New Product Alert: Maven Haircare Systems

BioCare Labs is launching new hair care products! Here is a piece of the press release:

BioCare Labs announces their new, salon-quality hair care product line, Maven® Multi Mineral Relaxer System. With hair being one of the most visible and vulnerable body assets, it is important to have products that provide special care and maintenance, especially in those summer months when the sun is most intense. The all new, oxidant-rich hair care products from Maven® will exceed the expectations of even the most discerning consumer. Through its professionally developed formulas, Maven® blends select natural ingredients like Pomegranate, Flax and Abyssinian oils to help deliver maximum hydration. Recognizing that a healthy scalp aids in the growth of well-nourished, healthy hair, these oxidant-rich products also help to heal and repair skin cells on the scalp. Maven® is a revolutionary hair care system that combines high quality products with affordable prices for luxurious results. Maven is set to hit retail shelves in May.

I have not tried the relaxer, but I have tried the Maven Humidity Shield which is supposed to shields against humidity and reversionto keep style smoother and straighter for an extended period of time. The Humidity Shield can be used on relaxed or natural hair and helps to protect the hair from the damaging effects of heat styling tools and sun radiation. This works well to keep frizzies away from my hair and the fruit punch scent is great. I have more of the Maven products in my possession so expect more reviews on this brand. All the products will be available to the public tomorrow May 1st.

AHS Hair Update

Summer is here, SUMMER IS HERE! You know what that means... no more blow outs and no more straight hair 'do that require direct heat. So I figured, it's been a while since I showed you guys what my hair is looking like these days. Remember back in January I got a Lob (long bob), well I only trimmed it up once since then and I guess I'm growing it out now. I'm right around APL (armpit length) again, so now I'm determined to make it over the APL hump and get to BSL.

StyleProtect Winners!

Thank you to everyone who entered to win the StyleProtect Collection! I really appreciate your continued support.

CONGRATULATIONS to commentor number 1, 38, and 42!

Nesha E., Rachael Williams, and Renee G.

Ladies please email your addresses asap to antihairslave(at)gmail(dot)com with StyleProtect Winner as the subject!

Everyone else, stay tuned for another great giveaway!

Blonde Kim Kardashian

Well, well, well it looks like the summer hair lightening bug has bitten someone else. This time it's none other than Kim Kardashian!

Actually, Kim is rocking a blonde wig! Her trademark lush, healthy, dark locks are still intact... thank goodness right? Although the wig looks great, I prefer Kim with dark hair this looks a bit to Jessica Alba for me.

What do you think?!?

Weekend Hair Recap April 24

Thursday morning I washed my hair using KeraCare 1st Lather and the humecto conditioner (the new formula).  Instead of doing anything special I just moisturized and used the Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect gel to slick it all back into a bun.  This was actually my weekend to work, so no curls or anything.  

I'm so glad spring has finally sprung, it was a beautiful weekend!  So expect more wash and go styles from me and finally I got a brand new camera so expect some new videos for AHStv! 

Weekend Reads

Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee ponders an interesting question: are male and female acne really all that different? Find out more!

Beauty Anonymous brings you Sonia Rykiel Summer 2009 Makeup Collection.

Family portrait in your future? Visit The Beauty Couch for some tips on how to apply makeup for fabulous photos.

Meilily brings you Beauty & Awareness: Check out Meilily's swatches and photos of OPI's Breathe Life lung cancer awareness nail polish!

The Informed Makeup Maven raves about Nude Vs Red lips, Nailene, The Best Bronzers, Softlips; reviews Jenova mascara and invites you to join her facebook group.  Most of all IMM really wants your opinion for a chance to score a Covergirl makeup pack !

Jamie and Mother Blogger of Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog discovered a plethora of earth-friendly products for Earth Week: Tees for Change, Kiss My Face (plus a giveaway), and much more.

Boutique Flair reviews Vichy's popular Noraderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care lotion.

Good news for fans of Stila! Beauty Junkies Unite finds out after a month of bankruptcy rumors, the makeup brand has been sold and should be back in business soon!

Makeup Files is celebrating its first blog anniversary! Come celebrate with us by entering the huge birthday bash beauty giveaway worth over $100 dollars!

GIVEAWAY ALERT! The Anti Hair Slave is giving away the entire Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Collection all you have to do is leave a comment to be entered.

Looking for the latest giveaway.. Addicted to Lipstick is having a Kiss My Face Giveaway where she's giving away organic lip shines and lip shimmers.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews the new Olay Pro X Protocol Starter Kit.

See what Fabulous Over Forty product she is so happy she found in NYC!

Butterflydiary has fallen in love with Amala Organic Beauty, a line she feels can cryogenically freeze her skin's age.

Best Face Scrubs-a video blog by Talking Makeup!

