Surprise in a bottle: Jamaican Black Castor Oil

So I couldn't hold out any longer, I ordered a small bottle of Jamaican Black Castor Oil on October 26th at 6:29pm and I received my order today (October 30th), that's with regular shipping. So big high five to Sams247.com! Now anyway on to the surprise. I opened up my package and to my surprise, my Jamaican Black Castor Oil or JBCO has little to no scent and ((news flash)) it's not BLACK or even close to being black in color. Am I the only one who thought it would be black or dark brown? I was expecting something like molasses and got something like Karo Syrup, instead. Interesting, but not a problem just thought I'd share my surprise.

Update:: I started looking all over the net and found that it should be the color of syrup maybe a little lighter. I got so upset that I had to shake up my bottle and pour some in a clear jar to see exactly what color it is and it's a little lighter than syrup so oops... the dark bottle threw me off and when I took out a little bit it was very light.


P.S. It's also available for $10.00 on Amazon.com

Lock & Mane Giveaway Winner!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered to win! I really appreciate your continued support and if you didn't win don't worry another great giveaway is right around the corner. Without further ado, Congratulations to Pharoah's Angel (comment #10)! Happy Shopping! ((Angel - Shoot me an email @ antihairslave(at)gmail(dot)com ))

Quick Head's Up: The next giveaway will be very soon and we're giving away 2 Instyler Rotating Irons!

Happy Birthday AHS + Lock & Mane Giveaway

Am I a bad mom or what? This blog turned 2 years old on October 23 and I didn't even realize. I knew the blog was created towards the end of October, but my very first post was on October 23, 2007. Crazy how time flies right? Anyway, how about we celebrate with a giveaway?!?

One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate to Lock & Mane. Are you wondering what Lock & Mane is? Well it's the newest online hair care store on our radar. They carry only the best in hair care because every single product they carry has been tested by their staff to ensure that it's awesome.

To enter to win, leave a comment on this post wishing AHS a Happy Birthday and let us know what your favorite post has been. That's it! Contest ends 10/30/09 at noon, good luck and make sure I can get in contact with you, if you win.

A Family Affair @ Hair Rules NYC

It’s a Family Affahair at Hair Rules NY Salon

For parents and children who have battled with a difficult and time consuming hair styling regimen (or worse, one that could lead to a lifetime of negative good hair/ bad hair experiences), Dickey wants to teach parents an easy approach to their children’s hair.

The goal of this unique event is to help children have a more positive experience and to love their curly or kinky hair. Dickey and team will assist parents with hands-on styling and help parents find new ways to style their child’s hair.

If any of you has an 'in' with Angelina Jolie, maybe you might be able to convince her to have a mother daughter day with Zahara at Hair Rules? I hate that everyone (okay not everyone) in the blog world has something negative to say about Zahara's hair or Angelina's seemingly lack of skill with styling it, but the bottom line is if you look closely at Zahara's hair the grade is very soft. The grade is far from nappy and usually all it needs is a baby Denman, a little detangler, and a little coconut oil. But one day with Dickey and Angelina would have some serious skills.

Saturday November 7th

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

$50 per child Light refreshments included

RSVP by November 3rd

Salon phone 212-315-2929

Email: salon@hairrules.com

Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor

After all this time, I finally tried out the Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor. The nice folks over at Aphogee gave me a bunch of stuff to try out and this was in the package. I've been having more than normal amounts of hair in the drain after washing so I decided to give it a shot. People always claim that Aphogee stopped their breakage in it's tracks, so I thought I would have similar results. Wrong, actually I still have more than normal amounts of hair in the drain but I must say it is less than what I was experiencing before. So far the amounts of hair's that I've been losing are decreasing in amounts, but it certainly was not instantaneous.

Anyway, let's get to the actual product. Step 1 was surprising to say the least, first the color and texture was kind of gross. It's a puke yellow color, frothy, and slightly watery and then the scent hit my nose and I swear if I wasn't a nurse (meaning used to nasty stanky smells) I would have lost my lunch right then and there. Thank goodness Step 2 is conditioner consistancy and has no nasty smell. I followed the directions to a T and Step 1 made my hair nice and hard, while Step 2 gives hair a crazy amount of slip and moisture. It's so good, I considered buying a bunch of the 2 Minute Reconstructor just for step 2.

