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Beach Hair :: Shea Moisture Organic Organic Coconut & Hisbiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo & Curl Enhancing Smoothie

By Melissa · Comments (3)

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Over the Memorial holiday weekend, my family and I took a long overdue trip to Virginia Beach. I hadn’t been to VA Beach since I was 4 years old, so it was really nice to revisit after 20-something years. Unfortunately, our trip was delayed by a flat tire, so after waiting hours in the hot sun, I decided I was going to make the most out of the trip. So we did everything from bicycling, go karts, getting henna tattoos and of course going to the beach.

I didn’t feel like dealing with my hair while I was there, so initially, I decided I was only going to get my feet wet, but once I got further and further into the water and a wave hit me on my head, that option was out the door. Really, how can you go to the beach and not expect to get your hair wet?? It was lots of fun and thank goodness, my sister came prepared. She’s gone natural for over a year and had with her Shea Moisture’s Organic Coconut & Hisbiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and Organic Coconut & Hisbiscus Curl & Hold Smoothie.

Even though my hair is relaxed, I decided to use the shampoo and smoothie anyway. Usually, when I go the beach/pool, I let my hair air dry and it looks like a a lion’s mane, big, dry and fizzy, but with using the shampoo & smoothie, my hair stayed soft, hydrated and wavy. So, I rocked the beach wave look for the rest of my stay. No blow dryer! No flat irons! No big hair! No stress! No fuss!

Next time I go on vacation, I will be bringing those products with me. Shea Moisture products are available at Target and Walgreens.

Comments (3)

Categories : Beauty, Hair, Review

Tags : Auto Draft, Beach Hair, Beach Hair :: Shea Moisture Organic Organic Coconut & Hisbiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo & Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Beauty, Brilliant Curl Shampoo, Coconut & Hibiscus, Curl Enhancing Smoothie, hair, Product Review :: Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter, Review, shampoo, shea moisture

She Bangs, She Bangs :: The Right Bangs For Your Face Shape

By Melissa · Comments (1)

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

Since forever, (5th grade, to be exact), I’ve always rocked bangs. They were a great way to minimize my huge forehead. Over the years, I let them grow out a little, but recently I decided to bring them back. I wanted a mini-makeover, so I opted for a blunt bang. I have an oval shaped face, and usually any style of bangs can be worn for oval shapes. So, I’ve been having fun rocking every look from choppy to swept, up dos to bone straight.

If you’re thinking about giving bangs a try, here are some great tips on finding the right bangs for your face shape:

BLUNT BANGS

Worn just below the eyebrow these forehead bangs are cut precisely straight across from side to side. Oval shaped faces can be strengthened by opting for a blunt brow hugging bang that softly caress the sides of the face

ASYMMETRICAL BANGS

These bangs will have widely varied lengths with one side being a lot shorter than the other side or the middle being a lot shorter than either side.

SIDE SWEPT BANGS

Cut so that the hair tapers from shorter to longer lengths and is extended generally from a side part with the hair brushed to sweep across the forehead. Side swept bangs are best on heart-shaped or square faces and the hair length for this look should be shoulder length or longer.

CHOPPY BANGS

Choppy bangs are another version of blunt bangs, yet, these bangs are often cut with a scissors and then texturized for a choppy look. Choppy bangs provide increased depth to the facial features and are perfect for round faces.

Which look will you be banging this season?

Comments (1)

Categories : Beauty, Beauty Tips, Celebs, Face, Hair

Tags : Auto Draft, bangs, bangs for shaped face, bangs heart shaped face, bangs round face, bangs square face, Beauty, Beauty Tips, blunt bangs, Celebs, choppy bangs, Face, hair, hair fringe, She Bangs, She Bangs :: The Right Bangs For Your Face Shape, side swept bangs

You Should Tip Her :: Salon Tipping Etiquette

By Melissa · Comments (0)

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Growing up, we were taught the basic etiquette rules of minding our manners and always to be polite by saying “please” and “thank you”. As we entered adulthood more rules applied, such as turning off the cellphone ringer when entering a public establishment, not grooming yourself in public and being on time. As a beauty insider, one rule I hear talked about often is the appropriate tipping of salon/spa staff. Even as adults, there seems to be a lot of confusion about when to tip, who to tip and how much to tip.

Let’s face it, a good service ought to be recognized. Just like a waiter/waitress, a manicurist, bikini waxer, hairstylist and their assistants are providing a service and they should be acknowledged for helping you to look beautiful.

