Spotlight You Tuber - Miss Vaughn

One of my favorite You Tubers!  Check out her channel!  She has great fashion style and hair styling tips!
Enjoy!

Who Is Your Natural Hair Idol?

As a little girl growing up, there were not a lot of celebrity African American women in the spotlight.  Before there was a Janet Jackson, my favorite was Diana Ross!  I loved her music, her clothes and of course her big hair!  My favorite movies were “Lady Sings the Blues” and “The Wiz”.  I even wore a flower in my hair (I was only around 12 and knew the power of the flower) inspired by the gardenia she wore in Lady Sings the Blues.  As an adult, I became a fan of her daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross.  Her fashion sense and beauty is so incredible and her skin is flawless!  If I could choose one celebrity to sit down with a nice glass of wine and have girtalk with, it would be Tracee Ellis Ross.  One of the many reasons I looked forward to watching Girlfriends every week when it was on the air, (and even now I record the reruns) was to check out Tracee’s hair.  Her versatility and style is something to be admired.  She has such defined curls and it always has a shiny and healthy appearance.  Here are fewof her hair tips and facts I learned about her hair routine.

Shampoos

·         Aveda Shampure

·         Rene Furterere

·         Gold Well Conditioning Shampoo

Conditioners

·         Aveda Cherry Almond Bark

·         Aveda Deep Penetrating Revitalizer

·         Gold Well Kerasilk Conditioner

·         Hair Mayonnaise

Wash & Gos

·         Mixed Girls Leave-In Conditioner

·         Elixor

Other

·         Rene Furterer Vinegar Rinse

·         Steam

Tracee tells Essence Magazine:  “On a weekly basis, one of my beauty secrets is that I steam. I go to one of the Korean day spas. I fill my hair up with Gold Well Kerasilk Conditioner-that conditioner is fantastic for conditioning hair under a heating cap, which I do if I can't get into a steam room. With the Kerasilk, your hair will not curl up. My hair gets so soft that it doesn't curl up, so I have to use another conditioner. The other is very expensive but you get a lot for your money. It's called Hair Mayonnaise. It is a growth enhancer.”

Styling Tools

·         Denman D4 brush

·         Large clips for sectioning

Straight Hair Routine

·         Kerastase conditioner

·         Kerastse Oleo Relax

·         Chi blowdryer and Ceramic ionic irons

Her best advice: “Condition, condition and condition and stay away from alcohol-based products.  It just dries your hair out.”

Source:  Essence Magazine

NaturalView with Johncie

Meet Johncie

When did your natural journey begin?
My natural journey began in August 2002.  I started with micro-braids then I kept my ends trimmed until all the perm was grown out.  It was a process, but I grew to love my healthy hair.

What/Who inspired you to go the natural route?
My hairstylist of 22 years, Karen Gary, inspired me to grow out my relaxer.  Tammy and I began at the same time (probably an appointment apart), so it made it bearable to make the journey with someone with the same issues and goals. However, Tammy inspired me to begin to use all natural products.  It wasn’t the first time someone tried to inspire me to use natural products, however, to see the results of Tammy’s use was astonishing and I became a believer and a follower of “Curly Chic”.

How do you rock your natural?  (curly, straight, locked )
I rock it straight (compliments of Synergi Salon), curly, ponytail, whatever!  That’s the joy of rockin’ a natural; you can do anything! It’s so versatile. 

What is your current routine?
My current routine is simple.  I wash and condition my hair with organic shampoo from Whole Foods.  I put on a leave-in conditioner (Knot Today).  I style my hair with kinky Kurly and/or Goddess Curls by Curls (curl gel) and I maintain by using a concoction of oils and water or whipped pudding (by Oyin) or Curl Enhancing Smoothie (Shea Moisture).   I have tons of products that I want to try.  I am really just following Tammy’s regimen because she helps me to sort out most of the information.

