Black Hair Magazine for Natural and Relaxed African American Hair - blog. » Beauty Tips

Top Five Products for Natural Hair

jaelkirkwood — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:25:56 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

1) My all time favorite product is Liv by summit. This product is great for protective hair styles such as braids and two strand twists. Since that’s all I usually wear, this product is apart of my daily regimen. Liv will have your hair feeling as soft as it did when you were a little girl. My hair despises grease. Sometimes it’s difficult to find black products that won’t weight down my hair or leave an oily residue.

For example this past month I got my hair in box braids. The African women braiding my hair had a large jug of blue grease and after she finished my hair she greased my scalp. Let me tell you, I have never had an itchier scalp! It was horrible. I couldn’t wash it out since my braids were fresh. I had to just wait until it wore out. With Liv, I can use it as often as I’d like on both my hair and scalp.

Sally’s Beauty Supply describes Liv as the ideal daily conditioner for hair that is dry or brittle due to chemical processing, over-exposure to the sun, or excessive use of blow dryer, hot curlers, and other implements. They say this light, non-greasy formula is leaves hair soft, shiny and manageable.

It is extremely important to read the ingredients in the products you use. The ingredients listed in Liv are Water (Aqua), Petrolatum, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidium) , Beeswax, Cetyl Esters, Peg-75 Lanolin, Polisorbate-60, Sodium Borate, Sorbitol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance (perfume).

2) Product number two is IC Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum. This product has so many benefits! Not only does it protect your hair from heat treatments and styling, it also moisturizes you hair, leaves a great sheen, and smells incredible! I absolutely adore this product! I use it every single day without fail. Although I rarely use heat in my hair, living in a place where the sun is constantly blazing on my hair, it’s great for protection. Also because I wear a lot of twist outs I like my curls to have a shine to them. It makes my dark black hair shine in the sunlight. I would recommend this product to any one and everyone! This one that all hair types can use!

Sally’s describes this one saying, “Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum creates a barrier between heat appliances and your hair so you can style it without the fear of causing serious damage. It will add shine to your hair and moisturize it without leaving a greasy residue and heavy build up. Keep this serum next to your favorite heat styling appliance.” I have to agree completely!

Ingredients for this product include Cyclopentasiloxane , Dimethiconol , Cyclomethicone , Dimethicone , Cyclopentasiloxane , Dimethiconol , Dimethicone Crosspolymer , Amodimethicone , Phenyl Trimethicone , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract , Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate , Fragrance.

3) Silk Elements Mixed Silk Leave-In Conditioner is the third product I can’t go without! I never heard of this product until I was looking for a new leave-in one day with my grandmother. I simply asked one of the employees what her best recommendation would be. I didn’t know that one question would uproar a debate amongst the entire store. Suddenly every woman started telling me how fabulous this product was and how I have to try it! So I decided to give it a whirl and after the first use, I was hooked! This product had given my hair so much moisture! Although it worked great with my two strand twist, it worked wonders when I flat ironed my hair! I would definitely recommend using this product with styles using heat, blow dyers, flat irons, curling irons, ect.

“Silk Elements Mixed Silk Leave-in Conditioning Creme is specially formulated to leave curls bouncy, vibrant, and healthy-looking. Defines, tames, and hydrates natural curls and waves. Great as a daily detangling, shine enhancing and nourishing treatment that restores manageability and style.”, is how Sally’s is defining this product.

The ingredients are WATER ,AMODIMETHICONE ,WHEAT AMINO ACIDS ,STEARALKONIUM CHLORIDE ,GLYCERIN ,CETEARYL ALCOHOL ,POLYSORBATE 60 ,METHYL GLUCETH-20 ,GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE ,ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE ,HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE ,SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL ,CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS (SAFFLOWER) SEED OI ,OENOTHERA BIENNIS (EVENING PRIMROSE) OIL ,SILK AMINO ACIDS ,HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN ,DMDM HYDANTOIN ,METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE ,METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE ,YELLOW 5 ,YELLOW 6 ,FRAGRANCE ,ALPHA ISOMETHYL IONONE ,BENZYL BENZOATE ,BENZYL SALICYLATE ,CITRONELLOL ,HEXYL CINNAMAL ,LIMONENE ,LINALOOL.

4) My fourth favorite product is one that my sister introduced to me. She’s relaxed so I hadn’t paid her products much attention, but this one stood out. I was visiting her for the weekend and had forgotten all my hair products at home. I was wearing two stand twist and planned to take it the next day for my birthday dinner. She was using Palmer’s Olive Oil Hair Conditioner Spray while flat ironing her hair. She told me I could use some so I sprayed it on top of my two strand twist and massaged it in. My twists had an instant sheen and the next day when I took them down they were full of moisture and still shined! This product is a must have for people that wear a lot of protective hair styles!

Palmer’s website says “Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Conditioning Spray Oil, a luxurious natural spray oil, helps condition hair and scalp with its special formulation of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Vitamin E. This easy to use spray oil is ideal for braids and weaves.” This spray can be used for several styles and naturals, transitioners, and relaxed women can use it!

