7.26.2010

Creme of Nature featuring Argan Oil



So I really hope all you ladies follow me on Twitter! I'm @antihairslave just in case you didn't already know. Anyway, if you do then you would already know that Creme of Nature is launching a brand new collection available this Wednesday featuring Argan Oil.


The New Creme of Nature Argan Oil Collection features:

Replenishing Sheen Spray

Intensive Conditioning Treatment

Foaming Wrap Lotion

Gloss & Shine Mist

Gloss & Shine Polisher




7.22.2010

Hesh Aritha Powder Recall



So I just went to use a box of Aritha Powder that I've had for a while now in my closet. I wanted to see what powders I should mix it with so I googled it and found that Aritha Powder had been recalled in Canada.


Recall Info: This recall involves Hesh Aritha Powder, sold in 100g yellow and orange boxes. The recalled product can be identified by UPC 8901701104108. All lots are affected by this recall. Hazard Identified The recalled powder shampoo contains high numbers of microbial growth, including Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia hermannii, Pantoea species, Enterobacter cloacae, and mold. The species, Enterobacter cloacae, is a coliform. Coliforms are abundant in the feces of warm-blooded animals, and are an indicator of a product manufactured under poor sanitary conditions when found in personal care products. Their presence suggests that other pathogens (disease causing organisms) of fecal origin may also be present. Since this product is a powder, the pathogens can be introduced into the body by inhalation or can enter open wounds.


The recall says approximately 1,300 units of the products were sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and the Greater Toronto Area. Well guess what ladies, I purchased this powder in NEW JERSEY so the recall extends further. Check your powders!


Color Changer - Mya

NEW YORK - APRIL 27: Tour For Life spokesperson Mya attends Mya Hosts North Shore Animal League America's Tour For Life at Times Square on April 27, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for North Shore Animal League)


I'm not 100% sure why Mya didn't turn out to be a bigger star, I always liked her. Anyway, she's recently been spotted rocking a new blonde 'do.



NEW YORK - APRIL 27: Tour For Life spokesperson Mya attends Mya Hosts North Shore Animal League America's Tour For Life at Times Square on April 27, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for North Shore Animal League)

Remember her jet black curls?
NEW YORK - MAY 03:  Singer Mya arrives at the Louis Vuitton 'Love' party for Oxfam America, May 03, 2007 at Louis Vuitton Maison in New York City.  (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)

Then she lightened up a bit
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 30: Singer Mya arrives at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards - Salute To Icons Honoring Doug Morris held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 30, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Do us a favor, if you decide to lighten up like Mya go to a professional to have it done and then deep condition like a mad woman to keep your locs healthy!

Carols Daughter Hair Milk Collection Review



So I let you guys know that Carol's Daugther was expanding the very popular Hair Milk into a complete collection with shampoo, conditioner, and a new verison of Hair Milk, Hair Milk Lite. So I've had the pleasure of testing out the products, so here comes yet another review!

First up, Hair Milk Curl Perfecting Shampoo ($16, Sephora.com)

Claims: A nourishing shampoo for the type of hair that needs it most...curls. Cuts frizz, gently removes dirt, oil and product build-up. Made with essential oils plus Vitamin A to help condition the scalp and keep moisture in. Gives curls what they need for that desired healthy, bouncy look.
Thoughts: This shampoo cleansed my scalp well without drying out my hair. The scent is light and fresh with hints of citrus which is a plus because you know how strong the scents in the Carol's Daughter product range can be. Specifically made for Curly girls this shampoo is SLS/SLES/Sulfate-Free which is a plus for many of you guys!

Hair Milk Curl Perfecting Conditioner ($19, Sephora.com)
Claims: The perfect companion to our nourishing, Curl Perfecting Shampoo. An indulgent, penetrating, moisture treatment that restores while supporting healthy-looking natural curls. Made with essential oils plus Pro-Vitamin B5 and Biotin to help replenish and strengthen hair with the natural nutrients it’s thirsting for, leaving your curls under control…which is where they belong.

