Don't Miss These Great Natural Hair Product Deals!

If you are a Miss Jessie's Junkie or just Miss Jessie's curious, today is the day for you!  Today and online only, Miss Jessie's is having a 50% off sale which includes free shipping! Be sure to use the coupon code SCHOOL50 at checkout.

Update: This promotion ends at 5:00pm EST.

 

Another great product deal going on comes from Cara B Naturally.  Catch their BOGO 50% off sale at Walgreens for a limited time.   Here's a list of Walgreens in Nashville that carry them.

HAIR LUST: Short and Sassy

I sometimes wish I would have shaved my head when I chose to natural. I was too scared of what people would say. But, I love to see fearless ladies sporting their super short hair styles. Above, this chick has so much style! Her look is too fly. I hope she encourages you to try something new with your 'do.

LINK LOVE: So YOU don't like my braids?

I'm not one to say that my box braids are new to the scene. We know box braids (previously known as Poetic Justice braids, then Brandy Braids, now Solange Braids) are pretty popular these days. Every day I see a new friend with a new installation of box braids. There's even a whole blog dedicated to the style: I Love Box Braids. So, you'd think that everyone is in love with the style.

However, I ran across my one of my favorite bloggers, Eden Hansom, who posted quotes from some guys who don't like box braids - for shame!!! So many times, ladies change their hair to please men, but what if your favorite style isn't his favorite? Check the quotes below:

“I haven’t seen any girl look good in it at all. Honestly, and when it’s trailing down to your butt all extra long and extravagant for no reason I think it’s ridiculous. Nothing’s better than natural hair. Even if it’s short and simple, that’s better than long, silly and fake.” –Greg, 22
 
“Na, that trend is wack. Can’t wait for it to be over. Not everything retro looks good. Last week I saw a girl in overalls, really? Cut it out. I get it. Some things are “fashionable” or “trendy” or whatever , but what about just keeping it smooth and sexy? Doesn’t that matter anymore?” –James, 27

I mean, I'm not naive enough to think that everyone would like one of my favorite protective style. But when you read through their cringe-worthy comments, one would wonder, "Who made them mad?" LOL.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Eden's post

Product Review: Twist N' Locs Natural Oil Shampoo, Leave-In Conditioner, and Medicated Olive Oil Spray

For the past few weeks, I've been using a few products from the Twist N' Locs line and I may have found a new addition to my routine.  While my experience was not altogether perfect, I did find value in the line.  I tried out the Twist N' Locs Natural Oil Shampoo, Leave In Conditioner and Olive Oil Medicated Spray. Here's what worked, what didn't and why.

STYLE TIPS: Styling Marley Braids

In case you were wondering, I am still enjoying my extensions. It was my first time getting extensions, but I've quickly gotten used to having this extra hair on my head. But, as with my own hair, I can't wear the same style day in and day out. It has been a month since I had them installed, but here are a few styles I've worn in the last 2 weeks.

Now... all I did for this style was braid my twists into chunky braids. I felt very hippie, free-spirited, and earth toned. Then I thought JANET! Yes. Janet became my hairspiration. The photo above is from her video  You Want This. I spent the rest of the day dancing to All For You.

It's pretty simple to take chunky braids and roll them into a messy bun. Later in the day I tucked the ends for a more structured look.

So... I'm all for simplicity. There's not a lot to explain about these photos. Here I twisted two front twists, leaving them open at the ends. I brought one twist over, and combined all the hair into a side braid. Simple, summery style.

And finally, if you take those same chunky braided twists from the first photo and CAREFULLY dip them in   nearly boiling water for about 10-15 seconds and allow them to dry, you get this crimped look. A lot more pizzazz than straight hair. 

Don't let boredom sneak up on you. Enjoy your hair. All of these are super simple, right? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Discussion: The New Natural Survival Kit

Issa Rae's Vibe magazine photoshoot. LOVE her teenie weenie afro!

I was talking to a newly natural lady, and as I usually do when talking to a new natural, I get the same questions. It always leads to the same conversation.

