KINKY/CURLY MAGAZINE

Other Side of the Game

2010-03-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Color, highlights and a blow-out

Straight Hair!

If you're in Atlanta, ask for Mrs. C.J at Like The River Salon, 240 N. Highland Ave.

Victoria's Secret Haul!

2010-03-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

What are the odds that I scored a $500 card? I'll let you know April 1st.

Free SWAG from Victoria's Secret!

2010-03-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Sign up at VSPink.com and print a coupon for a FREE Pink tank (while supplies last) with any $10 purchase. Then, print the coupon for the $10 T-shirt dress, And receive a rewards card for $10 or more (up to $500)! Hurry, offer expires March 22! Love you, mean it!

Beautiful Skin is In!

2010-02-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

You know I can't hold out on my fellow Curlies. I've started a new skin care routine and I'm noticing IMMEDIATE results! Christine over at Temptalia.com interviewed Renee Rouleau, an esthetician who warns against over-exfoliating facial skin with the Clarisonic. Instead, she suggests alternating weeks of chemical and physical exfoliation, and using adequate moisturizer. Click here for the full interview.

Here's what I've been using for my dry skin. Make sure you choose products for your skin type.

Week 1
Cleanse with Philosophy Purity Made Simple
Exfoliate with Philosophy Microdlivery Peel (day 1)
Apply Reviva Labs Glycolic Acid facial toner (vitacost.com)
Moisturize with Philosophy Hope in a Jar Dry, Sensitive skin

Week 2
Cleanse using Oil-Cleanse Method
Exfoliate with Honey Olive Oil Sugar scrub, 2-3x/week (3 TB Olive Oil, 2 TB Honey, 1/2 C sugar)
Moisturize with Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew serum and
Philosophy Hope in a Jar

My skin is so clear, virtually pore-less. My face looks healthy and glowing. Old acne scars are fading and I don't need to wear foundation, just a bit of concealer. I am sticking with this routine, and I hope it works for you if you give it a try. Always remember to eat well, drink water, exercise and rest. Vitamins can also be a great supplement. Leave a comment and let us know what works for your skin!

UPDATE NEW! Shea-loe recipe

2010-01-27T09:56:00.000-08:00

I was so bummed when the last batch of shea-loe I made molded (ewww!), and the aloe vera separated from the shea butter. What a mess! I've since learned a few new things about mixing up this wonder-butter that heals my babies' eczema and softens my dry, winter skin and hair. Read on to learn more.

Recipe
1 C shea butter
1 Tb coconut oil
1/3 C combined oils- I like to mix vitamin E, a natural preservative (5,000 I.U), avocado, olive, almond and castor
1 Tsp honey, preservative
1/4 C aloe vera gel
10 drops tea tree e.o (preservative. no mold!)
10 drops rosemary e.o (preservative)
8 drops grapefruit and lavender e.o (fragrance. helps to balance the smell of tea tree and rosemary)

Create a double boiler by placing a glass bowl over a small pot of boiling water. Be careful not to let the bowl tip into the water. This will ruin your batch.

Add shea butter, coconut oil, 1/3 c oils to glass bowl, and allow to melt. Add honey while oils are hot. Stir gently. Remove glass bowl from heat and place on a surface for mixing. Add aloe vera gel to warm oil and mix using a hand mixer (often used for mixing cake batter).

The key to blending the aloe with the shea is mixing! Blend on low, then high, making sure to get air into the mix. This creates a fluffy, finished butter. Blend for about 15 minutes, then place glass bowl in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from freezer and blend again with mixer for about 2-5 minutes, or until the desired consistency. Add e.o and stir them in by hand. Transfer mixture to a clean, air-tight container with a lid. Place in refrigerator to set-up for a few hours.

I also like to label my batch with the date, so if it starts to look or smell funny, I know when to toss it. My last batch was January 12, so ar so good! Good thing everyone in my house uses it- it's almost gone!

What's in your spray bottle?

2010-01-27T09:37:00.000-08:00

If you're leaving twists in your hair for days, or weeks, at a time, it's important to add moisture daily. Lots of Curlies mist their hair with a DIY leave-in conditioner. Recipes vary, I change mine depending on what I have on hand. This is my current mix:

6 oz. spray bottle
squirt of fave conditioner
squirt of Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier
squirt of aloe vera gel
a few drops of rich oil (avocado, olive, castor)
a few drops of fave e.o (tea tree, lavender, rosemary)
water

The ratio is roughly 70/30, with the majority being water. I spray my hair with this 2x/day, and seal with an oil at night. Let's water our garden, ladies! Until next time....

Outfit of the Day- Dad's 55th Birthday Dinner!

2010-01-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

My father-in-law turned 55 Sunday, and to celebrate my mother-in-law invited the entire family over for a beautiful dinner. Dad was pleases, and everyone got a kick out of reminiscing with old photos. The icing on the cake- was Grandma's pineapple cake! Heaven!

Headband: BCBG
Beaded Jacket: Loehmann's
Tunic Tank: Foever XXI
Skinny Jeans: GAP
Boots: Old Navy
Bracelet: Wet Seal

FOTD- This is my 5-minute face, no foundation or concealer. I simply added eyes.

Face: No. 7 Radiant Glow Beauty Lotion, Target

Brows: Maybelline Define-A-Brow pencil, Med. Brown- Strong brows are very on-trend for winter, and in to Spring 2010
Bobbi Brown angle brush
Cover Girl e/s, Brown Smolder as brow powder
Mascara: Cover Girl Lash Blast, Very Black
Base: Loreal De-Crease
Vincent Longo Eye Shimmer Souffle, Pallido (a very soft, gold cream shadow, used as a base)
Zitomer Luminous e/s, Metropolitan on lid
Cover Girl e/s, Brown Smolder, crease
NYX l/s Echo
MAC l/g 3N

I am the Queen of mixing high and low, vintage with modern. You don't have to spend a million to look like a million! Be beautiful, Curlies!

Update: Hair Routine

2010-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Check the "routine" tag in the sidebar. I've just been playing around with a few ingredients and made a few tweaks.

twist-out

wearing 2x twists

Scalp massage on wash day using avocado oil, Auromere oil and blend of rosemary, tea tree, peppermint e.o
Pre-poo with hair in 2x twists with Auromere oil, or conditioner under hooded dryer for 20 min. This helps with detangling since hair has been in twists 7-14 days.
I pre-poo on DRY hair with a combo of 3-5 of my fave conditioners and seal with oil. Pop on a plastic cap, wrap a towel or scarf around that, and wear as long as I can stand it, sometimes overnight. My current pre-poo conditioners:
Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose
Burt's Bees Shea & Grapefruit Deep Conditoner
Desert Essence Jojoba Conditioner (vitacost.com)
Inecto Pure Coconut Oil Conditioner (Ulta)
Coconut Oil to seal
Finger detangle twists after pre-poo, then wash.
This is key: Deep condition under hooded dryer for 30-45 minutes, then detangle with shower comb and paddle brush. No more detangling in the shower for me. Rinse and apply leave-in.
Nature's Blessing hair dressing on scalp while twisting with Shea-Aloe. Seal with coconut oil, aloe vera gel mixed in palm of hands.
Refresh twists daily with leave-in spray and seal with oil
Set twists on rollers (sponge removed) on Saturday night for church
Twist- out Sunday, detangle with fingers and paddle brush, moisturize and re-twist Sunday night. This is the key to fewer tangles on the next wash day.
Day before washing, saturate dry hair with fave conditioner and finger detangle
Wash day and repeat

Best of 2009!

2010-01-19T07:17:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, Curlies! Better late, than never, right?

I still love you, I just want to make sure I'm giving you the best information I can, so I write when there's something exciting to write about. 2010 will be full of new product reviews, updates, beauty, skincare, videos and more! Before we jump into the new, let's recap some of the best products of 2009. Here we go......

Overall Hair Care: Curly Girl Method, "Baggy", and Sealing

Eliminating sulfates and -cones in my hair products has been the single best thing I've done for my hair in 2009. It retains moisture better, it's softer, shinier, and it simply looks healthy. For more info, check the tags in the side bar.

Shampoo: Aubrey Organics White Camelia

This cleanser is sulfate-free, but still does a great job cleaning my hair and scalp. I only use this product once every 2 weeks, focusing mainly on my scalp.

Co-Wash Conditioner: Trader Joe's Nourish Spa

Deep Conditioner: Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose

I get much better results with a damp washcloth over my hair, plastic cap, and a hooded dryer for 30-45 minutes. Makes detangling a breeze!

Leave-In Conditioner: Desert Essence Jojoba Conditioner and Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier

Moisturizer: Shea-Aloe (with a KinkyCurly Twist)

Follow the recipe for basic Shea-Aloe. Once the oils have cooled, add 1/4 C of conditioner (must be silicone and protein free) and 1/4 C Taliah Waajid Bodifier. Mix until creamy

Oil(s): Auromere Pre-Shampoo Conditioner

This Ayurvedic oil is a blend of Indian herbs, coconut, and wheat germ oils. It gives my hair nourishment and amazing shine. For an amazing hot oil treatment- saturate hair with oil, pop on a plastic cap, and sit under a hooded dryer for 20 minutes. Wash and style as usual.

Styling Product: Taliah Waajid Lock It Up "gel"

This product defines curls like a traditional gel, without the drying alcohol. It's also made with nettle, hemp, and Taliah's Black Earth formula.

Routine: Check these posts

Skin Care (For my dry skin)

Cleanser: Oil Cleansing Method (All skin types)

100% African Black Soap

Moisturizer: I love experimenting with the ingredients that I have on hand. This winter, my skin has been loving shea butter, jojoba oil, and aloe vera gel mixed in the palm of my hand.

Exfoliator: Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel

Worth every penny! Vitamin C crystals and lactic/salicylic acid gel combine to exfoliate and resurface skin revealing glowing, just-had-a-facial skin. This will last months-a little goes a long way.

Five Minutes to Gorgeous!

2010-01-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

With two boys, three jobs, and no time, it's sometimes a challenge for me to look as glam-tastic as I would like. These are my absolute must-have products and accessories that keep me looking my Kinky-Curly best- in a hurry.

1. Moisturizer- If you're opting for a foundation-free face, make sure skin is primed and moisturized. Choose a product that suits your skin type. For my dry skin, I love a mix of jojoba oil, shea butter and aloe vera gel.

2. Groomed Brows- It literally takes seconds to fill in brows. They frame your face and keep your look polished and pretty. I love Maybelline's Define-A-Brow, or a brown eye shadow like Cover Girl's Brown Smolder.

3. Lush Lashes- Simple enough. Curl lashes and apply 2-3 coats of mascara. I love Cover Girl Lash Blast. Go for a brown mascara for a very natural look.

4. Gloss, Gloss, Baby!- Slick on a moisturizing balm, then apply your favorite color. The choices are endless. I'm loving cocoa brown shades of lipstick and gloss this season. Some to try: MAC's Touch l/s, 3N l/g, Mad cap l/g, NYX's Echo l/s, Cover Girl Queen Collection Shiny Cinnamon l/s.

5. A Cute Coif- Check out my hair routine post for details. I love wearing my 2x twists in a retro updo. No need to worry about frizz or weather-worries. Just secure with pins and add oil for shine.

