Au Naturale by Mz. Sixx Headlines

Friday, November 2, 2012

Dare 2 Know Hair Kutz & Kurlz Professional Hands on Seminar

This is NOT A MEETUP!!!

This is a professional Hands on Seminar held in Atlanta, GA conducted by MaKesha Melvin, a lead educator who travels the United States offering Advanced Training Classes as well as Continuing Education classes & credits to students & Licensed Beauty Industry Professional needed to renew their Professional Licenses. Some classes are offered just for continued growth in the Hair Industry!




Dare 2 Know Hair offers training in a wide variety of areas to include: Transitional Salon Training for students who have just completed Beauty School, Basic (sewed in & bonding) & Advanced (mekani, malaysian,fusion, micro-linking, custom wig-making, DSW-detachable sewn-weaves), Weaving Techniques, Braiding patterns for weaving, Proper Closures, Short Kut & Kurlz, Natural Hair & Styling, Eyebrows & Lashes, Make-Up Application, Salon Professionalism, Client Consultation, Customer Service, How to become a Continuing Education Provider, How to Publish your 1st Instructional DVD, Barber Training, & more.





Get your Tickets NOW!!!!!

Now booking Speaking Engagements, Private Hair Parties, Private Instruction, Events, Expos, and Workshops- (minimum) 15 people, you choose location, Advertise, & Provide Light Refreshments,  and MaKesha along with her Dare 2 Know Glam Squad  will come to YOU!!!!!!!  
**some restrictions apply **

Monday, June 4, 2012

10 Hair Trends You'll Want to try on Natural Hair

While browsing totalbeauty.com website I noticed an article on hair trends to try for the summer. Of course all of the highlighted styles was on straight or chemically altered hair. I wanted to show naturals that we can ROCK the same styles as those with straight hair. Take a look at the side by side comparisons. The descriptions and styling tips under each picture was taken from Totalbeauty.com

Face Framing Highlights

"It's a fresh way to transition into spring." The roots and the crown of the head will be darker (a plus for anyone who loves the low-maintenance aspect of ombré), but the highlights around the face will make the color transition seem more gradual.




Straight Waves
 
 
To get the look, Shorter suggests using a spray gel on damp hair and then sleeping in three or four big braids. "Whether your hair is naturally straight or curly, this will change the texture into waves," she says. "And if you're in a rush, you can always blow dry the braids." Once you've taken your braids out, use a 1-inch curling iron to define each of the sections even more.
 


Braided Updo


Braids have been big since the Spring 2010 Alexander Wang runway show -- and that was actually in September 2009. Sure, they've evolved from thick ropes to more intricate fishtail styles, but it's about time for a real change. Instead of the hanging versions, Corby thinks braided updos are the next big trend: "I'm going to be braiding like crazy this season -- but I'm taking them up," he says. "Whenever you think braids are going to go away, we stylists find a way to incorporate them." He also thinks it's a reflection of the times: "People are still in a hippie mood -- so it's got to be a little natural."



Scarf - Tied Updo
The head scarf updo makes us think of the classic "Rosie the Riveter" poster, but you don't have to work in a factory to make the head scarf look work for you. Danielle Bucco-Regazzi, Farouk Systems Creative Artist, says it's an easy style for the busy mom on the go, or a fun touch for brunch with the girls. Keep it modern: For your scarf, ditch the red and white polka dots and go for a fun floral print in a trendy color like mint green. This is also the perfect updo for hair that's overdue for some shampoo.

Side PonyTail
Keep it modern: Make sure the hair at your crown isn't too teased. You want to have the volume be fluffy, not stiff. And you can choose to add waves to your hair to give it a tousled, beachy look.




Teased Double Bun

Keep it modern: "This evening look began as an elegant updo, but you can modernize it by loosening up the hair and creating lots of volume on top," says Bucco-Regazzi. The key is to not try to make your hair look perfect.

How to: Split your hair into two sections, creating a part in the middle of your head, from one ear to the other. Clip the top section out of the way, then take the lower half and tease for volume. Then wrap the lower section of hair into a loose bun, using bobby pins to secure the ends. Next, take the top section of hair and spray with a generous amount of hairspray before backcombing your roots at the crown. This will give you a modern beehive effect. Secure the pouf with bobby pins before tying the top section into a ponytail. On the last loop, don't pull the ends through the elastic. Lastly, gently tug the looped pony, so that it hangs over the lower bun.



Rolled Back Updo
"Keep the part a little haphazard and not so precise," says Philip B. "The highlights here are really bright, which is what keeps the style modern. And the rolls are pinned in place but not in a severe way, so the texture looks touchable and sexy -- a departure from the '40s look."