"I'm a new natural and I don't know where to start with my hair"

And now that I have passed the "novice" stage of caring for my natural hair, it's easier for me to answer that question. If you have been caring for your hair any amount of time, then you have figured out that the key to keeping your curly, kinky hair compliment-worthy is patience and moisture. Curls are gorgeous, but they take work. Ultimately, hair grows on its own. The goal is to not break it off during manipulation. So if I were to give a new natural a "starter kit" here is what I would put in it:

• Patience. This is a necessity to keep hair detangled without breaking or snatching it around when styling. If I could sell natural hair patience in a bottle, I'd be a multi-millionaire and there would be less broken and pulled hairs. A little patience goes a long way in increasing length-retention.
• Spray Bottle. It's such a simple thing, but a spray bottle helps SO MUCH when first starting out. It can help thoroughly mix water and oils and leave-in conditioner for even distribution. It can teach how to moisturize hair for styling without saturating it under water. Spray bottle
• Sulfate-free shampoo. I cannot stress enough how much of a difference using a curl-friendly shampoo made in my hair life. I transitioned using flat-irons and curls, but I was clueless when it came to wearing my own curls. I stopped using a sulfate shampoo and got one that will allow my natural curls to thrive.
• Leave-in Conditioner/ Moisturizer. I combined this because some people need both, others need one. But that post-conditioner conditioner that remains on your hair is what keeps curls moisturized throughout the day. You can't rinse all the moisturizer/conditioner out and expect hair to remain moisturized.
• OILS! Yes. There is an exclamation point for a reason. Most hair that is kinky/curly in texture grows from a scalp that does not naturally produce enough oil to keep hair protected. And many kinky hair types are porous and do not retain hydration well. This is a double fault and without a good protective oil such as olive or coconut, you leave hair exposed to damage.

Nastasia of America's Next Top Model. Smooth sailing.

There are somethings that every natural should know, but many of us didn't know when we started wearing our hair naturally. So if I had a choice, this is what I would put in a starter kit for new naturals. And I would also throw in a jeweled hair comb and bobby pins for good styling measure. This is my natural hair survival kit for new naturals. 

Did I miss anything? What would you add?

HAIR LUST: Hello SIR!

It's been awhile since we posted any manly hair lust - so here ya go. If I could create my perfect man . . . hmmm . . . he'd probably look something like this. They style and THAT HAIR is everything good in MY life! Anyway, enjoy!

Celebrity Style: Janelle Monae is the new face of Covergirl Cosmetics

Just last month, I was writing the praises of Miss Janelle Monae. Her style, grace, and artistic musical ability have made me an instant fan. Well, others have caught on to her lovely face and were impressed. She is the new face of Covergirl Cosmetics.Look at that, a fellow natural diva is the face of Covergirl! I love it!

Check out the photos of her upcoming advertisements for the brand. Congrats Janelle!!!

LINK LOVE: Leela James talks about her hair journey

You know Leela James is my hair idol. Her big 'ol fro is the fro I aspire to have. Check out her interview for Madame Noire as she talks about her effortless style. This interview made me love her ( and her hair) even more!

Melissa's Hair: Senegalese twists and kitchen beauticians

 

On Saturday morning, I got up at 6am to be on time for a 7am hair appointment. As you know, I am a firm beliver in installing braids as a protective style. My natural hair is prone to tangles and dryness so having braids is my 'go to' effort to ensure I retain length. Usually, I install my own box braids, but this time, I wanted to try a new technique, save time, and I wanted to save money. 

In the past, I had another woman who braided my hair. She owned an African hair braiding shop on Nolensville road. Her beautiful shop was calm and serene. She sold hair in the building and often offered refreshments. Her prices were high (to deflect salon overhead), but she often had two or three braiders on my head and I'd be finished in no time. Then, she moved away and I was forced to try someone new. 