How much should you tip? The standard tip should be 15-20 percent of the cost of service. For a $60 wash and style, that would be between $9-12.
The average tip for a manicure is $5. So even if you paid $15 for a manicure or eyebrow waxing, you should still tip $5, which is more than 20 percent.
Do you tip other staff? Salon’s don’t divide tips, so make sure to tip the assistants separately. Tip the shampoo assistant who shampooed your hair at least $5.
Should you tip the owner? It’s not expected to tip the salon/spa owner, but most owners welcome gratuities. Remember, if they are providing a service, it’s only appropriate to acknowledge them for the great service.
What if you’re unhappy with the service? If you’re unhappy with the service, first express your concerns to the stylist so they can make adjustments. If you’re still unhappy with the service, then you should speak to the manager or owner. If you plan on returning to the salon, you should leave some sort of tip. If you don’t tip the stylist, at least tip the assistant who helped.

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Categories : Beauty Tips, Hair

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty Tips, hair, Salon Etiquette, Salon Tipping, shampoo, You Should Tip Her :: Salon Tipping Etiquette

Fun with Color Blocking :: Hair, Makeup & Nails

By Melissa · Comments (2)

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Color blocking has crossed over from the fashion scene to the beauty scene. What was once popularized on the runway, color blocking has now become mainstream in hair and makeup trends.

For those who aren’t familiar with the trend, color blocking is basically matching two or more shades, which creates a vibrant pop.

Pairing together bright eyeliners, lipsticks, blushes and/or eye shadows is a fun, easy and inexpensive way to join in on the trend.

If you’re feeling extra bold, try color blocking your hair.

If you aren’t that adventurous, you can always keep it simple by color blocking your nails.

I tried it myself, with green eyeliner, hot pink lipstick and neon green nails.

So are you feeling adventurous too? Would color blocking be a trend you would try?

Comments (2)

Categories : Beauty, Celebs, Eyes, Hair, nails

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty, blush, celeb, Celebs, color blocking, color blocking makeup, color blocking nails, Colorblocking, colour blocking, Eyes, Fun with Color Blocking :: Hair, Makeup & Nails, hair, lipstick, makeup trends, nails, nicki minaj color block, rihanna colorblock

Mad About Co-Washing

By Melissa · Comments (11)

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

I have a confession to make….after four long months of trying to transition to natural hair, I’m back on the creamy crack. It’s been a little over two weeks and I actually have to say, I have no regrets about going back. I have A LOT of hair and trying to maintain it while it’s doing two completely different things (one part straight and the other kinky) was becoming overwhelming for me. I think next time if and when I decide to go natural, I’ll just do the “big chop”, but that definitely won’t be anytime soon.

Usually when my hair is relaxed, I notice a feeling of dryness and of course, the frigid weather of winter, doesn’t help. So this past weekend, I used a method called co-washing to increase the moisture level in my hair. Co-washing is using conditioner, instead of shampoo to wash your.

I washed my hair with Ojon’s Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner (read: Ojon’s :: Best of Damage Reserve Kit Review). I then followed up with Shea Moisture’s Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque. I let the masque sit for about 30m minutes then rinsed it out. After blowing it dry, I applied a heat protective spray and flat ironed it.

My hair feels amazingly smooth, soft and full of body, just as it would had I gone to the salon. So with that said, I’m going to add co-washing to my hair routine at least twice a month. Another thing I’m changing in my routine is pinning up my hair at night instead of wrapping it. I know I said I would stop wrapping it (read: It’s A Wrap), but somehow I got back into that bad habit. Hopefully, I’ll stick to pinning.

Comments (11)

Categories : Beauty Tips, Hair, Review

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty Tips, Co-washing, conditioner, Cowashing, hair, Mad About Co-Washing, ojon, ojon damage reserve, raw shea butter deep treatment masque, Review, shampoo, shea moisture, wrap, wrapping hair

I Love Curls, Curls, Curls, Curls

By Melissa · Comments (4)

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

“I like the way you’ve let your hair go curly,” he finally said. “Suits your personality. Lots of energy, not much control, sexy as hell,” Joe Morelli to Stephanie Plum” — Janet Evanovich

Looking at the recent pictures of Rihanna’s curly do, inspired me to want to go back to curls (Read I Want My Hair Back). Curls are so fun, flirty and carefree! No flat iron, no brush, no comb and most importantly, no fuss! With my late starts in the mornings, it’s a perfect get up and go do.