Have you tried any of these hair styles? I wear the braided head band alot and I will definitely try the scarf tied updo- I'm seeing that look every where!!!!!




Picture Disclaimer: Mz. Sixx creates no claim or credit for images featured on this posting unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to it's respectful owners and we make every effort to link back to original content whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear here, please contact us and they will be promptly remove.  These pictures were courtesy of preciouscurls.com, Curlynikki.com, naptural85, Naturally Me!, natural chica, and TotalBeauty.com

Friday, June 1, 2012

June's Fab Finds on Etsy!!!!!

Its that time again- to spotlight some of my favorite shops on Etsy. You all know what Etsy is-right? Etsy is website where you can buy unique handmade and vintage items directly from independent sellers around the world. All of the products spotlighted, I have purchased with my own money. I was not compensated with merchandise or monetarily.  I'm spotlighting these shops because their products/service was awesome, high quality, and affordable!





1. The Queen Gems- http://www.etsy.com/people/TheQueensGems
Handmade unique and affordable jewelry -inspired by Natural Hair, Wooden, Fabric, Hoops, Sports Teams, and Tassle Styles.



I purchased these earrings a few weeks ago-I LOVE them-received many compliments on them.  They are light weight and very colorful- can wear with many items from casual jeans and a tank to maxi dress w/ a cute pair of wedges.




2. BoBeam Natrural Hair Products http://www.etsy.com/shop/BobeamProducts
Bobeam's specialty is shampoo bars made with all natural ingredients and they can be used on all hair types, including locs. The shampoo bars contain no SLS or SLES, detergents, surfactants, or sulfates. They are all-natural, 100% vegetable soap, non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and biodegradable.



My absolute favorite shampoo bar is the shealoe shampoo bar. It works great on my daughters loc's- thoroughly cleaning without stripping. This bar is also a GREAT make up brush cleanser. Wet the bar, wet the bristles on the make up brush, swirl around a couple of times- and you have a squeaky clean make up brush- that is still soft!



3. Au Naturel Diva Apparel http://www.etsy.com/shop/AuNaturelDiva#
High quality, original design, specialty apparel and accessories for kinky, curly, coily and loc'd natural haired women of color.


Calling all sororities!!!!!!! If you are natural and are a member of the divine 9-then this shop is for you!!!!! I fell in love with this shop because of the shirt pictured above- Reppin them pretty poodles of Sigma Gamma Rho EE-YIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ** All sororities are represented on her Etsy site** I also love her Loc lover tees













4. Think Kinkz Natural Hair Apparel
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThinkKinkz
Think Kinkz was created from the love I have for being natural. It is a brand committed to helping women express their individuality. These fashionable tees encourage women to embrace their kinks and not care what others think!  



Ya'll know I love this shirt because it is  PURPLE and I love the message. This shirt is available in small-xxl and in other colors. This fashionable tee is screen printed on an American Apparel or Tultex* fitted tee made of 100% fine ring-spun combed cotton. This lightweight fine jersey is ultra soft and form fitting. For added "flair" I cut the collar off and made it an off the shoulder tee :)







5. Ewa Madam http://www.etsy.com/shop/EwaMadam
Nigerian-American, Self-taught jewelry designer, Poet, Yoruba Initiate (Obatala Priest in training), Omo Obatala ati Omo Yemoja, M.P.A. holder and African Humanitarian that loves watching Ghanaian and Nigerian movies, exploring the world of African cultures, the arts i.e. music; dance; movies/theater, tradition and shares that expressively through word, deed, and when the opportunity presents itself-- teachable and creative moments:)...


Can you say EARGASM!!!!!!! Every time I go to her site I have an eargasm- her pieces are unique and too die for!!!!!!!  She also does custome peices, and in addition to earrings she has necklaces, rings, and bracelets.  Check her out!!!!
 













If you make a purchase be sure to tell them that Mz. Sixx sent ya!!!!! ** If you know of a shop/merchant I should check out- please post the link to their shop in the comment section. Next Etsy spotlight will be July 1st**



 Disclaimer: I write this blog for my personal enjoyment. From time to time I may give my opinion on a product or service. It is just my opinion, I'm not an expert in the field and other people's opinions may differ.  To keep my reviews independent and free of conflicts of interest, my personal policies for reviews are:


1. This blog receives no payment or other compensation for advertising.


2. This blog receives no payment or other compensation for reviews of products or services.


3. If I did not pay full retail price for a product being reviewed, I will explicitly state that in the review.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

The almighty chase of the curl & definition



Day 3-4 of a flat twist out


I'm always asked the question " what do you use to get your hair curly?" " How do you define your curls?"  The answer has remained the same for the last 6 months- I do flat twist out, using diluted lottabody setting lotion and my homemade whipped shea butter. I pineapple my hair at night, shake, and fluff in the am and ROCK OUT!

