Hair Dilemma Solved

On Saturday we went to our appointment at Duafe and that was by far the best suggestion for my little diva's hair. I was really excited about going Duafe especially when I heard this is Jill Scott's salon. Since I love everything Jill Scott and her hair is always making a statement I had to check it out. Duafe is a salon owned by Syreeta Scott that caters specificially to natural hair.

My thought was to get a hairstyle that would put minimal stress on her hair. I decided to have the stylist give her two strand twists. Although we had a wait before the stylist started, the little customer got a fabulous shampoo and conditioning treatment from Ms. T. She fell asleep after the wash and condition.

The entire process was about an hour and it was well worth the wait. Shout out to Ms. A! for her great styling and patience with my little one. For the process I had plenty of snacks and juice in my bag to keep the little customer happy. You can always go to a salon and get plenty of humor and stories. Shout out to the friendly staff and the great mix of music on the Ipod! I love the style and plan to keep it for a while. The style is very versatile and we can still add her hair accessories.

After careful observation and plenty of questions, I am going to recreate this hairstyle. I even viewed some of the tutorials on Youtube.

Hair Dilemma Part 2

In the past year I have racked my brain trying to find a quick and easy solution with maintaining and grooming my little diva's hair. Initially I was pretty happy with just a wash/condition and some random style that was easy on my nerves and required very little sitting time for her. In an effort to alleviate the hair styling pain, I took her to the local hair salon to get braids, but $50(plus tip) later I was thinking there has to be a better and least expensive way. The style was cute and stress free however a bit pricey for a preschooler.

By the end of the year we tried braids again, and it was very convenient since the braider made a house call. Although I was pleased with the braider's work, my poor child's scalp was being tortured. The braids were obviously too tight so we had to call the braider back for a redo! I pray my child does not hold me responsible for my missteps as a mommy. After this fiasco, I tried the local beauty school because I thought for $8.00 it was worth a try. This visit lasted over 2 hours with the fidgeting, crying, blow drying and flat ironing. Thanks to the the other stylists for loading her up with gummie bears and candy canes. It appeared to be a nice gesture but I know it was pipe down the noise a few notches. My poor child fell asleep in the chair as her hair was being flat ironed. In the past few weeks I have felt so much guilt for torturing this child with all of these procedures. I will say it for her, "ouchie"!

In the new year I resolve to find a better way of maintaining her hair so it stays healthy and kid friendly. After many referrals to natural hair salons, we are scheduled this weekend. I will keep you posted on how this goes and definitely take pictures for our hair diary!

Skin and Beauty & African Americans - BlackDoctor.org - Top 10 Tips For Healthy Winter Skin

Great tips for your skin during the frigid winter months ahead!

Skin and Beauty & African Americans - BlackDoctor.org - Top 10 Tips For Healthy Winter Skin

My Little Diva's Hair

When I was expecting 6 years after my son, I was so anxious to find out who we were having at my 20 week ultrasound. In November of 2006(Thanksgiving night), my little diva entered our world. I was so elated to have a "mini me" be a part of my world of girly pleasures. The first thing I was thinking is how wonderful to have someone to share the hair salon, manicures, pedicures, spa dates, shopping and all the other things that make us so totally fabulous. When my little diva arrived with a full head of gorgeous black hair I thought of all the ways to style her hair with balls, barrettes, and ribbons. Oh, was I in for a rude awakening as her hair started to get a head full of coarse curls.

In the past 2 years, I experimented with several products. Most of the products I tried left her hair dry and brittle. Our designated hair nights were starting to feel like a wrestling match. My little diva would scream and squirm while I detangled her hair and I struggled to keep her still to style her hair in some way. One of my mom friends suggested I try a conditioner called Knot Today which she used regularly on her daughter's hair. Well, I practically ran to the Whole Foods store. Unfortunately the products are in such high demand at this location the shelf was empty except for the shampoo. I purchased the shampoo and was impressed with the results. When the conditioner was available, we purchased and I was amazed at how well it detangled her hair. Another great feature of the product is the fact it is all natural. I found that the sulfate containing products really stipped her hair of moisture. This product gets my stamp of approval. I have blogged before about this product but I had to include some pictures this time because it has kept me together during our weekly hair nights. The line is called Kinky-Curly, you can purchase at Whole Foods or online here Kinky-Curly
Some before and after pictures. Mommies have to be really creative with the hairstyles; this is a work in progress!

Before:


After:
-After

Eyebrow Threading

I read about eyebrow threading on another mommy blog (thanks Renee R. of http://cutiebootycakes.blogspot.com/) and one of my relatives tried it. Since I love to be up on new techniques; I decided to try it for myself.

If you are not familiar with threading here is some info on the technique:

Eyebrow threading is a depilation technique which originated in India, although it is also widely practiced in the Middle East. Salons in Western nations offered the service to Middle Eastern clients for decades before European and American women became interested and the popularity of eyebrow threading skyrocketed. The hair removal technique is not just for the eyebrows: threading can be used to remove other facial and body hair as well.

The technique is sometimes listed on salon menus as khite or fatlah, which are both Arabic words for threading. Eyebrow threading involves twisting a piece of thread, usually cotton, into a double strand. This double stranded thread is used to pick up a line of hair and then remove it, creating a very clean, precise hairline. Eyebrow threading is the technique preferred by Indian movie stars, who are often distinguished by their crisp brow lines.