Melissa of The Makeup Divas reviews the new Prescriptives Motor-Eyes Instant Action mascara .

Alison aka. Advice Sister Alison ofthe Advice Sisters offers a follow up on the Avon Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum It is really a Miracle?

Lipgloss Break has partnered with Noah's Naturals to Giveaway a Selection of Products from their Skincare Line. Enter to Win!

makeup loves me has some
news about this next episode of gossip girl! and no, it's not dorota's secret...

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life] let you in on Bobbi Brown's new Nautical Collection. Check it out here!! And while you are there don't forget to enter their Pureology Giveaway!!

Beauty Beast reviews both limited edition scents from the new Kohdo Wood fragrance collection by Jo Malone.

Face Candy shows you some makeup brushes that are eco-friendly.

Beauty411 loves Kate Somerville's newest product, ExfoliKate Body Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. Check out her review here!

In honor of Earth Week, Spoiled Pretty is hosting a week's worth of green giveaways. Enter to win eco-chic sunglasses...and beauty booty from Cargo PlantLove, John Masters Organics, Samy, Tarte, Zoya, Kaia, and Burt's Bees!

The Shades Of U is GIVING AWAY prizes from Aminogenesis Dermascyne Wrinkle Arrest and Health Dropz Beverage Booster! Enter to win!

Enter Indian Girl's Complete Skin Care Giveaway : Three lucky readers will receive the complete set of products from Biore Skin Preservation Line. Enter Today !

Beauty Blogging Junkie announces Crescent Row, the new adorable perfume collection from Benefit.

Kim Kardashian with Curls

Kim Kardashian was at the NYC premiere of Beyonce's new movie, Obsessed and she was rocking some loose curls.  I love this look on Kim over the super straight look, how about you? 
What's your favorite Kim Kardashian hair look? 

Beyonce at Obsessed Premiere

Check out Beyonce at the premiere of Obsessed, her brand new movie in theaters today!  I'm loving the dress and the nice sleek straight hair.  Very Pretty. 
Do you love this look as much as I do?  

Milk It

I've tried a few Carol's Daughters hair products in the past, out of my intense love for their bath and body products but I was never wowed by any of the products I purchased. Usually, the problem was that the product was too heavy for my relaxed hair. The products I tried probably would be phenomenal on natural hair, but now I'm happy because I have the perfect product from Carol's Daughter for my relaxed hair when I want to wear it in wash and go or curly styles.

Carol's Daughter Hair Milk

Product Description: This light, fast-absorbing lotion for the hair is made with essential oil of lemongrass to stimulate natural oil production. Vitamins C and E provide an antioxidant boost while a hint of lily of the valley fragrance perfumes hair beautifully. Hair Milk is ideal for defining natural curls and giving hair loads of shine and bounce.

AHS Breakdown: The lotion is not exactly light, but it's far from heavy. I find it to be perfect on air dried styles to give moisture and shine, but on rollerset hair it just might add too much weight. I prefer for my hair to have very minimal products when I wear it straight. The scent is great and luckily it's not too strong. I know now why this product was named a Best of Sephora 2008 Product. I'm sure it will come in very handy this summer.

Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Collection Giveaway

A while back I got the chance to try out the brand new Soft & Beautiful Ultimate StyleProtect Collection. I reviewed my favorite product from the collection, the Nighttime Dry Wrap Mousse, check here in case you missed it. Anyway, the entire collection is fabulous and The Anti Hair Slave has teamed up with Soft & Beautiful to give 3 lucky AHS readers a chance to win the entire collection including the Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Nighttime Dry Wrap Mousse, Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Spritz, Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Hair Gloss, and the Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Sculpting Gel.

The giveaway will be live starting NOW until April 28th at 7am. All you have to do is leave a comment in the comments section of this post to be entered to win. Please only US residents.

The Deets on the Collection: The NEW StyleProtect products are specially formulated with triple hydration oil formula comprised of shea butter, olive oil and safflower to deliver moisture to hair while providing up to 10X more protection against split ends and damaged strands. From overnight care to everyday styling products, Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect has you covered.

What are you waiting for? ENTER!

Not Beyonce's Halo

Although I'm really loving Beyonce's song Halo, today I want to chat about a different kind of Halo, Sebastian's Halo Mist. This is truly like a guardian angel for your hair, with it's UV Filter and ability to add incredible Weightless Shine leaving hair Silky and shiny without weighing hair down. I love this product because you can use it on damp hair prior to styling and then again on dry hair to add even more shine, plus a little bit goes a long long way.

