Daily 'Do - Protect it

Lately, I've been wearing buns like it's my job, (that's me on the right and my loca buddy on the left). Side part with a low bun, sleek and easy to do plus it allows me to keep the very ends of my hair moist and we all know that moisture is fantastic for hair. Here is exactly what I've been doing: I apply Oyin Homemade Greg Juices and Berries ($11.00) to the ends of my hair. Juices and Berries is a liquid moisturizer that you spray onto the hair, it smells like fruit punch and softens hair right away. Once I spray the Juices and Berries on my ends I then apply Curls Whipped Cream ($17.00) to the ends and work it all the way up to my roots. Curls Whipped Cream has a cinnabun type of scent and is a bit heavier but still does not weight down my hair, it increases softness and makes new growth more managable. Then finally, I apply an oil to seal it all in. Currently, it's been HairVeda's Cocasta Shikakai Oil. So there you have it, my daily 'do and how to repeat! It's super duper easy and it's a low maintenance protective style.

How have YOU been wearing your hair lately?

Pamper Your Hair At Home - Tips from Dickey

How was black friday shopping? Did you tear up the stores and save big?!? Here are some tips from Dickey, celebrity hair stylist & founder of Hair Rules.

“There are many wonderful essential oils for the scalp that we use for so many purposes from adding luster and shine, to fortifying the scalp and hair, to offering astringent or anti-bacterial properties,” says Dickey. “That’s why we offer several special essential oil “Ting” treatments at the salon for the hair and scalp. Here are a few of Dickey’s favoriteessential oils for at home hair and scalp spa treatments:


* Almond oil is a wonderful moisturizer and scalp soother. Not only does it contain protein and important minerals, but it acts like you own sebum, encouraging moisture retention.

* Eucalyptus oil has significant antiseptic and anti-bacterial qualities. Its active germicidal agents prevent infection, and it leaves your scalp feeling cool, tingly and soothed.

* Comfrey is a powerful healing herb. It can aid in destroying bacteria and healing cuts and abrasions. It contains a natural hormone called allantoin which is known for its cell-restorative properties and may also serve as a natural retardant for hair loss.

Check out some products from the HairRules Line.

Sale Sale Sale! Black Friday!

Easy Flat Iron Curls

When I got wind of Jessica Lowndes 21st Birthday hair style, I passed up on the how-to because first off, who exactly is that? Do you know? Alright, she's on the new 90210, in case you cared. But here's why I decided to share the pics with you guys, see the clip in her hair? I use these all the time to get curls curls curls after/during flat ironing my hair. I can't believe I never shared this super easy way to create curls using a flat iron.

Here's how I do it:

* Start with freshly washed and blowdried hair

* Flat iron in sections (around 1 inch sections)

* After flat ironing a piece wrap it up into a curl and pin to scalp

* Repeat until your entire head is covered in pinned up curls

* Allow your hair to set into the curls (I usually tie down my edges, take a shower with a cap, do makeup, get dressed, etc.)

* Before you leave, take the curls down, fluff it up, finger separate, and spray with sheen spray or hair spray (go easy on the hair spray)

I'll probably do a video to show exactly what I do, so stay tuned for that. The best benefit of creating curls with a flat iron like this is that you get to straighten and curl in one. Less heat than using a flat iron and a curling iron.

Holiday Hair Like Kate Beckinsale

At the 30th Anniversary of MOCA, Kate Beckinsale rocked an edgy take to the timeless up-do. Frederic Fekkai celebrity stylist Adir Abergel created the look by blow drying the hair with a FEKKAI LARGE ROUND BRUSH ($65.00) applying FEKKAI FULL BLOWN VOLUME™ LIFTING HAIRSPRAY ($20.00) at the roots to create some height for the updo. After blow drying, he let the hair cool around rollers in order to maximize volume. He then combed the top of the hair with a fine tooth comb to add height. After that, he polished the sides of the hair using FEKKAI COIFF™ NONCHALANT PIECING & FORMING WAX ($23.00), pulling the hair into a tight ponytail just above the ear line. Finally, he twisted the ponytail and wrapped it around an elastic band forming a doughnut shape and pinned the pony into place. To secure the look, Abergel sprayed the hair with FEMME FEKKAI SENSUELLE HAIR SPRAY ($30.00).

Paul Mitchell Express Dry Travel

Going home for the holidays? Paul Mitchell Express Ion Dry Travel, should be tucked into your bag! It's the same great dryer as the full sized verison in a tiny body so it won't hog up space in your bag.