Main ingredients include Carola Oil, Isopropyl, Myristate, Olea Europea Fruit Oil, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocyl, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Fragrance.

5) My fifth and final must have product is Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. Maybe you want to stop using that shampoo that strips you hair! This is the perfect option for you! The no tears formula is created to gently cleanse baby’s delicate scalps without harming them with rough chemicals. Why not treat yourself to that same care! I use this product when I’m not using my Suave naturals and when I feel my scalp is extremely dirty. After I use it, each strand of my hair feels purified. I highly recommend this product to anyone who’s hair is sensitive to shampoo like mine is.

The included ingredients are Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, PEG-150 Distearate, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-10, Tetrasodium EDTA, Quaternium-15, Citric Acid, Yellow 10 and Orange 4. May also contain: Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.

10 Hair Products for Below 10 Bucks that Get Results!! Ok, so we’re either right in the middle or coming...
SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Conditioning Curl & Style Milk My hair has found the new love of its life...
Less is More: Wen vs. Suave Are you are a sucker for infomercials? If so, then...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

How Our Diets Affect Our Hair

Alesha — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 19:23:00 +0000

Raise your hand if you’re struggling to keep your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier or diet. Don’t worry—you’re not alone!

As you waver between steaming those veggies and grabbing a handful of fries, you not only have your body to think about—also consider that what you eat affects your hair. When you take in food, you take in the nutrients it has to offer. These nutrients are delivered to your hair, skin, and nails. Eating junk food isn’t going to provide important nutrients that hair thrives off of; therefore, hair can become dry or prone to breakage. Remember that healthy hair care isn’t just about the “Holy Grail” of conditioners, but it’s also about what you put into your body.

So what can you do to internally promote hair health? First off, remember to drink water and remain hydrated. Dehydration often displays itself with dry skin and brittle hair. Next, eat foods rich in iron and protein. Examples are salmon, dark green vegetables, and beans. Iron and protein are extremely important for stronger and longer hair. Your tresses are already made of keratin infused protein, and iron helps deliver oxygen throughout your body. It’s no wonder that people who eat plenty of food with these key ingredients tend to have a healthy mane.

Of course you don’t have to become a health fanatic in order to have shiny and strong hair, but it will help to incorporate more protein and iron-rich meals into your daily diet. Seek the advice of your physician if you plan to take supplements, and especially if you notice excessive shedding or hair loss.

Here’s to healthy hair growing!

Back to the BASICS – Natural Hair Regimen So I have been natural since the summer/fall of 2009...
Natural Hair Encouragement & Tribute to Evelynn M. Hammonds The other day as I was filling out scholarship applications,...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Out and About: A Hair Travel Guide

Alesha — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 13:02:36 +0000

Many of us will be traveling this holiday season to spend time with family and friends. We may pack our suitcases with sweaters and warm socks, or maybe dress clothes for a party. However, when it comes to packing what we’ll need for our hair, we don’t necessarily bring along everything we should. Whether you encounter rain or snow, or will be away for a few days or a week, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Bring Your Own Grooming Tools

This is especially important if you don’t plan on hitting up a salon during your visit. If you’re wearing a wrap, don’t forget your scarf and hair clips. A brush, comb, bobby pins, and hair bands can help keep your hair in a simple and tame style, especially if you’ll be wearing hats or trying to protect your hair from harsh weather. You can create a ponytail, or even add a few hair accessories to dress up a bun. If you’ll be using any heat styling, be sure to bring along a mini flat iron or electric hot comb.

Bring Products That Won’t Get Flagged

Many of us, to our dismay, have experienced jars and bottles of hair or body products confiscated at the airport. To avoid this, you can buy pre-packaged products (shampoo, conditioner, gel, etc.) that comply with traveling standards or buy empty bottles from your local drugstore, which you can fill up on your own.

Have an Emergency Bag

How many times have we been out all day only to realize when we see our reflection in a mirror that our hair had evolved into something completely different? A small bag (like the size of a mini makeup bag) where you can keep “emergency” items for your hair can be a lifesaver. Have in there a small mirror, a moisturizer, gel or smoothing product to tame wild hairs or edges, and the bobby pins and hair bands mentioned earlier can go in there as well. Carry this in your purse, so that it’ll always be with you. Don’t be afraid to get creative—just think about what you’d want to have access to if a gust of wind or a haze of raindrops hit your hair.

Whether you’re natural or relaxed, or weaved up or not, it’s helpful to bring along a few items to take care of your tresses when the occasion calls. Traveling itself can be hectic, yet we still take the time to ensure we pack the right clothes and shoes—so why not also devote that same amount of effort into what our hair may need?

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

MAC Fresh Brew Lipstick Review

Amina — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:52:25 +0000

MAC Fresh Brew Lipstick

From manicured nails to classic shoes, the nude look is very hot and in style this season. The nude lip is no exception. MAC Fresh Brew lipstick is yet another nude shade that compliments women of color. MAC Fresh Brew is the perfect shade to give me the muted look that I have been going for. Fresh Brew puts you in the mind of a freshly brewed cup of coffee with a touch of cream mixed perfectly in.