Weekend Hair Recap

To all the ladies who are able to sleep with Flexi Rods in their hair... I applaud you! Friday night after work I decided to wash and set my hair with blue flexi rods before finally getting to bed around 1:30am. I used Jane Carter Solution Wrap & Roll foam and it worked very well. Once I finished I tried to go to sleep on these rollers... no go. I had the worst nights sleep ever, plus once I woke up all my hair was dry except one roller. I took all the rollers out anyway and did not like the look of the curls, so I grabbed a hand full of bobby pins and started pinning. The end result was a massive curly updo with a small bump in the front that scored many compliments, I only have one camera phone photo that really doesn't do the 'do any justice.

In order to sleep, I pinned up all the curls into what looked like a mohawk. This way I would not flatten them while I slept. When I woke up, I kind of liked the look of the mohawk so I removed mt haphazard pin job from the night before and smoothed back the sides and secured them with pins and made another bump in the front, this time my bump was a bit bigger so we'll call it a hump. I don't have pictures from the second day.

Then today my curls have more frizz so I threw it all up into a bun.

Review: Banana Brulee Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

During the She Scent It Easter Sale I ordered the Banana Brulee Moisturizing Deep Conditioner. I was expecting it to smell more like bananas than it actually did. I conditioned my hair for 20 hours. Yes, you read right! Once I got home from work I decided to just wash my hair and condition it, expecting that they next day I would wake up and do my hair. It was my day off and I got lazy, so instead I left the plastic cap covered by my pretty wrap right on my head... All day! Anyway, once I finally took everything off and rinsed my hair, it felt like a dream. My hair was super soft and tangle free. This conditioner lived up to all it's claims.

Product Description: This deep penetrating conditioner will improve your hair by adding moisture and elasticity while gently strengthening. Real Bananas add slip. Honey adds moisture to super dry hair while Cocoa Butter and Babassu oil soften and add shine.

Ingredients: Water (infused with Aloe, essential extracts of Cinnamon, Black willow bark, Roman Chamomile, Rose hip seed) Cetyl alcohol, Bananas, Emulsifying wax, Castor oil, Vegetable glycerin, Coconut oil, Avocado oil, Honey, Hydrolyzed cotton seed protein, Cocoa Butter, Sweet almond oil, Babassu oil, Silk amino acids, Panthenol, Silica, Germall plus.

AHS Final Thoughts: You do not need to leave this conditioner on as long as I did to see results. In fact, I knew once I applied it to my hair that it was good. The slip was there and the softening effects were almost immediate. If you don't have a whole entire day to deep condition speed up the process and sit under a hooded dryer. No hooded dryer at home? Use your regular dryer, just put a plastic cap on and hold the dryer away from your head and just heat your head gentle.

Mobile Updates from AHS

Hey AHS Readers! Just wanted to let you know that I am now able to post to The Anti Hair Slave via my iphone! So now, I'll be able to write on the go, so if you notice posts without any title... like the post below this one, it's sent via text.

Test! AHS blogs by phone/text :)

Aveeno Hair Care

When you think of natural, gentle, but still affordable brands, isn't Aveeno on the top of your list somewhere? It always is on mine, that's why when I saw that they were launching a hair care line I was excited. The Nourish + Hair Care Collection from Aveeno combines nature and science to yield innovative hair care.

According to the most recent advertisement, "The leading scientists at Aveeno have identified an optimal blend of wheat proteint and wheat germ oil to create the newest Active Naturals technology, Nourishing Wheat Complet, which targets the most damaged parts of hair."

The collection is set to include: Nourish + Volume, Nourish + Revitalize, Nourish + Moisturize, and Nourish + Soothe, plus Nourish + Condition ( a leave in product)

I'm dying to try it and once I do, I'll have a complete review. I'm eyeing up the Nourish + Moisturize and the Nourish + Condition.

Vivica A. Fox & The Cougar

Vivica Fox is the host of “The Cougar,” which is very appropriate because Ms. Fox is a Cougar herself. On the premiere episode her hair stole the show!

Ursula Stephen, Motions Celebrity Stylst, gives tips on how to create Vivica Fox’s gorgeous flowing waves from last night...for under $15! “To get this look, hot rollers are best,” says Ursula Stephen, “compared to a curling iron, these rollers give hair a curl at the ends while pumping up the volume at the roots.” It is time to stand center stage with this show-stopping look. Follow these simple steps to achieve Vivica Fox’s hot style:

1. On damp hair, spritz Motions Heat Seeker Protecting Spray. Blow dry your hair until completely dry.

2. Start by dividing hair into 2-inch sections and use medium-sized hot rollers all over the head. Wait until the rollers are completely cool before taking them out to help the hair hold the curl.

3. Take a paddle brush and lightly brush a bit of the curls out to get a slight way to the hair.

4. Finish with a mist of Motions Light Hold Working Spritz and you’re ready to rock and roll!

KeraCare Winner!

Congratulations to commenter # 15 Lady Orchid, she won the KeraCare Giveaway!