Thoughts: I absolutely LOVE this conditioner. The scent is the same as the shampoo, light and fresh with hints of citrus. This conditioner made my hair feel like light fluffy strands of silk as soon as I applied it to my entire head. My hair was soft and especially easy to detangle, which I'm sure all the natural heads out there will appreciate. After washing and conditioning my hair was easy to part and smooth while wet which is sometimes a real task especially considering I'm between 8-10 weeks post relaxer.

Hair Milk Lite The Curl Booster
Claims: A curl’s best friend. A curl boosting, weightless lotion that tames frizz while defining your curls. Adapted from our famous original formula, Hair Milk Lite is made with essential oil of Lemon and Vitamin C for an extra light, moisturizing hold.


Thoughts: After shampooing and conditioner with the new Hair Milk Collection I decided it would only be right to moisturize my ends with the new Hair Milk Lite to round out the styling process. I truly wish I would have never done that and just stuck with my usual 'juice' because my hair went from having that light, fresh citrus scent to smelling like old powder. I can't stand the scent of the new Hair Milk Lite, it reminds of expired powder and to make matters worse the scent lingers. Although, the scent of the Hair Milk Lite is definitely lighter than the original it's still not pleasant. If you can get past the smell, the Hair Milk Lite is good moisturizer for natural hair as it was still a bit too heavy for my relaxed hair.

7.21.2010

Design Essentials Sleek Edge Control



(Sleek Edge Control Gel, $7.90 DesignEssentials.com)


I'm past 8 weeks post and I don't have any plan on relaxing my hair any time soon, so I've been wearing buns and slicking my edges back with Sleek Edge Control Gel. After I had to give up on Soft Sheen Carson's Jam (it broke my skin out around my hairline) I hadn't found a gel that worked well for me. That is until now, Design Essentials Sleek Edge Control Gel is amazing! First off, when I put it on my edges it doesn't dry it out like other gels instead my edges feel moisturized. Also, the shine that the gel provides is amazing. The gel is completely clear, so there is not flaky and none of that ugly brown goop around the hairline. My only issue is that the container is so small, I'm going to need the industrial size for the rest of the summer!

7.20.2010

René Furterer Sun Care

After spending the entire day frolicking in the pool with friends this weekend just as if it was simply destiny a package of René Furterer Sun Care was waiting for me at my front door. Whenever I get samples for editorial review here on The Anti Hair Slave, I get all excited and it's like Christmas for me! Anyway, I immediately headed to my shower to tend to my tresses. Now since I had just shampooed a day or so prior the plan was to co-wash and then deep condition.

Before I get started on the product reviews, I will give you some background on the René Furterer Sun Care Collection and why it caught my eye. As you all know, my hair is chemically treated with a relaxer. A chemical relaxer changes the protein bonds in the hair resulting in a change in the appearance and texture of the hair, those protein bonds are called Keratin. The goal with a relaxer is to change the appearance and texture without doing too much damage to layer of Keratin because if you damage the layer of keratin your hair will look and be damaged and unhealthy. The folks over at René Furterer have created a system called KPF (Keratin Protection Factor) that is scientifically proven to measure the amount of Keratin it protects. The keratin protecting agents and keratin rebuilding structure in the products protect the Keratin you already have and also help preserve the longevity of Brazilian keratin straightening (sodium chloride free and sulfate free).

Now on to the product reviews (in order from my favorite to least favorite):



Repairing After Sun Mask ($42, Beauty.com)

Claims: Strengthen and nourish sun exposed strands with René Furterer Repairing after sun mask. Palm butter moisturizes while a complex of phytosterols, ceramides and essential fatty acids rebuild the keratin structure, providing deep hydration that leaves hair detangled, soft and supple.



Thoughts: The sunny yellow color of this product was enough to make me smile and the light creamy almost buttery scent is also a plus. Since I had company over it was also a great benefit that you only need to leave this conditioner in for 3-5 minutes. So I left if on for about 4 minutes while I tended to my other needs in the shower and when I rinsed my hair was soft and super easy to detangle.

No Rinse Moisturizing Spray ($23, Beauty.com)

Claims: After soaking in the rays, let your hair soak in moisture with René Furterer No rinse moisturizing spray. The conditioning spray rehydrates, detangles and repairs parched strands and can be used on wet or dry hair.