6. A Pop of Color- Scarves are great all year long. A bright orange or purple scarf transforms jeans and a tee into a sophisticated uniform for Curlies on the go. Choose wool blends in winter and sheer cotton in summer months.

Now, I'm ready for errands, playdates, and lunch with the girls- whatever the day brings, I'm game! Make sure you are too. Until next time.....

Merry ChristmaKwanzaaHannukah

2009-11-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

Whatever holiday you celebrate, here's a gift idea to get you started! I just ordered one, and I can't wait to wear it 10 different ways!

The Unisex Circle Scarf, $28, store.americanapparel.net

Use code FSW332A73 and it ships free!!!!!!!!!!!

For ways to wear, check out this video link http://www.americanapparel.net/storefront/movies/RSA0503/

Must See T.V

2009-11-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

Also check out kimmaytube's channel. She has a great washing and detangling video. It never occurred to me to twist my hair in the shower, to keep detangled hair from tangling again after it's been combed. Great idea.

Do you have a special method or technique for dealing with your hair? Please share it with is in a comment. Until next time....

Emerald Greene Designs in Essence Magazine!

2009-11-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

I can not BEGIN! to tell you lovely KC Cuties how excited I am about these photos! God is so Awesome to me, and I believe He is pleased with my committment to my family, my children and my natural-haired sistahs. When we honor God, He will honor us.

I was selling my designs in a boutique in Atlanta that has since closed its doors. During my time there, a stylist by the name of Kimberey Lacy fell in love with my pieces and contacted ME to borrow them for a photo shoot. Happy to get the exposure and recognition, I signed over everything I had. Little did I know, the shoot was photographed by Atlanta's premiere photographer- Mr. Derek Blanks! and for Essence Magazine no less! This was almost 1 year ago, but these are the pics I recieved from the shoot.

I left my position in Fashion and Beauty, which was my dream job in NYC, to focus on raising my two sons. It was a decision that not many people supported, and I faced a lot of criticism and negativity from family and friends. I believe this is proof that God is pleased with my heart, and that's enough for me. This is only a taste of what's to come for me in the future!

Get your custom designs NOW, before Oprah calls. Just kidding, but not really :)

www.emeraldgreene.etsy.com

Until next time.......

A quick hair update......

2009-10-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

You all know my current cold-weather hair routine is 1 week of wearing twists, 1 week of a twist-out or puff, wash day every 2 weeks. That's the big picture. Let me hit you with the details:

Scalp massage on wash day using avocado oil, rosemary e.o blend
Nature's Blessing hair dressing on scalp while twisting
Refresh twists daily with leave-in and seal with oil
Set twists on rollers (sponge removed) on Saturday night for church
Twist- out Sunday, detangle and re-twist Sunday night. This is the key to fewer tangles on the next wash day.
Day before washing, saturate dry hair with fave conditioner and finger detangle
Wash day and repeat

This has helped my hair stay knot-free, and combing on wash day is much easier. I can't stress enough the importance of a GREAT arsenal of conditioners to moisturize and manage our hair. *NOTE: conditioners that contain -cones provide excellent slip and aid in detangling, but beware. They build up on hair over time, even when you rinse thoroughly, and leave hair dried out and hard to manage. Try rotating your conditioners once a month, and shampoo or clarify your hair once a month to remove -cones.

What are some of your fave conditioners? Let us know!

Until next time....

I Like My Men and My Soap- BLACK

2009-10-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

African Black Soap, 100% natural

Actually, I'd be an equal-opportunity dater (if I weren't already married to a delicious Black Man), but it made a great headline.

I've been using this for a year to cleanse my face. I bought it from a woman named Zee at Discover Mills, in Georgia. She now has her own store, Zee Craft, where she sells the best Shea Butter as well. She told me Black Soap would clear up my skin, and it did. Wanna know what else? It is a GREAT shampoo! I just pinched of a small piece and lathered it over my hair in the shower. Once my hair got really wet, I rubbed the soap directly onto my hair, and worked it in.

Product reads:
African Black Soap is made in West Africa from palm oil, palm kernel oil, and water. The aroma and deep rich color result from the centuries old extraction process that blends the two ingredients together, resulting in the finest skin cleanser available.

Usage:
Relieves acne and removes blemishes, prevents rashes, itching, dry, and scaly skin from developing
Cleans pores and rejuvenates the skin
Clears up eczema
Body cleanser

This soap is dark brown in color, like the photo above. IT IS NOT BLACK! If you are using a black (dyed) bar of soap, THROW IT AWAY! This soap is soft and maliable, like Play-Doh. You can pinch of a small piece to use. One tub will last forever.

Diary of a Kinky Curly Woman

2009-10-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

From my friend at naturallycurly.com, to you. Thank you, S.L. :)

These are just notes I've kept for myself over the years.....maybe something will help you.

Hair Care Products
(for natural hair)
- avoid silicones which can leave the hair dry: -sane, -xane, -cone, including cyclopentasiloxane
- amodimethicone is a cone that is water soluble with trideceth-12
- look for cetrimonium chloride for detangling
- fatty alcohols (i.e. cetyl, cetearyl, stearyl, etc.) combined with hard water leave the hair feeling waxy
- avoid stearalkonium chloride (cheap softner that is toxic and an irritant)
- dannon full fat yogurt to loosen curl pattern (leave on for over an hour, lactic acid helps to loosen curls)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CLEANSING / LIGHT CONDITIONERS (for no poo method, look for ones without protein and stearalkonium chloride)
- Suave (Citrus Smoothie, Mango & Peach) => not as good as VO5
- VO5 (Vita Burst, Tea Therapy, Strawberries & Cream, Sun Kissed Raspberry - Vanilla Mint or Kiwi & Lime for clarifying) => contains stearalkonium chloride
- Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream => great cleansing, a little thick coming out of the bottle
- Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Shampoo => leaves a coating on hair, do not repurchase
- MyHoneyChild Olive You Scalp Cleanser
- MyHoneyChild Jamaica Island Scalp Cleanser => works well but used a whole bottle in one washing, try again
- MyHoneyChild Banana Creme Scalp Cleanser
- MyHoneyChild Jamaica Island Conditioner => good moisturizer
- MyHoneyChild HoneyNutt Conditioner
- Jessicurl Hair Cleansing Cream
- Naani's Naturals Fallen Moisturizing No Sulfates Shampoo
- Nature’s Gate Asian Pea & Red Tea Rejuvenating Conditioner => good
- Nature's Gate Jojoba or Aloe Conditioners => do not like Herbal because of smell
- Whole Foods 365 Citrus Grapefruit Conditioner => good for cowashing
- Shikai Daily Moisture Conditioner
- DevaCare No-Poo => don't like consistency
- DevaBrown Chocolate Lust
- TIGI Bed Head Moisture Maniac Conditioner => really like, moist hair
- TIGI Catwalk Oatmeal & Honey Treatment Conditioner
- TIGI Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
- Mop Top Gentle Clarifiying Shampoo
- Mop Top Daily Conditioner
- Oyin Handmade Honey-Hemp Conditioner => absorbs well, good leave in
- Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner => good conditioner
- John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler => good conditioner
- Modern Organic Products Mixed Greens Conditioner for Normal to Dry Hair
- Wen Fig Cleansing Conditioner
- Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream => don't repurchase

DEEP CONDITIONING
take regular conditioner and add olive oil, avocado oil, coconut milk, shea butter, avocado butter, castor oil, liquid lecithin and/or honey for extra conditioning and softening
- coconut milk => moisturizes, softens, smooths, and detangles
- Hair Rules Quench Deep Conditioner => don't repurchase
- Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment => overnight treatment, smells bad, don't repurchase
- Back 2 Basics Pomegranate Moisture Conditioner
- Karen's Body Beautiful Luscious Locks Moisturizing Hair Mask => nice conditioner, use the whole jar at one time
- Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix Moisturizing Conditioner => nice moisturizing conditioner
- Black Earth Herbal Conditioner
- Blended Beauty Herbal Reconditioner => really like but one jar equals one treatment
- Blended Beauty's Volcanic Mask => a clay mask for the hair
- DevaCare One Condition => don't like the smell but works pretty good
- DevaBrown Chocolate One Condition
- Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner => light conditioner
- Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment => good deep conditioner
- MyHoneyChild Honey Hair Mask => good conditioner
- MyHoneyChild Olive You Deep Conditioner => good conditioner
- MyHoneyChild Banana Creme Conditioner
- MYHoneyChild Coconut Papaya Hair Paste => left white pieces in my hair, must use heat, good conditioner, used the whole jar for one treatment
- Jane Carter Solution Nutrient Replenshing Conditioner => ok
- Jane Carter Solution Scalp Renew => good deep treatment oil
- Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hair Moisturizer => hard to get out of bottle
- Shikai Intensive Repair Conditioner
- Aubrey Organics Island Naturals Conditioner => very thick, didn't really like, don't repurchase
- Mop Top Deep Conditioner => ok, don't repurchase
- Generic Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm => moisturizing
- John Masters Organics Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner
- Ion Color Solutions Color Defense Intense Moisture => use after Aphogee
- Joico K-Pak (protein)
- ApHogee Treatment (protein)

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONERS
coconut oil is very drying to the hair
- Hair Rules Nourishment Leave In Conditioner => don't repurchase, has silicones
- Giovanni Direct Leave In => one of the best leave in conditioners!!
- Black Earth Protective Mist Bodifier => absorbs well in my hair
- Oyin Handmade Greg Juice => absorbs well, smells funny, don't repurchase
- Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries => absorbs well, smells funny, don't repurchase
- Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding => contains beeswax, smells good, a little thick
- Wild Growth Hair Oil
- Jessicurl Stimulating Scalp Massage Oil
- Jessicurl Aloeba Daily Conditioner => ok daily conditioner, doesn't absorb as well as other products, don't repurchase
- MyHoneyChild Type 4 Hair Creme => don't like the feel in my hair, don't repurchase
- MyHoneyChild Curl Activator
- Qhemet Biologics Castor & Moringa - Softening Serum
- Blended Beauty Happy Nappy Styles
- Organikah Whipped Hair Butter
- Carols Daughter Hair Milk => doesn't absorb well in my hair
- Curl Junkie Curly Boost Curl Enhancing Spray
- Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Honey Butta Leave In Conditioner => very thick, doesn't absorb well, do not repurchase
- Curl Junkie Coco-Milk Conditioner
- Knot Today => okay but don't repurchase
- Curls Milkshake => okay but some cones in new formula, don't repurchase
- Jane Carter Solution Scalp Nourishing Serum
- Modern Organic Products Leave-In Conditioner
- Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Milk => contains a wax
- Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Cream => nice hair cream, lots of good scents
- Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Butter => like a pomade
- ABBA Nourishing Conditioner => not as good as KBB hair milk
- Afro Detangler => good texture, really like, great for twists
- Long Lovely Locks Curly Custard => lots of butters

STYLING PRODUCTS
- Hair Rules Kinky Curling Cream => contains mineral oil
- Hair Rules Hydrating Finishing Cream
- Curls by Sister Smith Wet Set Hair Pudding => good for twists
- Fantasia IC w/ Sparkle Lites or Color Treated (blue) => gummy, doesn't work well in my hair
- Kinky-Curly Curling Custard => too crunchy and drying on my hair
- Aubrey Organics B5 Design Gel => gummy, doesn't work well in my hair
- Crinkles & Curls by Black Earth Products
- Jane Carter Solutions Wrap & Roll => doesn't work well in my hair
- Jane Carter Solutions Nourish & Shine => good pomade
- Curls by Sister Smith Wet Set Hair Pudding
- Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Hair Pomade => nice pomade, good shine, like the smell
- Oyin Handmade Shine and Define Styling Serum => good for twists
- Carols Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey => greasy feeling but works well on skin
- Curly Custard Maximum Definition Hairdress (naanishoppe.com)
- Miss Jessie's Curly Products => not recommended because of ingredients
- Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancing Lotion => too drying
- Clinique Defined Curls Curl Enhancer
- KMS Flat Out Relaxing Balm
HAIR OILS
- Castor oil, for growth - stable (no exp), cold pressed is best
- Jojoba oil - stable (no exp)
- Grapeseed oil - 1 yr exp
- Almond, Sweet oil - 1 yr exp
- Apricot oil - 1 yr exp
- Dabur Vatika Hair Oil, for growth
- Neem oil, for shedding
- Amla oil, for growth
- Tamanu oil, for inflamation - 6 mon - 1 yr exp
HAIR COLOR
- Bigen (47) => too harsh, don't repurchase
- Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection (B18D Darkest Brown)
- Robert Craig
- NaturColor (naturcolor.com)
- ColorFix (you can do a partial color correction with by mixing the solutions with shampoo. It only lightens the color & you will not have to re-color)
Curl-ease Towel (for curly hair) => great towel

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

Let's shop for a cause, and a cure.
Proceeds from these items will support breast cancer research.