Thank you to everyone who entered and if you didn't win don't worry more giveaways are coming very soon!

Lady Orchid, please email me your mailing address at antihairslave(at)gmail(dot)com

For the Little Ones

NEW Soft & Beautiful Just for Me! Hair Milk Collection is gentle enough for moms and their little ones to enjoy! Specially designed for coarse, thick, and curly hair, this deeply moisturizing line makes everyday hair care easy and fun. Combined with a blend of soy milk and honey, each formula smells heavenly and leaves hair feeling just as wonderful.

From Just for Me! Hair Milk Shampoo to Just for Me! Hair Milk Stylist Crème, this collection has everything to keep you and your child’s hair strong, healthy, and tangle-free. Specially created with essential nutrients like vitamin C, E, and Calcium, each formula provides intense hydration and nourishment resulting in hair that is soft, manageable, and beautiful. Just for Me! Hair Milk Straightening Mist, is an all time favorite for both mommy and the little bundles of joy because it detangles and protects hair from heat damage.

NEW Just for Me! Hair Milk Shampoo ($4.99) - Gently cleanses and makes hair feel softer and more manageable. The formula provides nourishment, leaving hair smooth and comb-ready. With added nutrients, hair is easier to condition and comb, tangle-free.

NEW Just for Me! Hair Milk Conditioner ($4.99) – The formula strengthens and nourishes hair, while adding shine to dull strands. Specially formulated to condition hair, making it easy to comb and leaving it soft and manageable.

NEW Just for Me! Hair Milk Straightening Mist ($4.99) - Gentle mist formulated to improve hair’s manageability before combing. For added protection, apply directly to wet or tangled hair before blow-drying.

NEW Just for Me! Hair Milk Styling Crème ($4.99) - Thick, creamy formula that allows moms to style hair with ease. Apply to dry hair for moisture, strength and a gentle

New Product Alert: AG Split End Spa

AG Hair Cosmetics have created a spa treatment for weary ends. AG claims that Split End Spa Repair Serum is an ultra light serum that conditions, repairs and eliminates split ends instantly. AHS says that split ends cannot be repair or eliminated instantly, but AG Split End Spa does in fact protect healthy ends from becoming subject to split ends. I have had this serum in my possession since early February and it is doing a great job keeping my ends healthy free from split ends. This serum hits stores May 1, 2009 so be on the look out for it. It's a definitely AHS favorite.

Cut Hair Not Trees

As part of their ongoing commitment to incorporate green practices into everyday activities, Paul Mitchell Schools will cut hair for a cause during upcoming Earth Week. Visit any Paul Mitchell school from April 20-24, 2009 to receive a $10-15 haircut and the schools will donate the hair clippings to Matter of Trust – an organization that creates absorbent hair mats to soak up oil at spills across the country.

Visit www.paulmitchelltheschool.com for Paul Mitchell school locations nationwide.

April HairVeda Sale

Just thought you might want to know:

Affordable Hair Care just got even better! SAVE EVEN MORE! Starting April 15th, HairVeda is having its BIG SPRING SALE!
Save 40-50% off on your favorite items:
Vatika Frosting
Whipped Gelly
CoCasta Oil
Whipped Clouds Herbal Green Tea Butter

Customers who reside in the DC Metro Area can now enjoy a much lower shipping rate than ever before!

Plus Hairveda is having a CONTEST!!!! One random customer who makes purchase will receive a buy one get one deal on his or her entire order!

Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme + Two Strand Twists

I'm taking a bit of a break from the rollersets and blowouts that have become my weekly routine since I became working.  The weather is slowly but surely beginning to break so I can go back to my routine of co-washing every few days and wearing airdried styles.  Plus, I don't go into work until 3pm so I have the whole morning to try different styles.  First up, my Two Strand Twist out.  I love this style because it's so easy to do and it almost always comes out looking fantastic.  This time I added a new product to the mix, Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme.  What I did was after washing and conditioning my hair overnight, I rinsed out the conditioner, added a leave-in conditioner, and then began to two strand twist my hair adding a small amount of Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme to each section, paying close attention to the ends.  The Baby Buttercreme is somewhat thick and very creamy, it smells sweet too almost like a Cinnabun with a side of Silk Soy milk.  The Baby Buttercreme thoroughly moisturized my hair and I feel like it even helped hold the twists towards the ends.  It's a bit of a splurge but if you buy the small 2 oz. size, it'll last you a while because a little goes a long way!  