So, I did it! On Friday, I endured an hour under the dryer and nearly three hours at the salon for flexi curls. Some may choose a less hectic approach and use curling irons instead, but, in my experience, using flexi rods, make my curls last longer. Afterwards, I simply applied light oil for shine.

I know many aren’t fans of flexi curls, my mom is one of them. If you want to try a curly hairstyle and want a more loose curl, try either rolling setting your hair or using a 1 1/2-inch curling iron.

Comments (4)

Categories : Celebs, Hair

Tags : Auto Draft, Beach Hair, celeb, Celebs, Curls, Flexi curls, hair, I Love Curls, I Love Curls, Curls, Curls, Curls, Rihanna Curls, roller set

Feature Friday :: Favorite Videos of the Week

By Melissa · Comments (0)

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Each and every Friday, I’ll be featuring some of my favorite Youtube videos of the week. Hopefully they’ll be as informal, if not, hilarious to you as they are to me. Oh, and while you’re on Youtube, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

It’s finally feeling like winter, time to bundle up! If you’re a scarf person like myself, but want try something new, check out this video from Wendy’s Look Book on 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf.

I’m sure you’ve watched one of the “Sh*t Girls Say” videos on Youtube. The videos have gone literally viral, with a new one popping up almost everyday. One of my favorites is the “Sh*t Natural Girls Say” video . I’m sure most can relate

My favorite makeup girl, Michelle Phan, posted a new video on how to combat puffy eyes with cucumber juice. Inexpensive and simple! Check it out:

Don’t be a stranger, let us know what are some of your favorite Youtube videos of the week.

Comments (0)

Categories : Beauty Tips, Eyes, Fashion, Hair, social networking, Uncategorized, video

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty Tips, cucumber juice, Eyes, Fashion, Feature Friday :: Favorite Videos of the Week, hair, Michelle Phan, puffy eyes, Shit Girls Say, social networking, Uncategorized, video, ways to wear a scarf, Wendy's Look Book, Youtube

Relax Don’t be Tryna Perm Us Up, We Already Straight

By Melissa · Comments (4)

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

I’m four months post relaxer and I’m trying to be patient as my hair transitions without cutting it off or going back to the creamy crack. I took the advice of Celebrity Stylist, Nadia Vassell (Interview with Celebrity Hairstylist Nadia Vassell) and tried out Mizani’s Thermasmooth Shampoo, Conditioner, Thermasmooth system, the SmoothGuard and the ShineExtend. My hair didn’t feel as hydrated as I had expected, but it felt extremely soft. Pair those products up with oil (coconut, argan, Moroccan, etc.), a good flat iron and Design Essential’s Sleek Edge Control and you’ll be straight!

Comments (4)

Categories : Beauty Tips, Hair

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty Tips, celeb, conditioner, Design Essential Sleek Edge Control, hair, Interview with Celebrity Hairstylist Nadia Vassell, mizani thermasmooth, Nadia Vassell, natural transition, Relax Don't be Tryna Perm Us Up, We Already Straight, relaxer, relaxer transition, shampoo

Interview with Celebrity Hairstylist Nadia Vassell

By Melissa · Comments (5)

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

Happy New Year Beauties! I hope your new year has been off to a wonderful start. With the new year comes new changes for many of us, and most of the changes have to do with self improvement. So let’s make this a better year, for a better you.

To kick off the new year, I had the great opportunity to interview former model turned, celebrity hairstylist, Nadia Vassell. Nadia has worked with many celebrities of the likes of Rihanna, Chrisette Michelle, Tika Sumpter and Ashanti and her work has been featured in many major publications such as, Essence, XXL, Smooth and Uptown Magazine.

I receive a ton of questions regarding hair care and trends, so it was great to get an expert’s response. Take a look:

We’re about to kick off the New Year in less than a week. What are some hair trends that we should look forward to in the New Year?

We have seen everyone with the knots, braids and twist. If you’re going to do a top-of-the-head bun, make it more effortless and playful. Have some hair accidentally hanging outaround the perimeter of the head. This is perfect for NYE.

I know a lot of women who have decided to go natural recently. What advice would you give to them as far as products, hairstyles and maintenance, as they transition from relaxed to natural hair?