About five months ago, I was contacted on Facebook by a polite woman named Ashanti. Her handle is 'Braids by Ashanti' and she has lots of pictures of her techniques which included Micro Braids, Tree Braids, Sew-in Weaves, Box Braids, Senegalese Twists, and Cornrows. She often posted specials on her timeline and her customers seemed to be very satisfied. I had no doubt, the girl was GOOD! I sent her message on Facebook and she quoted me a price that was too good to be true! Less than $200 for long Senegalese twists?  I made my appointment immediately,

She sent me her address, and I realized, I wasn't going to a shop - I was going to someone's home. Hmm, this made me pause: Was my bougie-ness making me feel 'some kinda way'? It's been a LONG time since I've had my hair done in someone's home -  am I too far removed to go back? But the price, the price was so good, I had to trust my gut (and her pictures) that I would be satisfied with the job.

Believe me, I used to be a kitchen beautician. I installed weaves, braids, and relaxers in my dorm room and at my first apartment. I never frowned on going to someone's home to get my hair done as long as they lived in a moderately safe neighborhood and they had no kids.

When I arrived at Ashanti's home, she greeted me kindly. She was dressed and ready to braid (even though I got lost and didn't make it to her house until 7:30). There were no children running around, no random relatives trying to 'holler', and my safety didn't feel threatened. She has a room off to the side with a salon chair and plenty of products. For 10.5 hours she braided/twisted my hair while we listened to music on YouTube and had pleasant conversation.

Ashanti made me feel comfortable and her technique is BEYOND amazing. Was her home like my home? No. But, it's not my responsibility to judge someone's living condition because I don't know you beyond the job I'm paying you to do. She more than delivered, has quick hands, and she knows about natural hair. She asked me questions about my haircare routine. Even, noticed my thin edges and made sure not braid them too tightly.  Ashanti is a good stylist and I hope she gets her own shop so that she will receive even more business. I love my new twists and I've received lots of compliments. I'll be back.

CLICK HERE to set up your appointment

HAIR LUST: Colored Coils

Bless you internet, for showing me pictures of the fly-ness of natural hair. I'm loving the simplicity of this hairstyle (a twist-out) and the awesomeness of her hair color. Great picture to puton your wall to inspire you to keep going on this natural hair journey.

Hair Lust: Summer Curls

The weather has been a bit cooler over the past week and I'm finally thinking about letting my hair down....literally.  During the summer months, I usually wear a bun to stay cool, but cute in the heat. 

Here I am longing for luscious curls or funky crinkles and then these lovely locs appear before me!  I definitely see a wash and set in the near future despite any lingering summer heat.

DISCUSSION: 5 Things I'd Rather Do Than Relax My Hair

I spent some time helping my cousin not go back to the "creamy crack" by giving her an awesome twist-out. She's transitioning and said a relaxer was calling her so I swooped in and saved the day. But that's another post. Anyway, I began to think about my transition period and how now I'm pretty convinced that I'd never go back to relaxed hair. I mean... there is SO much more that I can do with my time. Scalp burns, irritation, and excess time spent in a chair ONLY to wait 2 weeks for my processed hair to show some sign of life or have some body... well. Those things rank pretty low on the things that I enjoy. So here are 5 things that I would rather do than go through the process of getting a relaxer.

• Seek and destroy those annoying single strand knots. Why? Because I can do that while watching a movie, drinking a glass of wine, eating popcorn, and baking cookies. OR I could focus on cutting my hair, get tired, and fall asleep before I'm finished. And my scalp would not be in danger because of it. This also works for deep conditioning.
• Sweat. I would rather sit on the beach in the hot sun. I could play kickball. Barbecue. Even... exercise... without worrying about sweating out my perm. And I don't mean exercise all cutely with a resistance band. I would rather run than get a perm. I'm about to break a sweat just thinking of how much I would exercise to not get a relaxer. Yes, I know some people LOVE working out. I'm learning to love it more. But 75% of the time, this is my post workout face:

• Watch a foreign movie with no subtitles. Yes. Give me Crouching Panda Lotus Tiger Kung-fu Blossom. With no fight scenes and no subtitles. I would watch it from start to finish. I would give 30 minutes of my life to that channel that's only on TV with the purpose of showing me what's on other channels. Besides... there are probably some interesting interviews or something on. Or I can imagine what other shows are about and plan what I'm going to watch in the next hour. 
• Detangle my hair with two three sprays of water. I was about to say detangle my dry hair. But I am 4a and 4b hair. I am not about that life. But considering I use at least a half bottle of water to get tangle free, you get the idea of the time I'd put into this instead of getting a perm.
• Let random strangers touch my hair without asking. And I'm not just referring to the bottom of my twists. I would rather let strangers stick their hands in my afro ALL THE WAY TO THE SCALP. I'd let them move my twist-outs around and frizz up an awesome braid-out. And I would give it an hour without saying a word or even doing the matrix move. I can replace the oils that they rub off my strands. I can wash their germs from my scalp. I cannot wash relaxer out. I'm good. But after the time limit has elapsed It would be all matrix everything. I might call some friends for backup. My life would look something like this for a few days while I recover.

• *Honorable Mention  Listen to my boyfriend snore. Yes. Snoring. I'd go through 1.5 hours of his house-shaking snoring. And this does not include doing sneaky things to wake him up. I would sit there and listen to the chainsaw that lives inside him. I'd even up the ante and endure 45 minutes of a stranger's house-shaking snores. Do you know what this means? Imagine sitting next to a stranger exhaling LOUD sleep-scented air through their mouth. And then imagine continually sitting there for an uninterrupted 45 minutes. Am I the only one who tries to time their inhales to avoid breathing another person's exhale? (I am?... oh.)
  

I'm done. As I sit through this list, I. I think I  I could go on and on of things I would rather torture myself with than getting a relaxer. But... It's your turn. What can you think of that you'd rather do than get your hair relaxed?

HAIR LUST: Curly Sailor Girl

Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh - how cute is THIS? There is nothing like a little brownskin girl with to afro puffs! This reminds me of my youth, but my hair wasn't as curly. This is the cutest picture ever and I love finding photos like this. I found this one on tumblr (as usual). Check out www.mininaturals.tumblr.com for more cute images of little natural ladies.

Candce's Hair Diary: Cuts, Curls, and Colored Weaves

The CUT

I made an appointment to get my very first set of extensions.But in the meantime...  I cut my hair again. The last time I cut my hair I did it at work. Then in the third week of June I cut it again. At my desk. With regular, paper cutting scissors. After I was gently rebuffed for that by our editor, I decided to buy some more hair scissors, stop being afraid, and cut off my damaged ends! So I did just that. I'm sure I removed most of the tragedy that was last year's horrible  dye job. The damage started at the roots but has grown out to be the now the fragile ends of my hair. But I did three cuts in 3 months! Anyway, my hair was visibly shorter, but it only made me realize how much growth I've had.

The Curl

But I needed a hair break and I needed something to last for another week until my appointment. So... I tried curls again. I used 2 different sizes of flexirods and some hard rollers (I kept running out of things to roll my hair with). This time I sat under the dryer for about an hour. The results are much more tolerable when I sleep overnight. Plus, I sat under the dryer for a full hour and about 20% of my hair wasn't even close to being dry. But those were tucked and pinned throughout the week. This style was enough to get by all week until my hair appointment. I only a slight fan of curls, but... a girl's gotta do what  a girl's gotta do. A bobby pin here and scarf there and I made these curls last.

That stretch in the top left is AFTER I cut my hair.

The Colored Weave

And finally, I GOT EXTENSIONS! This was my first time ever in life getting extensions, and I had no idea what to do with them.... at first. I started to reconsider whether I was ready for the big huge afro that I'm determined to grow. Oh but... it's been a few weeks in and I have gotten the hang of managing all this hair. I'm rocking bright red and black twists like I'm Rihanna's kinky-haired cousin. I thought it would be weird having hair on my head that isn't my own. And it is was. But I think it's gotten easier because:
1.) I'm not wearing another human's hair or animal hair. This stuff is synthetic. It's like wearing a polyester hat... except not like that at all. I mean... it's just material next to my hair.
B.) I had no idea what to do with so much hair but thanks to YouTube, I've gotten better at it. And
iii.) I have been whipping my hair back and forth so much that it's like second nature to me now.