This lipstick goes on smoothly, and it is not drying to the lips. It is a part of the MAC Cosmetics Lustre Lipstick line; the lip stain provides the lip with moisture and a bit of a shine. The color will be a definite “go-to” color this season. If you think the shade will match your tone, give it a try! MAC Fresh Brew has the potential to be the beautiful finishing touch to any natural, minimal makeup look.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Quick Ways to Make your Hair Look Fuller

Dena — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:02:41 +0000

When your hair is flat and thin, you don’t have to lie down and take it. Noone wants lifeless hair that shows no character. Most common, relaxed hair often lacks fullness. So what can you do that is quick and easy to add some fullness and life to your hair? Here are a few tips that can help.
Lift the hair and tease to create a bouffant. You can achieve bouffant like styles by using a fine tooth comb when teasing. Spray a little spritz or holding spray to the teased hair. After you tease the hair, the top section can be curled to hide the tease. This is a great way to add fullness to the crown of your head, hence giving the appearance of fuller tresses. Although commonly used in the crown of the head, you may utilize this technique wherever you want to add a bouffant.

Use jumbo rollers coupled with smaller ones to achieve fullness. The Velcro Rollers are ideal for this purpose. Roll the top section of your hair in jumbo rollers. The bottom layer can be rolled with somewhat smaller rollers. The combo of larger in the top and smaller at the bottom, creates a layered look that is guaranteed to make the hair look fuller and adds body.

Layers add fullness. Trim the hair into layers in order to get a great fluffy and full appearance. Again you may use different sized rollers to complement your layers. Layers are always refreshing to add life and interest to dull flat hair.

These are just a few quick and easy ways to achieve the look that you may want. It’s a matter of getting your tresses to appear thicker, until you have actually achieved the healthy hair that you are desiring. Don’t limit yourself because you weren’t born with thick and full hair…use what you’ve got to get what you want!

Layers for Medium Length Hair Why layers? Layers are especially great for the purpose of...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Could it be your Relaxer?

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:30:08 +0000

There are all sorts of hair care issues. Whether it’s breakage, porosity, dryness, flaky scalp or thinning/shedding, hair problems almost always have a source, and for many, chemicals are a source that many seem to overlook when considering their hair care woes. Some complain about breakage, damage, split ends and other problems, and claim that they just wash and condition their hair and do “nothing” to it, but they fail to mention that the hair is relaxed—which is most likely the problem itself.

When one relaxes, hair problems are almost unavoidable and must be met with near-professional care. Some take very good care of their hair, and reap good results. Others just don’t do well with relaxers, but fail to admit that their hair may not do well with relaxers at all. Consumers should understand that relaxers are not “one size fit all” and not everyone should have a relaxer.

So is a relaxer for you? Consider some of these chronic hair symptoms related to relaxed hair to better assess if your relaxer is hindering your healthy hair potential. This is considering that you have done everything imaginable (protein treatments, deep conditioners, trims and professional care).

Does your hair stay dry/brittle, no matter what intensive, moisture treatment you do?
Is your hair still porous, even after ACV and other acid rinses?
Does your hair break at every touch or pass of a comb, regardless of protein treatments?
Does your shedding never end?
Do you always have split ends?
Is your hair not growing (or are you not retaining length)?

These are key indicators that, perhaps, relaxers may be the cause of your hair care issues. For some, having relaxed hair and having healthy hair can be an oxymoron, much like having healthy, color-treated hair. It is difficult to maintain chemically-treated hair, not that it is impossible. But some relaxer users who experience chronic damage from relaxers should accept when they have made a “mistake” by using a relaxer in the first place, and should come to terms with the fact that relaxers may not be the way for them.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

CoverGirl Queen Collection Lipsticks and Glosses Review

Dena — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:16:59 +0000

With the fall arriving, it is time to start thinking about making some changes to my makeup routine. I like to make a transition from paler colors to more vibrant hues that accentuate my fall wardrobe. The Queen Latifah CoverGirl Collection caught my eye this season as it advertiesed its vibrant hues. Exactly what I was in the market for! The first shade that I tried was the Shiny Cocoa Bean in the lipstick. This is a very pigmented shade on the darker side. I like this shade for an evening look and when I am feeling bold and sassy, I dare to wear it to work during the week. The formula is nice and creamy. It has a nice shine that is not overpowering.

In the glosses, I have to rave about the platinum pink shade. This shade has just the right amount of pink, not too much of a red undertone. Now as for the staying power of the gloss, I found myself quite disappointed. The gloss does not endure for much longer than an hour or two. If you are one to do a lot of talking on the job as I do, then you may find yourself reapplying often.

If I had to choose between the glosses and lipsticks, I would certainly go for the vibrant hues in the lipsticks! The shine never quits, and the staying power is super!

Rating: The lipstick 4 out of 5. The gloss 2.5 out of 5!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.