed and the supervisor reached out to me to provide a status update on the progress made within the past 30 days.  I could hardly believe that 30 days went by so quickly.  While she was going over her manager's metrics and results with me, all I could think about is how little I accomplished within that 30 days.

From that moment, I decided that at the start of each month, I too would create a few small personal goals instead of letting 30 days just slip away.  A new month is basically a fresh start.  A new opportunity to cause something new & different to appear into my life.  Since were only a few days away I thought it would be a good time  to create the month ahead.

I believe there's power in having a clear, organized space.  The more time I invest in creating my ideal environment, the more benefits I get to enjoy.  This month, I'd like to target the little pockets of clutter that I have in certain areas around my home.  I'd really like to build a solid foundation from which all of the other goals I have can be easily accomplished.  Creating that ideal environment will strengthen my foundation by raising my energy levels and focus.  It makes everything else I do just a bit more powerful. Simply put, I will clear and organize my workspace before beginning my day and eliminate at least three areas of clutter in the month of June.

A start of a new month is the perfect opportunity to create and strengthen new routines.  One habit I'm currently cultivating is consistent work outs.  Days ago, I purchased a membership to a small gym located within walking distance from my home.  I call this the "no excuse" gym 'cause I literally can be there within 2-3 minutes.  So far, this has been working out great. Fitting in daily workouts have never been easier.

Another routine I'd like to build is waking up and working early.  Years ago, I was diligent about this practice.  The earlier I woke up, the better.  With extra time in the day, I worked on my master plan, watched motivational videos, meditated, learned new skills, etc.  I can't tell you how much value I received in return from the extra time investment.  Now that I have no where to be at a certain time, I've been waking up around 7:00 am.  For some, that's still early but truthfully, it's not early enough.  There's not enough time to work on life investment activities.  In the month ahead, I'm going to experiment with early rising (between 4:00 am and 5:00 am), once again, for the purpose of building momentum in reaching my goals.  I had a remarkable day last week when I started my day at 5:00 am.   I was ultra productive from morning to night.  It was incredible.  I definitely want to recreate this day over and over again.

When I fantasized about having time freedom, I painted a picture of what this ideal life would be.  What I realize is that this ideal life doesn't just happen.  I have to schedule these moments otherwise, they don't happen.  This upcoming month I'll carve out time for social interactions, plan travel, and schedule other things that usually get placed on the back burner if I'm not careful. One area I've been consistent in is booking appointments for stress relieving massages.  I purchase a package of 4 sessions and schedule them in advance.  Those 90 minute massages mean the world to me.  I'd like to replicate the system of prescheduling beneficial activities in all areas of my life.

Every month, I'd like to invest a certain amount of time to building/creating/nurturing a project that will create results for years to come.  Examples of this could be developing new products, purchasing a program to help improve my business results, working with a coach/mentor.  This month, I accomplished one objective which should have long term impact in my business.  Next month, I'd like to do that again, and again, and again.  Essentially, I'm creating a snow ball effect of positive momentum.  If I replicate this month after month, the results at the end of the year will be undeniable.  My goal this week is to identify that high impact action for June and implement ASAP.

Just a few small actions to transform the month ahead.  My future self will be very grateful.



from Relaxed Hair Health http://ift.tt/1Kk6yiw

Boston University Student, Summer Arlexis Proves That Black Girls Can Recreate Disney Princess Hairstyles Too [Gallery]

The post Boston University Student, Summer Arlexis Proves That Black Girls Can Recreate Disney Princess Hairstyles Too [Gallery] appeared first on Black Hair Information.

Meet Summer Arlexis the Boston University senior who recreated Disney Princess hairstyles using her Senegalese twists.

Princess Aurora was recreated with a slight split down the middle and two flat twists attached with clear rubber bands

Summer created Belle's hair by separating her hair into two halves, creating twists on the sides and a high bun with gold accessory.

To create Cinderella's look Summer separated some hair in the front and created a pompadour. Then she made a high bun accented with a blue ribbon.

Elsa's look is very pretty! It involves creating two sections and braiding one into the other using a French braid technique. Secure the ends with a band and Elsa is perfect!

Princess Jasmine is also very beautiful. Summer said she twisted bundles of her hair towards the back and made a low pony tail. Then she used a second and third hair tie to section off smaller ponytails to form Jasmine’s iconic pony.

Snow White is a pretty easy style to create, you will need a faux bob. Summer created the bob with a low ponytail tucking the ends. Her rose head band looked similar to Snow White's bow and the look worked.

We all know and love princess Tiana. To create her look all you need is a super neat high bun and a tiara. Summer did just that and Tiana came to life!

She admitted she cheated with Pocahantas because really all you have to do is let your hair down

from Black Hair Information http://ift.tt/1FbALgh

The Collective: United Kurls

The highlight of Curlvolution for me was seeing memebers of the United Kurls Collective on stage. United Kurls are a collective of female UK natural hair brand owners who have come together to support one another.

"We bring together the finest UK home grown natural haircare brands to create a platform and spread awareness about truly trusted UK haircare brands.

United Kurls was formed so that members of the collective may better serve the UK and Global consumers with useful information, quality products and services that would truly benefit them."

United Kurls includes Shea Butter Cottage, I Love Afro, Mane Divas, Shea Decadence, Almocado, Naturally Simple Haircare, Afrodeity, Curly by Nature and BeUnique Haircare. I'm so proud to know some of these women personally though blogging and the natural hair community. Their energy individually is so positive combined they are off the chart.

I can not stress enough how important it is that we support UK natural hair brands especially those run by female entrepreneurs. Not only is this helping to boost the UK economy but it is helping to lift up women in a positive way. The collective is proof that working together is possible, proof that black women support each other.

As a blogger I think it is important to support these brands, when I call myself a holistic blogger, it not just about my leaning towards organic and natural beauty, it's about being a whole blogger, doing good for your cause, making a difference. I choose who I support very carefully it;s about the whole brand not just the size of the gifted donation. it's also about showing your support After you have done your review. actually spending your queen faces with these brands following their journey and being consistent. I tried to pick up some things from everyone in the collective this is a small selection of my haul from Curlvolution

The lovely ladies at I Love Afro gifted me their awesome new product hydrate and hold cream [thank you ladies I shall be reviewing this soon!]

of cause I purchased from auntie Akua of Sheabutter Cottage, stocking up on my much loved Haitian castor oil and a few new items Like the Loofah Oil and the Hibiscus & Allanblackia deep conditioner.

Finally got the chance to buy from Almocado, I got the Curl Jelly which I've heard is a sub for Eco Styler.

I also got hold of the Mango Lassi hair milk for Freya from Shea Decadence and was gifted the Clay Hair Masque which I can not wait to use.

from Natural Belle http://ift.tt/1EsAOTl