I have curly hair, however I'm no longer chasing curls and demanding that my hair is " defined" 24/7. I do my twist out on Sunday and I don't re twist until the following Sunday. I stretch a twist out for 5 days ( sometimes 6). The picture above is a 3rd or 4th day twist out. In the morning, I take down my hair ( from the pineapple), take my shower ( the steam help loosen the hair), after the shower ( i don't not wet the hair- I just let the steam work), spritz with Oyin Handmade Juice N Berries ( or you could use water), fluff and go.. I'm now in love with my hair on day 3-5 of my twist out- I love the volume and loose curl. Day 1-2 the pattern is really tight and and not " big" as I would like- not my fav look ( on myself).

Day 2 of a flat twist out 

MOISTURE is what defines and shapes our curls, not product. MOISTURE is what chases frizz away. Use products to enchace what you have, not create something that isn't there. Curls come naturally- not in a jar ( or tube, or bottle).


{ posted on BlackGirlLongHair.com/} " Don’t fight nature, embrace it. Haute hair, begins with healthy hair. So, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Trim every 3 months. Choose protective styles whenever possible. Avoid heat like the plague. Once you have mastered these principles, explore styling options that work with your natural curl pattern. If your hair is very kinky, roll with it…literally. Styles like finger twists and comb twists will produce awesome lasting texture with ease. These styles also tend to look better as they age. Gently separate the twist after a few days for greater volume and variety."



Now that summer is creeping up on us and the the heat and humidity is in FULL EFFECT- Below are links to a few post to help you maintain healthy summer hair and keep the curls popping by providing tips on how to moisturize & maintain length.


Co-Washing Natural Hair

Moisturizing & Sealing Natural Hair

My ( daily/weekly/monthly) Regime

Disclaimer: These images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Mz. Sixx. Use of any image as the basis for another photographic concept or illustration (digital, artist rendering or alike) is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws. All images are copyrighted © 2012 – Au’Naturale by Mz. Sixx

31 Days of Lupus Awareness Facts



Lupus Awareness Month is observed during May to increase public understanding of this unpredictable and potentially life-threatening disease that affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans. Here’s today’s important fact about lupus.


May 1: Lupus is an unpredictable and complex autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and can damage any organ in the body with life-threatening consequences.




May 2: Ninety percent of the people who develop lupus are female. Males also can develop lupus and their disease can be more severe in some organs.



May 3: Lupus develops most often between ages 15 and 44. However, between 10 and 20 percent of cases develop during childhood and these cases can evolve more rapidly into serious health complications.



May 4: In lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs. The result is the production of autoantibodies that causes inflammation.



May 5: Some people have genes that allow them to develop lupus. Factors that may trigger lupus in these people include infections, ultraviolet light, extreme stress, certain prescription drugs, and certain hormones.



May 6: Many symptoms of lupus mimic those of other illnesses, and symptoms can come and go over time, which makes diagnosis more difficult. Consequently, lupus can take three to five years or more to diagnose.



May 7: There is no single laboratory test that can determine whether a person has lupus. Diagnosing lupus involves analyzing the results of several lab tests, a review of the person’s entire medical history, and the history of close family members.



May 8: Lupus is treated by a rheumatologist, a physician who specializes in conditions affecting the joints and muscles. Some people with lupus may need additional care from specialists, like a dermatologist for skin problems, a nephrologist for kidney disease, or a cardiologist for heart complications.



May 9: More than 90 percent of people with lupus will experience joint and/or muscle pain that can be disabling. Medication and mind-body therapies can be used to help control the pain associated with lupus.



May 10: Lupus can be an expensive disease. The average annual cost to provide healthcare for a person with lupus is $12,643, and rises to nearly $21,000 when lost work productivity is included.



May 11: African Americans, Hispanics/Latinas, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans are diagnosed with lupus two or three times more frequently than Caucasians; however, lupus affects people of all races and ethnicities.



May 12: Successful treatment of lupus often requires a combination of medications. A new treatment for lupus was approved recently, and nearly two-dozen clinical studies are underway to develop a full arsenal of treatments.