What is the one thing you love about your hair?
Versatility and healthy

Miss Jessie's Products - BOGO Sale

I have heard so many positive comments about Miss Jessie’s products!  For every positive comment, I’ve heard just as many negative.  I have been very reluctant to give it a try – mostly because of the cost I must admit.  I am not mad at the owners for pricing their product as they see fit, I’m simply stating I am not so willing to pay the asking price.  On top of that, there was the shipping cost.  Then they found a new home at one of my favorite stores, Target, so I was so excited.  When they first arrived, I went over all ready to purchase but once I held it in my hand, I simply could not justify the price and put it back on the shelf.  Well, this morning, I get an email from curlmart.com with some good news!  Buy One Get One Free on Miss Jessie’s products!  Now that, I’m willing to do!  I am now FORCED to try it out.  I am not sure which two products I want to try first – I’m thinking the Curly Meringue and the Curly Buttercreme.  I hope it lives up to the hype! 

Has anyone had a Miss Jessie’s experience? Please share your results!

70s In All It's Glory

Photo:  W Magazine

I love love love the 70s!  Not only because I was born in 1970(shhhh), but I think this decade was nortorious for fashion, hair and music!  There was an extreme sense of pride about being black with the Black Panthers movement and the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement.  James Brown said it best with his “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” tribute.  Now there seems to be a new wave of natural hair pride sprouting up all over the place and I think it is awesome!  While I’ve been natural for several years, it is only recently that I have noticed so many people starting their journey into
naturalism.  It’s heartwarming and inspiring to see and be a part of. 
One of my bestest friends is having a 70s themed 40^th birthday party in a few weeks and I am so excited!  I can’t wait to throw on my bell bottoms and platforms and get my 70s lingo going!  “Jive Turkey”, “Can you dig it?” and “Dynomite”!  I’m even more excited to make my hair really really big and sport my natural like I never have before!  Pics and many stories to follow people!

Peace, Love and Nappiness!

What's your favorite era for hair and fashion?

Not a typical post

Earlier this year, I donated a kidney to my father who was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease.  I am proud to report that the surgery was a success and he and I are both doing well.  I came across this story on naturalnews.com and thought I would share in hopes of inspiring others to sign up to be organ donors!

Rogue Kidney Brokers inThe U.S. Sell Black Market Organs for Transplantation

The recent arrests of 44 people on charges of organ trafficking have exposed a major criminal market in illegal organ transplants, where wealthy patients purchase organs from poor Third World residents through brokers residing in the United States.

"In India, China, Africa and Latin America the poor are selling their kidneys to wealthy buyers through an underground set of networks," said Steven Post of Stony Brook University. "The donors make enough money to buy a house or put their kids through college and the doctors do the transplants overseas, in India for example, at perfectly legitimate hospitals, where nobody cares about the buying and selling of organs," he said.

In other cases, transplants take place at U.S. hospitals -- as in the case of an organ smuggling network that flew poor Moldavian organ donors into the country on fake student or tourist visas and took them directly to hospitals for illegal transplants.

Among the people arrested in July was Levy Rosenbaum, who Nancy Schepper-Hughes described as "the man to go to in New York" for an illicit organ transplant. Rosenbaum allegedly boasted to undercover law enforcement agents that he had been trafficking in organs for 10 years, making between $150,000 and $180,000 per kidney.

Organ donors in countries such as India are typically paid between $2,000 and $10,000 for a kidney. In a transplant ring recently broken up in Gurgaon, India, four doctors and five nurses had transplanted more than 400 kidneys at three hospitals over the past nine years, paying donors only $1,000 per organ.

A shortage in organs for donation -- the U.S. waiting list for kidneys has more than 80,000 names on it -- has led to a huge demand for cheap black market organs. The so-called "kidney mafia" includes doctors performing illegal transplants, organ hunters searching for donors, and middleman brokers such as Rosenbaum who match recipients with doctors and donors

Natural Wigs/Weaves

I am not quite sure how I feel about it.  On one hand, I view it as a form of flattery.  Probably because I take a compliment wherever I can get it! J When I see someone rocking a natural wig or weave, my initial thought is “oh, that’s really cute”.  I have been known to wear a weave during my straight days so I’m not against them by any means.  Then my thought process moves to “they are trying to get their hair like mine” and I get extremely proud of my hair and how lucky I am to have what they want.  My next thoughts are, “hold on, I’ve worked really hard to get this healthy head of natural hair!”  I looked crazy while I transitioned, conditioned, learned about my two different types of hair, researched the right products to use, etc.  and here this person goes to the nearest Chinese owned hair store, throws $49.99 on the counter and bam – has my hair!”  Your thoughts?

What is your take on curly/natural wigs/weaves?  Do you take it as a compliment or an insult?

