Dr. Miracles New Products

Dr. Miracles has some new products that work great with Natural Hair.  My daughters absolutely love the product line because it helps to keep their hair moisturized and curls in tact.  Some of the new items are Thermal Protection Styler, Conditioning Shampoo, Leave in Conditioner, Oil Sheen Spray, Damaged Hair Medicated treatment, Restorative Treatment Packs, Follicle Healer Pomade, Edge Holding Spray and Hydrating Oil.   

One of my favorite hair products of Dr. Miracles is their Growth Oil. It smells really good and helps to keep my edges moisturized. 

 To learn more about Dr. Miracles and their hair care line, go to www.drmiracles.com.

Waxelene! A Healthier Alternative

I wanted to let you all know about a great product called Waxelene. It is an organic alternative of  vaseline/petroleum jelly.  I have been looking for alternatives to using vaseline, after I watched an episode of Dr. OZ and found out that it can cause health problems over time -

"Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of oil drilling, and whenyou spread it on your lips, you end up eating it, which is essentially the sameas drinking gasoline. Add up the amount of lip-gloss the average woman uses(and consumes) over a decade, and it equals 7 pounds. The European Union hasbanned many petroleum jelly products, and experts are concerned they could belinked to cancer. Women with breast cancer have twice the levels ofhydrocarbons (substances found in petroleum jelly) in their breasts than womenwho haven’t had breast cancer." - Source:     Dr. Oz The Top Three Dangers In Your Beauty Products

Great USE's WAXELENE FOR:

• Anything you would use petroleum jelly for and more!
• Skin moisturizing, protection, and lubrication - lips, feet – anywhere!
• Protection from chafing, friction, and wind burn - jogging, biking, volleyball, etc.
• Make-up & removal - add extra gloss to lips/face or remove make-up the healthy way.
• Soothing chapped, dry skin (Eczema & Psoriasis)
• Reducing diaper irritation - babies love Waxelene!
• Aftershave for face/legs etc.
• Wetsuit rash prevention - won't deteriorate wetsuit and no petroleum in the water!
• Hair - thick texture aids in styling while moisturizing and nourishing
• After Sun
• Hands - relieving drying effects from repeated hand washings or doing dishes
• Tons of other creative household and cosmetic uses

BENEFITS:

• Non-petroleum based - Healthier for your family and the planet!
• Eco-friendly, biodegradable, no GMOs
• No parabens or artificial ingredients
• Smooth and silky consistency
• All natural
• Contains organic ingredients
• Water/sweat resistant - Lasting protection.
• Not Greasy
• Goes on clear
• No animal testing

For more information, go to Waxelene.com.

Pooka Pure and Simple

I would like to highlight a wonderful bath and body line called Pooka.  The company was founded and created by Dawn Fitch. It is now run and operated by Dawn and 3 of her closest friends.  I was impress by the Pooka products, not only because of the great way the items where packed when I opened the box, but also because the of the great smells and textures.

Fresh Sugah Whipped Cream  - I tried the Fresh Sugah Whipped Cream, which is a body moisturizer.  I have very delicate skin and usually can not wear any products that have perfumes in them. But the whipped cream moisturizer smelled so good, felt good and my skin loved it. 




Shea Hair Cream
The other product that I tried was the Shea Hair Cream. Another great product. Works well with my scalp and loc's.  I used it after my last shampoo, and my scalp and roots look and feel great.

To learn more about the women that run Pooka, see their blog - The Pookalitas. And learn about their Products & Charity work: Pooka Pure and Simple.

Featured Reader - Christina!

From the Big Chop to natural thick healthy hair, Christina talks to us about her natural hair transition. 

Q: What kind of hair styles have you rocked, before embracing your natural hair?
A:  I was relaxed, and rocked braids during high school and first year of collage. My relax hair journey started pretty late, I must have been around 13 or 14. But I would go months in between a touch up. I wasn't a very girly girl. So for me, I learned about a lot of things later in life - hair, makeup (I am still learning that), dresses (I was / am a tomboy) and so on.

Q:  When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A:  I honestly stumbled onto a natural hair website one night in 2006/2007 and thought it would be a great idea- I did the big chopped three times before I finally decided in 2009, to just go natural. My last and final Big Chop was December 2009. It was more of a decision to see what and how far along my hair would go. I didn't transition at all. What I did (or my brother did) was to take clippers to my head and shave everything off. So I did this three times- I think, that first shower after the hair is gone is my real reason for doing it so many times!!!!!!!! Its a wonderful feeling of freedom.

Q:  Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A:  Not really. My biggest concern was what was I going to do a big chop again (this was after the first 2 Big Chops). I just armed myself with information and decided to see where this journey would take me. But I will say this, after my first Big Chopped, I lived in Austria and my after last Big Chop I moved to Nigeria, now I am back in Europe (Scandinavia), it is hard because, I don't see many natural haired people. Maybe because its winter, hopefully during summer, I will see more sisters rocking natural. So I basically turn to the internet and other blogs to help me along. It's an ongoing process. I try and learn as much as I can. I recently learned to do my own braiding, which went very well. So now, I want to learn how to cornrow my own hair and do much more. I figure it's my own hair. Why not do the best I can for it?