Bouncy blow-outs, this is just very sexy and elegant hair. It moves. This is healthy hair.Face framing hi-lites go perfectly with this style. Transitioning from relaxed to natural is notso hard when you have the right tools. A great shampoo and conditioner can be your bestfriend. My favorite is Mizani Thermasmooth Shampoo and Conditioner. This is if you decide to wear your hair smooth and straight. Both shampoo and conditioner prepares the hair forthe smoothing process. Follow with step three of the Thermasmooth system, The SmoothGuard, it protects your hair for the flat ironing process. End with the last step, The ShineExtend, which is an anti-humidity spray.

If you are transitioning and you prefer something more free and playful (curls), tryMoroccan oil Curl Defining Cream. It defines and shapes your curl. If you have very curlylocks, try Moroccan oil Curl Control Mousse. It’s perfect for frizz control.

I also know a lot of clients who are transitioning but are just not ready to chop all thatrelaxed part off. So they come in for weaves, which gives versatility and you don’t have toworry about applying heat to your hair. You can have fun with your weaves, do whatevercolor, texture and length your heart desires.

I’ve been hearing so much buzz about keratin treatments and how it’s much healthier than relaxers. Are keratin treatments really better for your hair?
There definitely has been a lot of buzz in the industry about keratin treatments. It’s anamazing new technology which eliminates frizz, gives you smooth, manageable hair.However, the buzz about this new service has not been positive because of the possiblehealth risk associated with them. These treatments may use a combination of formalin,keratin and heat to straighten the hair. There may be risk of exposure to toxins.
I, however discovered an alternative to the keratin treatment. New shape control, you canhave smooth straight hair, curled or waves. The product contains no Formaldehyde, andhealth wise, it will not compromise both you and your stylist hair.

I often have to battle with the fizzes during humid and rainy weather. What products would you recommend that won’t dry my hair out?

The Moroccan oil Curl control mousse is great for controlling frizz and is weather safe.

What are your top 5 hair products that you can’t live without?

1. Bed Head, TIGI a hair stick for cool people. I use as a finishing product to achieve asmooth, defined look.

2. Dry Shampoo- TIGI Rockaholic dirty secret dry shampoo. My bangs gets oily after 2 daysof getting my hair shampooed, so to have my hair looking like I just left the salon, I use adry shampoo, which gives my hair the life it needs.

3. Leave-in Conditioner

4.Moroccan oil Luminous hairspray.

5.Mizani’s Puriphying Shampoo.

Nadia is the owner of Nadia Vassell Salon in Manhattan. For more information about the Nadia Vassell Salon and services, please visit her website www.nadiavassell.com

Comments (5)

Categories : Hair, interviews, Trends

Tags : Auto Draft, braids, celeb, Chrisette Michelle, conditioner, frizz control, hair, Interview with Celebrity Hairstylist Nadia Vassell, interviews, Keratin, Moroccan oil, Nadia Vassell, relaxer, Rihanna, shampoo, Tika Sumpter, Trends, twist

Don’t Grab My Hair Because You’re Messing Up My Weave

By vanityrich · Comments (8)

Monday, December 5th, 2011

I celebrated my 10,592.0238 day birthday this past weekend. The theme was “Valley of the Dolls”, so I wanted to do everything doll/barbie-like — pink everything, apparel, big accessories, big lashes, and most importantly, big hair.

Now, I’ve done the weave thing from time to time, but I’ve never been consistent with it. The maintenance and expense is a bit much for me. The longest I kept it in, is about 2 weeks, but I decided to do something different and get the sown in to have it last longer.

I went to my sister’s salon in Baltimore, Salon Blush, where she sewn in 16 inches of lovely locs. For the record, I am tender-headed AND this was my first time, trying this method, so it was a bit painful for me. My head was literally throbbing, and for a moment, I had contemplated stopping and taking it out. The whole time I was thinking to myself, how do women do this consistently, it’s torture and how can I go out tonight and celebrate with my head hurting like this. The price of beauty!

Maybe because my mind began to focused on others things, the party and joking around with the ladies in the salon, but it’s as almost the pain went away soon after. Looking at the end result certainly helped as well. I loved it, but I did have to issue a warning, that if anyone, pulled, touched or even patted my head that night, it would be on!

Would I do it again??? I would never say never, but I will say, a sew-in is perfect for those who intend on keeping it in longer than a few days/weeks and who aren’t tender-headed.

Comments (8)

Categories : Beauty, Glam Squad, Hair

Tags : Beauty, blush, celeb, Don't Grab My Hair Because You're Messing Up My Weave, Glam Squad, hair