Silicon Mix

If you ask me I'm Team Miss Keys 10 en 1 all day!  But for years now I have been hearing about Silicon Mix and how much people like it so I figured for $4.99 for 8 oz. at my local beauty supply store I'll try it.  The texture of the conditioner is not as thick as I expected and the scent reminded me of something out of the dollar store.  BUT, the conditioning and softening abilities of this conditioner make me forget all about the cheap scent and thin consistency.  My hair feels like spreadable butter, it is soft and shiny.  Although, the directions on the jar say leave on for 2-3 minutes depending on the condition of the hair, I left it on overnight.  I must say this conditioner surprised me, I like it.  Do I like Miss Keys 10 en 1 better?  Of course, but this is not bad at all.  

 

Product Description: Hair treatment to restore the health, shine and the softness of dry, damaged and weak hair.  

Silicon Mix Ingredients: Water, Mineral Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerine, Citric Acid, Cetrimonium Chloride, Dimethycone Copolyol, Cyclomethicone, Keratin, Ceramide, Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance

Mizani Relaxer Review

(Mizani Classic Relaxer, $24.00 Amazon.com)

Last Friday, April 3rd I rushed to the Beauty Supply Store purchased a Mizani relaxer then rushed to the hair salon to get my hair done after work. Thankfully, the salon was pretty quiet and I was able to get in and get out. I used the Mizani Classic Relaxer Sensitive Scalp and not the Mizani Butter Blend Relaxer, the difference between the two is lye. Butter Blend relaxers are lye based and the classic is no-lye. Overall, the process was very gentle I must say. If you remember my last relaxer experience with Fabulaxer, I was less than pleased because it was way to strong for my scalp. Plus, I only relaxed 8 weeks ago and I was in need of another relaxer, and you guys know I'm big on stretching at least 10-12 weeks. Anyway, back to Mizani Classic, it was great my scalp did not tingle, burn, or anything like that. My hair came out sleek, straight, and soft. I went with the sensitive scalp verison because of my last relaxer, the tingly feeling was not pleasant and I wanted to give my poor scalp a rest. I couldn't bite the bullet and pay $60 for the Phyto Relaxer, but I'm seriously considering after the wonderful RAVE review T wrote. I might have to plan my next relaxer to fall on the same time as her's so I can "sample" her leftovers!

Miss Jessie's Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo Review

Brand new from Miss Jessie's is the Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo.  I had the pleasure of testing it out and let me say, shampooing my hair has never been this fun.  I has suds for days, it reminded me of when I was a little girl and my mom would wash my hair and lather it up really good and I would have pile of suds on top of my head.  The best part, even with all that lather and  all those suds it rinses out easily.  My hair has just been relaxed about a week ago so I really didn't have much tangles, but if I did this would be my go to shampoo because my hair felt so soft and the slip was great.  If you are unfamiliar with the term slip it refers to how slippery the strands of your hair get once the product is on.  Most slip equals less time detangling, less slip harder time.  Alright, back to the shampoo, this might sound crazy but it shampoo is soft.   You know how some shampoos once you get them lathered feel kinda rough and hard, well not this shampoo, it's a dream to use.  To order to go Miss Jessie's, plus right now when you order the Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo you can get a free Creme de la Creme Conditioner.  

Juicy Peach Kernel Oil

Darcy's Botanicals Peach Kernel Hair & Body Oil might make me leave my coconut oil. When Darcy's Botanicals says, " Our Juicy Peach Kernel Nectar smells EXACTLY like fresh juicy peaches." They meant it! This oil smells amazing, I use it on my hair and my body and I'm beyond pleased with the results. When I apply the oil to my body, it soaks right in leaving my skin feeling soft and moisturized plus you get that light glistening effect. On my hair, it leaves an amazing shine and slight hint of a peach and a little bit goes a very long way. I'm currently using this product in place of my beloved coconut oil to seal in my moisture. It's doing a great job!

Visit Darcy's Botanicals Etsy shop to find more goodies!

Ouidad Signature Deep Treatment

Ouidad, the Curl Experts are offering an amazing deal. Enjoy a complimentary Deep Treatment service (a $90.00 value) when you book a Ouidad signature "Carve and Slice" haircut at the Ouidad Salon - Santa Monica.
1230 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA

Click here for more info.

Eco Chic Tip!

If you do your own hair at home here is something to consider.  Blow drying hair that is very wet is not only more damaging to the hair, it is also most costly because you have to run an electrical appliance longer, plus it's said to use energy that is damaging to our planet.  Now with that being said, you can save your hair, save money, and save the earth (well maybe not the last one) by allowing your hair to air dry partially prior to blow drying!  

For more Eco Chic thing be sure to check out Beauty Blvd. were we are running a month long Eco Chic Series featuring eco friendly beauty products, tips and tricks, and giveaways!  

AHS wants to know: Pregnancy and Relaxers

We've all heard people talk about relaxers and pregnancy, but seriously, relaxing your hair while pregnant - is it a do or is it a don't?!?