Editor's Note: I meant the Aphogee 2 step Protein Treatment... Thanks so much guys for correcting me. I got all confused, plus I added an image to help myself out!

Have you tried it? What are your thoughts?

Pink GHD Limited Edition Set

The iconic pink 1" GHD styler has had a stylish makeover for 2009. Rocking the current trend for playful pastels, the styler comes in a beautiful shade of baby pink with a vintage twist. It's the stylish beauty must-have for charitable and style conscious fashionistas around the globe. For every GHD Pink Limited Edition box set purchased, GHD will donate $15 to the Young Survival Coalition. The GHD Pink Limited Edition box set includes the pink 1" GHD IV styler, limited edition pink tote bag and matching styler pouch, a pink hairbrush and two pink sectioning clips.

New features and benefits:

*New, improved body shape facilitates curling effects as well as straight styling.
*Improved circuitry maintains a more constant styling temperature. The iron heats up to its maximum temperature every millisecond ensuring optimum heat on the hair from root to tip.
*Sleep mode function automatically switches iron off if it is not used for 30 minutes.
*Universal voltage feature operates from 110V to 230V by sensing the incoming voltage, making it great for travelers.
*Outer casting is made from Rynite®, a fire-retardant material that ensures the outer casting does not get too hot when you're styling hair or handling the product.

High performance properties:


*Designed to create curls, twists, flicks, and waves, as well as straighten the hair.
*Ceramic-coated aluminum plates help seal the cuticle and create shine while locking in hair's natural moisture, preventing atmospheric moisture from re-penetrating hair.
*Emits a large proportion of infrared heat and negative ions, both of which are less damaging to the hair, reducing static and creating shine by closing the cuticle.
*Conventional irons use PTC or copper-wound elements, which are less efficient at emitting infrared heat and negative ions and can dry out the hair.
*A 9-foot swivel cord prevents tangling and damage.
*Floating blades provide flexibility and smoothness when styling.
*A built-in microprocessor embedded in one of the blades monitors and regulates the blade temperature 5 times a second.
*If the temperature exceeds its maximum regulated temperature, the thermal fuse will blow, resulting in the iron switching off.
*The thermal fuse is a safety feature to prevent the iron from overheating.

PLUS CAUSE I LOVE YOU GUYS, HERE'S A CODE FOR 30% OFF! on BeautyChoice.com

All GHD hair tools and wet goods. This sale will last through Halloween (October 31, 2009). Code: GHDBOO

Rock the Look: Trina @ BET Hip Hop Honors

Want to rock the gorgeous curls sported by Rapper and Diamond Princess Trina at this past summer’s BET Awards and last week’s, Saturday, October 10th, BET Hip Hop Awards? It's super easy! Pick up a Zara Wig. Trina’s stylist and Miami, Florida-based Zara Wigs consultant, Angela Meadows, decided upon a beautiful Zara Wig, made completely of luxurious Remy Hair, worn down in loose ringlets for Trina’s 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards appearance.

Calling All Cali Curlies: Miss Jessie's in LA

If you're a curly girl living in cali, or a relaxed girl thinking of going curly you NEED to check out this event. I'm not even thinking about going natural and I wish I could go. Miko and Titi Branch, celebrity stylists and creators of Miss Jessie’s® line of curly hair products, will be hosting a one day only event at Wilshire Beauty a beauty apothecary and salon in Los Angeles, CA on Sunday October 25th 2009 from 11:00am-4:00pm.

Titi, Miko, and their team of natural hair experts will be doing product demonstrations, a meet and greet with customers, and individual customer consultations and styling. Every hour a raffle will be held and the winner will receive a basket containing the entire Miss Jessie’s® line!

