Products for Natural Hair...Only the BEST of the BEST please!

I've been natural since 2004 (meaning my hair is free of any chemical relaxers or color) and it's been quite a journey that was mostly unintentional although largely worthwhile and beneficial! I was wearing extensions quite a lot which eliminated the need for me to relax my hair and what I discovered was that during the absence of the chemicals, my hair grew like a weed! One day I met a woman with an amazing head of long/straight hair who informed me that her hair was all natural. I was a non-believer at first (I'm stubborn) because her hair was straighter than most ladies with relaxers. But my hair was becoming too thick for me to continue on with my extensions so I decided to visit the salon that was performing these miraculous changes to her hair, before succumbing to the creamy crack once more. That salon was called "Too Groovy" and I was instantly hooked! Aside from having the best salon & spa service in Atlanta, the results were unbelievable! So I frequented the salon regularly for 2 years before I learned to create the same magic at home. I also had to work up the nerve, my hair was fabulous when I left the salon and I just couln't imagine creating the same results at home.

It's been a year since I've been maintaining my own hair and I can finally claim success! So as a result, I would like to do a 3-part series on natural hair based on my own experience, in hopes that it may help others. I'm not a hair stylist in the least but being able to make my own hair beautiful feels great and has saved me a lot of $$.

First I'd like to start off discussing the best products that you can use for your hair. I know that's important to everyone and something I always want to know from others. Personally, I've been through an expensive trial and error session and it's only today that I finally feel like I have the best product line-up offered for curly locks. The right product combination and usage really makes a huge difference in your results at home and you can go from healthy hair to haggard hair in just 2 sittings.

In my next post, I would like to detail the best way to achieve a blow out/physical change. I do a weekly blow out because my scalp is oily (plus I work out) so I need to wash my hair very often. What used to take 3 hours is now down to 2....and the results are better and healthier. It's important not to over-straighten your hair because your curls will start to diminsh. It's called "thermal re-conditioning"...but more on that later.

Lastly I would like to discuss good vitamins & daily supplements that you can take to encourage hair growth. Plus tidbits on how nutrient deficiencies and other variables can contribute to hair loss.

Now without futher adeiu.....

Product #1 Organic Shampoo for the scalp (a clarifyer)

Product #2 Organic Shampoo for the hair (a moisturizing treatment)

Product #3 Organic Conditioner (to be used in combination with a 30 Minute Steam Treatment)

Product #4 Organic Thermal Heat Protection (helps to prevent blow dryer heat damage)
Product #5 Organic Silk Essentials (silkens/softens the hair almost instantly)
Product #6 Organic Aveda Brilliant Anti-humectant (keeps natural hair straight on humid days)

Product #7 Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment (to be used only every 6 - 8 weeks if you have breakage)

Product #8 Creme Hairdress *optional* (for added softness)

Styling Tool #1 Denman Brush
Styling Tool #2 FHI FHI Heat Nano Weight Pro 1900 Turbo Dryer
Styling Tool #3 FHI Heat Platform with Nano Technology
Styling Tool #4 Steam Hydration Machine

Styling Tool #5 Silk Hair Wrap/Silk Pillow Cases (used to protect hair when retiring for the night)

The Best Brands for Natural Hair:

Design Essentials

Aveda

Bumble and Bumble

Aphogee (for protein treatments only).

Additional Brands worth mentioning are Nioxin's Shampoo's/Conditioners/Thermal Heat Protectant (for thinning hair) and Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree Scalp Clarifying Shampoo for those who need something stronger.

NEW!! R Session Tools Root Control

This is one of the latest hair tools on the market that I think will soon be very popular among women with curly hair.


In fact, it's already sold out on the website and I've seen at least 3 dupes.





It seems that Root Control by R Sessions is made especially for those with tight curls especially at the roots (this is ME!) because it offers a simplified way of straightening out the roots without burning the scalp. A clever trick indeed!



I've searched high and low for reviews on this gem but have only come across a few ;(


Until I've read more reviews I am hesistant to purchase this tool myself, as the price is pretty steep! However the warranty seems to be pretty solid and that does offer some consolation. I may make this my christmas gift - to self! If it does work it will be a a tremendous help and something I will soon not be able to live without. The ease of straightening out curly roots without doing harm to the scalp is something many of us have been lemming for 4eva!



If your interested in the Root Control Tool you can purchase on amazon.com, http://www.rsessiontools.com/rootcontrol.php and at Bed, Bath and Beyond.





*Caution*
Please be aware that many of the dupes on the market right now do not offer a 100% ceramic heating barrel (like the original). Having a 100% ceramic heating barrel is very important because it's not as harsh on your hair and extends the life of the vitality of the iron. In fact, there is a version of this root control iron being sold at Target (indeed by r session tools) for a modest 49.99. However most don't realize that it's ceramic coated, hence the major discount.