Black Women & Hairstylists

One day at work not too long ago my co-workers were chatting about how they couldn't believe that any grown black woman could go without a hairstylist.  I personally, kept out of the conversation 1. because I've heard them talk about hair enough to know they aren't as interested in hair care and products as I am and I don't want to be labeled the weird new girl (hair junkies...you KNOW what I'm talking about) 2. because I completely disagree with the idea and thought it better to just keep my mouth shut.  No need for a heated debate on hair in the workplace right?  and 3. I could have kept that conversation going for years.  

However, for some reason I couldn't let it go.  I need to hear what my readers think about this topic.  Do you think that every grown black woman should have a stylist?  Do you personally rely on a stylist, or are you a DIY-er and why? 

PhytoSpecific Relaxer Review

Written by T. Wade for The Anti Hair Slave

“Phyto, which is Greek for 'derived from plants,' merges active plant botanicals with modern science for wholesome formulas that travel to the root (literally) of the problem to snap hair back to its healthiest condition.” I'm very much into all natural hair products, but a relaxer is essential for my hair regimen, which usually contains extremely harsh chemicals. PhytoSpecific Relaxer is probably the best invention for hair care I've probably ever encountered. PhytoSpecific Relaxer is egg and soy based with no lye, odorless and does not contain any chemicals.

I've had a relaxer since I was 12 years old, and I've also always had extremely sensitive skin so therefore every relaxer I've ever used would burn me to the point of head scabs, disgusting I know. I got to the point where I decided I should go natural, but I decided to do some research to see if there were any other alternatives out there. That’s when I discovered this article with Vanessa Williams raving about Phyto Specific. After reading the article about PhytoSpecific products and reading the great reviews I thought I might give it a try. After one use I was hooked, there’s two types Index 1 and Index 2.  Index 2 is for Normal/Thick, Coarse hair; I use Index 1 which is for fine, delicate hair. My hair is definitely not fine it is thick but my scalp is delicate and my hair is very soft, but it does the job perfectly. After my first relaxer with this wonderful product, I did not burn not one bit, my hair was straight, silky and just beautiful. I use this product every 10 weeks, for touchups and I have been trying to convince everyone around me to use it.

It is expensive for a relaxer when most people pay approximately $10 for a relaxer when I pay $60.00 for one PhytoSpecific Relaxer kit. I promise you it's worth it. I believe in this product so much that I've offered the left over product to friends for free because I always have so much left over after a touch up. The kit also comes with the pre-care balm to base your scalp, Milky Restructurer Conditioner, other conditioners and styling products, and of course the Neutralizing shampoo. I believe this is a great deal, after using this product you'll achieve celebrity hair without having a celebrity stylist. However, I do recommend that a professional administer the relaxer or someone who is definitely skilled in applying a relaxer. To purchase this fabulous product you can visit Sephora or Neiman Marcus. Hair care is so important to me; by using this product I can guarantee that you will achieve a healthy head of hair. I hope you can enjoy in its fabulousness just as I have!

Editors note:  I've found this relaxer kit on Amazon.com for about $20.00 cheaper.  

Extreme Celebrity Hair Extension

See how Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and others redefine long hairstyles

Celebrities don't have time for silly things like waiting for their hair to grow out. Instead, they reach for extensions when they want to add inches to their cropped haircuts. See these how these stars take extensions to a whole new level. ... Could their next audition be for the role of Rapunzel? See celebrities

KeraCare Giveaway!

Just a few days ago, I shared a video of Daneen from Spoiled Pretty rocking some fierce clip on extensions that she made herself! It got me to thinking, here on AHS we really don't spend a lot (or any) time talking about the care and maintenance that goes it to preserving your own hair while wearing a weave or extensions. Luckily, KeraCare has you covered with the new line of Premium Hair Care for Weaves & Extensions.

KeraCare Weave & Extensions products contain balanced formulas that nourish and hydrate the hair you were born with and provide lightweight care for the hair that your stylist has added. The scalp gets what it needs, too, to stay clean, fresh and feeling good.

Gentle Cleansing Shampoo is a gentle yet effective sulfate- and amide-free formula that removes residue mercial hair for body, shine, and tangle-free combability. Formulated with the phyto extract, calenfrom the hair, and eliminates dry, flaky skin and oily build-up from the scalp, Nourishing to your natural hair, it adds the lightest touch of conditioning to comdula, it moisturizes hair and soothes the scalp.

Hair & Scalp Nutritive Conditioner contains the natural herb calendula and an exclusive quaternium conditioning blend to keep the natural hair hydrated and in excellent health. The commercial hair is appropriately conditioned for exceptional shine and manageability, but not weighed down or coated with heavy conditioners. It also helps control the scalp challenges of weave and braid wearers. Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and menthol provide a refreshing tingle as the scalp is exfoliated and sloughed. Healthy scalp circulation is promoted.