May 13: As many as 80 percent of people with lupus experience fatigue. For some, fatigue can be debilitating, even to the point of forcing them to stop working.



May 14: People with lupus are usually encouraged to engage in appropriate daily exercise in order to maintain muscle and bone strength. Care should be taken, however, to balance exercise with rest.



May 15: Systemic lupus is the most common type of lupus. Systemic lupus can affect any organ system of the body, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, blood, joints, and skin.



May 16: Discoid lupus (the most common form of skin lupus) accounts for approximately 10 percent of all cases of lupus and occurs in 20 percent of those with systemic lupus.



May 17: Drug-induced lupus is a lupus-like disease caused by taking specific prescription drugs. The symptoms usually disappear after these medications are stopped.



May 18: Women with lupus are at increased risk for loss of bone mass (osteoporosis) and are nearly five times more likely to experience a fracture.



May 19: Blood disorders such as anemia (a low number of circulating red blood cells) are common in lupus, affecting about half of all people with active disease.



May 20: People with lupus should eat a nutritious, well-balanced, and varied diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and moderate amounts of fish and lean meats. Lifestyle adjustments should always include quitting smoking, as tobacco products can cause flares of lupus symptoms.



May 21: More than 80 percent of people with systemic lupus will experience some type of nervous system complication, ranging from mild confusion or memory loss to strokes, seizures, and vision problems.



May 22: The malar, or “butterfly” rash on the face is present in about one-third of those with systemic lupus. This flat, reddish rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks, is often the only visible symptom of this form of lupus.



May 23: As many as 40 percent of all people with lupus, and as many as two-thirds of all children with lupus, will develop kidney complications that require treatment.



May 24: Only 10 percent of people with lupus will have a close relative who has lupus or may develop lupus, and only five percent of children born to a mother with lupus will develop the disease.



May 25: About 40 percent of people who were originally diagnosed with cutaneous lupus, which affects only the skin, will go on to develop systemic lupus that can affect any organ in the body.



May 26: Neonatal lupus is a rare condition that affects infants of women who have lupus. With proper testing, physicians can identify most at-risk mothers, and the infant can be successfully treated before or at birth.



May 27: Lupus is not contagious and cannot be “given” to another person. Lupus is not like or related to HIV/AIDS or any other infectious disease.



May 28: With current methods of therapy, 80 to 90 percent of people with non-organ threatening lupus can look forward to a normal lifespan.



May 29: Advancing technology and better understanding of the disease have improved pregnancy outcomes. Today, 80 percent of women with inactive lupus can have successful pregnancies.



May 30: Most people with lupus are able to continue to work. However, some people may require modifications to their work environment and schedules, such as flexible work hours, job-sharing, and telecommuting.



May 31: Today people with lupus are leading healthier lives and living longer than at any time in history, thanks to researchers who continue to discover more about the underlying science of the immune system.




Click Here to Learn more about Lupus

Click Here to donate to team Lupie Chicks in the 2012 Walk for Lupus- Baltimore MD - September 29, 2012

Click Here to Join Team Lupie Chicks in the 2012 Walk for Lupus- Baltimore MD - September 29, 2012





Friday, May 18, 2012

Put on Purple For Lupus- Lupus Awareness Fact

May 18: Women with lupus are at increased risk for loss of bone mass (osteoporosis) and are nearly five times more likely to experience a fracture.


Natural Hair- 3 day old flat twist out- rolled and tucked
 My Brand New #Purple Eyeglasses- Purple Everything
 Lupus Bracelet " Someone You Know Has Lupus" -
That someone is " ME"
 Purple Eye Make-Up ( Elf Palette), Purple Lip Stan ( Miliani Cosmetics), Purple Crochet Earrings ( Atlanta World Natural Hair), Purple Print Top ( Burlington Coat Factory)
I'm rocking purple today for myself and all my fellow #lupieChicks!!!!!!!!


Thursday, May 17, 2012

Re-Twisting Mini Me Locs Without Clips

Mini me is 8 months into her loc journey. I started her locs with 3-strand twists. Re twisting is such a task and a chore for me ( usually on Sundays). I wash and retwist her locs once a month. Mini me HATES the re twisting process, the million and one clips and the 2+ hours spent under the dryer leaves a little to be desired ( usually after 2 hours her hair is still damp -especially in the back). 