More deets below

Cost $179.99


Specs:
Dual Styling / Pressing Combs
Ceramic Heating Barrel
Hi-tech Electronic Circuitry
Instant Heat Up and Recovery
Advanced LCD Digital Programming
Up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit Pro High-Heat
High Grade Ultra Smooth Ceramic Surface Reduces Chemical Build Upand is Easy to Clean
Rubberized Two Tone Housing
9ft. European Jacketed Line Cord
Heat Resistant Storage Pouch with Embroidered Logo

Ending Soon....20% OFF @ SEPHORA

Promotions ends Nov.2nd...........

Enter code: FF2009 @ Checkout

Enjoy!

PS: I'm secretly waiting for the next Bobbi Brown FF Promotion. So far I've heard rumors about a 3 shimmer brick collection being sold for $65 @ NM and Nordies in November. I'll keep you posted.

Selecting the Best Steam Hydration Machine for your Hair

Brand/Model: ProSalon
Sold by: Evasalons.com
Cost: $139.88

Pros:

Provides medium and high heat

Steady flow of steam

Cons:

Can get overly hot

Not easy to move between locations; must disassemble

Brand/Model: Pro1037A
Sold By: SalonsRus.com
Cost: $139.99

Pros:

Provides medium heat

Intermittent flow of steam

Cons:
Accumulates buildup quickly

Needs to be cleaned more frequently

Not easy to move between locations; needs to be disassembled

Brand/Model: Hair Steamer, Countertop & Portable

Sold by: hairgift.com

Cost: $139.95

Pros:

Easy to move around

Lightweight

Cons:
Steam likely doesn't reach hair in the back

Steam force isn't very strong

Easy to break/not very durable

Doesn't hold a lot of water

**After trying out all (3) of these machines, I decided to go with Prosalon Brand by Eva. In my opinion, this model provided the best level of hydration for the money and is built to last. I don't need portability, since I don't travel for more than a few days out of the week, and I also saw the best results with my hair when using this model.

Q: What is the Best Hydrating Conditioner for your Hair? A: The Steamer

Hair Steamer Benefits:
1. Adds Immediate Moisture to the Hair.
This is especially beneficial if your taking out braids or if you have been using heavy or drying products on your hair.
2. Helps to Block Out Humidity by Filling your Follicles with Moisture.
This helps to extend your blowout and keep your hair from frizzing in inclement weather.
3. Adds Strength to the Hair Strands.
Dry Hair = Brittle Hair. By pumping your hair follicles with moisture you are protecting your hair from unnecessary breakage
4. Silkens the Hair
The added moisture leaves your hair soft and shiny and makes the blow dry process both faster and easier.

**I have been natural for 5 years now and I have found this hydrating process to be the biggest contributor to my hair growth and health. I literally have no qualms about cutting my hair these days because the growth has been more than enough for me to handle. My hair is shiny and I suspect many people think it's fake lol. But instead of rambling on and on...I'll just post some pics and let you see for yourself. Oh and please don't ask for before pics *hides.* I haven't been snapping too many pics in 2009 so I apologize for the dates on these. I'll use newer photos in future posts.

Pic 1: 2007

Pic 2: 2008

Pic 3: Soft and Shiny Reference Pic (2008)

**edited to add most recent pic.

Aug 09

Next UP: The Best Steamers on the Market and How Much it Will Cost You.

Hair and Makeup...bonded at the hip?

It can be argued that Hair and Makeup go hand in hand right?





I mean, I know plenty of cosmetologists who also double as makeup artists at fashion shows.


It's like a 2 for 1 special...a necessary combination in fact because time is so limited.


The reason I bring this up is because I have been on a makeup hiatus for a while now. In fact, it's pretty embarassing and I can barely call myself a blogger.


But while I still LOVE cosmetics and haven't been completely out of the loop (Sephora F&F sale 20% NOW!) something else has grabbed my attention and held onto it for the past year or so. And that little sparkle in my eye has been HAIR CARE!
Ohh wee, my mama knows I could fund a semester of college with what I've spent on hair supplies and products in the past year. I could've aced the LSAT with the time I've spent reading, watching tutorials and doing product research. But I am better for it all the same...or at least my hair is *smirk*


And so today I want to introduce to you the one key thing that I have come across that has changed the game! We all need this in our lives.

Ladies, if you don't know, let me introduce you to the The Conditioning Hydration Treatment aka The Hair Steamer.

Stay tuned.....a synopsis on this gem, where you can find it and pics coming soon!