In Philly when I look for products/services, I sometimes use the Best of Philly recipients awarded by Philadelphia magazine. One of the Best of Philly 2008 awards was awarded to Thread Beauty Bar at 1903 Chestnut Street for eyebrow threading. You can check out the site :http://threadphiladelphia.com/

I went for my eyebrow appointment today and I was finished within 15 minutes(love a quick process!) My aesthetician was Saboone(not sure on the spelling of her name). There is a little discomfort as the thread is being pulled along your brows as the brows are shaped. If I compare to waxing; once the strip is pulled the discomfort lasts a few minutes and then it subsides. I think it was an awesome job and I would definitely try it again. It usually lasts from 3-4weeks. In addition to threading, Thread offers waxing service in which they use soy wax versus the traditional wax. I asked the difference and was told the soy wax does not adhere to the skin; maybe less discomfort? This is my next service: I will blog back......

Suave - Shower Yourself Beautiful

Moms:

How often do you take time for yourself? If you are like me these moments are extremely rare...
Well, here is a nice treat just for YOU! Suave has a new campaign called Shower Yourself Beautiful, the products included in the campaign include Suave Naturals Body Washes and Suave Body Lotions for extra moisturizing The body washes are available in amazing fragrances which are sure to infuse relaxation for the shower or bath........

If you would like to indulge, please complete the following link for a free sample http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=jFS9dBcjemro3GyIFe6ssQ_3d_3d. Samples will ship within 3-5 business days. Holly Robinson Peete, actress, shared her tips on ways to indulge as busy moms(will include with sample).

Another added bonus:
As of June 15, you can register at https://www.showeryourselfbeautiful.com/ for a chance to win select prizes as well as a chance to win the ultimate at-home shower for friends and family.

Dr. Susan Taylor's RX for Brown Skin Product

Dear Moms:

I learned about Dr. Susan Taylor's dermatology practice in Philadelphia about 10 years ago. While walking through Sephora I found her new skin care line Rx for Brown Skin. After contacting the company, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for my blog followers and subscribers to evalulate the products as some ladies have expressed an interest in sunscreens, moisturizers, etc that work well on our skin.

***Product Giveaway****
I'm really excited about trying the product and invite you to click on the attached link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=izb_2bFafq_2fSJudydidwxMFQ_3d_3d if you are interested in receiving a product sample. The sample giveaway is on a first come, first serve basis. Upon receiving your response the sample will ship within 3-5 business days. After evaluating the product, I will forward a product survey for your feedback.

Summer Season Protection

As a child sunscreen was not a part of my daily regimen however when I approached 35 I became more in tune with trying to protect my skin. I think it stemmed from my son's daycare making it mandatory that parents send in sunscreen for ALL children. It is definitely a misconception that African American skin does not burn. We are protected somewhat due to the melanin in our skin however over time the damage can be detrimental. Recent studies indicated the number of melanoma cases are on the rise. In light of this finding please make an effort to protect your skin and your children during the summer season and throughout the year.

When selecting a product look for one with an SPF of at least 15. Applying sunscreen to the hands also keeps them looking young. For our children who spend a little more time in the sun; products that range from SPF 30 to SPF70 are ideal. We must address protecting our eyes as well. Sun exposure can also be damaging to our eyes. Eyewear that protects from UVA and UVB rays are products of choice......

Best Rating, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch,, lightweight, pricey per ounce
Least Expensive, No-Ad Sunblock Lotion SPF 45 (*Est. $10 for 16 ounces)
Frangrance and Chemical Free, Blue Lizard Suncream SPF 30+


Best Products for Babies and Kids:
California Baby No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion
Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free Sunblock Lotion SPF 30
Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free Sunblock Lotion is also available with SPF 50
Blue Lizard Baby Suncream SPF 30 , fragrance and chemical free

New Hair Product "KNOT TODAY"

In my quest to find a great product to use on Maya's extra curly hair, a mom told me we should always use a sulfate free shampoo. She said shampoos that contain sulfates make our hair dry and brittle. Another mom suggested I try a product called "KNOT TODAY" that is sold at Whole Foods. After searching the internet I found the website, Kinky-Curly the manufacturer of Knot Today. They also offer a sulfate free shampoo. The products are natural. I will make a trip this week to Whole Foods for the Knot Today product, stay tuned for my review......

Essence Magazine.Kinky-Curly was named one of the ‘Hottest Makeup & Hair Products of 2008’ by Essence Magazine


Here's the company website: http://kinky-curly.com/

Hair Care Products

I always like to share products that work extremely well. After unsuccessfully trying other black hair care products I was referred to Carol's Daughter, Healthy Hair Butter. I was familiar with Carol's Daughter as I tried the skincare products about 3 to 4 years ago. Luckily, the products are sold at Sephora and the associates will provide a small sample before you commit to a specific product. Well I am sold because after using the products her hair is definitely more manageable. Products listed from the top: Healthy Hair Honey, 8oz $15.50 and Healthy Hair Butter, 8oz $16.50, her hair is definitely more manageable. I even tried the Khoret Amen Conditioner, 8oz, $11.50 and Rosemary Mint Shampoo, 8oz $12.50 and all have great scents. The products are a little more expensive than products off the shelf and are worth every penny.




My top picks..........



Available at Carol's Daughter

Sephora, or Sephora retail store