Twisting and Re-Twisting are pretty much the same thing. Often twisting refers to when you first start your locks while re-twisting is maintenance done to tighten your locs. In both cases the main idea is to put a locking cream of some type on the hair, twist it and allow it to dry. You simply spin the lock until it us under enough tension to compress it and make it feel tight, while at the same time applying some loc butter/loc gel directly to the loc, working it in as you twist it around and around, always to the right or "clockwise". Click Here for additional info on twisting & retwisting Loc's

I was trying to come up with a method of re twisting her hair in UNDER 4 hours ( 2 hours to wash/condition/twist and 2 hours under the dryer). My thought process was to wash/condition and just re twist the front, but I wasn't feeling that idea, so then I decided I would re twist but not add any clips.

I washed mini me locs with BoBeam Shealoe Shampoo Bar, applied a hot oil treatment ( using vatika oil and castor oil), then started twisting with Murrays Gel Loc-Lock.

I started in the back at the nape of her neck. I twisted 6-8 locs securing them by using a duck clip

gather the twisted locs and (loosly) wrap a rubber band right
 below the new growth


Continue the process through the head until all locs have been retwisted and secured with a rubber band



** You can't see the rubber bands**
Sit under a hooded dryer- Mini me hair was completely
dry in 20 minutes!!!!!!

She styled her hair just by adding a hair tie ( created by Maxx-Cee) and gently pulling them back

I'm certain this is the way we will retwist mini me loc's moving forward. The entire process was 2 hours including drying time.



 Disclaimer: These images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Mz. Sixx. Use of any image as the basis for another photographic concept or illustration (digital, artist rendering or alike) is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws. All images are copyrighted © 2012 – Au’Naturale by Mz. Sixx

May 17- Lupus Awareness Fact

May 17: Drug-induced lupus is a lupus-like disease caused by taking specific prescription drugs. The symptoms usually disappear after these medications are stopped.

Don't forget to Put Your Purple On Tomorrow For Lupus
May 18th


By joining the Lupus Foundation of America and thousands of people nationwide for Put On Purple Day you can promote Lupus awareness and support the research for a cure.


Click Here to learn more about Lupus

Click Here to donate to " Team Lupie Chicks"

Click Here to Join Team Lupie Chicks

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

My Favorite products under $10

1. BoBeam-http://www.etsy.com/shop/BobeamProducts

Shampoo Bars- $5.00-$6.50
Bobeam's specialty is shampoo bars made with all natural ingredients and they can be used on all hair types, including locs. The shampoo bars contain no SLS or SLES, detergents, surfactants, or sulfates. They are all-natural, 100% vegetable soap, non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and biodegradable.

I wash my daughters locs with the Shealoe Shampoo Bar. It thoroughly cleanses her hair without stripping. It lathers really well and I like that I can control the areas that need special attention too-around her forehead where she has dandruff & itchy scalp ( because its a bar- I wet my hand, rub the bar between them and use my soapy hands to wash her hair).  The Shealoe Signature Shampoo Bar is a combination of shea butter and aloe, tea tree and lemon oil. The lemon oil gives the bar a light, clean fresh lemon scent. Shea butter is a great moisturizer which also provides elasticity and sun protection. Aloe is great for hydration, itchy scalp and/or dandruff, and helps with hair loss by renewing the follicular cycle and stimulating the scalp.



2. Queen Helene http://www.queenhelene.com/

Queen Helene Royal Curl - Curl Shaping Cream $7.99
naturally tame frizz, define curls and smooth waves with silky hold. Pure Aloe Vera Gel and Agave Nectar quench your hair’s thirst without the grease, while powerful Green Tea antioxidants and intense moisturizers defend against damaging heat and humidity. All natural: No harsh, or drying chemicals like alcohol, sulfates, petrolatum, parabens or phthalates.

I ran across this product at Target.  Its consistency is more of a gel than a cream. A little goes a long way this product. I use this product on freshly washed wet hair to do flat twist-out hair styles. On each section of hair apply your oil of choice then a little of the Curl Shaping Cream ( a little goes a long way). If you use too much your hair will have a crunchy" feel to it. Then flat twist the hair ( I flat twist all going back). I secure the hanging part of the twist with a bobby pin ( that also keeps the hair stretched).  I achieve great curl definition and my twist outs last 3-4 days.


3. Garnier Fructis- http://www.garnierusa.com/

Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment $4.99
Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo: Dryness Reversal Treatment includes the 3 nutritive fruit oils plus apricot seeds that massage and stimulate hair from the root for the ultimate nourishing experience. In just 3 minutes, it helps reverse the signs of dryness for silky hair that’s full of life.