Thoughts: This product came in a close second place almost beating out the conditioner. To use this product you make sure you shake it up very well to get all the ingredients mixed properly before proceeding to spray your entire head. This product also has a great scent that reminds me of summer time on the beach with a buttery hint of something that must be the Palm Butter. After using this spray and sleeping overnight without a head scarf my edges and nape are still soft, which never happens. My only issue is that the bottle is on the small side at 5 fl. oz.

Protective summer oil KPF 90 ($23, Beauty.com)

Claims: Without even dipping a toe, look freshly emerged from the ocean with the “wet look” effect of René Furterer Waterproof nutritive oil KPF 90. This spray provides all day protection against the sun, blocking 90% of UV rays, while preventing the buildup of salt and chlorine. Hair is left shiny and smooth for a day outdoors. Ideal after keratin straightening service to maintain the results.

Thoughts: This product took a few minutes to grow on me. After I was done styling my hair I spritzed a little of this product onto my 'do thinking it was going to add some shine. I went to smooth it in and noticed that my hair felt a little bit hard like I'd applied hair spray, I checked the ingredients and realized the first ingredient is alcohol. This put me off a little because it's called Protective Summer Oil. I did noticed however, that it you don't touch your hair for a few seconds and then smooth it in your hair feels like it's been spritzed with a sheen spray instead of hair spray.
As previously stated, products in this review were submitted for consideration by PR company, read full disclosure.

7.19.2010

Hair Products for Specific Hair Issues

More and more hair care companies are realizing that not all hair is created equally. Since we all have different hair types we all have different issues that may need correcting and finally the big hair care companies are making it easy to find products for your specific hair needs.

Pantene has completely revamped their entire hair care line based on different hair types and the issues facing them. To navigate through the collection and find your perfect products you need to know your hair. Is your hair fine, curly, straight, or in need of moisture then Pantene has you covered with an entire collection to suit your needs. My perfect line? Fine Hair Dry to Moisturized. Plus, occasionally I will use products from the Relaxed & Naturals collection when I feel like my hair needs an extreme dose of moisture. During the Pantene breakfast, Celeb Stylist Tippi Shorter talked about how most women of color turn to the Relaxed & Naturals brand even though it can be too heavy for their hair. Bottom line: Don't just turn to that particular collection because your a woman of color.


Infusium 23 has also gotten on board with tailor products to specific needs. Their famous leave in conditioner is now available in different formulas to help correct your hair's main issue. Check out what's available:

* The Frizz Controller Leave-In Treatment tames and smoothes frizz-prone, distressed hair. It is ideal for curly hair that tangles or thin hair that’s prone to fly-aways.

* The Color Protector Leave-In Treatment enriches and protects the vibrancy of color-treated hair. It is ideal for hair that is dry, damaged and brittle from chemicals used in bleaching and dyeing.

* The Repair & Renew Leave-In Treatment strengthens hair against damage to alleviate breakage and split ends caused by routine brushing and styling. It is ideal for hair that is damaged from chemicals, heat and everyday wear and tear.

* The Moisture Replenisher Leave-In Treatment hydrates to replenish moisture to dry, parched hair. It is ideal for hair that is dry from processing, excessive heat and over-exposure to the elements.

7.15.2010

Shu Uemura Hair Play

HAIR PLAY from V Magazine on Vimeo.


Since we're fans of Shu Uemura we'll share this video with you guys. To get right down to the hair styling skip over Coco Young chatting about nothing really to 1:47 and watch famed hair stylist Conrad Dornan create a cool looking braided style (2:47) then Dornan goes on to create beautiful curls on her otherwise lifeless hair (3:40).

Lotus Shield by Avon

(Lotus Shield, $9.99 *sale Avon.com)


I'm always on the hunt for a great anti-frizz product. Even when I don't wear my hair super sleek and straight that doesn't mean I'm not still trying to ward off frizz. Since my hair is tex-laxed instead of relaxed bone straight any hint of moisture in the air and my hair is dying to curl/wavy/crinkly itself up. With the super rainy weather we've been having in the tri-state area, I knew it would be a perfect time to try out Advance Techniques Lotus Shield, Avon's first anti-frizz product.