Here are the deets:

WHERE:
Wilshire Beauty
5401 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(P) 323.937.2001
(e) rsvp@wilshirebeauty.com
**Call or email to RSVP (Parking available in lot across the street)

WHEN:

Sunday October 25th 2009 from 11:00am-4:00pm (details below)
11-12:00 – Introduction, Q&A
12-1:00 – Product Demonstration
1-4:00 – Individual customer consultations

Paula Patton @ The KCA Black Ball Gala

Ursula Stephen, Motions Celebrity Stylist, created Paula Patton’s gorgeous hairstyle, proving that you can look red-carpet ready without breaking the bank.

1. Apply Motions Light Styling Foam all over hair, and blow dry in an upward direction for volume.
2. Using a 1 1/4” curling iron, create waves throughout hair.
3. Tease the entire head with a fine-toothed comb, emphasizing on the crown.
4. Using fingers, gently pull hair into a twist while keeping sides smooth, without losing volume at the crown, and secure with small hair pins.
5. Finish with Motions Light Hold Working Spritz for flexible hold.

Go Pink with Paul Mitchell

Paul Mitchell is launching a limited edition smoothing iron to benefit Fran Drescher’s organization, Cancer Schmancer. A portion of the proceeds will go to the charity and help promote early detection of all cancers, and the iron will only be available in October 2009.

Not only is this a feel-good beauty tool, but it’s SO adorable (it’s pink!) , and is a high-quality straightening iron. Retails for $160 and is available in salons only.

Are you a Natural Nazi?

Recently I was on twitter and I happened to mention the term “Natural Nazi” in jest, but someone took it to heart and said they were offended. ((insert BIG SIGH here)) Bottom line is I really didn’t even care (& still don’t), I think it’s a funny way to describe people who wear their hair natural and think it’s the only way. I know you know her, let’s call her Natural Nazi Nancy (or maybe even N3). N3 runs around all day, thinking she is blacker than thou because Thou relaxes her hair. N3 talks all kind of crap about being enlightened, how no should ever relax their hair, and how her hair is healthy while your hair will never be as long as you keep relaxing. N3 is always bringing up the topic of hair only to tell you how you should stop relaxing, to the point where she’s pushy. In my eyes that’s a Natural Nazi. Every other Natural woman who celebrates her own naturalness and advocates for natural hair (without being pushy or looking down on those who don’t want any parts of being natural) is just plain natural. So to all you Natural Nazi Nancy’s why can’t you just be passionate about being natural without all the other jazz?

2009 Holiday Hair Trends from Pureology

Pureology PureArtists give the must-have hair trends this upcoming season and how to achieve them with Pureology stylers. “This year young Hollywood will set the tone for elegant holiday styles,” says PureArtist, Christopher Devaney. “We see these young stars take over award shows displaying glamorous hair styles that fit their personalities yet stay classic,” adds PureArtist, April Webster.

Finger Waves
1. Set hair vertically using a vertical iron or hot roller placement, moving curls away from the face and allow curls to cool.
2. Break curls apart with fingers using Dry Shine Hair Styler to define and add shine.
3. Finish with In Charge Flexible Styling Spray.
4. Add Glossing Mist for final touch of shine.

Chignon
1. Blow dry hair smooth with Pure Volume Blow Dry Amplifier and Pure Volume Thickening Mist to create thickness and volume.
2. Pull hair back into a ponytail just below the occipital bone, using Hydrate Shine Max to polish and control static. Secure pony with an elastic.
3. Mist each section of ponytail with In Charge Flexible Holding Spray. Curl pony with large 1" barrel iron. Let curls cool completely.
4. Break curls apart using Texture Twist throughout the pony to add dimension and control.
5. Pin sections of pony with closed fasteners until desired shape is formed.
6. Finish with In Charge Plus Firm Finishing Spray.


Sleek and Chic
1. Create a ponytail at the top of the head using Dry Shine Hair Styler for an ultra sleek gloss with hold (be careful not to let Dry Shine Hair Styler touch hair ends). Secure with an elastic.
2. Divide ponytail in half for medium density or into three sections for thick density.
3. Polish the first section with Nano Works Shine Luxe until you create a clean, shiny ribbon of hair.
4. Create a large flat pin curl with ribbon of hair using In Charge Plus Firm Finishing Spray to give some moldability; secure ends over base of ponytail.
5. Repeat step 3 with remaining section or sections, creating a looping effect at the back of the head.
6. Finish look with Glossing Mist.

