Airplane Chic-Bey Style!

I don’t care what anyone else thinks of Beyonce, I LOVE her!!! I don’t care if she wears wigs (her hair is natural underneath and probably in better shape than 80% of us). I think her marriage to Jay is great and I think it’s her business if she wants to keep her relationship quiet. It’s my blog and I will be a STAN if I want to!
But, I digress!
Here is Miss Bey, stepping off plane looking impossibly chic, yet comfortable & refreshed! I love it!

Sanaa Latham-Star Style Spotlight!

Sanaa looks beautiful, classy & HOT all at the same time. This is the perfect "date night" little black dress!

Megatek Cell Rebuilder

If you are familiar with any of the Black Hair Boards (BHM & LHCF) then you are probably familiar Megatek Cell Rebuilder (http://www.epinions.com/review/Mega_Tek_Cell_Rebuilder/content_68431810180).

I am not going to get into the history of it or debate the pros & cons of the product. After days & days of researching and reading everything I could find I decided to order a bottle. I am still waiting for it but I am going to use it & document my results for 30 days and then I will post. I am excited!

Ta!

Garnier Fructis Instant Melting Conditioner Moisture Works (Target, $2.99!!!!)

Hey all! I was walking to the ethnic beauty “corner” in target and walked past a plethora of Garnier hair products on sale. I thought “since it’s on sale, it must suck” and “this probably will not work on my hair”.

Boy, was I wrong! Since it was only $2.99 and my money has been looking funny lately and I am almost out of Organix (the love of my life) AND I decided to be more open-minded, I tried it.

I parted my hair and slathered the product onto my new growth and combed it through with my Jibere shower comb and it “melted” my new growth into manageable curls. I coated every strand and plopped on my heating cap and did some homework. Forty-five minutes later I washed it out and my hair was soft & silky.

I definitely was amazed. $2.99! Can you believe it?? I have since used it 3 more times just to be sure. I know everything doesn’t work for everybody but I loved this one!

Verdict: Jump on it immediately!

FYI: This is a part of the moisture works line. There are a couple of different ones, sleek & shine and strength & repair but I haven’t tried those yet.

Ta!

My Staple Products

Facial Products
SheaMoisture Exfoliating Cleanser
Juara-Sweet Black Tea & Rice Moisturizer
Garnier Nutritioniste, SPF 28, as my sunblock (it absorbs so well)
Covergirl LashBlast in Very Black
Beauticontrol Concealer & Foundation (N-4)
Bio-Oil on any dark marks or spots

Hair Products
Organix Coconut Conditioner (I co-wash with this, I just started DC’ing with it)
Coconut Oil (I use to seal my leave-ins & with my Avuyvedic recipes)
Coconut Milk (I use it with whatever DC I am using)
Biotin Supplement
Organic Root Stimulator Moisturizing Lotion (my FAVORITE leave-in)
Baba De Caracol (my favorite dominican product, it stops the shedding)

Ta!

Star Style Spotlight-Genevieve Jones!

Who is she? Why is she a star? I don't care! Her original, unabashedly "it's me" steez screams star! She is considered to be a black socialite. Sure she looks like she needs to eat a couple of hamburgers but I like people that "ain't scared to do her own thang"! Sashay, Shantae!

Cute but I don't like the boots but original!

Would have been adorable with bare legs & sandals but it's New York!

Ladylike, demure, check the pose!
Such confidence!
Have a good time! Do you, girl!

My Fotki

I am working on my Fotki, I swear! It seems like I need an assistant for my hair & fashion activities! *SMILE*

Do I have a regimen?

I guess I am still diddling with/deciding what my regimen is. Right now I am doing the following:

1. Co-washing primarily 2-3 times a week except when I have buildup then I use Aveda to clarify.
2. I deep condition at least once a week. I am now using the Organix Coconut Conditioner. I love it!
3. I am applying the Curlaway every morning as a leave in to my new growth and it seems to be working. My hair is very soft, no shedding.
4. I only use protein treatments 2-3 times a month mostly using Aphogee or a week of Surge Plus 14.
5. I have been wearing my protective styles alternating between ponytails, buns & half-wigs.
Of course, any of this is subject to change in the next five minutes except the protective styles.

Ta!

Miss Bessie Update

This post is not meant to offend, insult, or upset anyone. I used the entire bowl of the “Miss Bessie” concoction (see earlier post) and I did not experience ANYTHING. No growth but no negative experiences either. It ended up being very greasy & oily. It seemed to be a couple of essential oils mixed with petroleum but I could be wrong.

Verdict: Pass, absolutely.

Protective Styles!

So while I am on my healthy hair journey, I am stuck with what to do with my hair that is
1. Safe for my hair
2. Easy to accomplish at home
3. Chic yet professional (work) or Chic & Hot (going out)
Of course I did the requisite internet search for protective styles and didn’t really find much. I ran across a couple of the BHM & LHCF member’s fotkis to check what everyone else was doing and got some great ideas. I am recreating some of these styles and will be adding to my very own Fotki, NicNacBeauty, of course. In the meanwhile below are some pictures of my favorite buns.

Ta!

My Mistress…Ssh! The Mane Clip

Okay on the exact same day I ordered my beloved UPA clip (see earlier post); I also order another clip I ran across. My search led me to a video on YouTube of a black woman with average length hair whipping on a ponytail. I watched the video thinking “it looks so easy”. The “Mane Clip”, sold on www.themaneclip.com and the starting price is a mere $9.99 (this is clip only, no hair attached).

Concept: It’s very similar to the UPA clip except there isn’t any hair sewn to the clip. The clip has these prongs that you attach a pack (or half, if you don’t like thick hair) of hair. You can buy the hair from the website but I didn’t. I just used a cheap pack from the local BSS, since it’s just a ponytail and it’s a test run.