Pink Pony water bottle, $20, Pink Boutique at bloomingdales.com

Lisa for Loft satin/chain bracelet, $24.50, loftonline.com Check out instyle.com for other breast cancer awareness gifts.

eyeslipsface.com, $1

Sonia Kashuk brush set, $12, target.com

Indulge your senses with Jo Malone London Red Roses Bath Oil, $55, jomalone.com. Perfect in a warm bath on a crisp autumn night.

Shop Avon Breast Cancer Crusade products, avon.com

Everyone Loves a Bargain

2009-09-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

Kinky/Curly Cutie (and fellow Emory Alumnae) JT wants to know how I achieve my puff when I'm wearing a twist-out. Kerry Washington knows my secret- it's Goody's Ouchless headbands, and she's wearing one in this pic. Here's my tip: place the headband around your head, pull forward, away from your head, and cross, double around your head once more and slide back into desired position. My hair is thick and as dense as a pine forest, so I have no trouble keeping

the band in place. If you're worried about slippage, anchor the band in back with bobby pins, crossed like an X.

Goody Ouchless Headbands, $4, drugstores, Walmart, Target.

I've also seen these at the dollar store and at Walgreens for a buck! Happy Shopping :)

Atlanta Natural Hair Meet Up- The Video

2009-09-20T11:45:00.001-07:00

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My YouTube debut, courtesy of brwnbarbie24. Enjoy!

More Pics!

2009-09-20T10:20:00.001-07:00

The Perfect Puff: Nexxus Leave-In, and Curl Activator Gel

Get some Lil' Better Butter and a cute tee at www.knapsgirl.com

Me and Yanicka: She uses Aussie Moist conditioner and Coconut Oil for sleek, smooth, shiny curls

Please be inspired by these beautiful women. And ladies, keep doing what you're doing! Until next time.........

Atlanta Natural Hair Meet Up

2009-09-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

Making New Friends: Lexi, Farrah, Me, Kiki, Stefanie

Kinky/Curly Cuties from all over the Atlanta area gathered at The Blackwood Pizza Bar to talk hair, products, and just have a ball. The event was organized by Lexiwiththecurls on Youtube. She is such a sweetheart and I'm glad to have met her. I also chatted with "friend in my head" brwnbarbie24 on Youtube. She's so funny and down to earth. You should definitely check these ladies' videos out. When I tell you there is nothing like sistah' hood, thesistahchick on Youtube had to give me a lift home because my car broke down :( I definitely enjoyed the fellowship of the evening! Here are some pics from the event. Enjoy!

Farrah's Fierce 'Fro using Darcy's Botanicals and KCKT

HOTD: A quick shingle using Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding. It was raining cats and dogs, so my 'fro shrunk big time and I lost a lot of curl def. I still think it looks cute!

Me and Lexi! She's my hair idol. She used Pantene Curls Gel and Herbal Essences Hydralicious conditoner to get these rockin' ringlets!

Miss Jessie's Girls: (top) Curly Meringue

(left) Her curls and coils were Awesome in person! She used Curly Pudding and Curly Buttercreme.

Emerald Greene Designs F/W '09

2009-09-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

Earrings: Designer Original

Get Yours: www.emeraldgreene.etsy.com

Every Kinky/Curly Cutie needs these in their life! Love 'ya. Until next time.........................

I may have to eat my words.........

2009-09-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Solange, at the 2009 MTV VMA's, still a kinky/curly cutie!

Look Mom, no weave! :)

A Tale of Two Conditioners

2009-09-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

I've talked about Burt's Bees and Desert Essence conditioners, but I haven't written a review.

Burt's Bees Shea & Graprefruit Deep Conditioner

I picked this up at Ulta because I had a coupon. The ingredients are just okay, and it's expensive for the size ($8, 5 oz.) However, it does work well and I would probably pick it up again- with another coupon, of course!

Ingredients: water, cetrimonium bromide, cetearyl alcohol, sucrose laurate, glycerin, honey, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), glucose, betaine, citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, citrus tangerina (tangerine) peel oil, citrus aurantifolia (lime) oil, zingiber officinale (ginger) root extract, citrus reticulata (tangerine/petitgrain) leaf oil, acacia senegal gum, polysorbate 60, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase

Desert Essence Jojoba Conditioner with Organic Jojoba Oil

I discovered this jewel of a conditioner at vitacost.com ($3.51, 12 oz). It's protein and silicone free, which means it really moisturizes, penetrates the hair shaft and doesn't cause build-up. The value is excellent, the ingredients are stellar, and it doubles as my leave-in. Vitacost.com has $5 shipping, and I stock up on several goodies at a time:

Aubrey's
Oils
Vegetable glycerin
100% Cocoa Butter
Skin care

This is a must-try, and for me it's a must have!

Ingredients: Purified Water, Cetyl Alcohol (Vegetable Source), Vegetable Emulsifying Wax, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Aleurties Moluccana (Kukui) Seed Oil, Water (and) Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Grindelia Humilis Leaf, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract, Lecithin, Vitamin A and E, Methylparaben, and Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil.

Support Black Owned: Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier

2009-09-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

This product is awesome, it's an official HG product, and I will not be without it. I can pick this up at my BSS, but you can also get it online.

The claim:
Moisturizes, conditions, coats hair, stops breakage, softens, hair, detangles, removes braids

The ingredients:
Pure distilled water, wheat germ, Indian hemp, olive oil, balsam, aloe vera, bee pollen, silk protein, bay laurel, fruit bioflavenoids, Ancient African Herbal Formula

Updates :)

2009-09-18T05:03:00.000-07:00

I've done a lot of make up posts these past couple of months, right? Can't a girl love hair AND make up?

No worries, I'm back with a hair update, pics, and recipes just for you!

New Hair Routine: Part 1

Fall is here, winter is just around the corner, and cold air is waiting to suck the moisture from our hair and skin. My first line of defense against dry locks this season will be protective styling. 2x twists on wash day, worn for 1 week. Twist-out the next week, pulled back in a puff, until next wash day.

Wash Day: Part 2

I pre-poo on DRY hair with a combo of 3-5 of my fave conditioners and seal with oil. Pop on a plastic cap, wrap a towel or scarf around that, and wear as long as I can stand it, sometimes overnight. My current pre-poo conditioners:

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose
Burt's Bees Shea & Grapefruit Deep Conditoner
Desert Essence Jojoba Conditioner (vitacost.com)
Inecto Pure Coconut Oil Conditioner (Ulta)
Coconut Oil to seal

When I'm ready to wash, I detangle with my fingers as much as I can, then I finish in the shower. I shampoo with Aubrey Organics White Camelia (SLS-free), co-wash with Herbal Essence Hello Hydration or Hydralicious, detangle some more with a shower comb AND a paddle brush, then rinse with cold water. I use a little more of the Desert Essence (quarter size amount) over my entire head as a leave-in. I follow that with a scalp massage using any carrier oil I have on hand (avocado, olive, almond) mixed with a few drops of peppermint and lavender e.o.

New! Hair Mask/Smoothie Recipe: Part 3

I have tried Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Smoothie ($19, 8 oz.) and I don't like the wax that's in it, Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment ($12.75 + shipping, 8 oz.) and I hate to pay for shipping, and I've been eyeing Karen's Body Beautiful Luscious Locks Moisturizing Hair mask ($25 + shipping, 8 oz.). I simply refuse to pay that much money for product that will be rinsed out, and will only last 2-3 uses. So, a sistah got creative. I took the best ingredients from each of them and whipped up my own luscious creation. Here's what's in it:

shea butter
cocoa butter
coconut oil
castor oil
glycerin
*conditioner (cannot have silicones or protein. I use my Aubrey and Desert Essence)
almond oil
olive oil
rosemary e.o.
Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier (will post ingredients)

These are products that I use daily. I simply combined them in one product and it is the most moisturizing treat for my hair. I use it as a DT, I twist with it, I mix it in my palm with a few extra drops of oil and use it as a daily moisturizer. It is the business!

Styling: Part 4

Once my twists are done, I like to pin them up for a sophisticated look. My hair usually stays moisturized for 2-3 days using the smoothie. If it looks lackluster, I remove the pins, use the smoothie (with oil) as a daily moisturizer, seal with oil, and pin it up again. That's it!

My puff: Part 5

Kinky/Curly Magazine Celebrates One Year! and Tyra's Real Hair!

2009-09-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

I wrote my very first blog entry on September 8, 2008. I let the entire World Wide Web know about my hair-story. Much of that story is still being written. I've fully accepted my crown, and I wear it proudly. I wear it well. My heart's desire is to now help other women accept theirs.

I think it's fitting that today Tyra Banks premiered Season 5 of her talk show by revealing her real hair (sans weave, still permed. It's about baby steps, y'all). She looked beautiful. She looked like that sistah at the mall, your child's always-put-together teacher, like YOU! It made me ask myself, If Tyra's gonna use weave, why use so much of it? Why must the transformation be so far from your original beauty, into a blonde, silky-haired stranger? It's gonna take baby steps, for real.

Tyra noted that the obsession with weave is not just a Brown Girl issue, noting that both Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton have hair (extension) lines, and that everyone in the industry wears weave. If everyone got nose jobs, Tyra, would you get one too?

Guests on her show revealed how insecure and unattractive they felt without weave. One Black woman said her weave gave her confidence, and that she "hated" her natural hair. A White guest with hair extensions stated "I am my hair." Where did the notion that long hair (straight, or natural) equals beauty come from?