It took me about a week to settle into this style. But now that I have... it's so... me. At least for another month or so. One thing I've noticed since going natural is that I'm becoming increasingly fearless with my hairstyles. I could have never seen me doing this much with my relaxed hair that was in a wrap 88% of the time. I like the fearless me.

Roots 'n Rhythm: Brandy "I Wanna Be Down" Remix ft. MC Lyte, Yo Yo, and Queen Latifah

So evidently box braids are back. Am I the only one late on the memo? I'm not mad at all though. Anything that reaches back to the 90's, I am pretty much down with.  Can we also bring back summer dresses with combat boots and Cross Colours? This is a movement I can get behind.

You can't really talk about box braids and the 90's without talking about our girl Brandy.  I wonder if we will see her rocking them again since this trend has swung back around (no pun intended. Okay maybe). And was her video for the remix of her hit "I Wanna Be Down" the first time we saw Yo Yo without box braids?  Good times.  Check out this throwback video and if you have some box braids, be sure to swing them back and forth. I think these ladies are due for a reunion song.

HAIR LUST: Ladies who lunch

I stumbled across the photography of Mambu Bayoh a couple of days ago and I was in love! Check out this hair lust!! On the left side, the chick with the blow-out is officially my hair idol, and her friend with the micro-cornrows is just as fly. Oh, can we just give a soul-clap for their wardrobe too!? This picture is all LOVE and I want blow it up and hang it up in my living room.

U.N.I.T.Y.- The Weekend My Friend Melanie and I Bonded Over Our Hair

I promise we did not plan the matching blue tops. I swear. 

During my friend Melanie's and my 12 year friendship, we have talked about pretty much everything under the sun.  But until recently we rarely ever discussed our racial differences.  We just have so many things in common that discussing our differences just barely ever comes up.  Well a few months ago Melanie asked me if I would be interested in watching Chris Rock's documentary Good Hair together. "I just think it would be so fun to watch together." she said.  Having already seen the film, I chuckled at the thought of my possibly having to further break down certain things in the film regarding my culture for her. Then something dawned on me.

Melanie was interested in this movie because she was intrigued about black hair.  To say that I was less than intrigued about a white woman's hair would be an understatement. I'm just going to be honest here.  At the time, I felt like ever since I was a little girl I've been overloaded with knowledge about the European standards of beauty.  Unless I bought a magazine that was geared towards black women, chances are that every other magazine had articles that catered to enhancing the beauty of white women.  And really with all that I have had to do to my hair in over thirty years from weaves to braids to bi-level stacks and The Big Chop, I could  not fathom that the plight of the white woman to keep her hair in check could even compare.  And wasn't their hair pretty much all of the same anyway?  Does that sound a little close minded to you? Yeah me too. That's why I changed my mind and came up with an idea. "Why don't we watch the movie and do our hair together?" I said.  Saturday was coming up and with that being my Big Hair Day consisting of pre-pooing, washing, deep conditioning, etc,. I figured we could really get into what it took for us to individually maintain our hair. This was perfect timing as Melanie's own "Big Hair Day" was coming up because she had to touch up her roots with hair color. She loved the idea and we set a date.

DISCUSSION: Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas' hair

Photo Courtesy of Gabrielle's Twitter

So... in case you haven't been watching the Olympics, the smiling face above belongs to Gabrielle Douglas. She made history as the first American to take home a gold medal in the team and all-around gymnastic competitions. She is also the first Black American to to win the gold in the all-around competition. That's major! I watched her win both and I was very proud, and slightly sad that I missed my time to break into gymnastics. So... why is she the center of controversy? Here's why:

I like twitter during major events because everyone is commenting in real time about what the masses are watching. I didn't see anyone say anything about Gabrielle's hair. But apparently someone on some internet news site did, and thus began the largely unnecessary conversation. WHY are people allegedly focused on her hair? She's 16 and has made history! It's a shame if all you can see is her er... pony er... ball?

