Moisturize like a Pro! Welcome to the world of Professional Daily Hair Moisturizers.

Aveda Daily Hair Repair | Nexxus Leave In Moisturizer | Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defense | KeraCare Oil Moisturizer | Paul Mitchell Instant Moisture Daily Treatment.

Some of us have made worth while investments into professional quality deep conditioners, masks and treatments in search of perfectly healthy hair.  Once we fork out our hard earned cash for pricier products, we expect to receive high quality ingredients and amazing results in return.  Over the years, I've found many wonderful staples because I've stepped out of my comfort zone and invested in higher quality.  Now my curiosity leads me to explore the world of daily moisturizers from professional brands.

In my search for the "pro-moisturizers". I realized that most professional brands just don't make a daily leave-in moisturizing product.  Probably because their client base doesn't really use such a product on a daily basis.  But don't you worry, there were plenty of brands who understand the need for instant moisture (and hair repair) day in and day out.

AVEDA DAMAGE REMEDY (Naturally Repairs + Protects)
This product has been a staple of mine for years.  I'm not a fan of thick moisturizers for fear of product build up.  This product is light, creamy and practically melts into my strands.  I also appreciate the addition of quinoa protein (which has a low molecular weight) to provide a bit of strength.  Because it's an Aveda product, this moisturizer is loaded with botanicals and extracts.  Even if I add other moisturizers to my rotation, this Aveda Damage Remedy will always be a staple.

Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defense
After being blown away by Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer Extreme pre-poo treatment, I asked myself, "I wonder if they have a daily moisturizer?" Turns out they have a liquid daily-leave in to aid in elasticity, detangle, and help protect the hair during styling.  In an effort to further boost moisture levels, I'll be experimenting with substituting water in my L.C.O regimen with a liquid moisturizer.  This product just might be just what my hair needs.

KeraCare Oil Moisturizer
I love Keracare's Sulfate Free Shampoo. I adore their Humecto conditioner. I'm sure my hair will also fall in love with their oil moisturizer.  Way back in the day, I used Motions oil moisturizer on a daily basis (and Luster's Pink Oil Moisturizer before that). Maybe Keracare's moisturizer is the next evolution of oil moisturizers.  Oil moisturizers are perfect for when you need a heavier level of moisture (like when you are doing high manipulation styles).  I love how the product already comes loaded with oil which can save time in having to layer/seal with oil.  They're also great to travel with or to keep in your bag because one product usually does the trick.  I've added Keracare's Jojoba Oil Moisturizer to my cart.  Will review once I've had a chance to try it.






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How To Mix Your Henna For Your Next Application

We get a few questions about henna mixing from time to time and as such we have written about it quite a bit on the blog. Henna is basically an all natural powder that when used on your hair acts sort of like a conditioning protein treatment.

If you find that your hair is weak or thinning, using henna will fill in some of the gaps on the strands as the dye binds to the strand making it stronger with every use.

The most unique thing about using henna is the rich red color it gives your hair when you use it. If you go into the sun it will look as if your hair is a glossy shiny red which looks amazing if you like the color.

Mixing henna can be very confusing because not everyone does it in the same manner. The best way to think about mixing your henna is basically to work on the basis that you want something that is easy to apply and you need to add something to the powder to help with releasing the dye.

When you mix your dye you need something acidic or at a pH level of about 5.5 to allow for maximum dye release. It is recommended that you use lemon juice, but like in the below video you can use some freshly brewed tea as well.

Youtuber Fresh Lengths also adds some essential oils to her mix to help with the smell of her mix however if you do not mind the smell you can skip that step.

What you will need

1. Henna powder – body art quality henna means that the henna is free of any additives and is in its purest form.

2. Tea or lemon juice

3. essential oils (optional)

Measurements will be determined by your own hair, meaning if you have very long hair, you will need more henna and tea than a lady with a TWA.

Add the tea to your henna slowly so that you get the consistency of a paste, and it is not too stiff or too runny. You want your mix to look like yogurt.

Watch this video for a visual demonstration on how to mix your henna:

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Into The Gloss: Cipriana & TK Quann

via: Into The Gloss

Photographer: Tom Newton

 

Cipriana Quann: We grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, but we’ve lived in New York for about a decade now. When we first came to New York, we were scouted on the street by a model agent. I made it into a career for 10 years, but my sister, TK, absolutely hated it. I didn’t enjoy it either, but I was better at hiding it than she was.