Many men and women I asked said simply that long hair is more feminine, attractive and sexy. Women use it to flirt, men think it's a turn-on and want to run their fingers through it. It's what distinguishes us as the opposite sex. It's magical, the lore of fairy-tales, and it's romantic, and quite frankly, short hair is for lesbians. Not my words, Curlies. Don't shoot the messenger!

I challenge anyone reading this to question your own ideologies about hair and beauty. Can you emerge from the barber's chair rocking a Caesar and still feel FIERCE! If not, what's holding you back? Did you just "big chop" and now you can't wait for your "natural" hair to grow long so you can feel pretty again? Are you obsessed with vitamins and frequent "length checks", counting down the days until your hair is "bra strap length". If any of this rings true for you, ask yourself 'Why'.

Shaving my head made me feel strong and liberated. I defined beauty for myself, beauty was Me. Still is. I challenge you all to do the same.

Next season, Tyra? A twist-out? Can't wait! Until next time, Curlies.......

Jiggaboos and Wanna-Bees

2009-08-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

I love Chris Rock for making this movie, exploring the topic of "good hair" in our community, and owning up to the fact that there is still self-hatred and ignorance among us. I hope this film is an eye opener, and that women see themselves in this film.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup!"- Spike Lee's "School Daze"

Newly Natural

2009-08-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

Pop princess and famous lil' sis Solange Knowles shaved her head recently. Here's the quote:

"I just wanted to be free from the bondage that black women sometimes put on themselves with hair. "

Please comment on this one guys. Input please! Let's just see how long before she throws a lace front back on. I'm just sayin'. I don't think she's in this for the long haul.

July Faves-Pics!

2009-07-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

A Little Fall Face For 'Ya

2009-07-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

Brick, Berry and Bordeaux lips are so hot for fall. So are warm lids and bold brows. Get ready!

Courtesy of Bobbi Brown:

Lipstick- Rich Cocoa

E/s- Chocolate Shimmer

Blush- Velvet Plum Pot Rouge (can also be used on lips)

Product Review: Karen's Body Beautiful

2009-07-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

On a not-so-recent trip home to NYC (sorry I'm so late with this review), I paid a visit to my old stomping grounds in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. It's being re- gentrified, almost beyond recognition, but there have been some welcome (and much needed) additions to the neighborhood. @ 436 Myrtle Avenue stands a beautiful storefront known as Karen's Body Beautiful, with glass windows and doors, and an open kitchen where customers can watch owner Karen Tappin mix up healthy hair options for Brown Girls and Kinky Curly Cuties such as myself.

Najiyyah graciously walked me through the entire line of hair products (creams and butters, oils and hair masks), and introduced me to all the yummy fragrances! There are over ten heavenly scents (cranberry cocktail!, pomegranate guava!) and I settled on Creamy Coco Mango. I purchased a hair cream ($16, 8 oz.) and I have been very pleased. It has a whipped and fluffy consistency, and melts into your hands and hair effortlessly. A little goes a long way! This is a product I recommend and would repurchase.

Owner Karen Tappin (photo above), offers these tips for healthy hair.

Beauty Insider #4

2009-07-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

Summer's in full effect, which means mini skirts and shaving. For a silky, smooth shave, try this tip: use an exfoliating body scrub on legs BEFORE you shave. You'll remove dead skin, and prepare legs for a smoother shave. Definitely use a hydrating shave cream, and follow up with your fave moisturizer afterwards.

That "Lit From Within" Look

2009-07-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Brown girls use bronzer too. To look "lit from within", not like 70's disco throwbacks. Cosmetics companies don't often think about bronzers for Brown girls. It's hard for them to get it right. Then I found a Mineralize Skinfinish Trio from MAC's new Colour Craft collection-it's really pretty y'all! Definitely a Brown girl must-have and it's limited edition, so hurry up! The collection debuted today and trust me when I say this one will sell out!

Warm Blend, $27
(Trio) Left: Antique Gold; Center: Mahogany Bronze; Right: Copper

Hair Update

2009-07-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'm turning in my PJ card. No more samples, no more stock up and save, no more trying the next best thing. I've massed a good amount of product in my beauty closet and I'm really going to give what I have a chance to work and yield results. This is what I'm working with:

Shampoo
Aubrey Organics White Camelia
African Black Soap

Co-Wash
Herbal Essence Hydalicious and Hello Hydration
Yes To Carrots Pampering Hair Mud Conditioner
Inecto Coconut Conditioner

Deep Conditioner
Aubrey Organic Honeysuckle Rose
Lustrasilk Shea and Mango Cholesterol

Leave In
Talia Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier
Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee

Moisturizer
Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Cream
Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter
Shea Butter

Sealing Oil
Avocado oil
Coconut oil

Oh, Maxwell!

2009-07-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

"Global warming aint got nothing on this chic, she's not to play with."

Great lyrics, great instrumentation (the horns on track 2 are sick), great album! So worth the wait. I just hope I don't have to wait this long again for great music.

Michael Joseph Jackson

2009-06-26T04:52:00.000-07:00

August 29, 1958-June 25, 2009

Rest in Peace

We'll Keep Dancing........

No. 1 songs:

"Ben," 1972.

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," 1979.

"Rock With You," 1980.

"The Girl Is Mine," 1982.

"Beat it," 1983.

"Billie Jean," 1983.

"Say Say Say," 1983.

"Bad," 1987.

"I Just Can't Stop Loving You," 1987.

"The Way You Make Me Feel," 1987.

"Dirty Diana," 1988.

"Man In The Mirror," 1988.

"Black Or White," 1991.

"You Are Not Alone," 1995.

___

Solo albums:

"Got To Be There," 1972.

"Ben," 1972.

"Music & Me," 1973.

"Forever, Michael," 1975.

"Off The Wall," 1979.

"Thriller," 1982.

"Bad," 1987.

"Dangerous," 1991.

"Invincible," 2001.

___

Albums by "The Jackson 5," the family R&B quintet that launched Jackson to fame:

"Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5," 1969.

"ABC," 1970.

"Third Album," 1970.

"The Jackson 5 Christmas Album," 1970.

"Goin' Back to Indiana," 1971.

"Maybe Tomorrow," 1971.

"Lookin' Through the Windows," 1972.

"Get It Together," 1973.

"In Japan!," 1973.

"Skywriter," 1973.

"Dancing Machine," 1974.

"Live!," 1974.

"Moving Violation," 1975.

___

Albums by "The Jacksons," which formed after the group — without older brother Jermaine — left Motown Records for the Epic record label:

"The Jacksons," 1976.

"Goin' Places," 1977.

"Destiny," 1978.

"Triumph," 1980.

"Live," 1981.

"Victory," 1984.

"2300 Jackson Street," 1989.

"We Are the World," a 1985 charity song co-written by Jackson and Lionel Richie. It reached the top of the charts, featuring the voices of Jackson, Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles and a host of others.

Face of the Day-FOTD

2009-06-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's a lazy day here at the Kinky/Curly casa, so I'm playing with my makeup. This is a natural, I'm not wearing any makeup, makeup look. It's sort of my siggie. Perfect skin, bronzer and highlight, and some gloss. If you have small eyes like me, but love the drama of eyeliner, here's a tip: Line your top lids and only the outer corner of your bottom lids. Use a bright, shimmering shadow on the inner eye/tear duct to open up the eye area.

Get the look:
Brows- Maybelline Define-A-Brow (medium brown)

Cover Girl e/s brown smolder, using an angled brush

Highlight under arch with concealer

Eye shadow- VS Cream Shadow (bronze medal)

Used Loreal Decrease as a base, to prevent creasing, especially in the summer.

Liner- NYC Brow/Eye Liner pencil #921A, $0.99 yall!

NYX eye/eyebrow pencil, white, in the water line

Vincent Longo duo eye pencil, carnaby pink, on the tear duct

Mascara- Cover Girl Lash Blast, Blackest Black, the BEST ever!

Revlon eyelash curler

Foundation- I used three mineral powder foundations to build coverage for a natural finish.
Maybelline Mineral Power (Tan)
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural (deep dark)
Revlon Colorstay Mineral Finishing Powder (Sunkiss)

Concealer
MAC Studio Sculpt NW 45, on blemishes

Blush
MAC Mineralize in LoveJoy, Sephora Blush Me in Corail Frisson

Contour using Iman sheer finish bronzing powder, Clay

Lips
Sephora lipgloss, Sweet Berry
The Body Shop sparkle l/g ? Sorry

Hair of the Day-HOTD

2009-06-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

My Curly 'Fro:

12 2x twists all over

Applied whipped shea butter, Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Cream, and Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter before twisting

Sealed each twist with Avocado Oil

Covered at night

Untwist in the a.m with Carol's Daughter Lisa's Elixir on hands (to prevent frizz)

Fluff into place with fingers, and G-O!

Kinky Curly Cutie-Jasika Nicole and Yaya DaCosta

2009-06-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's a double feature.

Cleaning Your Brushes- Part 2

2009-06-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

The hair grooming variety. A few tips:

Before you shampoo your hair, gather two hair brushes or one hair brush and one comb.
Wet the brushes/brush and comb under warm running water.
Apply a small amount of shampoo to the bristles of one of the brushes.
Pick all the hair out of the brush.
Gently scrub the two brushes’ bristles together. If you are cleaning a comb, gently scrub the brush’s bristles with the comb. For best results, scrub in one direction only.
Continue gently scrubbing as you hold the items under the warm running water until all the suds are gone.
Dry the brush(es) or comb on a towel. Don’t be rough with the brush’s bristles or they might fall out.
Try an alternative way. You can also clean a comb by soaking it in a mug full of warm water and a bit of shampoo. Or, you can try a mug full of white vinegar, which will remove oily deposits left by your hair. Rinse and dry.

Tip: If cleaning your styling tools with vinegar, be sure to add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil to reduce the acidic smell of the vinegar.

Rihanna-FOTD

2009-06-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Plus, an interview with her MUA, Mylah Morales, on how to get the look.
Because I love ya. Be fro-abulous, fly and fierce this summer. Until next time Curlies.........

Mylah: I’m all about skin! Right now my favorite foundation to use is Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Cream Foundation SPF 20. Then I use La Mer The Powder. It gives a really pretty, glowy, natural look to the skin. And actually I always ask Rihanna to hydrate her skin well before any red carpet event. She uses Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask. It works really well to energize and revitalize the skin especially since she’s always traveling, which dries out your skin.

A: I could see that. I have noticed that Rihanna always has a really pretty glow to her skin, a really pretty sheen. I have always wondered how you do that.

M: Yep, that’s how I get it. The Le Mer powder has a slight luminescence to it; it’s not matte. So, it gives the skin a really pretty glow. As for the concealer, I also used Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer under the eyes.

A: Can you tell me what you used on her eyes?

M: Sure. I used Cover Girl Exact Eyelights Mascara in Black Ruby. It’s got pigments in it that really bring out your eye color and it creates really long & lush lashes.

A: Did you use lashes too?

M: (Laughs) Yeah. But they're not a full strip. I cut them to look more natural on the eye. They’re by Red Cherry but I don’t remember which ones exactly. Maybe the #42’s… but I’m not sure.

A: Ok. No problem. Can you tell me what shadows you used? Do you use a palette or do you use specific shadows by brands like MAC or Make Up Forever?

M: You know what? I love using a palette by Dior. It’s a neutral palette. I have been using that a lot. You can use it alone or add a splash of color. Then on her cheeks I used Orgasm by NARS. Actually, it is called Super Orgasm.