I usually deep condition my hair overnight because I feel that this gives my hair an added boost of moisture. But when you simply want to do a deep conditioning treatment without the long process this product is the way to go. In 3 minutes this product left my hair feeling soft, moisturized and very healthy. This would be a great treatment to do during the week when you want to pamper yourself sans the extra time this kind of product typically requires. You can purchase this product at Target, walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and most grocery stores that carry health and beauty aids.


4. Shea Moisture - www.sheamoisture.com
Hold and Shine Moisture Mist $9.99

Imparts a high-gloss shine, while providing hold and hydration to hair. Spray liberally through towel-dried hair from roots to ends and use a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly. Style as desired. May be used on dry hair to freshen hairstyle. Contains de-ionized water, Cocos Nucifera (coconut) oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea butter)*, silk protein, essential oil blend, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) seed oil, algae extract, Hyssopus Officinalis extract, Salvia Officinalis (sage) leaf and Equisetum Arvense extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) flower extract and Tocopherol (vitamin E). *Denotes certified organic ingredients.


I use this product on my day 2-4 twist outs. It's a great subsition for water and smells HEAVENLY!!!!
Caution: if you use to much it will leave a sticky feeling to your hair-so use a "light" hand with this product. I lightly spritz my hair, fluff, shake, and go ( on a old twist/braid out)!

 
5. Lottabody- http://www.lottabody.com/
Setting lotion $4.99

Lottabody Setting Lotion is perfect for wet setting, blow styling or waving natural or relaxed hair. Dries fast. Won't flake. Bonds to hair to help overcome porosity and seal split ends. Creates firm hold, yet is still easy to comb. Gives hair fabulous body and shine. Curls are well defined and full of body. Hair is shiny and remembers the set longer.


This is my go to item for setting twist outs and braid outs. I dilute this product 50:50 with rose water ( you may also use regular water)- pour into a spray bottle add a cap full of oil of your choice ( I use grapeseed oil). Apply to detangled & sectioned hair. Spray the section your working with, and smooth product from root to tip, then twist or braid for a twist/braid out. This product can be purchased at Sally Beauty Supply Stores, and local beauty Supply stores.

Honorable Mention

These products are a little more than $10 BUT they are worth the money!!!!!

Oyin Handmade-http://www.oyinhandmade.com/



Burnt Sugar Pomade- $12.00

Similar in texture to an old school 'hair grease,' This blend of oils, butters, and veggie waxes acts as a humectant and protectant for hair, increasing shine to a high glossy sheen and locking in moisture. It's packed with essential fatty acids to nourish scalp, and actually sinks into your hair and skin for a long lasting, non-greasy feeling. It's great for braids, imparts shine and moisture to loose hair, brushes nicely into the hairline for a glossy finish, and adds luster to locks! Contains virgin coconut cream, mango oil, and hempseed oil in a base of nourishing castor oil.

I absolutely love the smell of this product!!!!!. Its thick and heavy and I use this when I do a dry twist out ( usually after day 4 of a twist out) paying close attention to my ends. This product can also be used as a styler, sealer, or refresher.

The Juices- $12.00
Nourishing herbal leave-in tonics have been our most popular products since we first introduced "Greg Juice," the original citrus-herbal version, in 2004. Now available in three unique scents, this oil-free mixture of vegetable moisturizers and herbal essences remains hugely popular among people with many different hair types and needs!

We all know I love The Juices!!!! I use this product when I need to re wet my hair before styling or as a style finishing mist. It's better than water ( IMO) because it doesn't cause my hair to shrink and I love the smell of " juice & berries). I also spritz my daughters loc's with Juice & Berries for a boost of moisture and shine in a New York minute.

P.S. Every month, Oyin Handmade host a few bottling parties where they invite the  lovely Oyin Honeys to visit behind the scenes and help bottle and label oyin goodies! It's a great way to meet other Oyin Honeys, listen to some music, enjoy a few snacks and earn FREE GOODIES!! Please visit here to find out when our next bottling party is, and sign up yourself! The events are RSVP only and they fill up FAST! Make sure to follow our FB and Twitter pages so that you can be among the first to know about each upcoming bottling party! Click Here for more information.....

Disclaimer: I write this blog for my personal enjoyment. From time to time I may give my opinion on a product or service. It is just my opinion, I'm not an expert in the field and other people's opinions may differ.I have purchased each of the aforementioned products with my own money. I have not been asked to provide a review nor was I compensated monetarily or with products.

May 16th- Lupus Awareness Fact



May 16: Discoid lupus (the most common form of skin lupus) accounts for approximately 10 percent of all cases of lupus and occurs in 20 percent of those with systemic lupus.