 

My hair was a big concern for the majority of my jobs. They either wanted me to straighten it or turn it into a looser curl, because I have afro-texture hair. As a model, I understand that you’re supposed to be a canvas for the client to create the look that they think is beautiful and will sell, but I had to go home looking that way at night and it was really impacting my self-esteem. I just didn’t feel that it was right, so I decided that I needed to get out of that business.

 

I started Urban Bush Babes with Nikisha Brunson as a platform where women could feel comfortable being themselves. We wanted to focus on things like beauty and fashion, but also on arts and culture and interesting interviews. Then, a few years later, my sister joined as one of the major contributors on the site.

 

 

TK Quann: I really became involved when the site covered our first New York Fashion Week. Photographers will pay attention to our site because of how we style ourselves and how we showcase vintage finds that don’t break the bank. That’s how things really snowballed for us. I’ll cover that, and then I’ll write music and opinion pieces as well. Beyond being a writer, I also rap, sing, and write songs now. I’ve opened for N.E.R.D, Erykah Badu, and a bunch of others.

 

Cipriana: So much of our inspiration comes from people like Solange, Diane Keaton, Lisa Bonet, and Shingai Shoniwa from the Noisettes—and our mom! She has always been super fashionable. She used to dress us is the greatest outfits, but our interest in fashion didn’t really start until we came to New York.

 

TK: When I first moved, I used to wear crazy stuff like zebra print skirts and goth over-the-knee boots and a sequined skull t-shirt. I look back and think, ‘She had a lot of confidence.’ I’ve always been comfortable with myself. I think the greatest thing about fashion is that it’s really not about pleasing other people. It’s about how you feel.

 

TK: When we were younger, we really idolized our mom. She had this beautiful natural hair. I can’t really recall any other black women wearing their hair that way besides our mom. And then one day she had it processed and we were like ‘Oh, we want to look like mom.’ So we had our hair processed, which means using chemicals to make it straighter. Then our dad decided it was too expensive, and he wasn’t going to pay for it anymore. So I grew out my natural hair a few inches, chopped off the processed strands, and wore my hair in cornrows for a while until it grew it. For me, it was just hair. I was 16 or 17, so I didn’t really think too much about it. I always felt comfortable.

 

I remember getting a lot of flack for it in Maryland. This was before the natural hair movement, so people weren’t as accepting. And then I came to New York, and people didn’t care. No one judges you here.

 

Cipriana: As I mentioned, I felt very insecure about my hair when I was modeling. I was envious of my sister’s freedom. I’m not sure if I hated my hair, but I definitely didn’t like it. My sister only did it once, but I processed my hair multiple times and one time it all fell out. I called my sister crying. It was a very traumatic experience. I can laugh about it now, but it took me years to really love my hair. For me, hair is a physical manifestation of my self-confidence. So the more comfortable I become, the bigger my hair gets. My updos came about because I was feeling so confident and loved my hair so much that I decided to really go for it. I wasn’t hiding anymore.

 

I think the natural hair movement is getting a lot of traction because of social media. It’s helping to break barriers and give people access to platforms they didn’t have a few years ago. Now, young girls see images of women of all colors and shapes and hair textures, and I think it’s really inspiring everyone to be braver. It’s not just about hair—it’s also about feeling comfortable and being yourself and saying to the world, ‘Here I am. If you don’t like it, tough luck.’ It’s great to see women celebrating all forms of beauty and not just the one ideal.

 

Cipriana: Diet and exercise are important to us, too. My gym opens at 6am, so I get up a 5am every morning to work out. Sometimes 4am if I need to write something. Exercise is so great because it releases endorphins, and we sweat all the bad stuff out, which is fundamental to beauty.

 

TK: My motto is ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ If you find something that works for you, you don’t need to try anything else. When it comes to soap and body wash, I’m not that adventurous. But when it comes to makeup, that’s another thing.

 

 

 

Cipriana: These days, our products are very similar. We both use…want to find out much more in our in-depth interview with ‘Into The Gloss’ that breaks down all of our beauty  essentials plus an incredible giveaway including a TON of our favorite hair, body and beauty products visit ‘Into The Gloss’ here

 

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The Head Wrap: DIY Hemmed Head Wrap + Pictorial How To

Hi dolls, so I'm finally doing a Head Wrap How To. There are a lot of lovely wraps available, however it is so simple to run some up yourself that look just as cute as the ones you can buy online or in store.