Pros:
• Much cheaper than the UPA especially since you can use whatever pack of hair you want.
• The UPA clip limits the style of the ponytail to the type of hair you purchase but with the mane clip you can change the hair from straight to curly to wavy. Whatever you like.
• The creator of the mane clip has an instructional video on her website for those of you that are visual learners.
• Since the price is cheaper you can buy more than one color/style of the clip to match your outfit.

Cons:
• It really is such a shame there is a market for this and that I am so excited about it.
• The UPA clip comes ready made to snap on in a second and it feels more secure to me.
• The concept of both clips are so simple I want to kick myself for of thinking of it myself.

Both clips are great, especially if you hate the cheap, phony looking drawstrings like me. I always, always get a headache when I try to wear a drawstring ponytail. Since no one I personally know is even aware of the existence of either invention, I seem always at the forefront of hair fashion and now you can too.

Check my Fotki, http://public.fotki.com/NicNacBeauty/, for pics of my trying out my new clip.

Ta!

Star Style Spotlight!

I love this look on Paula Patton, fresh & stylish with trying. Take note ladies at the minimal skinage & ladylike steez!

Elemis Products!

I purchased 3 sample tubes of each of these Elemis products from Ebay (247beautyshop, 13.94 total for all, great seller by the way!)

Elemis Papaya Peel: The truth! It does not make your skin peel, it’s more of an exfoliator but I loved it. My face was clear, smooth & soft. I truly believe it may have contributed to making my dark marks lighter (in conjuction with the Bio-Oil)

Verdict: A definite keeper

Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask: Ehh! It was okay! Nothing to write home about. I gave it to my mom who has sun damage.

Verdict: Pending

Elemis Skin Buff: Very weak exfoliator with a weird smell. I didn’t get past tube number two.

Verdict: Pass

Tracee Ellis Ross-Style Crush!

Designline Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner (Regis, $9.99 sale price)

Short story: Out of town, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. One mall, small salon. I left my ORS leave-in at home by mistake and the mall was walking distance. I was wearing a self-made half wig (body wave hair) and the conditioner made my curls pop, Christina Milian style. I thought I was in love again! But alas, I got home and used it as a leave-n on my natural hair and it sucked. Once it dried, it took my poor hair with it. I tried it twice and had to deep condition twice to reverse the effects. I will keep it to use on my wavy half wigs.

Verdict: Pass

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner (Target, $6.99)

Sulfate free, organic, sweet, hair magic. I have been being more selective in my hair care purchases and I have seen the Organix line in the drugstore. One day, while lurking on LHCF, I read a couple of positive reviews and decided to try it. I used it as a deep conditioner (concentrating on my out of control new growth) with a heating cap. It smells so heavenly and after I rinsed I knew I had a new favorite.

Verdict: Silky soft hair with tons of slip. Yep!

Curlaway (VitaCost, $15.99)

Natural, Semi-Permanent Hair Relaxer

The Buzz:
Gradually relaxes without breakage!
Safe for permed hair!
Moisturizes and softens dry hair!

I’m not going to go into the lengthy description (please visit http://www.xenna.com/ for info & testimonials). This is supposed to be an all natural alternative to traditional relaxers. I am transitioning but I know my 4b, tender head will need some help. My new growth is legendary. I use it both ways described on the site, a little every day as a leave-in (especially on the new growth) but not in the front and then overnight on weekends with a heating cap.

Verdict: Pending, it is supposed to be more effective with long term usage.

Update: Ayurvedic Products (EBay Purchase from Seller, RummageSale69)

Hesh Shikakai Powder & Dabur Vatka Oil ($12.69 total price for both)

Description/Use: Hesh Shikakai Powder acts as a natural astringent for hair, enhancing its binding properties. It clears dandruff and cleans the dirt accumulated on the scalp. Being a natural conditioner for hair, SHIKAKAI strengthens hair roots and promotes luxuriant growth. Hesh Shikakai powder has certain vital properties that act as coolants for the scalp. This powder has to be mixed with water and used as a paste on the hair instead of shampoo.

Rumors: Same as above but add manageability & growth

My Usage: I use it a little differently. I mix the Shikakai with Amla powder, coconut , vatka oil with distilled water and I make a paste. I apply it like a relaxer on Saturday mornings for a couple of hours while I clean the house or tackle my homework.

Verdict: It definitely softens my hair especially new growth and the Amla deepens my hair to a shiny black color I love. I will continue to use every weekend. Two snaps AND a circle!

Update: Ayurvedic Products (EBay Purchase from Seller, RummageSale69)

Swastik Shikakai Soap ($3.69 total price)

Description/Use: The natural goodness of Swastik Shikakai soap keeps your hair soft and silky. It is enriched with added ingredients to give extra bounce to your hair, nourishes your scalp and is extremely gentle on skin.

Rumors: It is supposed to prevent shedding and moisturize dry hair.

My Usage: The same, just used it as a shampoo

Verdict: I wouldn’t say that it is the most moisturizing shampoo I have ever used but I have definitely had less shedding since I started using it. A keeper!

She's Baaaaack!

Hello Lovelies!

I know I have been away….
I’m sorry…so sorry….

On tha real, for some crazy reason I decided to take three classes this time along with my full time job so I have absolutely no free time! But I have still been feeding my addiction, although I have been more selective lately. First I will work on updates then my new love/hate reviews.

By the way, please, please see the new Batman movie. I personally thought it was amazing but Batman’s Girlfriend (Grandma) was horrible. The casting director should be chased around the parking lot with her ugly stick. She was a terrible, terrible choice but the movie was fantastic!

Ta!