Advance Techniques Lotus Shield is inspired by the lotus leaf plant, which has an extremely high water repellancy. Not to get all technical on you guys but the term is superhydrophobicity, which is also seen on the wings of insects but I guess the Lotus plant is more elegant. Anywho, Lotus Shield adds a "waterproof" layer to the hair, actually repelling moisture, and Avon claims it performs in upwards to 97% humidity. Tippi Shorter, Avon Global Stylist Advisor says, "I have tried Lotus Shield on myself. I used it before traveling and my hair stayed straight and smooth through 4 flights and 3 countries – all in 2 days. I really like it a lot, not to mention it smells good.”

Unlike Tippi, I wasn't jet-setting and dashing between countries, instead I was just trying to enjoy a nice night on the town with my boyfriend complete with a romantic dinner at Mr. Chow's in Tribeca but the rain was plotting to turn my simple yet pretty down do featuring a side braid and low bun into a hot frizzy mess with a low bun. Luckily, Lotus Shield performed, it minimized (actually eliminated) frizz and put a stop to those pesky fly-a-aways (that are really my 'new' bangs that don't make it all the way back into my low buns). I was completely satisfied with this product and I plan to keep on using it and yup, it does have a nice scent to it.

Beauty Break: Votre Vu On Holiday

(On Holiday, $49.00 VotreVu.com)



"On Holiday" is one of those phrases that I don't ever use to refer to a trip or vacation, instead I just say I'm going away or I'm going on vaca. The phrase "On Holiday" has this slightly bourgeois. Maybe if I was going away for the entire summer to somewhere extra fabulous like Paris, then I might just start saying I'm going "On Holiday." Votre Vu has taken the phrase "on holiday" and bottle the essence of the phrase in a body oil. How so? Votre Vu On Holiday Body Oil is the best spray body oil I've tried in a very long time. It's packed with a variety of aromatic essential oils like grape seed oil, apricot kernel, sweet almond, wheat germ, and jojoba that leave my skin soft, touchable, thoroughly moisturized, and slightly scented and leave my hair extremely jealous. All my hair junkies are probably right on my wave length, we're thinking I bet that would make an amazing sheen spray! I know I know, the ingredients sound fabulous and guess what? It does! It's great as a body oil and a hair oil, which is awesome so I can smell like one scent instead of a variety of different scents.




Full ingredient list:

ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED OIL, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, PRUNUS ARMENIACA (APRICOT) KERNEL OIL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) OIL, TRITICUM VULGARE (WHEAT) GERM OIL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, LINALOOL, AMYL CINNAMAL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, GERANIOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, CITRONELLOL, BENZYL BENZOATE, FARNESOL, LIMONENE.

7.14.2010

Chlorine and Black Hair


Chlorine and relaxed hair are not friends. Relaxed hair has already been chemically treated which leaves hair more vulnerable to damage. When the hair is exposed to chlorine to long periods of time the chlorine beings to eat away at the cuticle. The result is damaged hair, split ends, and a decrease in shine. Avoid this by taking simple precautions.


1. Always rinse your hair out as soon as you hop out the pool. Luckily, my pool has an adjacent shower so I hop out and head to the shower. You'll also notice that your skin feels better when you do this too because chlorine also dries out the skin.


2. Some people wet hair and apply conditioner before even going in the water. I use to do this, but I didn't notice any difference from when I did and didn't so it's a waste of conditioner for me. Instead I like to coat my dry hair with coconut oil before heading in the pool.


3. Deep condition! Even if I plan on swimming again the next day, I will deep condition my hair after a day at the pool. There is a rule I never ever break and I think it's the most important!


Happy Swimming!

7.13.2010

Birth Control + Hair Loss


Up until a co-worker complained that her birth control was changing her hair, more specifically causing her hair to shed like crazy to the point she noticed a difference in the thickness I never even gave the concept any thought. Since I think this might be affecting more women I decided to look into it.

Keep on reading to see what I came up with

7.12.2010

Summer Hair Essentials



Hair Therapy Wrap
(Hair Therapy Wrap, $18.00 Amazon.com)

Deep conditioning during summer months is essential but using a plug in bonnet dryer is torture. My Heat Therapy Wrap is a MUST have!


Jilbere Pastel Shower Comb
(Jilbere Pastel Shower Comb, $1.59 Amazon.com)

This is a year round must have, because I detangle my hair in the shower and this is super easy to use.