T O O L S:

• 100CM Square of fabric [fabric should be a stiff as possible, traditional wax print is best but a linen of a thick cotton will do]
• Pins
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine or Needle & Thread [hand sewing is fine it will just take longer] 

Take a large square of fabric this can be any pattern [the more vibrant the better] you will notice that one side of your fabric will be lighter than the other. fold the fabric into a triangle with the light side showing.

Pin the edges of your fabric to make sewing easier and ensure you get a nice straight edge.

using a sewing machine or needle and thread follow the edges of the fabric on both sides of the triangle.

Leave a space of 4 inches at the end of the last edge, this will be so we can turn our wrap the right way round.

Turn the wrap so the bright side of the fabric is on show, you should be left with a lovely double sided triangle. There will be a 4 inch gap. neaten the gap by folding the edges inwards. use your sewing machine to neatly hem the corner.

You will be left with a double sided practically seamless triangle wrap. the double sided element is ideal for creating beautiful wrap styles. I have found this style wrap almost always looks great with little effort [just a few knots here or there] the stiffer the fabric the better for really tall wraps, if you want to go bigger just increase your original square size. below is how I tie my signature wrap.

1. you're now ready to wrap like a pro
2. take your wrap and place the largest edge at the nape of your neck
3. ensure your wrap is even on both sides sand pull till taut
4. tie your wrap at the forehead and pull to secure
5. you should have two flaps that you can now play with to create your wrap
6. tie the flap nearest the front of your wrap to the flat nearest the back of your wrap
7. you should be left with a knotted puffy gathering of material atop your head
8. adjust your wrap by pulling it back or forward, puffing out the sides and tucking in some or all of the flaps
9. and you're done! 

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5 Must-Have Products for Color Treated Curly Hair

 It seems like everywhere you look, folks are taking the color plunge! Whether it be to accentuate a new cut, get out of a bored rut, or step out into summer a little brighter, more and more naturals are experimenting with hair color. That old tiiiiiired narrative of "you ain't natural if..." is fading into obscurity (thank God) and being replaced with a resounding #doyouboo, and I couldn't be happier. I've always been a huge fan of people doing whatever the heck they want to their hair, without regard for the opinions of others.

But this color thing, it can be tricky. And to be totally honest, I wish I would have taken the time to learn more about dye before taking the color plunge. This is one of those times where impromptu decisions got to override carefully thought out plans, and I had to invoke the spirit of "learn as you go" to keep my hair from falling out. Or to keep me from dyeing it back dark.

I've seen a number of naturalistas who took the color plunge run back in the dark direction, because they just couldn't deal with the dryness, dullness, frizz, breakage, and every other catastrophe that color can cause. I understand that totally. The truth of the matter is, dyeing your hair back dark just makes the hair look healthier. All of the underlying issues are still there -- just hidden behind deposited color that reflects light better. #truthtellingtime

So how the heck do you maintain your color and keep from going stir crazy with the dye drama? You're going to have to make some regimen changes, and get on board with a few realities about what you can expect from your hair. Then, there's the products. There will be products that you MUST have in your stash, because your hair will literally fall apart without them. Am I being dramatic? Maybe a smidgen. But seriously, I've watched more than enough wisps of red wash down the drain in the last 8 months to know...

6 Things to Consider Before Dyeing Your Natural Hair

Below is my "it" list. I originally wanted this list to be like 20 products long, but me in all my product junkie-ness pulled back seriously. I took a long hard look at my product inventory (I can't even call it a stash anymore), and made some firm decisions about what products are not just good, but absolutely necessary for my color treated curls. So below, you won't find tons and tons of what I like, love, and can rave endlessly about -- I'll be sharing what the product is, what it does, why you'd need it, and how to use it. Ready? Let's go!

June 2015 Curls!

Be Kekoa Be Clean
What it is: A co-wash/cleansing conditioner formulated for all hair types, but works especially well for dry, over-processed, and color-treated hair (textured and straight).
What it does: Cleanses, detangles, smooths, de-frizzes, hydrates, adds shine, and protects color.
Why you need it: To make wash day a whole heck of a lot easier. Hair with color is infinitely more delicate than non color-treated hair. You need a cleansing product that's gentle, effective, and has tons of slip and moisture to keep your strands from snapping as you comb and work through them. If your current co-wash isn't cutting it, look into Be Kekoa Be Clean to help make a seamless transition to a fuss-free wash day.
 How to use it: Like you would any other co-wash. Wet your hair, add Be Clean, add a little more water, and boom!