Q:  What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?

A: Amla oil - I used to use this even when my hair was relaxed. So I basically know this product and I live by it. Shea Butter - I finally got my hands on some raw, unrefined, shea butter and boy do I love it. Not just for hair, but I use it all over my body. Conditioner - Honestly, Any!!!!!!!  If I read about a certain conditioner and I can actually find it, then I just go out and buy it. Thus far, I found Herbal Essence, which is my new favorite product, after Garnier Fructis.  

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: I get scared too, even now, my hair is soooo thick, so long and I get scared since I don't have the 'full arsenal' of products that many naturals have tried. What gets me through it is that it's just hair. And its coming out of my scalp. Its all mine, and looks different from another person. Making me wholeheartedly unique. Also, I like to tie my hair with head wraps, hats, beanie and now since I have learned how to braid - I am always good to go! Find something that works for you, for those 'wanna give in days' and believe me, everyone has those days. Hang in there. Its truly worth it.

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter,facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website?
A: http://afropeanqueen.blogspot.com/

Color Correction Tip from Nerissa

Model Nerissa Irving did a YouTube video talking about how she washes her hair. It is a two part video. I can't link the first video, because there is a shower scene... lol.  But above are a few screen shots of of the first and second video. Before Nerissa washes her hair, she does a color check/correction. She looks for any spots where there may be sun damage or embedded lint.  She then uses Bigen to color correct those spots.  I can link part two of the video where she shows how she moisturizes her hair and creates her big curls -

Thanks Nerissa!  I also did a blog a while back on an alternative color spot correction here.

Natural Beauty - Kwarana Adrea

This weeks Natural Beauty is model, Kwarana Adrea. A good friend of  Kwarana emailed me and recommend that I feature Kawarana. So I am very happy to introduce you to this lovely young lady, that has been natural all of her life.
What inspired your to have natural hair? Well growing up I've always notice family, friends, random people in the street - all following a trend of weaves,extensions... straighten hair, basically.  And I didn't want to be part of that group. Even still to this day, I'm the only person in my whole family who has locs. Never in my life, did I ever put chemicals in my hair. The quality and texture of my hair has never changed since day one. I remember being such an outcast in my school years, because all of little girls my age were already perming their hair.  It honestly never bothered me . My younger sister always begged my parents to have her hair permed, but I never did. As a child I grew up with every possible natural hair style you could imagine....I had the braids, corn rows, William sister beads, Afro puffs, mickey mouse puffs and Afros.  I carried those hairstyles up through elementary and middle school then eventually high school. Finally in my second year of high school, I started to grow loc's.When I first started the loc my hair, I got so much negative feedback from a lot of females, but that didn't stop me. And look at me now  ..... Its been six years now and I love my locs!!!!! I was meant to have natural hair all my life; and I wish alot of women could follow...  The same young ladies back in high school, who told me to not loc my hair, are in love with my hair  now and actually are on a path for having natural hair. So I'm very thrilled about that!!!

Maintenance Tips: I use two very good product line for my hair and I would recommend it for everyone....I use the "Loc  A Fella twist gel" & the " Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil".  These two products work well with my hair. I used the "Jamaican Mango Wax" for a couple of months at one point, but then I stopped because the wax created build up. So I wouldn't suggest using the wax. But a great alternative is honey. But I have always been curious to know if other people with loc's use wax and if it also created the same build up..."

- Kwarana Adrea,  facebook.com/KwaranaAdrea

Zenzele - Product Review

I used a new hair care product this month, called Zenzele.  After washing my hair, I used the Leave-In Conditioner  and Sangria Hair Oil on my scalp and hair. It felt great and the smell is amazing. My mom, who was there while I was washing my hair, walked by and asked what was that amazing smell? It was the Zenzele conditioner and hair oil. I also shared the Zenzele souffle with a friend at a recent Natural Hair Event, and she said the souffle "smells like a vacation". I though that was pretty cool.

After I washed my hair, I wore my hair in a braided loc bun, shown here. I recently took my hair down, and my loc's looked great!!

To find out more information, check out their website -

ZENZELE
http://www.zenzele.us/

Giveaway!! ♥ Model in a Bottle♥

I love Model in Bottle!!

One of my biggest complaints about wearing make up is that it can be messy.  It gets on your clothes, it gets on other peoples clothes when you give them hugs. And forgot about going to the gym. But the time I am done working out, my makeup has melted, leaving me looking like a hot mess.

I recently tried Model in Bottle, and I love it!!! After you apply your make up, you spray it on your face (I always cover my eyes when applying) and it keeps your make up fresh all day.  To give it a test, I used this spray on a day when it was 80 degrees out side, which is hot for an active day. And then that night I went to the gym and worked out. When I work out, I sweat a lot!  I was amazed that after a long hot day and a hardcore work out, that my make up was still fresh.  