Green Tea in my Hair

ApHogee's Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer is my new (well not that new) best friend. I use it all the time before I use any type of heat product and also from time to time before I throw my hair into a bun. I feel like it almost instantly makes my hair feel stronger and then later it always feels soft. With continued use ApHogee is supposed to insure that breakage is a thing of the past. This conditioning formula of keratin proteins and green tea unite to reduce breakage and split ends and adds extra body to limp, lifeless hair. The heat-activated formula also protects hair color and can be used on wet hair or in between shampoos for touch ups and styling.

Info:
Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer
Hair Type: For use with heat styling on fine, limp and delicate hair
Level of Damage: Moderate
Price: $8.95

AHS usage tip: If you are just going to spray it to spray it on hair without using heat, like I sometimes do it's best to use a leave-in moisturizer after spraying it and then seal it with an oil. In the AM my hair is soft and strong. Loves it!!!

On my Radar: Ouidad Moisture Lock

Actress Katerina Graham (aka Bonnie Bennett) -- from the CW’s new hit drama The Vampire Diaries loves when on-set hairstylists use Ouidad Moisture Lock to enhance her natural waves. Katerina isn’t the only Ouidad fan—stylist Randa Squillacote also uses it to hydrate guest star Jasmine Guy’s curls.

Ouidad Moisture Lock ($22)
An advanced treatment designed to enhance hair strength, texture and overall appearance. Ouidad spent over two years formulating this innovative hybrid conditioner and pre-styler. Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner offers advanced, weightless moisture to enhance hair strength, seal in moisture, and restore healthy texture. Strengthening strands while sealing in moisture – Moisture Lock creates a protective barrier to add shine while protecting hair for overall health and vitality.

I'm excited to try this product, I have yet to try but it sounds awesome right?

Think Pink: Ouidad Curls for a Cure

This year marks the 5th anniversary of Ouidad’s charity, Curls for a Cure. Ouidad was diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease that took her mother’s life, in 2002 and was fortunate enough to make a full recovery – but recovery would not be the end of her battle. Because breast cancer is a 24/7 disease –not just in October – Ouidad matches dollar-for-dollar any donations made to Curls for a Cure ALL YEAR ROUND.

80's Hair on Sex & The City Set

The long awaited Sex and the City 2 movie will be coming out next May—but you can get modernized versions of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte’s voluminous hair now with Terax Finishing Spray. The on set stylists used the fast drying spray to help create the wild looks from the 80’s in flashback scenes, but it can be used to hold a range of styles from soft waves to more voluminous looks.

Get ready for the fab foursome’s return to the big screen with Terax.

“We all love the Terax Hair Care Finishing Spray on set. It has a nice hold and has been very helpful in creating all of the wild 80’s flashback looks.”
- Frank Barbosa, Key Hairstylist on “Sex & the City 2”

After all that teasing, fluffing, and spraying I'm sure the ladies needed some real hair TLC, I wonder if they usedTerax Hair Care Crema Ultra Moisturizing Daily Conditioner?

AfroVeda vs HairVeda

As you probably already know I'm always on the hunt for new hair care products, I have my favorites but still I'm a product junkie at heart. When I got word that HoneyFig was carrying some new lines I had to hop over to the website to check it out. One of the new lines is called AfroVeda. As soon as I heard the name I couldn't help but think "wow, that's so similar to HairVeda." I moved past the name similarity to check out the products and the products and product names are similar too! Take for example the AfroVeda PUR Whipped Gelly and compare it with HairVeda's Whipped Gelly... it's the same thing all the way down to the G instead of J for jelly.

I have yet to try anything for the AfroVeda line, but I must say I'm LOVING the Cocasta Shikakai Oil from HairVeda. The oil is on the thicker side but it's perfect for the colder seasons. It sinks into my hair leaving it soft, shiny, and feeling moisturized. I purchased a sample bottle for only $2.50 and I've been treating it like 'liquid gold' just using it in tiny amounts, but a little bit is all you really need. Not to mention the scent is fantastic.