More: How to use Be Kekoa Be Clean

Zotos Professional 180PRO Miracle Repair Damage Eliminator
What it is: A high-intensity leave-in serum that delivers damage repair, conditioning, and strengthening proteins to help reduce the signs of breakage and damage in color treated and overprocessed hair.
What it does: Binds to the damage sites of the hair, strengthening and helping to prevent breakage.
Why you need it: To keep your hair from going down the drain -- seriously. If you feel like your hair going down the drain at an alarming rate, or breaking off into wisps every time you touch it, you need 180PRO Miracle Repair Damage Eliminator. It delivers an intense strengthening treatment to your hair that you leave-in, without making the hair feel dry or brittle. You can double-reinforce your hair by adding in another 180PRO Product. I'm not kidding either -- I tried it out over the course of like 4 wash days and saw absolutely stellar results in terms of diminishing breakage. Whether I like it most paired with Total Taming Foaming Smoother, Heat Rescue Leave-In Hydrator, Rapid Restorer, or Intense Reconstruct Conditioner -- I can't quite call it. But at the very least, 180PRO Miracle Repair Damage Eliminator will seriously curtail the amount of dye-related damage and breakage you experience
How to use it: After washing and deep conditioning, apply 180PRO Miracle Repair Damage Eliminator to your hair, starting with the ends (or most damaged sections) first. Smooth it into your strands, and proceed with styling as usual.

ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor
What it is: A lighter, less scary version of the 2-Step Protein Treatment that acts as a reconstructing treatment for heat and chemically damaged hair.
What it does: Strengthens and restores elasticity and softness to dry, damaged hair. Also helps remove mineral deposits from swimming pools and hard water.
Why you need it: This was the first product I went after once I realized my hair was beginning to show signs of breakage and limp curl syndrome. ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor whipped my curls back into shape. If you feel like your texture is beginning to loosen post dye job, or you used heat after color, I highly recommend the ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor. It's also a great conditioning treatment to help stop breakage and pH balance the hair -- which is especially great for hair that feels rough and constantly dry.
How to use it: Use as a conditioning treatment after cleansing. Work through the hair and scalp and leave on for 2-5 minutes. You can use it as your conditioner, or use it after deep conditioning for extra strength. It works either way.

More: 5 Best Deep Conditioners for Medium/High Porosity Hair

Roux Porosity Control Corrector Conditioner
What it is: A porosity equalizing conditioner that helps properly close the hair cuticle while strengthening and softening chemically treated tresses. It is designed to be a pre-treatment, but can be used post wash and condition.
What it does: Enhance shine, improve manageability, reduce frizz, strengthen the hair, improve moisture retention, lay the cuticle flat, decrease the "rough feel" of color treated hair.
Why you need it: If your hair is rough, frizzy, dull, difficult to detangle, or perpetually dry after color treatment, you likely need Roux Porosity Control Corrector Conditioner to help idle things out.
How to use it: As a pre-poo treatment or post-deep conditioning. Apply it generously from end to root, and allow it to sit for 30 seconds before rinsing.

More: Not sure about your porosity? Click here.

Coconut Oil
What it is: C'mon son.
What it does: EVERYTHING! Coconut oil will rescue your hair, add shine, reduce breakage and protein loss, improve your credit score, and help regrow your edges. But seriously, when applied to color treated hair, coconut oil helps improve elasticity, reduce breakage, mitigate protein loss during washing, add shine, and seal in moisture.
Why you need it: If for no other reason but the shine factor. I've noticed that coconut oil rescues my hair from looking super dull and dry. It also helps improve softness and moisture retention in hair that is perpetually dehydrated. By far, coconut oil outperforms other oils in terms of making color treated hair look and feel healthier.
How to use it: pre-poo with it, seal with it, scrunch it on your ends -- the possibilities are endless!

Stay tuned for my next post this week -- I'll be sharing all the answers from my color Q&A on Instagram!

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Natural Hair Hairstyles | 4 Simple Formal Hairstyles For Natural Hair (Blown Out)

Products Used:
Africa's Best Herbal Oil
KeraCare Wax Stick

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Monday Motivation | How to achieve your dreams, when you don't know what to do.