The product is from Misikko, and they have offered to host a giveaway on the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog.  To win the prize of one Model in a Bottle, please answer the following questions:

1.  After visiting the Misikko site, what did you learn about Model in a Bottle that you found interesting?
2.  Model in a bottle keeps your make up fresh and helps to avoid messy make up disasters. Tell us about one of your make up disasters or nightmare from the past?

For me, my biggest pet peeve is when I give someone a hug and leave my makeup on their shoulder; and looking like a melted hot mess after work outs. 

The winner will be chosen by John, from Misikko, who will also ship the item to whom ever wins. The contest ends on September 30th. Good luck!

My IC Styling Gel Review

After seeing Wahidah's video on how she maintains her hair, I decided to give one of the products she uses a try. I have always avoiding gel, because I knew that it has a history of building up, becoming a flacky mess and just drying out loc's. But I have always admire Wahidah's loc's, so I said.. ok, I will give it a try. And I love it!

I washed my hair, oiled my scalp with African Pride Oil, and then palm rolled each loc - using the IC Styling Gel at the base of each loc. As I palm rolled my loc's into sections, I braided loc's in groups of 6 loc's for each braid. Once all of my loc's where braided, I let them air dry. I left the braids / plaits in for 3 days.  With the IC Gel, the roots of my loc's stayed shiny and neat the whole 3 days (It always helps to wrap your hair with silk scarf at night, and wear a comfortable scarf around you hair line when working out to keep your loc's looking fresh).

When I took my braids / plaits down... I was so surprise. It looked salon fresh!  This is how my hair looked after I went to the salon two months ago. I was able to get the same look at home that I got at the salon for $60 bucks!  So I am so happy with the results. I am alreayd a fan of the IC leave in conditioner; but now I am also a fan of the IC Styling gel. Of course use the gel moderately. A little bit will go a long way.  Thank you for the recommendation Wahidah. Great info...

Inspirational Photo - Joy Franklin

Joy's hair is gorgeous. She has a beautiful texture as shown in these photos. She uses Bee Mine Hair Products.

No Drip Hair & Scalp Oil

A young lady contact me via ILoveMyLoc's, and had a good question regarding moisturizing an itchy scalp. I have had problems in the past with itchy dry scalp myself, and have used a few products (on separate occasions) to help. The first one is African Pride Oil, which feels and smells good. And the second product that I would recommend is Cantu Shea Butter 'No Drip Nourishing Hair & Scalp Oil'. Here was my response:

Hi ....., Have you tried Cantu Shea Butter's 'No Drip Hair & Scalp Oil'? It is really thick, but not creamy. So it won't cause any build up, if used as instructed. When I use it, it does a good job of saturating my hair and scalp, and leaves my hair feeling very moisturized. I hope this helps! - Karen

Juice Beauty

I am in love with a new skin product, that my sister recommended, by Juice Beauty. I have had problems with my skin for most of my life. My face has a combination of oily and dry skin. With that comes the pimples, dry skin and for me.... discoloration. I have tried so many products, but have had very little luck. So when my sister recommend that I try Juice Beauty's Blemish Clearing Serum, I was skeptical. So I gave it a try and actually saw my skin start to look softer and more even, within only two days of using it! I am sold...

So my main concern now, is seeing if it will actually keep working. There have been a few times when I will buy something, and it will work for the first few weeks and then I won't see any more progress. So only time will tell. I stopped by Sephora and picked up Juice Beauty 'Organics to Clear Skin Kit kit' that includes the blemish serum, a cleanser, a face scrub and lotion. I am excited to see how this goes, I will keep you all informed. The price of the serum is kind of expensive. If you just want to try the Blemish Serum, without making the commitment to buy it, stop by Sephora and ask for a free sample. Or you can also search online (ebay is one place) for better prices.

Thank you In Her Shoes!!!

Thank you In Her Shoes! Last May, I and a few other ladies, won the Cantu Contest. The prize was a package of hair and body products worth $100. I just received the items today, and I am looking forward to trying the products out. I will give some reviews to let you know how it goes and if my locs "like it" or "love it" . About 5 of the items are creamy based (which people with loc's should try to avoid), so I will give those to my daughters. So it works out perfect.

Thank you again Renae, for hosting such a great Mothers Day contest on your blog!

*****************************

June 16th Update: My daughters washed their hair last night with the creamy based Cantu products and loved it!! They both have big curly hair, and finding hair care products that work with their hair texture is often hard. So its a good match for them. Cool!

Curly hair products from Miss Jessie

Has any one tried Miss Jessie's Products? If so, let us know what you think.

So excited!!

I just won a Cantu Shea Butter contest, for a gift bag (valued at $100) on In Her Shoes!

I have never won any thing in contest or giveaways, so this is so awesome. Check out the post here. I have been wanting to change up my maintenance products for a while. I read that if you alternate/change the products you use every 6 months it will help to cut down on build up and give your hair a boost. So this is perfect. I will let you know about my experience with this product line after I try it out. Thank you In Her Shoes!