P.S. Is that Tyra? LOL

Straightening Your Hair for the Winter? Brazilian Blow Out?

I found this article on Essence.com and thought it would be a good thing to share, especially since a lot of naturals seek to straighten their hair during the winter.  Anytime salons are requiring a mask be worn during the procedure, I'd say that's a reason to throw up a red flag! 

The 'Brazilian Blowout' Causes Controversy

Photo:  Essence.com

“If you like to rock smooth, swingy strands, then you're probably familiar with the latest craze in hair-straightening: The Brazilian Blowout. This hot new treatment smooths kinks and frizz with a solution containing protein-rich keratin. However, according to an intriguing piece in The New York Times, an occupational health agency in Oregon found significant levels of formaldehyde in the Brazilian Blowout solution last month--an ingredient that's extremely dangerous if present in high levels. The agency conducted tests when several stylists issued complaints about "nosebleeds, breathing problems and eye irritation" after applying the Brazilian Blowout treatment.

In response to the recent findings, salons like Sally Hershberger in L.A. and New York and Manhattan's John Barrett Salon have banned the Brazilian Blowout. Other salons can't afford to lose such a profit-making treatment, so they adjust, offering industrial-strength respirators to stylists and clients, or administering the treatment oudoors on patios and terraces. Many other salons believe the formaldehyde scare is an overreaction. "I say, you put Botox in your face, lead in your lipstick, and you smoke," said Neil Weisberg, co-owner of the Neil George salon, in an interview with The New York Times. "Pick your poison."

Last night's Suave Experience

So last night was my first time using the Suave Almond and Shea Butter product.  I was a little apprehensive because I’ve never really liked Suave products.  However, like I said, I’d read about it on another blog and decided why not try it.  For one thing, it’s super super cheap!  $1.84 each and last week Target had it marked down to $1.64!  At those prices, I can afford to toss if don’t like it

Anyway, I deep conditioned with Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholestrol with a plastic cap for about 3 hours.  I then shampooed with the shampoo.  It had just enough lather and a really suttle smell – pretty simple.  It’s shampoo.  I had been wearing my hair in a bun all week so it was pretty tangled and knotted up so I was worried that the conditioner might not do the job, even though the bottle boasts that it “conditions as good as Aveda”, those are really big shoes to fill!  It’s been awhile since I’ve used Aveda shampoo or conditioner, so I’m not sure if this is true or not.  Although it smells ok, it certainly doesn’t smell as good as Aveda products.  At any rate, I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the conditioner as well as I did.  It was sooooo extra creamy and moisturizing!  I was able to comb right through my hair with no problem.  It just felt so soft!  After I rinsed it out, it was still cottony and there were zero tangles!  Definitely a keeper and a future purchase!

Shampoo Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice [Aloe Vera]* Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil [Lemongrass]*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Dimethiconol, Fragrance (Parfum) , Carbomer, PPG-9, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Amodimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Citric Acid, C11-15, Pareth-7, Laureth-9, Trideceth-12, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 33 (CI 17200) *Certified Organic Ingredient

Conditioner Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet Almond), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba), Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil (Lemongrass), Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil (Rosemary), Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf Extract (Matricaria), Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract (Lavender), Dimethiconol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Fragrance, Dipropylene Glycol, Potassium Chloride, Lactic Acid, Disodium EDTA, TEA Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, PEG 150 Distearate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

Rating:  4 out of 5 Curls

*Product Review Disclaimer

That Old Aloe Vera Magic - Let's Talk Skin

 

 

The juice from the Aloe Vera plant has been called the miracle worker.  It acts as a soother and a healing aid for many skin conditions. 

4 LAYERS OF THE ALOE VERA LEAF

1.      Rind - the outer protective layer;

2.      Sap - a layer of bitter fluid which helps protect the plant from animals;

3.      Mucilage Gel - the inner part of the leaf that is filleted out to make Aloe Vera gel.

4.      Aloe Vera (inner gel) contains the 8 essential Amino Acids that the human body needs but cannot manufacture.

There is much confusion between Aloe Vera Gel and Aloe Vera Juice with the two often being thought of as synonymous.  “Gel” refers to the inner leaf only, whereas “Juice” refers to the "Aloe Latex", a bitter substance found just under the skin of the leaf.