A: I was wondering what that was! It’s so pretty. I heard that it shows up better on olive skin or golden skintones because the original Orgasm doesn’t.

M: Yep. And to contour her cheeks I used GlowFusion® Micro-Tech™ Intuitive Active Bronzer. It’s a really great bronzer.

A: So what color did you use on her lips?

M: It’s Cover Girl Trushine Lipcolor in Brillo Delilah**

A: Okay. I think that’s about everything. Oh, one more thing! What did you use on her brows?

M: I used Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow pencil to define them and then used an angled brush with brow powder to fill them in.

Source:Spektra.net

Keyshia Cole-FOTD

2009-06-22T16:08:00.001-07:00

I think Keyshia's makeup in this photo is beautiful! This album is also one of my summer faves ("I buy my own liquor, I'm a go-getter. Thought you should know.")

What I would use to re-create this look, aka, shopping my stash:

NYX Jumbo eye pencil-Black Bean-all over lid
Vincent Longo Eye Shimmer Souffle-Argento-on inner lid
L'Oreal HIP Duo-Sculpted-darker shade in the outer crease
NYX eyeliner-Black
Sephora Blush Me-Rose Rebelle-applied lightly with MAC 187 brush
Lorac Sheer Lipstick-Nude
L'Oreal Colour Juice-Bubble Gum

Cleaning Your Brushes

2009-06-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

Beauty Insider #3

2009-06-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

Use a brush cleaner to spot clean make up brushes daily. Transfer the cleaner to a small 4 oz. spray bottle. When you're done applying makeup, spray a little bit on a paper towel, and a little on the brush. Wipe the brushes clean using swiping motions on the towel. I usually do this before bed and my brushes are ready to use in the morning. I deep clean brushes 2x month with baby shampoo and water.

Conditioner Only Method- Day 3 + Pics!

2009-06-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

Sunday I used Yes To Carrots. Since I was 0 for 2 in the curl department, I added gel on top of my conditioner (still in the shower, hair dripping wet). I used Origins University of Mane soft styling gel and Herbal Essences Set Me Up gel.

The Verdict: WOW! My curls were poppin'! What 'ya know 'bout me? What 'ya what 'ya know 'bout me? The gel definitely helped elongate and define my curls. They dried crunchy, though. I guess I'll use this method as a last-minute, hop in the shower, be ready in 20 minutes, the show starts at 8, kinda hair style. My hair does not like wash-n-go styles. My curls tangle around themselves as they dry if they're not stretched. I have so many knots after this challenge I'm afraid to go near a comb.

Are you trying this method? Leave a comment and share your results. Stay beautiful. Until next time......

Conditioner Only Method- Day 2

2009-06-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday I used Garnier Moisture Works. Same method as before.

The verdict: A little bit more curl def, but this conditioner dried a lil' crunchy. I still had major shrinkage. I don't think I'm making this my go to hair style any time soon.

Conditioner-Only Method-3 Day Challenge

2009-06-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

Day 1: I said I was going to give this a try, and I'm a woman of my word. However, the skepticism is still lingering.

Last night I pre-poo'd with honey and olive oil (3 TB of each). This morning I co washed with HE Hello Hydration, then detangled. I shingled my hair with Naked Naturals conditioner, re-activated the product under the shower stream, then shook the excess water from my hair. I plopped with a t-shirt for about 20 minutes. My hair was still damp, but not dripping, and my hair absorbed all the conditioner.

I took the kiddies to the zoo, and my fro shrinkage was massive. To top it off, I had NO curl definition, just some nice clumping. It was just a plain 'ol fro, nothing special. I'm posting this at 9:13 pm and my hair feels great, it's soft, but my ends are tangled and I'll probably have some knots in the morning.

Maybe it's the conditioner. It's only day one. Needless to say I did not get the results I was looking for. Tomorrow I'll try the Garnier. Keep your fingers crossed.

Awwww!!!!!

2009-06-19T05:51:00.000-07:00

I really hoped they would last. He represents Queens, she was raised up in Harlem.

The hip-hop pair has called it quits, but Kelis still has some of the best hair in the biz. Some vintage Kelis. Be inspired. Until next time........

Every thing 'Aint for Every body

2009-06-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

Suave naturals coconut conditioner- It's gonna be a NO for me.

My hair felt like it had been shampoo'd, not conditioned. All is not lost, though. I'll slather this on my hair before swimming this summer. Just a little tip for 'ya- the conditioner will protect your hair from the drying effects of chlorine.

Needless to say, I won't be repurchasing.

Retail Therapy #3- Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale

2009-06-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

This sale is gonna bankrupt me and end my marriage in the process, LOL!

The sales are ridiculous if you're a fan of the brand and enjoy a good scented candle. It lasts until July 3, new sales start weekly, and the savings are up to 75% off ( stragglers are moved to 90% off towards the end of the sale, if you can wait. I used to work there :0)

A special Thank You goes out to my fave B&B Works specialist, Harrison, who schooled me to this home fragrance tip: Choose 2-3 complimentary fragrances and use 3 different mediums to scent any room in your home. He hooked me up with Cinnamon Stick scentport, Black Currant Vanilla home fragrance oil, and Sandalwood Vanilla room spray. These three together= Sensual Seduction!

What else is in the bag:
Vanilla Coconut scentport, $4
Home fragrance oils 2/$5
Strawberry Patch jar candle
C.O Bigelow Men's fragrance, BOGO free
Pink Grapefruit splash (classic), $2.62 HOLLA!

Get your shop on! Until next time.....

Tresses a la Teri

2009-06-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

Everybody's doing it.

It's all over YouTube.

You don't know? Haven't you heard?

It's the Conditioner Only method, and after much skepticism, and extensive research ( read YouTube watching), I'm deciding to give it a try.

This hair craze was started by Teri over at tightlycurly.com. Check out the site for all the details.

Why the skepticism, you ask? Because all the recommended conditioners contained silicones. Tressemme, Aussie and Herbal Essences were the most popular products. I thought that was a Curly Girl no-no. Then I thought about it. You're co-washing your hair daily, rinsing away the conditioner and eliminating any chance of -cone build-up.

I have to say I'm jealous of the results that YouTube Curlies are getting with this method, search "conditioner only method". I'm using NaturallyNike's technique.

I'm doing a 3-day challenge to see which conditioner gives the best results- curl definition, minimal shrinkage, 2nd day hair, crunch-free lol! I will post pics. Yeah! I'll be using

Naked Naturals Shea Butter & Avocado, $7, CVS
Yes To Carrots Pampering Hair Mud, $8, Rite Aid, Walgreens
Garnier Fructis Moisture Works, $4, Walmart, Target

Get Naked, Honey!

2009-06-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

I was at the mall today checking out MAC's Naked Honey collection. I swear I've seen these colors before. Maybe not from MAC (okay, yes from MAC) but also from other brands that I have in my stash. Here are some product shots:

l to r, She's a Star, Queen Bee, Buzz

I really love Queen Bee lip glass, Naked Honey Skin Salve, and Hand and Body Cream. The products range in price from $14-$22.50, so let's just say I left them at the counter. I think my Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush l/g in Lotta Colada is a nice dupe, and it only cost $7. Check out the limited edition collection for yourself and decide. Until next time.....

Kinky Curly Cutie-Tanika Ray

2009-06-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love her hair. And the color. The shape is beautiful. To get this look I would use:

The curly fro technique
Setting Cream- Black and Sassy, Miss Jessie's, Homemade Curly Pudding
Set ends of 2x twists on rollers
Sit under dryer(to eliminate frizz)
Un twist using light hair oil- Carol's Daughter Tui Hail Oil smells great, and gives great shine
Fluff into place and G-O!

Beauty Insider #2

2009-06-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

Keep a Beauty journal. There is so much information out there- on blogs, message boards and magazines. It helps to jot down notes, products to try, sites to remember, and keep everything in one place. This has helped me a lot. Buy one that's super cute and small enough to throw in your purse.

My Other Passion

2009-06-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

Fly hair. Fly jewels. Get yours.
www.emeraldgreene.etsy.com

One More Again

2009-06-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

When I was rocking my TWA, I was able to throw any 'ole condish in my hair. Now that my hair is 6 to 7 inches all around, not so much. But every Curly Girl at naturallycurly.com raves about cheapie conditioners! Suave, V-05, White Rain constantly come up on the boards as co-wash faves. Now that summer's here and I've increased my co-washes to 2x/week, I'm gonna give the $1 conditioner another shot. I just picked up Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut conditioner. I'll let you know if it rings my bell, or ends up in the product graveyard. Until next time......

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner

2009-06-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

Please believe me when I tell you that this 11 oz bottle of conditioner is the most a-mah-zing product I have EVER used on my hair! I will never be without it. I buy 2 or 3 bottles at a time. It's that awesome. I know I've mentioned it here before, but let me break it down, so it can forever and consistently be broken.

The Claim:

100% natural since 1967
Detangles & smooths for ultra-soft, shiny, touchable hair
For Dry, Brittle hair

The Ingredients:

Coconut Fatty Acid Cream Base, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Shea Butter, Wheat Germ Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosa Mosqueta® Rose Hip Seed Oil; Extracts of Fennel, Hops, Balm Mint, Mistletoe, Camomile, Yarrow, Chrysanthemum, Angelica, Forsythia and Magnolia; Honeysuckle Oil, Carrot Oil, Aubrey’s Preservative (Citrus Seed Extract, Vitamins A, C and E).

Organic shea butter and rosa mosqueta oil deep condition, protect and soften hair texture, organic aloe replenishes moisture and honeysuckle oil adds a soft, floral scent.

The Price:
11 oz/$10.39 at aubrey-organics.com
$7.69 at vitacost.com
$9.99 at drugstore.com
$10+ at whole foods market

I use this weekly as a deep treatment. I add other ingredients and a thinner conditioner to stretch my mixture. When my bottle is empty, I add distilled water, avocado oil, and vegetable glycerin to make my own hair milk. I'll also add a squirt to a water bottle when making my daily spritz.

I am not the only Kinky/Curly Cutie singing Aubrey's praises. If you are a newbie to natural hair I insist that this be your next hair purchase. You can thank me later :)

The Curly 'Fro

2009-06-15T06:05:00.000-07:00

To keep my hair looking its best, I have to take care of it at every stage of the styling game. My nighttime routine includes dampening hair with my daily spritz, smoothing whipped shea over small sections, and re-twisting my hair in 12 twists. I cover it with a bonnet or silk scarf, and sleep on a satin pillowcase. The result: My glorious Curly 'Fro.

Here are a few videos that I watched to help me achieve this look. There are so many different techniques out there. Some people use flexi rods. You could also bantu knot, or curl your hair onto itself, using Lisa Akbari's method.

Gimme the Luscious

2009-06-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

Consistent deep conditioning is the only way I can keep my 'fro juicy. Shiny. Thick. Soft. Luscious.
Here are a few ingredients that you can add to any commercial conditioner to kick it up a notch, taking it from average to A-mah-zing! And your hair will be oh-so-healthy, not 0h-so-krispy.

coconut milk
molasses
honey
oils- coconut, olive, jojoba, avocado
butters- shea, 100% cocoa (melted)
ayurvedic powders- 1 tb each amla, shikaka or brami
baby food banana
whole fat, plain yougurt
aloe vera gel
essential oil- 3-5 drops each rosemary, lavender, peppermint vegetable glycerin

Vocab: Sealing

2009-06-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Straight from CurlyNikki herself, certified KinkyCurly Cutie and one of my natural hair inspirations.