KeraCare® Leave-In Conditioning Mist beautifully prepares weaves and extensions for wet-to-dry styling, providing blow-dry protection to both natural and commercial hair. It detangles for effortless combing, and features a masterful blend of moisturizing silicones and quaternium conditioners to impart optimal hydration and silkening. Also integrated in this lightweight, anti-static formula, are phyto extracts of the moisturizing herb, calendula, and an aromatherapy fragrance to enhance your hair care experience.

One lucky Anti Hair Slave reader will win one of each of Premium Hair Care products for Weaves & Extensions! Just leave a comment on this post and you will be entered to win, US residents only please. Winner will be chosen at random, thanks and GOODLUCK!

Simple Hair Care Tips

Sometimes I'll think of simple easy duh type hair care tips and forget all about posting them. Things that are right there in your mind, but sometimes don't make it front and center.  Here are just two simple ways to keep your hair healthy without even really doing much at all.  

1. Keeping your nails even!

How many times have you gone to rub your hand through your hair and had a strand get caught on a jagged nail? I'm guilty of this. Sometimes I'll break a nail and not file it right away, then I'll get a hair caught in it. If my nails were neatly filed at all times I wouldn't have these little mishaps. I always remember to file my hands before I wash my hair, just in case.

2. Just throw away those broken bobby pins!

I hate when the rubber ball part starts coming off the bobby pin, you never realize it until it's time to slide the pin out. It gets caught on my hair and sometimes will break some strands right off. Instead of just throwing that one away I'll just put it with the others until I have finished removing all the pins, then I won't be able to find all the faulty pins.

Hair Style Trend: MEGA Volume

Many cans of hairspray were sacrificed during the creation of these gravity-defying 'dos

Usually celebs like Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Lopez get it right when it comes to red carpet hair styles, but these mega volume looks are definite don'ts -- sorry girls! Check them out for yourself. See photos

Samy Esencia

The essence of healthy hair meets the power of style with ĕ ∙sen∙cia by Samy – the newest collection from Samy Salon Systems. A complete line of 100% vegan, natural and organic shampoos, conditioners and styling products designed to indulge your tresses and senses. Key botanicals and extracts synergize in natural formulas free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates – that can strip hair’s natural protective layers and fade color – resulting in shiny, luxe locks and longer lasting color. Specially formulated with certified organic ingredients, ĕ ∙sen∙cia by Samy is kind to your hair, your skin and the environment*, making it a perfect fit for all.

You know I have a very soft spot in my heart for anything with coconut oil, so naturally The Coconut Conditioning Treatment with Shea and Sweet Almond was the perfect choice for me. The ultimate intense conditioning treatment that works instantly on the hair and scalp; shea butter nourishes and moisturizes while sweet almond oils strengthen and smooth leaving locks silky and shiny. Plus, I had to try the Vanilla Styling Crème with Macadamia and Sunflower because it sounded so great. The Macadamia nut and sunflower seed oils nourish and moisturize hair and provide style, control and texture this product is ideal for dry and damaged hair. It sounds like it would smell amazing, but it barely has a scent. I'm a fan of both products! Especially the styling creme.

20 Best Heat-Styling Products

Don't use a blow-dryer or flatiron before applying one of these products

Stop damaging your hair! If you heat style often you must use a product that protects your hair. Try these gels, sprays and creams that our readers say keep their hair healthy.

See products

SheScentit Discount!

Just in time for Easter, SheScentit is taking 20% off all their amazing products! I just ordered the Banana Brulee Moisturizing Deep Conditioner. I've been hearing great things about it and with 20% off it's crazy not to snatch it up now! So head on over and pick up some goodies.

Here is the code: HAPPYEASTER

Pooka Hair Butter: Little Bro's Fave

Remember a long while ago, I tried the Pooka Pure & Simple Shea Hair Cream?  If not, check here.  Anyway, I just couldn't really get down with the scent, I went from not liking the scent to liking it to not liking it again.  The texture of the product and it's ability to amp up the shine, and moisturize my hair just wasn't enough for me to turn the other cheek regarding the scent.  It eventually went where all my other 'banished' products go....the cabinet in my bathroom.  I guess my brother decided to use it one day and loved it, because he's been using it on his hair every day now for a while and you know what?  It doesn't smell the same on him as it did on me.  I even tried a tiny bit on myself to make sure I remembered the product and scent accurately, but alas once it get's into my hair I hate the scent.  On him it's fine ... On me I can't tolerate it.    I must admit that his hair has been looking on point lately, he must he trying to impress some girl at school because haircare is not usually his thing.  He's 13 and really only concerned with sports.  For more info on Pooka Pure & Simple visit their site.  

Pantene Collects 1 MILLION inches

Pantene Beautiful Lengths is thrilled to announce that it has reached its most impressive milestone since the program began nearly three years ago. This week marks the receipt of more than 1 million inches of hair donated to make free, real-hair wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment.