Click Here to learn more about Lupus



Click Here to join " Team Lupie Chicks"

Click Here to donate to Team Lupie Chicks for the Walk  For Lupus in Baltimore, MD Septemember 28, 2012

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

May 15th Lupus Awareness Fact



May 15: Systemic lupus is the most common type of lupus. Systemic lupus can affect any organ system of the body, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, blood, joints, and skin.

Click Here to Learn more about Lupus



Click Here to donate to Team Lupie Chicks in the Baltimore Walk for Lupus September 29th, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD

Click Here to join Team Lupie Chicks

Monday, May 14, 2012

National Natural Hair Meetup Day – DMV (Washington DC Metro)


1st Annual National Natural Hair Meetup Day

Hosted by



Sponsored By


Time: 12pm – 5pm
Place: Hampton Inn & Suites
5821 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22303

 

  
Vendors~ Swag Bag~ Education~ Giveaways~ Q&A~ Hair Demos

 
The National Natural Hair Meetup Day is an annual one-day event. Its purpose is to allow the opportunity for women across the country to meet in their own communities while networking, sharing and meeting (virtually) other women across the country participating in meetups on the same day. Natural hair meetups are events designed to share information, techniques, inspiration and products to aid individuals in their natural hair journey.

 
Attendees of the natural hair meetup will be able to:

 
  • Meet other naturals in their area
  • Gain exposure to natural hair product lines and companies
  • Learn the process of planning and executing a natural hair meetup (event hosts)
  • Meet natural hair and beauty bloggers and Youtube vloggers Network with other natural hair meetup organizers (event hosts)
  • Discover resources, techniques, products and people that can serve as inspiration and information for the natural hair care journey
  •  For more information please visit: http://nnhmd.com/
 ***Early Bird and Advance Tickets are SOLD OUT- You may purchase tickets at the door- $20.00****




A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Lupus Foundation and Team Lupie Chicks


Date: Saturday, May 19, 2012

May 14th- Lupus Awareness Fact




May 12: Successful treatment of lupus often requires a combination of medications. A new treatment for lupus was approved recently, and nearly two-dozen clinical studies are underway to develop a full arsenal of treatments.




May 13: As many as 80 percent of people with lupus experience fatigue. For some, fatigue can be debilitating, even to the point of forcing them to stop working.



May 14: People with lupus are usually encouraged to engage in appropriate daily exercise in order to maintain muscle and bone strength. Care should be taken, however, to balance exercise with rest.
 
 
 
Click Here to learn more abbout Lupus
 
Click Here to donate to Team Lupie Chicks for the 2012 Baltimore Walk for Lupus
 
Click Here to Join Team Lupie Chicks

Friday, May 11, 2012

4th day hair-Flat Twist Out


"The Juices"
Nourishing Herbal Leave-ins by Oyin


Our nourishing herbal leave-in tonics have been our most popular products since we first introduced "Greg Juice," the original citrus-herbal version, in 2004. Now available in three unique scents, this oil-free mixture of vegetable moisturizers and herbal essences remains hugely popular among people with many different hair types and needs!



Greg Juice contains no added fragrance, only the citrus and lavender essential oils that are in each formula. It smells like a mild, citrusy-herbal refreshing breeze.



Frank Juice is scented with Frankincense and Myrrh fragrance oils. Juices & Berries is fragranced like a juicy fruit punch, bursting with flavor!

 

4th day hair- flat twist out





Night Time

Gather all hair and pull into a "loose" pony tail on top of your head using a scrunchie ( Pineapple Method). A scrunchie will not leave the indention from being in a pony tail, and keeping the ponytail loose will not disturb the curls. Also tuck the ends of the hair under the scrunchie



Morning Time

Remove scrunchie, lightly spritz with Oyin Handmade Juice & Berries, shake, fluff,  and GO!!!

** The T-shirt in the pictures can be purchased at Oyinhandmade.com or at the store located 2103 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 **



May 11th Lupus Awareness Fact



May 11: African Americans, Hispanics/Latinas, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans are diagnosed with lupus two or three times more frequently than Caucasians; however, lupus affects people of all races and ethnicities. Lupus can be an expensive disease. The average annual cost to provide healthcare for a person with lupus is $12,643, and rises to nearly $21,000 when lost work productivity is included.