What is sealing?

"Moisturize and Seal- Moisturize with a water-based product and seal with a heavier-oil laden one, or oil. I moisturize with my conditioner of the day (DevaCare One C, Oyin Honey Hemp) and seal with Shea. My hair is shiny, moisturized and happy. Oils don't moisturize they nourish. Only water based conditioners and moisturizers hydrate the hair."

Lately, my conditioner of the day has been Yes To Carrots. It's protein and silicone free, which is hard to find in a conditioner. I also just ordered TWO bottles of Aubrey Organics and Desert Essence Jojoba Conditioner from vitacost.com. My hair is super dry and I'm going to try using this as a leave-in. I seal with shea butter, avocado oil, Vatika, or castor oil.

Beauty Insider #1

2009-06-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

To really make your eye shadow POP!, apply white eyeliner pencil all over lid and blend. Using an e/s brush, Pack color onto lid using patting (not sweeping) motions. Build color to desired intensity. Blend harsh lines with a clean blending brush.

Summer-ize Your 'Fro

2009-06-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

Sunday was wash day for me, and after a much needed DT, I had the softest, shiniest 'fro on the block. By mid-week, my hair was feeling a little fried. The sun can do damage to our hair as well as our skin. Some tips to summer-ize your 'fro:

Weekly deep conditioning treatments

Daily moisturizing with water spritz and/or water based product

Add a night time moisture treatment. Try shea butter applied to hair in sections. Braid, twist or pony (depending on hair length), baggy and sleep with a satin bonnet

Add a mid-week co-wash to your summer hair routine

Try wearing protective styles and keep twist-outs to a minimum

Cover up your locks with a silk scarf when out in the sun

Hope this helps! Until next time......

Learning From My Mistakes

2009-06-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

School is out and there's sort of a buzz...It's summa, summa, summer time!

The fam and I kicked off Memorial Day weekend with a trip to NYC. I wanted to have an easy,breezy,beautiful time-which meant no hair hassles. I donned a bun (a protective style) and wore the front of my hair like the model pictured above. It was a great look.

What I didn't realize was that my beloved Trader Joe's conditioner and my fave IC Fantasia (alcohol-free gel) both contain PROTEIN! I bunned my hair while wet, using TJ as a leave-in, and using IC Fantasia for hold. I wrapped my hair in a silk scarf every night to keep the bun in tact. I moistened with water every day and added TJ and IC Fantasia as need. I did not take the bun down and I did not comb my hair. For a week! HUGE MISTAKE!

When I got home, there was hell to pay. My hair was dry from too much protein, matted from not combing, and it shed for three days. Detangling was a nightmare and I had to DT overnight to restore the moisture balance to my hair.

Curlies, please learn from my mistakes.

1. Some Curlies are protein-sensitive. You can have too much of a good thing.

2. When bunning as a protective style, moisturize with a butter or hair cream and detangle every few days.

3. Pay attention to your hair and what it needs. My hair benefits from an occasional protein treatment, but in this case, the balance of moisture to protein was not maintained.

4. New to natural hair? Check out this thread on naturallycurly.com

Retail Therapy #1- MAC Style Warrior Collection

2009-06-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Retail Therapy: an alternative to the word "haul" used on YouTube. Thanks GucciGyrl1229!

Let me start by saying that I am NOT a makeup snob. I love CoverGirl, L'Oreal, you name it, I've tried it. There's just something about MAC that makes my heart flutter.

The Style Warrior collection was refreshing, considering the collections of the past year have been sort of a snooze (Dame Edna comes to mind).

I purchased Bright Future e/s. It's a sunny yellow shade with a veluxe pearl finish. Shout out to my favorite MA's Brittini, Alex, and January! Check out the entire collection here.

Christine at temptalia.com has some amazing photos using yellow e/s. She was my inspiration for purchasing Bright Future after seeing the stunning looks she created using it and Going Bananas (LE). Please don't be afraid of this color, it's really beautiful on Brown Girls and I think it's a summer must have! To view Temptalia's yellow looks, click here. Until next time...

On the Check In

2009-06-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my subscribers, and those of you who stop by once in a while. I'm lining up great articles, interviews, product reviews and rollin' out new columns. Splurge vs. Steal will compare two similar products at different price points, and I'll give you my honest opinion whether the pricey brand is worth the money. Beauty Insider will offer quick beauty tips and tricks that I have picked up over the years as a Beauty Editor (for Real Simple Magazine), Make Up Artist and Beauty Junkie.

I just returned from a family vaca in NYC and I have a story to tell 'ya about my hair. Let's just say a week old bun + protein gel = dry hair and excess shedding! LOL! No worries, though. An overnight DT and my hair is good as gold. I'll fill you in lata and tell you how NOT to make the same mistake I did.

Thanks again to all my loyal curlies. Spread the word, tell a friend. Until next time....

Do You!

2009-04-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Curlies! It's a wonderful Monday morning following a restful, 80 degree weekend here in The A. I'm sipping lemon water and detox tea so I can get my mind right, money right. I just wanted to check in and offer some encouragement and morning inspiration. Loving ourselves and our natural hair is a process, for some, a difficult one. Be patient. Be yourself. There's only one Kinky Curly Cutie like you, and you are Beautiful! All hair types are not created equal. Products that work for me may not work for you, and vice versa.

When I joined naturallycurly.com, I was in awe of some of the hair photos women posted. Long hair, curly hair, but most important, Healthy hair. I ran out and bought Every product they mentioned, hoping to achieve the same results. Good thing I shop at Ulta and kept my reciept! LOL! Needless to say, I was disappointed. Deva Curl, TIGI, Giovanni Direct Leave-In, Pantene, I'm sure these are great products, just not for MY hair. I encourage you to research, experiment with different products (save those reciepts), and get to know your hair and it's specific needs.

KinkyCurly Magazine is bringing you exciting new posts for Spring 2009! Stay tuned.....

If you're in the Atlanta area, check out the My Black is Beautiful tour May 2. Check the website for dates in other cities.

I hope you have a Fro-abulous day! Until next time.......

I'm A Dirty Girl!

2009-04-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here's the recipe for the Hair Mask that I apply 1x month.

3 Tb Bentonite clay

3 Tb warm coconut milk

3 Tb plain yogurt

1 Tb honey or molasses

3 Tb oil

Mix well. The mixture may be slightly lumpy. I scoop a small amount into one hand then rub hands together to smooth lumps. Then I apply mask to hair in sections. Once applied all over, I smooth it down the hair shaft (like applying a relaxer). Leave in 20 minutes. RINSE WELL. Co-wash to remove all residue. Deep condition if you like (sometimes I skip this step).

Do It! Do It!

2009-04-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

It's been a while dahlings, but I'm back. I've been trying new products, attending industry events, and mixin' it up in the lab (aka my kitchen).

Since going natural and adopting the CG Method, I've been scrambling to find products that work for my hair, and struggling to find a weekly routine I could stick to. Browsing the hair forums, I came across new methods like "baggying" and "sealing" that I had never done before to my hair. After reading hundreds of threads, I think I've found a weekly routine that I can stick to. It's work, I use way too many products, but my hair looks healthy, feels great and I'm worth it! In a perfect world, this is what I do weekly:

Pre-poo overnight with oil

Wash 1x monthly with shampoo

Co-wash with conditioner

Detangle out of the shower with wide tooth comb and paddle brush. Section hair into 4 sections

Leave sectioned hair in clips and rinse conditioner

Apply hair mask 1x month

Apply deep treatment to hair in sections

Sit under hooded dryer 30 minutes

Remove clips and rinse DT

Moisturize with Qhemet Biologics Detangling Ghee and Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier. Comb through

Apply Trader Joe's Nourish Spa conditioner as a leave-in

Apply shea butter

Seal with oil

At this point, my hair is cleansed, soft, detangled and full of moisture. I can style it any number of ways, usually in 2x twists.

Apply light oil to scalp. Massage

Spray each day with a mix of water, conditioner and oil in a spray bottle. Spray again at night and baggy.

The Vocab:

Sealing- Applying an oil to well moisturised and conditioned hair to lock in moisture

Baggy- Applying moisturizing product to hair and applying a plastic cap and leaving over night

Pre-poo- Saturating hair in oil and leaving overnight. Shampoo in the morning

Word to the wise: Do your research. What works for one kinky girl may not work for another. Experimenting is the fun part of this natural journey. Good luck, dahlings! Until next time.....

Killah' Combos

2009-03-04T08:06:00.000-08:00

I was catching up with old chums on Facebook (Go Eagles!), and I saw a pic of my college homie sportin' some bangin' curls. If I had to guess, I would say her hair type is 3a/b/c. Here's her killah' combo:

Mixed Chics Leave In Conditioner and Kerastase Oleo Curl. Nice! Haven't tried these products myself because I'm 4a. Just sayin'.

I do, however, have several makeup/skincare killah' combos. Like to hear 'em, hear they go:

Everyone in my family has loooong lashes. Even the baby boys. My killah' combo of Cover Girl Lash Blast and Maybelline Great Lash mascaras (both in Blackest Black-this name just made me think of CB4. You know you saw it, too. LMAO. Chris sure has come a loooong way) make them look fake! Like lash extensions. I'm not kidding. It's sick. Try it.

Equal parts Apple Cider Vinegar (a weak acid) and Water to help with acne. I mix 1 capful of each, moisten a cotton round, apply all over face, leave on 5-10 min, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. This step is done after cleansing and before moisturing.

Aloe Vera Gel/Glycerin/EVOO as a serum or face mask. I have dry skin. Really dry. Like, I apply 3 layers of face cream in the winter dry. I use this mix of 1 tb AVG, 1/2 tb EVOO, and 1/4 tb Vegetable Glycerin (mixed and stored in a travel-sized container) as a serum applied lightly over my face cream (currently using Jason Vitamin E Creme. LOVE!). When I have more time, I slather on a generous amount as a face mask. Let sit 10-15 min, then remove with a warm wash cloth. This makes my skin so soft and radiant. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows. LMAO.

I'll leave you with one more juicy beauty tidbit. The best killah' combo, EVER!- mixing fragrances. Now, I'm not new to this, I'm true to this. There are rules and regulations to this beauty science. Please continue reading before you go and mix Angel with Romance.

Research fragrance families

Discover your fragrance personality

Layer lotions, shower gels and body splashes in exact (or complimentary) families as your fragrance to intensify your scent and make it last all day and night.

Off to enjoy the sunny weather! Until next time...

Rip Your Own Runway

2009-03-03T05:56:00.000-08:00

I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! Rip the Runway aired last night on BET and I could not wait to bring you the hotness!

Joy Bryant and Derek Luke gave us Young Black Hollywood as the evening's hosts. Joy's stunning strapless Maxi Dress with embellishments- one word-A-Mah-Zing!

Our girl Korto Momolu from Project Runway was, by far, the best treat of the evening. At least for me. Equally delightful were all the Kinky Curly Cuties struttin' down the runway. Owwwwww! (As in, "All the ladies in the house say Owwwwwww)!