So here are Gabby's teammates during the Olympics. Why is Gabrielle's hair getting attention?
I'm confused.

On one hand, there are some who say that Gabrielle is a role model and she should do her hair in a way that represents all  black women well. Really? I think if you are concerned about her hair as a black woman more than her talent, you should probably not be too concerned about the Olympics altogether. I think you should be watching one of the 35 bazillion reality shows that feature black women with great hair and little to no talent. Perhaps, you would rather Miss Douglas fit the image of the reports that say, "Black women are more unfit than our white counterparts because we are too concerned about messing up our hair and less concerned about being healthy and exercising. (source)" 

Gabrielle is a hero to so many girls. If women are really talking about this 16 year old star and her gelled back, clipped down ponytail hump ball dangle-bob hair... I suggest you focus on something else. Sidenote: I didn't know of any backlash until AFTER reporters began reporting on the story which could be the reason it's been blown out of proportion. I cannot come up with any sound logic for her hair getting attention of news networks, web publications, or other women.

P.S. Gabrielle has heard that the streets were talking about her hair. She responded. 

"I just made history and people are focused on my hair?... Nothing is going to change. I’m going to wear my hair like this... You might as well just stop talking about it.”

I guess she told you all. You don't get to make history at 16 by being a follower or easily distracted from your goals.

How do you feel about Gabrielle's hair? Does it offend you? Let us know in the comment section.

Product Review: Jane Carter Solution Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner

Source

I used this conditioner a couple of weeks ago to deep condition my hair before installation of my twists. I must say... I was thoroughly impressed. My hair is like a rebellious teenager. I have been making considerable efforts to keep it moisturized, but it is pretty unimpressed by most deep conditioner products.

Jane Carter Solution does contain natural hair kryptonite Behentrimonium Methosulfate, but whatever sulfate that is left my hair feeling FABULOUS! The product has a nice consistency that is thick, but still light enough to move easily through my dense hair. Note: I've grown out of thinking that products had to be super thick in order to coat my hair. When hair grows densely together, it's more difficult for really thick products to be applied thoroughly. But back to the product review...

I washed my hair with my usual shampoo, and afterwards I applied Jane Carter's Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner in the shower. I detangled and twisted as I applied the conditioner. There was more than enough slip to make detangling an easy process. I left the conditioner in for at least 15 minutes. The results

Ok. So maybe this isn't the best picture. But there IS definition.
This is soft and HAPPY HAIR!

My curls were defined and moisturized and had nice elasticity. As my hair began to dry, there was still more definition than usual. I'd definitely recommend this product. And once I take my twists down, I look forward to trying other some of Jane Carter's other products.

Pros: Nice consistency, neutral smell, good slip, reasonably priced, absorbs well, easily rinses.

Cons: Contains a sulfate. I only put this because there's absolutely nothing else that I could possibly come up with as to why you would NOT try this conditioner.

Have you tried this Jane Carter product? Leave your review in the comment section.

Roots 'n Rhythm: Neneh Cherry's "Buffalo Stance"

Confession: I feel like Neneh Cherry could be my alter ego. If I were a rapper, I would be a cross between Neneh Cherry and Jada Pinkett when she fronts her group Wicked Wisdom.  When Neneh Cherry hit the scene in 1989, I thought her style was the coolest!

Before I even knew what natural hair was, she was rockin' it with style whether out, wild and free, or wrapped up in a turban.

 She was funky fresh and maybe even a little ahead of her time.  Check out today's Roots 'n Rhythm throwback while rockin' your best Buffalo Stance.

Yeah I don't know what that is either. But it sounds fun. Happy Friday!

Discussion: Ok. The salon isn't THAT bad...

When I began writing for NIN, I was a bit jaded by the stylist who damaged my delicate curls and blamed it on my coarse texture. In one of my first posts, "How to break up with your stylist", why I broke up with said stylist.