So ladies what do you think? Have you tried anything from either brand?

Chris Rock's Good Hair - Lot of Weave Talk

Every single commercial or talk show piece about Chris Rock's Good Hair has some weave talk in it. What's up with that? I have yet to see the movie/documentary, but it's sure a bunch of black women spend crazy amounts of $$$ on weaves a month, blah blah blah. Not all black women have a weave! Just thought I'd make it clear.

Have you seen it or the commercials... what do you think?

Fall/Winter 2009 Hair Trend: More Braids

Glamorous long braids were seen from the runways to the red carpet this season. At the Cannes Film Festival, Diane Kruger donned a romantic, chic braid at the photo call for Inglourious Basterds; at the Alexander Wang Spring 2010 Collection, models sported long and loose side braids; at the VMA’s Jennifer Lopez stepped out in a slick braid that fell into a loose ponytail; and at the Emmys, Blake Lively looked ultra glamorous in her glossy, long braid stemming from a tight pony tail. “These long braids are a modern take on an effortless goddess look” says Renato Campora for Frederic Fekkai. “They are for a woman who wants to be chic but still having a little bit of fun.”

I can't help but think if you don't get this look right you'll be looking like Lara Croft. I'm not sure that's the look everyone will be going for, but Angelia Jolie was kinda bad ass in that movie, dontcha think?

Get Super Smooth Hair with Pureology

Pureology Serious Colour Care invites consumers to experience silky, lasting control and intense shine with the new SuperSmooth® system, created to smooth and replenish unmanageable and multiple-processed hair resulting from chemical services such as hair colour and/or relaxing, straightening. Specific-density smoothing oils of camellia and sesame oil, along with organic shea butter transform hair with silky, lasting control, while organic geranium conditions and intensifies shine. These key ingredients allow the SuperSmooth system to soften and tame the cuticle surface, frizz, curl patterns, and fly-aways for long lasting condition and smoothness.

I'd had the pleasure of trying out the products from the SuperSmooth system and I must say they are great. The scent is out of the this world with aromatherapy notes of raspberry, jasmine, and chocolate powder.

The product line includes:

• SuperSmooth Shampoo: Cleanse with the concentrated ZeroSulfate® shampoo
• SuperSmooth Hair Condition: Condition and detangle

• SuperSmooth Relaxing Hair Masque: Nourish and Smooth

• SuperSmooth Smoothing Elixir: Fortify and Smooth

“Whether a client’s hair is wavy, curly, or relaxed and sensitized, there is a customized SuperSmooth regimen for them,” explains Natasha Sunshine, owner of Byu-ti/Pureology Salon in Santa Monica, CA. “For the best results, I recommend clients consult with their stylist on their desired outcome, hair concerns and history to develop the best regimen for their hair.”

I passed on the products to Gram (whose hair is color treated) and she loves them. The conditioner is really great for her now BSL hair! Can you believe it? Gram's hair is growing so nicely... Anyway, the Relaxing Hair Masque is great for extra deep conditioning it's my favorite product from the line. The key ingredients are camellia, sesame oil, and organic shea butter.

Please note, Pureology products can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from a salon. Also, blogger is doing something funky with the images, because those are not the correct colors for the bottles.

Winter Tips for Curly Hair

Winter Tips for Curly Hair via Keneesha Hudson, the CEO of Urbanbella... Don't even say you don't know what Urbanbella is, okay okay if you've been under a rock for some time, Urbanbella is the Curly, Kinky, & Wavy Hair Salon and Apothecary.

Hydrate: As the weather starts to cool down curly hair (already prone to dryness) gets even drier due to the crisper hair. Counteract this by increasing hydration hair therapy! Pump up moisture by giving your hair deep treatments more frequently than you normally do. Extremely dry textures can even do daily treatments. It’s also not a bad idea to head to the salon for a professional steam hydration therapy. For an at-home recession friendly (but still spa-worthy) experience, towel wrap your deeply conditioned tresses for 20 minutes after at least every other shampoo before rinsing.