This week I got the chance to catch up with a few friends.  Working from home lessens the amount of social interactions I have so I was  extremely grateful to connect them.  What was interesting was that each of the conversations had one reoccurring theme.  They were unhappy with their current circumstances and desired something different.  One was in a career she loathed for over a decade, another was challenged with a position with no work life balance. Another was in an industry where layoffs were possibly in the future for her.  Basically, all of them wanted to experience a different version of the life they were living.

But what I kept hearing, over and over again, was how they didn't yet have the big idea that could lead them into working for themselves.  Or, as one described, she didn't have any passions or special talents to pursue and turn into a profitable venture.

If any of you fall into that category, you came to right place.  I've put a little thought and will offer my advice on how to create a new reality for your life but don't know exactly what you should be doing.

Tip #1. 
If I wanted to live a fulfilled life, while never having to work for someone again, the first thing I'd do is find others who've done it.  There are countless "I quit my job and now I get to live the life I want" stories on the internet.  The amount of inspiration available to you is immeasurable.  Find as many of those stories as possible and read them every chance you get.  Read them on your lunch break, on the weekend, and especially after a difficult day at work.  The more you read the more your mind will accept how easy it is to do.  I think a lot of people see this transition as this huge undertaking and they get scared.  Yeah, it's not easy to give up a high paying career especially when you amassed student loan debts to achieve it.  It feels kinda wasteful.  The last 4-5 months prior to my resignation, I flooded my mind with stories of high earners who left their high paying careers to experience the life they wanted.  I did this to break the attachment I had to my bi-weekly paycheck.  It also helped me to accept that a paycheck is just one way to make a healthy living and I had a choice to make of how I preferred to generate income.

Tip #2
The more stories you connect with, the more you realize that there is no "big idea."  I think we sometimes wait for that million dollar business idea to strike us before we start moving into action.  But, you'll soon realize that any idea can essentially generate income for you.  Everything can be monetized.  Everything.  If there's something you like to do as a hobby, check online to see if anyone turning that hobby into full time income.  Chances are, it's happening.  Study their business and find out what they did in the beginning to grow their current level.   Replication is the easiest way to save time.  Heck, even reach out to them if you have to.  I remember finding a really successful blogger in my city and emailing her to have lunch with me.  Unfortunately, she turned down my invitation but she invited me to her blogger's meetup group instead.  The first time I went, I stayed late and she offered to give me a ride back to my car.  We struck up a conversation in her car which lasted nearly 30 minutes.  I was filled with an incredible amount of inspiration that I'm grateful for to this day.

Tip #3 
One friend had an idea for a product that she already determined was in demand. Another friend wanted to revisit an idea she started last year but stopped working on.  Another identified her passion but didn't know what to do next.  The last friend kept repeating the mantra that she couldn't think of anything that could create an income for her.  All of them had one thing in common.  They were not IN ACTION.  Being IN ACTION simply means that at least 1 step was being taken to move closer to their goal.  The step can be in the form of an itty bitty baby step.  It didn't matter, as long as the person could say, "this what I'm doing."  

Being in action is the nutrient rich blood that will alter your reality.  Without action, your dreams are dead.   

I don't care what action you take.  Really, I don't care, as long as you are doing something.*
 I believe that moving towards something will cause it to also move towards you.  The slower you move towards it, the slower it moves towards you.  If you run towards it, your goals run just as quickly in your direction.  When you are talking about what you want [while standing still], it just stands there waiting for you.  I want you to picture your end result as a physical thing.  It's in an undisclosed location waiting for you.  And when you move into action, it moves with you.

"But what if I don't know what action to take?"  

When you don't know what to do, do what you know.  I honestly don't believe people when they say they don't know where to start.  I mean, I believe they believe in what they're saying.  But I don't believe that they don't really know what to do.  What I think is that they haven't put their mind into coming up with the very next step.  You don't need to know how to make a million dollars.   All you need to focus on is the very next step in front of you.  That's all!

I still live by the mantra that all you have to do is make that first $1.00.  You can't make your millions until you get that dollar.  On everyone's goal list for 2015 is to earn a dollar that wasn't given to them by their employer.  Bonus points if the dollar was earned passively.  That's when the real fun begins.


If you want to move into action in creating the life you want, send me an email so we can work together 1 on 1.

Have a highly successful week!





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