Check out PaulMitchell.com to find locations for purchase starting in December for $100

Amla aka Indian Gooseberry

(Hesh Amla Powder,$3.99 Amazon.com)

Ever since I started experimenting with Ayurvedic practices Amla has been my favorite of the different types of powders I have tried because of it's incredible ability to soften hair. As of late amla or Indian Gooseberry as it's being called in popular products, has been popping up all over the place. Recently I review Neil George Indian Gooseberry Hair Treatment, it features amla oil and it's amazing. My hair loves this stuff, so naturally I had to try the Indian Gooseberry conditioning treatment from Neil George as well. I'm pleased to say it's great as well. If I had to just pick one I would go for the oil because it's a more versatile product.

(Amla Skin Brightening Lotion, $28.00 Anokha.com)

Another great product featuring amla is Amla Skin Brightening Lotion by Anokha. Here's how it works: gradually brightens the skin and reduces uneven skin-tones and pigmentation. The formulation combines vitamin c from the Amla fruit, with additional vitamins, botanicals and ultra-nourishing mango to gently but effectively moisturize while bringing balance, clarity and radiance to the skin.

(Neil George Intense Repair Mask, $38.00 Beauty.com)

Product claims: A luxurious mask with Indian Gooseberry rebuilds the hair safely and naturally helping to maintain the color and luster improving its strength and elasticity. AHS thoughts: amazingly thick mask that completely coats each and every one of my hair strands easily. The scent is amazing, get this - my boyfriend went into the bathroom after I finished rinsing out my conditioner and told me the bathroom smelled great! HA! That was just the conditioner lingering in the air. This conditioner made my hair super soft and yet strong feeling.

Alicia Keys @ 2009 AMA's

I'll be the first to say Alicia Keys is not the list of my favorite people, but there's not denying her hair was beyond cute at the 2009 American Music Awards. I just got wind that Tippi Shorter, Pantene Celebrity Stylist, styled Alicia Key’s hair last night for the American Music Awards.

Alicia recently got her hair colored a few shades lighter with Clairol, so Tippi started off by washing her hair with the Pantene Pro-V Color Revival Shampoo & Conditioner to keep her color looking healthy and vibrant for the camera. Since Alicia performed twice on stage on top of walking the red carpet, Tippi came up with a fun updo that transformed effortlessly throughout the night. Alicia has always been well known for her braids, so Tippi decided to incorporate a creative twist that involved light, romantic braiding.

After Alicia’s hair was washed, Tippi sprayed the Pantene Pro-V Detangling Light Conditioning Spray to condition and protect her hair before heat styling. The detangler helped smooth her hair while Tippi blow-dried with a Mason Pearson brush. Tippi wanted to recreate the backward Mohawk braid that she did for Alicia’s most recent music video, so she sectioned the hair into three sections front to back. Then, she gathered the two outermost sections and secured the in ponytail using Ojon Animated Styling Cream. With the center section, Tippi started a braid from the nape all the way to the front, making it a little off center. She tucked the end of the braid underneath the main braid and secured with bobby pins.

To finish the look with strong hold, Tippi used Ojon Tunu Elastik Hairspray and Bed Head Headrush Shine Spray.

Neil Geoge is my new boyfriend!

(Indian Gooseberry Treatment Oil, $42.00 Beauty.com)

Ladies, I have a brand new love in the form on an oil. Neil George Indian Gooseberry Treatment Oil is the best light weight moisturizing oil I have tried in a very long time. If you didn't know Indian Gooseberry is amla! Yes that's right, Ayurvedic Amla! So if you've been waiting to try some Ayurvedic hair care practices for stronger healthy hair, this is an amazing place to start. Neil George Indian Gooseberry Treatment oil is very light and adds bling to your hair without weighing it down at all, this is the perfect oil for those who find most oils way to heavy for their hair. Once you touch and feel the oil, you'll know exactly what I mean, it's silky smooth when you rub your palms together and adds the same silk smooth feeling to your hair. This oil is great on wet hair or dry hair and especially fantastic after flat ironing or blow drying.

If I used a star system this would be 5 stars without a doubt! LOVES it! Worth every penny!

Super Growth Mix Video is Up!

Check out the new video featuring Jamaican Black Castor Oil, ($10.00 Amazon.com) and Mega-Tek!

Instyler Rotating Iron - Cons of Use

Don't call it a flat iron, there's nothing flat about the Instyler Rotating Iron. I have talked about it more than once on The Anti Hair Slave, see here, here, and here and don't forget the video here. Lot's of people keep asking on youtube if I still use the iron, YES! I do use the Instyler on occasion and I still love it. Yet, there are some drawbacks of using the iron, so while the iron is great for straightening and creating curls and body there are some cons.... I'll share them with you.