Special Pack of 5 ALBERTO VO5 CONDITIONER SUN KISS RASP 15 oz
(VO5 Moisture Milk Strawberry Conditioner, pack of 5 $9.30 Amazon.com)

This is my absolute favorite co-washing conditioner. I love it because it makes my hair feel instantly softer. It's super thin which allows it to get right down to my scalp to wash away any build up without any issues. I love this stuff!

Wave Nouveau Moisturizer Finishing Lotion 32 oz.

(Wave Nouveau Moisturizer Finishing Lotion 32 oz., $10.49 Amazon.com)

My favorite juice! Main ingredients are water and glycerin, which are perfect for moisturizing my hair. I need the large bottle because I use so much of it on a daily basis.

What are your Summer Hair Essentials?!?

7.11.2010

Lifestyle Leak: Phyllo Dough Wrapped Salmon + Crab Meat


I'm a fan of eating so it's only right that I be a fan of cooking as well. I love trying to create fabulous new dishes and this weekend I nailed one. I was wandering around my local shoprite and ended up in the seafood department, where a lovely lady was giving out samples of Gold Coast Blue Crab Spread. As soon as I tasted it and idea popped into my head. What if I mixed this Blue Crab Spread with Chopped Spinach, topped a piece of Salmon with it and wrapped the whole thing in Phyllo Dough? I did exactly that and the end result was delicious! I'm going to walk you through how I did it, but please forgive me I wasn't expecting to turn this into a post so I'm lacking tons of photos.

Ingredients:
Gold Coast Blue Crab Spread
Salmon Filets cut into 1 inch thick pieces
Chopped Spinach (I used the frozen kind but I let it thaw first)
Phyllo Dough (found it in next to the freezer section in the open deep freezers)
Melted Butter

Steps:

1. Remove the skin from the bottom of the salmon pieces and discard
2. Mix the chopped spinach with the crab spread (I used a 50:50 mix) in a bowl and set to the side within reach
3. Melt about two tablespoons of the butter in the microwave and keep close
4. Layer five piece of dough and use melted butter inbetween each piece of phyllo
5. Spread the spinach and crab mix into the middle of the phyllo (about an inch wide and the same length as the salmon)
6. Place 1 piece of salmon on top of the mixture and wrap the Phyllo around it using butter to seal all edges and place onto a baking sheet folded edge down.
7. Repeat with however many you plan on making.
8. Bake in an oven reheated to 375 degrees for about 20 minutes or until it's brown.



Top with this Sauce (totally optional but made it taste even better)

Ingredients:
White Cooking Wine
Butter
Lemon Juice
Sargento Bistro Blends - Italian Pasta Cheese with Authentic Italian Herbs

What I did: Melted down two tablespoons of butter, added a splash of the white wine, and lemon juice. Allowed it all to get warm over a low heat, continuously mixing. Then added in about 1/2 cup of the cheese. This cheese worked really well because it's shredded and seasoned. Keep mixing over low heat until it's completely liquid and immediately pour over the Phyllo dough Wrapped Salmon + Crab Meat.

Enjoy!

7.10.2010

Poolside Hair Favorite: Leonor Greyl - Huile de Palme

Leonor Greyl - Huile de Palme (For Dry Hair, protects from sun & water)
(Huile de Palme, $47.00 LeonorGreyl.com)

Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme is a pre-treatment oil that's made it's way into my pool bag.  Generally, I don't even waste my time coating my hair with conditioner before swimming because I haven't found that it actually makes a difference in the health of my hair.  What I look for in a poolside hair favorite is the ability to condition and moisturize my hair post-swimming while I'm sitting poolside or inbetween dips in the water.  ((please note: as soon as I get out the water I rinse my hair in the outdoor shower))   

Product Description: A pre-shampoo treatment formulated with botanical oils that help detangle and nourish your hair. Also very effective at providing protection against the damaging effects of sun, seawater and chlorinated pool water. It’s the perfect blend to protect and restore damaged length and ends as well as your color.