You can purchase an Aloe Vera Plant from any nursery. When you are ready to use, cut off about an inch at the tip of a leaf and squeeze the gel out from the leaf and then apply it directly onto the skin.  When applied directly from the plant, the gel will feel sticky as it dries. This will go away as the skin completely absorbs it.  Once you cut it, it is best to use it right away, therefore you should not cut off a leaf until you are actually ready to use it.  However, to preserve for a few days, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator.

For Skin Irritation:

The gel found in the Aloe Vera leaves is spread on the surface of minor burns, sunburn, heat rash, poison ivy or dry skin, etc. to soothe pain and aid in the healing process.  Those who suffer from conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis also find great benefits from the use of aloe vera as it provides relief from itching and lessens the severity of the condition because it acts as an inflammatory agent. 

Daily Use:

Use of aloe vera on a consistent basis will allow dry skin to become more elastic and smoother, and give a more youthful appearance. It is absorbed into the skin and rehydrates it helping to rebuild healthy skin cells.  It can also be used on a daily basis as a skin moisturizer for proper skin production and prevention of the over production of the oil glands.  It has been said to help in reducing wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes.  Aloe vera can also be used an astringent which closes the pores ad to help reverse scarring.

Curly Kids - Adorable

 

I just love the Simmons girls’ hair!  I can’t wait to see what they do with it once they are older!
On another note, I came across a website selling – are you ready for this?  Customized full lace curly kid wigs!  Really?!  You would put a curly wig on your little girl?  If you order now, you can purchase your curly kid wig for $399, marked down from $795 and receive it in 6 -8 weeks!  What a steal! 

Would you put a curly wig on your little one?

Curly Girls and Wine - What A Combo!

 

Cheers!

A recent photo of my fellow curly girlfriend, Brandi doing a little wine tasting at the local Gallery Hop.  Although she is not curly in this photo, she too is a naturaly curly chic!  I am wearing a wash and go using Kinky Curly Custard.

Back to the Basics - The ABC's of Hair

Each hair grows approximately at the rate of 1 centimeter per month. This growth continues for 2-6 years. When the hair attains full growth it resets for 2-3 months and is later shed.

A new hair starts growing in its place. Thus at any given point of time 10 percent of the total hair on our scalp is in a resting phase and 90 percent of the hair is in growth phase.

2 STRUCTURES OF HAIR

1.      Follicle - The opening of the skin, which contains the hair shaft and root.  It is the point from which hair grows.

2.      Shaft - the non growing portion of a hair that protrudes from the skin, from the follicle and contains 3 layers.

3 LAYERS OF HAIR SHAFT – Each strand of hair contains:

1.      Cuticle – outer layer (gives shiny appearance).  Protects the cortex.

2.      Cortex – middle layer between the cuticle and medulla

Determines the texture and strength of the hair, contains pigment and keratin

3.      Medulla – innermost layer

3 PHASES OF THE HAIR CYCLE

1.      Anagen Phase – hair growth phase
Approximately 80% to 90% of our hair is in this phase at any given time.

2.      Catagen Phase – the transition phase where hair growth begins to shut down and stop activity.  Approximately 2% of our hair is in this phase at any given time.

3.      Telogen Phase - the resting phase
Approximately 10% to 18% of our hair is in this phase at any given time.

 

Winter Blues - Winter Hair Resolutions/Regimen

 

So that my hair doesn’t have the Winter Blues like I do, I am adopting a new regimen.  Although I’ve been natural for several years, this is my first winter wearing my natural hair in its curly state so we will see how things go.  At the end of the season, I will reevaluate.

I, CC, do solemnly swear to do the following:

Clarify

I have found that there is good and bad when it comes to products that contain “cones”.  While cones do seal the hair shaft, preventing your hair from absorbing moisture, they also aid in helping your mane remain conditioned longer.  Bottom line, some hair likes cones, mine does!  I plan to use a clarifying shampoo when I do use products containing cones. 

What clarifying shampoo will I use?  Neutrogena Anti Residue Shampoo.   After which I will shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo, which leads me to my next resolution.

Shampoo

I promise to do a lot more co – washing this winter.  Since your scalp does not produce as much sebum during the winter, I do not want to use shampoos as often, which can dry your hair out more.  However, when I do shampoo, it will be with a moisturizing shampoo.