That’s a lot of hair!

In fact, it’s enough to:

Stretch beyond the height of 66 Empire State Buildings!

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge nearly 10 times!

And most importantly…it’s enough to help thousands of women get back something that cancer has taken from them and help them fight this devastating illness.

The Anti Hair Slave would like to congratulate Pantene for achieving their goal!

Pink Sugared Coconut Cream Deep Conditoner

How could you pass up that name? Pink Sugared Coconut Cream Deep Hair Conditioner, wow it smells amazing. It's from the brand Cozy Moments and the ingredient list is amazing featuring things like Silk Amino Acids, Avocado Oil, Wheat Protein and Panthenol. The consistency is similar to whipped frosting, it's light and fluffy and coats your hair making every strand very soft. I used it to deep condition over night and went I went to the salon the next morning to have it rinsed out the shampoo girl raved about how amazing it smelled and then about how soft my hair was. They also have Pink Sugared Buttercream scented DEEP Hair Conditioner which smells like pink fluffy cotton candy, lemon drops, raspberry jam, and a teeny hint of musk mixed with sweet, rich and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting! Plus, for $6.00 it's well worth the price.

New Formula: KeraCare Humecto Creme Conditioner

KeraCare has reformulated the KeraCare Humecto Creme Conditioner!  I just got a bottle and I'm hiding it from everyone in my house.  Ever since the first batch of KeraCare products entered my home, my mom and gram were ALL over it!  I let them both try it one time and the next time I reached for the bottles they were empty!  Talk about pissed... anyway this one is alllll mine.  I can't wait to try it out.  I'm extremely tempted to wash my hair (even though I just got it rollerset 2 days ago) just to try the conditioner.  It's that good.  The new formula boast claims that it s now richer and thicker.  Expect a complete product review once I try it out.  

Best Long Hair Styles

Got long hair? Then we've got 10 celebrity hair style inspirations for you

Long hair has its pros and cons. Cons: high-maintenance, like keeping split ends at bay and tangles to a minimum. Pros: Practically limitless style possibilities. If you have long hair, check out these hair styles (on stars like Kim Kardashian, "Twilight's" Kristen Stewart and more). The looks are all quick and easy, so you can update your 'do in minutes.

See styles

April Showers = Frizzy Hair

April showers might bring May flowers, but who really cares about flowers if your hair is jacked up. Aprils shower really just equal frizz, but AHS is here to save the day with the top frizz busting products out.


1. No Frizz- A daily treatment that eliminates frizz and helps dry or damaged hair - without weighing hair down. Terrific for highly processed hair. No Frizz works great on color-treated hair, too. This product stops frizz in it's tracks! I used the Straight Making No Frizz Styling Treatment for thick to coarse hair

2. Sabino Moisture Block - Moisture Block gives you superior thermal protection. Because essential moisture is locked in, you will not “cook” your hair from too much blow drying or flat ironing. Not even chlorine can penetrate Moisture Block, which is perfect for me because I love to swim! The only downside is that applying the product is a bit of a learning curve, meaning you have to figure out how much product you need for your hair type and texture.

3. TREsemme - This moisturizing crème with Frizz Defense Complex locks out frizz and keeps hair ultra-smooth, I love this product because the price is right and it works great to moisturize as well as fight frizz.

Photo Credit

ORS Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion

ORS Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion is a great alternative to higher priced hair moisturizers.  Ever since I've gotten on the healthy hair kick, my boyfriend has been buying hair products for himself.  Shampoos, conditioners, wave products, and now... ORS Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion to moisturize all of his 1/4 of an inch strands.  Even though he doesn't have much hair I must admit the shine from this product is amazing.  Plus it's not goopy or gunky like some of the other products he uses.  In a pinch, I'd use it on my hair too.  Remember way back when, when I had to 'steal' some olive oil from the kitchen to moisturize my hair while staying over at his place?  Well those days are long gone.  

Give natural products a chance!

Teri from Rare El'ements shares some advice on natural products and why you should embrace them! Teri says "we have found that a lot of products merely coat the hair and replace moisture loss with synthetic enhancer's, where as a more natural product will penetrate and absorb into the cortex." Rare El'ements makes a fabulous oil treatment, El' Treatment which I love. "What sets Rare El'ements apart from other hair oils is that we have selected nourishing oils that are lightweight and have a low molecular structure which makes it easier to pass through the cuticle."


Tips for using El'ements El' Treatment: "In the beginning we suggest using the El' treatment as often as possible, the key is to replenish the moisture and nourish the scalp to stimulate stronger, healthier hair growth. You'll notice that after awhile the hair starts to retain moisture and regain its structural integrity and less product is required."