AHS Thoughts:  I absolutely hate that the bottle is glass.  Generally speaking glass by the pool is a no-no, but I made an exception here.  If you can't/won't pour some in a plastic bottle and keep it moving.  Now, on to the full review.  I absolutely LOVE this oil.  It really softens my hair as soon as I put a little bit of this oil on my hair.  Plus mix that with the heat from the sun and it's like a deep conditioning treatment.  Please be warned it's pricey at $47.00 for 3.2 oz.   


Deal Spotter: Leonor Greyl Palm Oil (Huile de Palme) (3.2 oz.) for $34.99 on
Amazon.com

7.09.2010

Pantene Has a Polymer For You

Before the Pantene Breakfast I never thought anything of Polymers.  If you asked me what a polymer was I'd tell  you it's some science term and that's about it.  Fast forward to after the Pantene breakfast and I'll still tell you a polymer is some type of science term, but it can relate to hair and Pantene has spent a lot of time developing new polymers to add to their products.  In fact, Pantene created polymers that specifically benefit different hair types. 

Have Fine Hair?  Polymer HPM Cellulose is for you. 

Found in Pantene Fine Hair Solutions Products this polymer strikes a perfect balance of cleansing and conditioning to leave hair clean and ready for healthy volume. 

Color Treated?  Poly DADMAC is your best bet. 

Found in Pantene Color Hair Solutions this polymer helps return the modified chemical structure of color-treated hair similar to that of virgin, healthy hair.  

Have Medium - Thick Hair?  Triquat-76 is here for you. 

Found in Pantene Medium-Thick Hair Solutions this ingredient helps aid in silicone deposition and helps protect hair from damage. 


Last, but certainly not least... Curly Girls

The twists and turns of curly hair cause cuticles to lift and weaken, which can ultimately leave hair rough and difficult to control. Curly hair has the highest number of fiber-to-fiber interactions and needs help minimizing the friction between fibers to help prevent damage.

The new Pantene Curly Hair Series utilizes specially designed systems to help address the unique needs of the curly hair structure and deliver end-benefits women with curly hair are seeking. New Pantene utilizes ingredients that work to control the movement of moisture in and out of the hair shaft, and lubricate hair to minimize damage caused by fiber interactions.

7.06.2010

Beauty Break: Noodle & Boo Body Wash


Now since I don't have children you might be wondering why on earth I'm trying out products from Noodle & Boo, but what you don't know is that my skin can be especially sensitive during the summer months.  I don't know about you, but constant sun dries out my skin and even with continuous use of SPF lotions and sprays sometimes I get a burn. 

I turned to Noodle & Boo because I was familiar with their products and I knew that they make luxury products for extremely sensitive skin... what could be more sensitive than a newborns skin, right?  Anyway, the Noodle & Boo Soothing Body Wash is my new favorite body wash.  It's super duper light, cleanses well, doesn't strip my skin, and leaves me smelling just as sweet as a new baby. 

Available at Noodle&Boo.com for just $12.00

Please note samples were received for possible review, see full disclosure

7.05.2010

Deep Conditioner Review: Milk Protein & Olive Oil Really Deep Conditioner

This week temperatures are expected to reach almost 100 degrees in my neck of the woods, so I'll be hitting the pool on a daily basis.  I actually might even venture to a waterpark or the beach, but one thing I plan so doing this week is deep conditioning every other day.  That might seem like overkill, but with heat comes dryness and dryness can result in breakage. 

To make sure my hair is thoroughly moisturized, I plan on doing four key things: 
  1. Deep condition every other day 
  2. Apply  my water and glycerine based moisturizer twice a day 
  3. Avoid heat styling 
  4. Keep ends damp and tucked into a bun  

Sofn'free GroHealthy Milk Protein & Olive Oil Really Deep Conditioning Treatment
As a matter of fact, as I type up this post I'm sitting here with my Heat Therapy Wrap on my head doing my first deep conditioning treatment of the week using SofnFree Milk Protein and Olive Oil Really Deep Conditioning Treatment.  The consistancy is similar to that of mayo and as soon as I applied it I could feel my scalp tingling, which caught me off guard but it's actually a bit refreshing.  There is no real fragrance that I've noticed with the product and the price is right at $1.99 for a packet.  This product is also paraben and sulfate free, but it does contain mineral oil.   