Moisture Rich Products Favorites:

* Ouidad 12 minute Deep Treatment

* Phytokarite

* Miss Jessie's Rapid Recovery

Update Your Look: Everyone loves to rock a new look as the season changes. Try a new play on color by leaning toward the cinnamon and bronze hues. Have 2 to 3 tones foiled in at the salon blending both highlights and low lights for a more natural look. Don’t be afraid to throw a splash or two of honey blonde to pick-up the beautiful colors of the fall season!

Longer Lasting Styles: Cooler weather means that us ladies rockin' the curls, kinks and waves like to spend less time washing our hair and having to let it air dry. Some of the best ways to avoid this is to "preserve" your style at night and refresh your look each morning. For loose waves, twist hair in large (cigar size) or larger plaits/braids at night. For tighter curls and kinks use clips or bobby pins to secure hair close to the head or twist at night. Remove clips in the morning and fluff hair at the roots. Be sure to use a firm styling gel or styling cream on wash day to help preserve your look. Is your hair prone to frizzies and fly-aways? For dry, loose curls spray a light refresher spay that contains a balance of oil and water and twirl curls with finger to pull frizz together for a defined curl. Tighter curls and kinks need a heavier refresher blend of water and glycerin product to hydrate the ends and then simply finger comb curls to de-frizz.

Product Favorites for Refreshing Curls:

* Kinky Curly Spiral Spritz - Create Hydration with minimum hold
* DevaCurl Set It Free
* Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In Spray

* CURLS Quenched Curls- Use daily or alone as a second day curl refresher

Scalp: The cool crispy winter air is a trigger for scalp problems for those who typically never have to worry about scalp issues and it is torture season for the rest of us who battle with it all year long! Before the temperature dips from low to lower, start a regimen of regular scalp treatments. Treatments like these balance out the scalp flora preventing fungus and also provide excellent hydration. Use a good blend of essential oils such as Phytopolliene or Jane Carter Solution Scalp Renew prior to shampoo and your seasonal dry scalp with be a thing of the past. For the flaky, itchy dry scalp, pump up the treatment by using Phytosquame or Jane Carter Solution Scalp Nourishing Serum. These potions exfoliate the scalp and eliminate flakes associated with eczema, psoriasis, and cradle cap, all conditions aggravated by the dry fall and winter air.

Winter Tips for Relaxed Hair

Winter months can reck havoc on any type of hair, but us relaxed haired honeys have to be even more careful. Not only is our hair chemically treated so it's more likely to be weaker than our natural haired counterparts. I've combined my own experience and trial and error along with tips and tricks from Celebrity Hair Stylist Patrick Wellington to get you through this winter.

1. Line all your hats and scarves with silk or satin. Rough materials can wreck havoc on any type of hair, but relaxed hair is more susceptible to damage so protect it and line your stuff. It's pretty cheap and just about any tailor or seamstress can easily do it.

2. Patrick says: Wrap the hair and sleep with a silk or satin scarf. AHS says: You don't have to wrap your hair but sleep with a silk or satin scarf. If you don't want to ruin your sexy, bun it up and sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase.

3. Patrick says: Always use a humidifier in the bedroom while sleeping to maintain hair’s moisture. AHS says: If your hair is covered with a scarf when you sleep, I'm not sure how this will help with your hair, but your skin will be thanking you!

4. Be like a Bear and hibernate. Not following? Alright, let's put it like this... hide your hair. Wear it up and off all those rough sweaters and coats, protect those ends throughout the winter and in the summer flaunt your new length!

Celebrity Hair Watch: Jada Pinkett Smith

There has been so much controversy swirling around whether or not Jada Pinkett Smith wears a weave or not. I doubt it, I just think she has an amazing head of hair. She has stated before that she does not wear a weave and her hair is not relaxed, but who really cares? Let's just look at the cute styles she's rocked.

Fun, fluffy curls Sleek, straight, length check! Lookin' tough with braids

Couldn't help but sneak in another pic of Will! Just kidding (okay maybe not really) but look at those cute kids! Even they have adorable hair.

FYI: Jada swears by Carol's Daughter products.