Click Here to learn more about Lupus


Click Here to Donate to Team " Lupie Chicks"

Click Here to Join Team Lupie Chicks at the Walk for Lupus in Sept 29 at Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD

Thursday, May 10, 2012

May 10th- World Lupus Day

About World Lupus Day



World Lupus Day began with a Proclamation 8 years ago by an international steering committee representing lupus organizations from 13 different nations when they met in Eaton, United Kingdom to organize the first observance of World Lupus Day. The Proclamation is a call to action for governments around the world to increase their financial support for lupus research, awareness and patient services.



The Proclamation reflects the emerging issues that people with lupus around the world must face every day. The Proclamation serves to give a single voice to all individuals affected by this devastating and debilitating chronic disease.



Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. An estimated 5 million people around the world have lupus.



Most people know very little about lupus. But by working together we can change that. Imagine the impact we can have if we all help raise worldwide recognition of lupus, assuring earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and greater support for people everywhere! Join Julian Lennon and pledge to raise awareness for lupus.


Click Here to sign the Lupus Awareness Pledge

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

REQUESTED - My Skin Regimen

Hi loves,
Thank you for all the compliments you guys have given me about my skin ( and hair). I appreciate all the love and I'm shocked that so many of you have noticed.  Most of you know that I had scarring left from a Lupus flare up and I was really embarrassed and insecure about my face. I wore full coverage makeup( foundation)  along with Dermablend - EVERYDAY - including hot summer days. I now only wear press powder ( yes!!!). I eventually found a dermatologist who took the time to access all of my skin care issues & needs. My dermatologist is Dr. Callender. She has taught me how to care for my skin at home and has turned my skin around!!!!! I started to see improvement in 4 weeks. Click Here to revisit " Loving the Skin I'm In" The number one thing she has taught me is SPF!!! Yes, ladies- if you're African American YOU STILL NEED SUN SCREEN!!!! ( because I have Lupus I have to use SPF 70, but all of my products contain at least SPF 50)

Naked Face ** Summer 2011 **

MAY-May 9, 2012- Naked Face
I tried to get up close so that ya"ll could my skin

Alot of you have asked what am I doing for my skin. I will share my regimen with you all, BUT this is a regimen that works for me and my skin type and was pescribed to me by Dr. Callender. I highly suggest that if you're experiencing any skin issues, you should consult with a dermatologist before starting any new regimen or before applying new products to your face.

Skin Type: OILY- problematic, sensitive skin with large pores..

Morning

Evening
  • Remove makeup with a makeup wipe ( I use neutrogena makeup remover pads or unscented baby wipes)
  • Do the oil cleansing method ( 50:50 mix of Grapeseed oil & Castor oil, 2 drops of vitamin E) ** I only do this if I'm wearing makeup.. If not I skip this..**
  • Steam face with a warm  (soft) wash cloth, wipe away oil residue
  • (1) pump of neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser ( purple bottle)
  • Apply with hands/rinse with cool water
  • Pat  dry
  • Spritz face with rose water
  • Apply 4% strength hydroquione with a q-tip to any dark marks or blemishes
  • Apply a thin layer of Differin Gel
Weekly
  • Change my pillow cases
  • Wash my makeup brushes ( using EVOO and Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo)

 Monthly
  • First Sunday of every month Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque
Bi-Monthly


  •   See Dr. Callender
Quarterly

Today May 9th- Pressed Powder, Blush, Eyeshadow,
 & LipGloss ( Hair Flat-Twist Out)

There you have it!  That's my regimen- and  I stick to it- no matter how sleepy or tired I maybe.  I take the time to do all the above. Be sure to drink plenty of water and get rest. Suffering from insomnia I'm still struggling with getting enough sleep. ** Baby steps**


Dr. Valerie Callender is an internationally recognized Board Certified Dermatologist, who is known for her expertise in Pigmentation Disorders and the medical and surgical treatment of Hair Loss in Women.Dr. Callender has written twelve (12) textbook chapters and many articles for academic journals. She has recently co-edited a textbook on the Treatment for Skin of Color. Dr. Callender is a frequently invited speaker at national and international meetings.Dr. Callender has been a visiting Professor of Dermatology at Brown University, the University of Maryland, the University of Florida, Boston University/Tufts and the State University of New York. Dr. Callender has conducted and participated in over forty (40) research studies and clinical trials for both therapeutic and cosmetic products and is a consultant to many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Callender is frequently quoted and featured in both print and electronic media (including a recent segment on the Dr. Oz Show on Hair Loss In Women) and serves on the Boards of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, where she is Secretary; the Skin of Color Society, where she is a founding member and President, and the North American Hair Research Society.


Dr. Valerie Callender
Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
1200 Annapolis Road
Suite 315
Glendale, MD 20769
301-249-0970

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