For the full review .... keep reading

Celebrity Hair Watch: Lala Vasquez

26 June 2010 - Los Angeles, California - Lala Vasquez. 3rd Annual BET Network's BET Awards 2010 Pre-Party held at Union Station. Photo Credit: Byron Purvis/AdMedia

With the new wedding planning based reality show (or something like that) launching, fabulous besties Ciara and Kim Kardashian, and upcoming wedding to long time boyfriend Carmelo Anthony Lala Vasquez has been in the spotlight a lot lately.  I think she looks fabulous and I'm beginning to actually like to see what she's doing with her hair and what she's rockin' on her feet.  Lala Vasquez has a crazy collection of shoes!   

40769, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Wednesday May 19 2010. LaLa Vasquez filming a reality show at Beso in restaurant. Lala recently got engaged to the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony and was wearing a engagement ring for a night out Hollywood. Photograph: Greg Tidwell, PacificCoastNews.com

Reddish hue with heavy bangs.

22 April 2010 - Hollywood, California - Lala Vasquez. US Weekly Hot Hollywood Style Issue Event held at Drai's at the W Hollywood Hotel. Photo Credit: Byron Purvis/AdMedia

Darker hue with an awesome swoop bang!

DALLAS - FEBRUARY 12: NBA player Carmelo Anthony (L) and tv personality LaLa Vazquez attend the Exclusive FABULOUS 23 Dinner hosted by Jordan Brand during All-Star Weekend on February 12, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Jordan Brand)

Tons of wavey curls! 

I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to see how she rocks her hair for the wedding! 

7.04.2010

Lifestyle Leak: Coney Island


Last weekend, I headed to Coney Island, NY with my boyfriend.  I had never been before and he really couldn't remember the last time he had been there, which was probably as a child.  Not being one for ride and things, I went because I wanted to see the nostalgia that surrounds Coney Island before the multi-million dollar renovations take place.  Plus, since it's the home of the original Nathan's and me being the hot dog lover that I am, I willingly and a tad bit excitedly made the trip.   



Before I go any further I guess I should let you know that I'm a Jersey girl at heart and I absolutely adore the Jersey Shore.  No I'm talking about the fist pumping, long island invasion of the Jersey shore, but the shore during the day.  Tons of people laying on the beach, loads of fun on the boardwalk, great slices of pizza, sausage and peppers, and a bunch of other seaside delights including my absolute favorite Vanilla custard on a waffle cone with rainbow sprinkles!  Now I guess with all that said I had my ideas of what Coney Island would be like.  I was thinking it would be similar to my first love, the Jersey shore.  Boy was I wrong. 



Once we hit the exit and began seeing signs for Coney Island I knew I wasn't in Kansas anymore if you know what I mean.  I was glad I'd made the trip with my (strong and willing to fight at the drop of a dime if something goes down) boyfriend instead of my bubbly girlfriends.  The area was super sketchy and I felt like I needed protection.  Coney Island seemed to only be two small areas of boardwalk and a few ride snatched from a county fair.  The famous Cyclone and Wonder wheel?  Well I'm sure I saw them at the Meadowlands Fair last year, they totally looked like movable fair rides, I couldn't believe it.  Coney Island is much in need of the multi-million dollar renovations, but I won't give up on it yet.  I'll be sure to return once it's all finished to see if it's been restored to it's "original wonder".  

Do you have a Coney Island experience?  Share it in the comments.    

7.02.2010

Lauren London Lightens Up

27 June 2010 - Beverly Hills, California - Lauren London. Interscope Geffen A&M Records 4th Annual Creme of the Crop Post BET Awards 2010 Celebration held at Mr. Chow Restaurant. Photo Credit: Byron Purvis/AdMedia

Although she might have questionable judgement, I have to say I love Lauren London's new lightened up hairstyle.  I totally get why Wayne liked her, she's a knock-out with dimples to die for, but I wonder what she saw? 

26 June 2010 - Los Angeles, California - Lauren London. 3rd Annual BET Network's BET Awards 2010 Pre-Party held at Union Station. Photo Credit: Byron Purvis/AdMedia

Anywho, what do you think of her new color? 

Don't remember it dark?  Here's an old pic of Lauren London with dark hair. 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - FEBRUARY 19: Actress Lauren London attends the 2nd Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel on February 19, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)