Cons of using the Instyler Rotating Iron:

* There's a high risk for self injury - meaning burns. The piece that rotates gets hot, that's the genius part but it has no safety or barrier that protects your skin. So use it with great caution & NO! it's not the perfect tool for your tween or youngin'

* What did you say?!? I can't hear you cause I'm using my Instyler. This is one of the loudest hair tools I have, it's even louder than my favorite blowdryer (Paul Mitchell brand).

* Not so good on new growth - even after I got over my fear of burning my scalp I still can't get my new growth nice and straight. It's way better on newly relaxed hair, also I don't know a natural who uses the Instyler so I can't give you info on that. My thought would be that it doesn't really work that well, but if you know let us know.

Glam Palm Magic Series Flat Iron Review

(Glam Palm Magic Series Styling Wand, $196-$208 HairFlix.com)

Ladies! I have a new flat iron that I'm absolutely adoring right now. It's the Glam Plam Magic Series, a brand new high tech flat iron. In the video review it's the very first time that I'm using the flat iron and I use it on a low setting just to get the feel for the iron, I was not going style just for a little bit of sleekness. I call this iron high tech because it as you see in Video One (where I talk about the specs of the iron) it has a tiny computer chip inside and it won't allow the iron to over heat...pretty cool huh? That same computer chip will turn off the Glam Palm after 30 minutes of non use and the heat up time is the faster I've ever experienced with a flat iron or curling iron. Plus instead of a dial where you have to appromixate the temp you are looking for there is a button that allows you to pick 11 different specific heat settings. I recently re-used the iron for style and I'm super pleased with the results. Due to the tilting plates you can get in super close to your scalp to smooth out new growth without burning your head. The cord is a swivel type set on a ball so you can move in all different types of directions easily. Plus it straightened out all of my hair quickly (within 20 minutes) and my hair was shiny, full of body, and didn't smell like flat iron (you know I hate that smell).

Instyler Winners!

I just want to thank everyone who entered to win an Instyler! I got so many awesome responses I couldn't just pick a winner, so I decided to do it the most fair way... randomly. So Alyssa (#25) and The Lady with 3 women in her house (#46) congratulations you are the new owners of brand new Instylers.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Email me your info so I can get it out right away!

Rock Out with Aveda

When Jimmy Choo and H&M teamed up to launch the limited-edition collection, Jimmy Choo for H&M, they called in Aveda to tend to the tresses of the models.

The Look:
The look is very rock and roll—edgy and imperfect with thick, ruffled texture. A new flat-iron technique creates square-shaped waves for easy, rocker chic style.

Rock the Look:

Step 1: Separate hair into top and bottom sections, creating a horizontal line from ear to ear. Further divide the top section into two to three layers, depending on the amount of hair. Twist and secure each layer at the top of the head with a hair clip.

Step 2: Spray bottom section of hair with Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray for shine and workable hold.

Step 3: Beginning with the bottom section of hair and working in one-inch sections, flat-iron hair beginning at the roots, and stopping about one to two inches from ends. Wrap the closed flat-iron around straightened hair as if using a curling iron. Repeat throughout bottom section of hair, alternating the direction of the curl with each piece.

Step 4: Wrap waves three at a time into loose braids and wind into rosettes. Secure loosely against the head with clips, helping to set the curls.

Step 5: Repeat steps with additional layers of hair, moving upwards and leaving the top layer untouched.

Step 6: Release remaining top section of hair from clip and create a middle part from forehead to crown.

Step 7: Separate two-inch long pieces of hair along the middle part. Hold sections vertically between two fingers and backcomb the bottom two inches of hair, closest to the root. Flat-iron each backcombed portion to set texture and enhance volume.

Step 8: Once all hair in the top layer has been backcombed and set with the flat-iron, gently comb the entire section of hair away from the face. Be careful not to comb out volume created at the roots.

Step 9: Remove all hair clips, letting rosettes fall, and roughly rake fingers throughout to loosen waves. Spray Aveda Volumizing Tonic™ throughout to amplify volume.

Step 10: Finish the look by creating a subtle side part. Lightly sprinkle Aveda Pure Abundance™ Hair Potion throughout the roots and massage into scalp for added volume and matte texture.

Apala Beauty Review

I recently was sent samples of a few products from Apala Beauty, a new company specializing in Ayurvedic products. My favorite product is the Sesame Beauty Elixir ($8-$16), a hair and body oil infused with sesame oil that is neither too light or too heavy. It's great for sealing in moisture. My least favorite product was the Restorative Treatment ($30). When you first apply it, the conditioner is full of slip but it just fell short on making my hair soft. My first guess as to why is because it has shikakai in it. Shikakai is great for strengthening and cleansing but I would never have added it to a conditioner. A way to get the most off of this product is to use it as a pre shampoo treatment, for strength instead of as a conditioner for moisture.