What shampoo will I use?  Trader Joes Balanced Moisturizing Nourish Spa Shampoo.  I also recently purchased Suave Almond Shea Moisture shampoo after reading a review from Mop Top Maven.  I have not tried it yet but I will soon.  Review to come at a later date.

What will I use to co –wash?  Herbal Essences Hello Hydration, Long Term Relationship, Yes to Tomatoes.

Conditioner

I promise to ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS apply a leave in conditioner.  This is not something I did consistently before but again, the cold winter air robs your hair of its natural moisture leaving your hair defenseless!

What leave in will I use?  Kinky Curly Knot Today, Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness.

Deep Conditioner

Since I do have color in my hair, I have to do my best to add moisture, which for me means more frequent deep conditioning.  Sometimes I get lazy and only deep condition once per month.  I am going to deep condition once per week during the cold season.  Depending on who you ask, some say there is a such thing as too much conditioning.  My opinion is – it depends on your hair. 

*to lock in the moisture, I rinse with cool or cold water to close the cuticle.

What will I use?  Honey and Oil (coconut or olive) Homemade concoction and Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol.  I will probably end up purchasing something else along the way.

Detangling

I promise to take the time to thoroughly detangle!  This is extremely important in preventing knots and loss of hair! 

What will I use?  My fingers and my Ouidad Double Detangler.  I also recently purchased a Denman brush, which I will use after I detangle with the comb to smooth it out more.

Styling

I promise to experiment with protective styles.  Protective styles do just that – protect.  Any style that keeps your ends covered and does not require daily manipulation is a protective style.  To date I have only tried one – the bun, which is one of my favorites when I wear it straight as well. 

Absolutely NO WASH & GOs!

Several reasons I will fore-go the W&G during the winter.

1.      Your hair is extremely vulnerable when it is just out and about!  All of the elements are free to attack and suck all of the moisture out. 

2.      I do not like leaving the house with my hair wet – especially when it’s cold!  I also do not want all of the shrinkage.  Diffusing is not an option for me before I go to work because everyone in my home is still sleeping. 

What styling products will I use?  I will alternate between Oyin Whipped Pudding, Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade, Aveda Defining Whip and Shea butter.

Give the color a break

 I said “break” not eliminate.  I will NEVER eliminate my color…I will, however, refrain from any color applications until at least May.  I am thinking of trying the Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Conditioner for color treated hair.  I’m always looking for a reason to buy more products! 

What hair regimen will you adopt for the winter?  If there are products you have tried that you would recommend, please comment!  If you would like to do a product review to help other naturals/transitioners or relaxed women, please complete the contact form.

To Poo or Not To Poo

As we all know, natural hair can be extremely dry, especially during the colder months. However, sometimes it is the products we are using that attribute to the dryness. More specifically, the shampoos which contain harsh ingredients, such as sodium laurel sulfate.
As a result, many have resorted to changing their shampooing routine by eliminating their shampoo altogether.  In other words, using the“no-poo method”.  The general consensus is that the chemicals found in shampoo can irritate and dry out your hair.  In addition, the potential threat of these harsh chemicals being hazardous to your health in general, has led many to seek alternative cleansing methods.  Here is just one method that seems to be common:

Baking Soda + Apple Cider Vinegar + H2O
Baking Soda is the weakest alkaline and it gently clarifies hair from buildup.
Add water to baking soda to make a paste – apply to the scalp, as you would shampoo and gently scrub.

Mixture:  1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 cup of water *tweak as needed

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse detangles the hair folicles, seals the cuticle, and balances the hair’s pH balance.

Mixture:  1 apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of water *tweak as needed

What is your cleansing regimen?

Hair, There and Everywhere!

Is it me or has anyone else noticed how many commercials feature African American women and children with natural hair?  There seems to be a sudden influx of them or perhaps I just never noticed before!  My daughter and I have started a little game where we write down every time we see one!  So far, these are the ones we’ve found!

1.       2011 Toyota Camry

2.       2011 Ford Edge

3.       Burlington Coat Factory

4.       Kinectimals

5.       Kit Kat

6.       Active 2 Sportswear

7.       Park edu – Park University

8.       Kroger

9.       Wendy’s

10.     Kohls Department Store

What commercials have you noticed?  Check out this video I found on YouTube!