1. Designer Korto Momolu

2. Kinky Curly Cutie in an LBD

3. The baddest Chunky Fro and the baddest jumpsuit- Period!

4. Model Stacey McKenzie in Korto Momolu gown

Did you see the bold, feminine hair accessories? Mama said, "Put a flower in it." KC Magazine will never steer you wrong. Here's designer Byron Lars and more lovely Curlies givin' us Spring. You-Bettah-Work!

Designer Johnny Vincent showcased swim wear, and Douglas Says showed love to full-figured women.

In true BET style, performances from T.I., Ron Browz, and Keri Hilson were show highlights. If you missed any of this goodness, (in true BET style) the show will re-air Thursday night.

KC Magazine is giving it to 'ya- Fashion, Beauty, Hair, Jewels, Inspiration, Motivation, Appreciation, Relaxation....... Stay Tuned!

ETA: Joy Bryant's flowing pink silk gown is from Missoni.

Kinky Curly Love

2009-03-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

I started this blog because I believe Brown girls are grossly underrepresented in mainstream fashion and beauty mags. Imagine my surprise to see beauty tips for Kinky (yes, they used the word) hair in Glamour. Finally showin' us some love. Progress is often slow, but the world will catch on. This Kinky Curly Cutie demands it.

Check out these healthy hair tips from Glamour magazine.

Kinky/Curly Cutie

2009-03-02T11:58:00.001-08:00

Beyonce, or is this Sasha?, for an upcoming issue of Ebony Magazine.

Even if it isn't hers, even if the look is temporary, I still think it's cute. What about you?

Put A Ring On It

2009-03-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

.... and a flower in it! Hey, 'yall. Spring is upon us and I am writing this just in time. The hot hair trend for Spring 2009 is Hair Accessories. Some like it bold, others like it girly, some like it slick, others like it glitzy. Which ever way you like, there is something here for you.

This is a look from the Louis Vuitton show (sorry for posting a clear girl on the page. Don't hold it against me. LOL. At least she's tryna' represent with the puff- or should I be offended?)

....and some of my picks of the season

Bold Curlies: Feathered headbands scream "look at me", and with your gorgeous 'fro they certainly will

Girly Curlies: Sweet and simple for day or date night with a flowered head band

Slick Curlies: Keep ponies sophisticated and minimal with designer accessories from Juicy Couture or Coach

Glitzy Curlies: Shine on with rainbow bright gems, crystals and rhinestones on headbands, combs, or pin a cluster of brooches in your hair.

Don't forget to watch Rip The Runway tonight on BET and get creative! Until next time.....

Caramel On My Sundae

2009-02-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

I mentioned the Homemade Caramel Treatment in an older post, and a friend reminded me that I did not post the recipe. Sorry, folks,

The pros of this treatment are excellent moisture, deep conditioning and strengthening. The only con is the mess! I've only tried it once, and have yet to find a tidier way to apply it to my hair. If you try it and find a better way, leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you. Until next time.....

Caramel Treatment

1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup shea butter (semi-soft, not melted)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tb Apple cider vinegar
1 jar banana baby food
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup molasses
water (as needed to thin) or
cornstarch (as needed to thicken)

Using a blender, blend until smooth. Apply to hair as you would a deep conditioner, preferably in sections. Leave on for as long as you can stand (I forgot to mention the drippies as a CON ) without heat. I don't suggest overnight, that's just me. Rinse thoroughly and a. style as usual, or b. co-wash to move oil ( my hair loves oil) and then style as usual. The choice is yours. You can get with this, or you can get with that.

*Please note: I tweaked this recipe from the original http://www.nappydelphia.com/search/label/treatments for several reasons- I don't have red palm oil and I hate the smell of ACV so I decreased the amount. I was still Very pleased with my results. If you have any leftover mixture, freeze in a ziploc and use within 2 weeks. Enjoy!, and post a comment.

First Lady Swag

2009-02-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Michelle Obama's Vogue cover is on newstands!

Go.Get.It!

Now!

Stuntin' like my President

2009-02-25T13:29:00.000-08:00

I just came across this photo and I had to post it.
Totally off topic, but sooooooooooo necessary.
Mrs. Michelle Obama is gorg. The definition of beauty. Phenomal woman. And she loves her man.
Sigh...................<3 Black Love is grand.

You Got To Coor-di-nate

2009-02-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

Fly hair, Fly jewels. Get yours here
www.emeraldgreene.etsy.com

Kinky/Curly Cutie

2009-02-25T07:35:00.000-08:00

NAZRI SEGARO- L.A Models (Ethiopian)

HOW-HOT-IS-THIS-STYLE. Swag-jackin' it as we speak! I can't wait to go to church this Sunday. Amen!

It's been a long time...

2009-02-25T06:55:00.000-08:00

I shouldn't have left you.

I think this is my first blog of the New Year. For shame. I've got a-mah-zing updates. I'll tease you with a few, then write detailed posts about the rest.

About me. Finally admitting that I am a product junkie. I thought I just ob-sessed about my hair. Stop your lies, you foolish girl! Make-up has got me fiending, bath and skin care too. And this recession is real, so I must spend wisely (translation-hide the receipts from Dear Hubby).

My new faves:

Revlon Super Lustrous lipgloss in Barely Blossom, Pink Whisper, Pink Pursuit
Revlon Creme Gloss in Pink Cami = MAC Lipglass Viva Glam VI SE

Revlon has got the "drugstore" beauty game on lock. I love MAC, Nars, Cargo, TooFaced, but my BOGO swag is on fiyah right now! Ulta, Walgreens, RiteAid, almost always have cosmetics BOGO free. Throw in a manufacturer's coupon from your Sunday paper, and the make-up is damn near free. Take that economic downturn!

Okay,, Back to business.

My hair is so friggin' healthy and soft. Thanks to bentonite clay ( pick this up at health food stores/natural markets) and Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee. www.qhemetbiologics.com
If you must run out and buy these products now, (yes, you must) mix clay with warm coconut milk instead of water. Apply as you would deep conditioner, leave in 10-15 minutes. You have to watch this- you DO NOT want dry clay in your kinky/curly hair. Never a good look and a BEAST to wash out. Rinse and detangle your hair faster than you can say "product junkie". Bentonite clay can also be used as a mask to detox skin. See, 2-n-1, I'm saving you money! (Thank me by subscribing <3). With Qhemets, use as directed. The ghee, or butter, really helped my ends. One of my '09 hair goals is to pamper my ends like crazy to see if I can avoid constant trimming, thus retaining length.

I'm gonna post my updated 2009 routine. Cross my heart. I'm also going to photograph everything in my hair product stash. Shampoos, conditioners, oils, butters, gels, tools and I'm buying a new blow dryer. Stay tuned...

Kinky/Curly Cutie- Halle Berry

2008-12-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

We've always admired Halle's hair. She represented for the no-weave sistah's in Boomerang, gave us a cute, classic pixie when she won her Oscar, and now she's rockin' her natural! The curls are beautiful, the fro is fierce. Be inspired. Until next time...

Kinky/Curly Cutie- Janelle Monae

2008-12-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

I think she's beautiful, talented, smart, sophisticated, and she is wearing that hair!
Be inspired. Have a great weekend!
Until next time...

My Stash

2008-12-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

"This is a stick-up, stick-up. I need the bags or that money..."- Sasha Fierce

If you don't own Beyonce's new joint "I am...Sasha Fierce", somebody done told you wrong.

On to the kinky/curly biz...

I am getting to know my hair a lot better. We've been dating, chillin', just kickin' it and I really like it. I think this could be the one! LOL. I'm learning what ingredients my hair loves (shea butter) and hates (silicones). I have a routine that consists of low manipulation (combing, brushing), low heat (45 minutes under a hard bonnet dryer to deep condition), and ridiculous amounts of moisture and conditioning. I'll detail my routine in a later post.

I want to let you all in on what's in my stash. These are the products I can't live without, the creams and butters that feed my product addiction. "Hi, I'm Kinky/Curly and I'm a product junkie."

Cleansing

I've been following the Curly Girl Method, so I don't use shampoo. I conditioner wash (co-wash) with an all-star team of products that smooth, nourish, hydrate and strengthen my hair. Like a true PJ, I can't use just one conditioner at a time. Here's the current rotation:

Inecto Pure Coconut Oil Moisture Infusing Conditioner ($5.99, www.ulta.com for store locator)

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration ($3.39,www.ulta.com)

Avalon Organics Fragrance Free Conditioner ($9, available at Whole Foods)

Origins Knot Free Finishing Rinse ($13, www.origins.com)

If I've been using gels, Curly Meringue, or other stylers that are not CG friendly, I will clarify my hair with Chagrin Valley Shampoo Bars ($7, chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com), Aubrey Organics White Camellia Shampoo (sulfate-free) or a mix of baking soda and water (2 TB baking soda, 2 C warm water).

After my hair gets so fresh and so clean, I layer on the moisture. I start with my lightest hair lotion, add a cream, an oil to seal, and finish with a heavy butter. Here's a list of my favorite leave-ins, creams, butters and stylers:

Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose Conditioner ($7, www.vitacost.com)

Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier ($7, naturalhair.org)

Homemade Shea-loe

Whipped Shea Butter

Castor Oil

Shea Butter

Miss Jessies Baby Buttercream and Curly Meringue

Every week I deep condition (45 min. under a hooded dryer with plastic cap) with richer, heavier products than the conditioners I use during the week. I use homemade treatments, old-school cholesterol masks, and some new brands that I've discovered on my natural hair journey. You should definitely give these a try:

Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol Plus ($3, Sally's Beauty Supply)

Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment ($12.75, www.jessicurl.com)

Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose

Olive Oil, Honey, Shea Butter

Homemade Caramel Treatment

For extra special pampering, take a cue from our brown sistahs and use Ayurvedic herbs and oils on your hair and scalp. Ayurveda (“Ayur” = Life and “Veda” = Knowledge) is the ancient holistic science of India which aims at a total harmony of mind, life, body and spirit in balance with nature’s rhythms and the world around us. I just added these to my weekly routine:

Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil and Amla Powder (available and local Indian grocers)

Auromere Pre-Shampoo Conditioner ($5, vitacost.com)

Our hair has been through alot this year. Let's pamper our stressed tresses as 2008 draws to a close. Adding one, or all of these fantastic products to your current routine will guarantee 365 good hair days in 2009! Until next time...

I <3 SHEA BUTTER

2008-12-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I've missed you!

I hope you've been thinking of me, too. Where have I been? Well, for starters, I've been falling in love with Shea Butter.

Shea butter or shea nut butter is a slightly yellowish or ivory colored natural fat extracted from the fruit of the Shea tree which grows in 19 countries across the African continent. Shea butter is a remarkable moisturizer and emollient. Shea butter is effective at treating the following conditions: fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretchmarks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis. Shea butter also provides natural ultra-violet sun protection, although the level of protection is extremely variable, ranging from none at all to approximately SPF 6. Shea butter absorbs rapidly into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. Shea butter is known for its skin softening effect, and when applied to kinky/curly hair, it adds moisture to dry brittle hair, and helps retain softness and prevent breakage. WOW!