However, I recently went to a hair salon to get extensions installed. I was not thrilled at the idea of sitting in the salon chair for hours; but the experience was the complete opposite of everything I remembered (and despised) about hair salons. I met some awesome women. We sang and had 'salon' conversation. It was fun and therapeutic. The moral is, there are some great stylists out there who can do more than just offer to straighten your hair. You just have to be more discriminating about to whom you trust your tender tresses.


And I must say, it does make a difference when someone specializes in natural hair. Once you get past the stress of finding someone to efficiently care for coily hair, you can enjoy the good things about salons. Here is a reminder of a few reasons why salons are not that bad.

• You do not have to do your own hair. The tired arms. 30 minutes JUST to detangle in the shower. Parting the back of your hair is SO much easier with an extra set of eyes. It also doesn't require 3 mirrors, a lamp, and a level to make sure your parts are straight.
• You can meet great new people. There are some people who are just fabulous. These fabulous people may be found in the chair next to yours, styling your hair, under the dryer.... somewhere in a salon. Sometimes, socializing IS fun.
• You can exchange useful information. No one knows everything about hair. Not you. Not Natural in Nashville. Not even your stylist. However, when you go to a hair salon and exchange information with a stylist who specializes in natural hair, you benefit from the information. Your stylist also gets to learn more about your hair and your regimen. Getting information from a trusted source ensures that you don't walk around believing hair myths
• Your stylist can see your hair in a way that you can't. That's right. You can't see bumps in the back of your scalp. You can't get a decent view of the upper rear portion of your head without 3 mirrors, a pogo stick, and a magnifying glass. But a professional stylist can.

Image source

I'm not pushing you to sit in a salon every 4 weeks, but I am suggesting that readers attempt to find a salon for regular maintenance and perhaps... a nice style. Not all stylists are relaxer slinging tangle snatchers. There's bound to be a stylist to make you remember why you DO like salons after all.

CELEB STYLE: Oprah goes ALL NATURAL for her September cover

Aww! Look at Orpah's super fro! The entertainment mogul let her curls free for the September issue of 'O' magazine. On her show, Oprah was often seen (behind the scenes) rocking her own hair. But for television and photo gigs, wigs and hairpieces are often used to achieve a consistent look after hours of filming.

I like that Oprah showed her own hair in it's curly state on the front of her magazine. I've noticed many older women coming to the natural hair world, but they don't know how to rock it in the work place. Hopefully Oprah can help them see that it's ok to let your curls (or kinks) fly free.

Read more on why Oprah chose this look on People.com

Product Review: Kiia Bath & Body Goddess of the Night Body Mist

You ever used a product that was so good you wondered where it's been all your life? Well, that's how I felt when I used Kiia Bath & Body's 'Goddess of the Night' afterbath body mist. Owner, Nashonta McDowell, sent me a sample of this wonderful product a couple of weeks ago and I was more than amazed. It's nice to find a local business that sells a product you can vouch for.

I have to admit, I'm a body spray snob. I have several scents that I stick with and I rarely try anything new. But, for the sake of my wonderful readers, I tried this new product and was pleasantly surprised. This luxurious body mist is an oil mist that is filled with essential oils and natural fragrance. The smell is HEAVENLY. It's not too heavy, not too light, and mixes well with other scents.

Another thing I like about the Goddess of the Night Body Mist - the all oil formula can be used to freshen up your hair. Since the product doesn't contain alcohol (which drys hair and skin) it's a great addition to your bath routine. I sprayed it on my braids when I went out for the night. People, loved the scent!

Make sure to add this 'new kid on the block' to your bath & body collection. Kiia Bath & Body Products can be found on Facebook. You can also contact Kiia Bath & Body on Twitter (@kiiabathbody).

Kiia bath & body is a small bath & body company owned by Nashonta McDowell. All products are made with natural ingredients and can help relieve dry, chapped, or problem skin. Some of the products we carry are Body Butters, Whipped Body Creams, Soy Candles, Bath & Body Oils, and Soaps. Products are made is small batches to insure freshness to the customer!! - www.kiiabathandbody.com