Instyler Rotating Iron Giveaway

Let's continue celebrating the 2 year anniversary of The Anti Hair Slave with another amazing giveaway. You guys know how much I love my Instyler Rotating Flat Iron right? No, check the video review or the photos of curls made by the Instyler. Well, I'm going to give away an Instyler to 2 lucky readers! It's simple all you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me why you need the Instyler and maybe you will be selected as the winner!

Rules ** All participants must have a US address and each winner must check back on November 16th to see if they were selected as a winner to provide their mailing address via email. You will have 3 days to provide the info otherwise I will be forced to select a new winner.

What's Happening on the Blvd.

Check out what happened in my world of beauty this week:

I had an amazing shower experience that resulted in soft silk skin.

I shared photos and info about the Givenchy Holiday 2009 Collection, featuring greys, pinks, and golds.

The newest fragrance to make my holiday wishlist is La Prairie Life Threads, find out why.

Phyto Sale

Phyto is having their friends and family sale! Starts on November 13th - Nov. 18th and you can get up to 60% off.

Not sure what to get? Read this, this, or this.

Get to know GlamPalm Magic Series Flat Iron

This is the brand new addition to my flat iron collection, GlamPlam Magic Series Flat Iron. Find out about the unique features before I actually try it out. Stay tuned for part 2 of the review which is me using it for the first time.

Sponsored Post: Satina Spectra Mirrors

Do you want to know what I just did for the last two hours? I sat in my dining room with the lights on and a three bulbed lamp glaring in my face as I sat tweezers in hand staring into my brand new Satina Spectra desktop and handheld mirror ($10.98). Two hours and I'm still not 100% happy with my brows, but I did make a vast improvement. Before that, I used the same desktop mirror to help me film a few new videos coming soon on The Anti Hair Slave. This mirror is so handy because it has the regular side and then wait for it... the pimple picking session inducing 3x magnifying side. It makes you see every single little blemish you think you might have, but it's also really handy for brow shaping. Just don't forget to keep turning the mirror around the check on the regular side or you may end up with overly thin brows. Don't worry if green isn't your color, it's also available in pink ($9.98) and blue ($9.98) just keep in mind that the green is the largest.

Plus, exclusively for The Anti Hair Slave Readers enjoy a discount of 40% discount from BrushLove.com. Just type in “blog40” during checkout for the discount. Please note that this offer expires on 11-25-09 and does not apply to the Mason Pearson brand.

Video Review: Chagrin Valley Shampoo Bar

Guess what?!? I've been up to a few things. First, yours truly is currently writing for AOL Black Voices Beauty Section! I'm really excited about it and I would love if you guys would stop by and show some love. Second, I've been filming! You know what that means! More videos! Here is the first of many videos from The Anti Hair Slave.



In this one you can catch me reviewing my brand new Ayurvedic Herb Shampoo Bar from Chagrin Valley. When I say brand new, I mean it, I didn't even let the bar dry off before hopping in front of the camera to share with you guys! Now that's LOVE right?!

AHS Hair Photos Summer 2009 + Length Check

Just thought I'd share some photos of me and my hair ... Ready set go!





Here I am at the Lauren Luke event at Sephora, July 2009, just hours after my fabulous hair cut!




Here I am with my Dad in August 2009 at our family reunion.

My Birthday (September) 2009 with my girls.

Length Check from August 2009 (left) to October 2009 (right)

That's all folks... my hair is hiding away until probably about the New Year or so. Unless I have just have to show you something. In case you are wondering my last relaxer was July 20th, so I'm 15 weeks post. No plans to relax yet, but I'm thinking maybe right before Thankgiving so I'll be good for the holidays.

AHS Reader Mail: Salon Recommendation in Chicago

I love getting reader mail and I try my best to answer all questions as best I can, but this one has me stumped so I'm opening it up to all my readers... Help a fellow Anti Hair Slave out!

Question: I just moved to Hyde Park, Chicago from South Africa. I have had braids in my hair but I will have to unbraid my hair very soon. I have no idea where to go to get a good relaxer put in my hair, and I don't know what the normal price range is for relaxing and blow-drying hair in a salon. I don't want to be over charged because I am new to American hair salons. Will you please help with any recommendations? p.s. I love the blog!

Answer: All my Chi-Town Honeys ... help this reader out.

All I can say is give your scalp a chance to breathe and chill out after removing the braids and prior to relaxing. Expect to pay anywhere from $40.00 to $300 depending on what type of salon you go to and how much work your hair needs. At the low range you might be in a Dominican doobie spot and at the high range you will be in higher quality salon (hopefully but not guaranteed) getting the works. I've never been to Chi-Town so I have no clue where to send you.

Note:: If you have a question that you want answered send it over Editor(at)theantihairslave(dot)com put Reader Mail in the subject line.