This Atlanta Curly buys her Shea butter locally. If you can't find Shea butter in your area, here are some great on-line sites recommended by my cyber sistas over at naturallycurly.com.

www.newdirectionsaromatics.com
www.sheabutterhut.com
www.Ebay.com
www.mountainroseherbs.com
www.oilsbynature.com
www.thesage.com
www.brambleandberry.com
www.fromnaturewithlove.com
www.lotioncrafter.com.
WWW.COASTALSCENTS.COM

Shea butter, how do I use thee? Let me count the ways...

My absolute favorite recipe is whipped Shea Butter. Shea butter is a semi-hard butter. When allowed to soften slightly (using a microwave or double boiler), Shea butter can be blended with oils and whipped with a hand mixer until creamy. You can use this heavenly cream from head to toe. I like to add Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Almond Oil, and Vitamin E Oil. Sometimes I add Aloe Vera Gel. The combinations are endless! I've also read where others add coconut milk. Yum! You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance. Rosemary and Peppermint oils encourage hair growth. You control the ingredients so you know that what you're using is 100% natural. Here's a recipe that you can adjust to suit your needs:

8 oz. tub of Shea butter
1/2 C Coconut Oil
1/3C Aloe Vera Gel
1/4 C combined oils

Other ways this kinky girl enjoys her Shea:

2. Straight from the tub, I emulsify a liberal amount between my palms and apply it to freshly washed hair after I apply a lighter leave-in conditioner

3. The best eye cream

4. For lips, it's the balm

5. Cuticle and hand cream

6. Melt 2-3 TB with 2-3 TB of coconut oil and add to 4 oz. of your favorite body moisturizer (in another container) to kick it up a notch. I use Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Lotion

7. Smoothed over dry hair to lay down those edges

8. Mix 2 TB melted Shea butter, 1 TB coconut oil with 8 oz. alcohol-free hair gel ( one with moisturizing aloe works well). This cream gives the most ridiculous waves and springy coils without the crunch. I like Fantasia IC Hair Poilisher Styling Gel with Sparkle Lites

9. I use the smallest amount on my dry skin (face) before I brave the low morning temps

You must try this wonderful moisturizer for yourself. Leave a comment and let me know what new ways you find to use it. Until next time...

More Flash than Cash- AKA Champagne Tastes...

2008-10-17T12:03:00.001-07:00

and a beer budget :)

So, I'm turning 30, not tomorrow- but soon. It's got a girl thinking: what do I really want from this journey called life? I sacrificed career to raise a family, my relationship (aka marriage) is in the toilet, and the economy right now is a joke. Not a very funny one, I might add. I met a mom at the bookstore yesterday and her husband was just laid off. She has two boys under five and no health care. "There but for the grace of God..."

I was not intending to take it there. I'm supposed to be writing about kinky, curly Black girl hair in all of its glory. I'm supposed to be excited about turning 30 and sharing my birthday wish list with you all. Sometimes life gets heavy and you need a few friends, and a ready ear, to lighten the load.

In an ideal world, my 30th birthday bash would be held in an outdoor cabana in Miami. John (Legend) would drop by and sing "Happy Birthday". I'd be surrounded by family and friends. We'd share laughs, tapas and mimosas. Fun times all around. My husband would shower me with Diamonique jewelry (I dare not sport a real diamond-but I will not stand on my soap box in this post) and a luxury designer bag that I would cherish forever. We'd walk along the beach and then retire to our suite. It sounds so good, don't you agree?

Below is my fantasy birthday wish-list. The dresses I would wear, jewels, and bags. Check out the gray slouch boots- a must have for the season and these are available at my home away from home, Target! The rainboots are a must for this schizophrenic Atlanta weather, and the knit beret has become a third appendage in my life these days, allowing me to be oh-so-ssylish while proecting my mane from too much wear-and tear.

Life is short, and no amount of money or material trappings will lengthen the days of any man's life. I get to spend every day watching my boys grow up. I'm fully present in every moment of every day and my life is richer because of it. I am becoming a wise woman. I am grateful, hopeful and faithful. I'm looking forward to 30. It means I've been around another year and there are things I still have left to learn. Until next time...

My Hair Inspirations

2008-10-16T13:25:00.001-07:00

Top left: A GAP ad I am absolutely in looooove with.
Bottom left: Bre from ANTM cycle 5.
Center: The ever evolving, fantastically fierce, always fly, Ms. Erykah Badu.
Top right: Ms. Hill. Lauryn, we miss you!; The always golden Jill Scott. Hate on me haters!
Bottom right: The angelic Corrine Bailey Rae; Everyone's fave gal pal Tracee Ellis Ross.

I hope these lovely ladies inspire you to love your locs, pamper your tresses and allow your light to shine. True beauty radiates from the inside, out. Stay fly, ladies. As my good friend, Jewell, says, "Pick Fros, Not Fights!" Until next time.....

TLC

2008-09-16T05:41:00.000-07:00

Baby,Baby,Baby.....

Ah! memories. This is one of my favorite songs from the Crazy Sexy Cool ladies of TLC. "I require plenty of conversation with my...", you know the song!

But this mag is about hair-black girl hair. I just had a moment, indulge me. On the topic of TLC (tender loving care), your hair requires plenty of it. From shampoos to stylers, any and every product you use in your hair should pamper, coddle and baby your strands. The result is soft, tangle-free, moisturized hair that is healthy and cooperative.

I'm lovin' Aubrey Organics White Camellia Ultra-Smoothing Shampoo to cleanse my hair and scalp twice a month. Yes, you read that right. This shampoo is sulfate-free and packed with Mother Nature's yummies- coconut, sweet almond, lavender and macadamia nut oils.

Replenishing moisture at every step of your hair care routine is essential. Afro hair is one of the driest textures because its tight curl pattern doesn't allow natural oils to move down the hair shaft. Sulfates, alcohols and other harsh chemicals strip hair of much need moisture, so beware. After cleansing, I apply a generous amount of Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner. I take the time to detangle with a large comb, starting with the ends. It's a process, it's time consuming, my arms get tired, but like Beyonce says, "I'm worth it!"

When I'm ready to style, I have a few go-to items that give me the fabulous fluff that I craaaaaave! I apply 100% African Shea Butter to damp hair and spritz with a homemade brew of distilled water and glycerin. Now, for the icing on the cake! Origins Hair Dresser smooth styling cream makes my hair so soft, moist and looking like a pretty, fluffy cloud. The smell is a fantastic blend of citrus and vanilla. Aloe, and a trio of rich hair oils (Jojoba, Macadamia Nut and Avocado) condition and impart amazing shine.

Sometimes I rough my fingers through my hair for a rock star look. Other times I twist my hair into Bantu Knots and leave in overnight. With a quick spritz of my homemade brew, bedhead is no more and I am out the door.

Be good to your hair and it will be good to you. In my next issue I'm giving away a few of my hair secrets and letting you in on my complete hair care routine. Until next time......

I LOVE My Hair

2008-09-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

My hair is undergoing a rebirth of sorts.

Every summer since high school, I would sashay into a local barber shop and request a Dark Cesar. All the fellas looked on, some in horror, others in disbelief, as I sat in the chair and made what seemed to them to be an awful decision. There were whispers of "Is she gay?", "Naa, she's too pretty to be gay.", and "Girls without hair are just unattractive." I simply took a deep breath and tuned out the buzzing sound of ignorant chatter and the barber's clippers.

When the cape dropped, and I rose, I looked at my beautiful face in the mirror. My eyes looked brighter, my complexion was glowing and there was no hair to hide the shape of my pretty, round face. Everyone in the shop would have to eat their words. I. Was. Fly.

As I reluctantly creep up on 30, I don't want to chop off my locks anymore. I''m desperate now to cultivate meaningful relationships, both personal and professional, so why not start with my hair. In my younger days, my hair was not pretty. No one loved it- not my mother who hated combing it and was sorry she never learned to cornrow, not older ladies at the Beauty Nest in Brooklyn who hated pressing my hair ( at least three times over), and certainly not me. How could I? All I heard was how hard, ugly,nappy,short,and difficult it was. That I could be pretty if it were long and straight. We've heard it before, you know, that "good" hair. But things are different now. Now, I love my hair.

First things first. Kinky/Curly Magazine is dedicated to the cultivation of healthy, natural Black Girl hair. Healthy Hair 101: Nothing in the Ethnic Hair Care aisle is good for our hair! Natural hair needs love from Mother Nature. Our locks thrive when they are pampered with rich oils like jojoba and coconut, drenched and conditioned with honey, olive oil and avocado hair masks, and twisted and coiled with shea butter and lots of love.

In this magazine you will learn new ways to love your hair-and yourself. Until next time...

Coming Soon!

2008-09-08T08:01:00.001-07:00

KINKY/CURLY MAGAZINE

Other Side of the Game

Victoria's Secret Haul!

Free SWAG from Victoria's Secret!

Beautiful Skin is In!

*UPDATE* NEW! Shea-loe recipe

What's in your spray bottle?

Outfit of the Day- Dad's 55th Birthday Dinner!

Update: Hair Routine

Best of 2009!

Five Minutes to Gorgeous!

Merry ChristmaKwanzaaHannukah

Must See T.V

Emerald Greene Designs in Essence Magazine!

A quick hair update......

I Like My Men and My Soap- BLACK

Diary of a Kinky Curly Woman

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Everyone Loves a Bargain

Atlanta Natural Hair Meet Up- The Video

More Pics!

Atlanta Natural Hair Meet Up

Emerald Greene Designs F/W '09

I may have to eat my words.........

A Tale of Two Conditioners

Support Black Owned: Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier

Updates :)

Kinky/Curly Magazine Celebrates One Year! and Tyra's Real Hair!

Jiggaboos and Wanna-Bees

Newly Natural

July Faves-Pics!

A Little Fall Face For 'Ya

Product Review: Karen's Body Beautiful

Beauty Insider #4

That "Lit From Within" Look

Hair Update

Oh, Maxwell!

Michael Joseph Jackson

Face of the Day-FOTD

Hair of the Day-HOTD

Kinky Curly Cutie-Jasika Nicole and Yaya DaCosta

Cleaning Your Brushes- Part 2

Rihanna-FOTD

Keyshia Cole-FOTD

Cleaning Your Brushes

Beauty Insider #3

Conditioner Only Method- Day 3 + Pics!

Conditioner Only Method- Day 2

Conditioner-Only Method-3 Day Challenge

Awwww!!!!!

Every thing 'Aint for Every body

Retail Therapy #3- Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale

Tresses a la Teri

Get Naked, Honey!

Kinky Curly Cutie-Tanika Ray

Beauty Insider #2

My Other Passion

One More Again

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner

The Curly 'Fro

Gimme the Luscious

Vocab: Sealing

Beauty Insider #1

Summer-ize Your 'Fro

Learning From My Mistakes

Retail Therapy #1- MAC Style Warrior Collection

On the Check In

Do You!

I'm A Dirty Girl!

Do It! Do It!

Killah' Combos

Rip Your Own Runway

Kinky Curly Love

Kinky/Curly Cutie

Put A Ring On It

Caramel On My Sundae

First Lady Swag

Stuntin' like my President

You Got To Coor-di-nate

Kinky/Curly Cutie

UPDATE NEW! Shea-loe recipe