Tag Archives: hair

Hair Talk—My Must-Have Products

Posted in Hair, My Hair Updates, Natural Hair, Product Review by

Hola peeps!  Since I returned to natural I am often asked what hair products I use to maintain my coif.  My hair closet is filled with puddings, gels,  curl creams, conditioners and more (I’m a low-key pj) but there are a few products I keep stock piled.  Here they are in no particular order:

1) Giovanni Direct Leave-in Weightless Moisture Conditioner-  I love this conditioner!  It is super light and very moisturizing without being sticky or runny on the hair.  It also works well with other products.  I have used some leave-ins that coat the hair so much that when you add a cream or a gel it leaves a white residue—this doesn’t!

2) Shea Moisture Organic African Black Soap Purification Masque- This masque is the bomb.com!  A few months ago when I went through my extreme dry, itchy scalp scare (remember the post if not go here) this was a major player in restoring it back to normal.  I now use this along with the shampoo and conditioner in the line on the regular to keep my scalp and hair in check.  It is very soothing and claims to also aid in curing dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.

3) Organix Hydrating Teatree Mint {Hydrating Treatment}- Hydrate, refresh, or condition…you name it this product is it!  Although for the most part I use it as a hydrator for my curls after I wash but before I add in my leave-in conditioner.  It smells divine and the tea tree mint leaves your scalp feeling tingly and refreshed.  I can never find this in the store so anytime I run across it I tend to buy a couple of bottles…a must-have for sure!

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4) Curls Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste- If your edges are like mine—unruly and won’t lay down then you need to pick up this paste asap!  This will snatch them back and laid for days.  There is no other edge control out there for me.

5) Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-in Conditioner- Another leave-in that I cannot do without, however I tend to use this one as a refresher.  It is perfect for reviving flat curls, add moisture to dry hair and great for prepping updos, twists, braids and more.  This will always been in my product arsenal!

6) Ampro Pro Styl Olive Oil Gel- I use all kinds of products on my hair but nothing gives me hold and shine like gel.  Don’t get me wrong I love my Eco Styler gel but this one has truly grown on me.  It doesn’t dry hair or crunchy and enhances my curl pattern.

So there you have it my must-have products!  Have your tried any of these, if so what was your experience?  Do you have a product(s) that you can’t do without?  Do tell!

Hot Like Fire—Solange for Complex Magazine

Posted in Celebs, Editorials, Fashion, Hair, Natural Hair by

Hola peeps!  Solange recently covered Complex magazine looking hot as ever!  Yes she sings but I think that modeling is her true calling as she always nails it.  She donned a big curly fro, a red-hot pout and legs for days.  Take a peek and let me know if you agree—should she stick to modeling?  Do tell…

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Miss Jessie’s “Mother’s Love” Contest!

Posted in Hair, Natural Hair by

Hola peeps!  Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday and Miss Jessie’s is here to help you out—you can win a NYC vacation package for two valued at $2500!  Now what mom wouldn’t love that?!?  All you have to do is follow these simple rules to enter:

  1. Finish the sentence “I love my mom because…”
  2. Write down the completed sentence on a piece of paper, poster board, or whatever you see fit!
  3. Take a photo of yourself holding what you’ve written.
  4. Your submission should be in photo format and uploaded in the photo upload section.
  5. You must “Like” Miss Jessie’s Facebook page in order to enter.
  6. Voting begins 5/1 at 12am est and ends 5/31 at 11:59pm est.
  7. You must be a current legal resident of the United States to enter
  8. 1 vote per person, 1 entry per person.
  9. You do not have to enter the contest in order to vote.
  10. Two winners will be selected based on which photos have the most votes.
  11. The winners will be contacted via the email address and/or phone number provided in the entry form.
  12. Miss Jessie’s encourages you to rally all of your family and friends to vote for your photo!

Miss Jessie's

Click the pic to go directly to their Facebook page to enter!  Good luck and tell them Sass ‘n Curlz sent ya :-)

Monday’s Muse—Kimberly Elise

Posted in Celebs, Hair, Monday's Muse, Natural Hair by

Hola!  Welcome to another work week!  Today’s muse is gorgeous actress Kimberly Elise.  She has been in tons of movies (Set It Off comes to mind), tv shows (Grey’s Anatomy is one) and now new VH1 drama Hit The Floor.  I have always admired her down to earth personality, as she is a woman that knows who she is and is very comfortable in her own skin.  Peep her beautiful tresses as well, she can rock a mean fro or flowing coils.  Lovely!

Looking fab at a party for her new VH1 show Hit the Floor.

Movies for Grownups Awards

Product Review—Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls

Posted in Hair, My Hair Updates, Natural Hair, Product Review by

Hola!  Feliz Cinco de Mayo!  Miss Jessie’s released a new product—Jelly Soft Curls a few weeks ago, the inner pj (product junkie) in me couldn’t resist therefore I caved and bought it!  In the past I’ve gotten pretty decent results from their products so I was hoping that this wouldn’t be any different.  They say that this is “for people who want poppin curls without the crunch” and the directions for use are: Evenly distribute a capful or more to damp , freshly washed,  conditioned and detangled hair. To dry: either air dry or use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer.

WnG using Jelly Soft Curls.

I washed and applied it to my hair as directed.  The consistency was like any other gel, the smell was very similar to their Pillow Soft Curls (almost like fabric softener) and my hair was super shiny.  Once completely dry (air dry) I fluffed to add extra volume and swept my hair to the side for a bit of sass.

2nd day hair using Jelly Soft Curls.

The second day hair was just as good as the first.  All I did was spritz a bit of water to reactive the product, my curlz were poppin and I had even more volume than before.  Boom!  On a scale of 1-10 I give this a 8, as I will definitely be adding this to my rotation.  Will you be giving this a try?  If you have already then please share your experience!

Hair Talk—Cut and Color for Spring

Posted in Hair, Natural Hair by

Hola!  Spring fever is spreading and I couldn’t be happier!  It is a time to start fresh, explore, experiment and more!  What better way to do that then with a new cut and color.  Now I am not saying that I am taking that plunge but some of you may be contemplating chopping it off and brightening up!  Well I am here to help you with that, I have scoured the web for some of the hottest styles.  Take a peek and let me know what you think.  Enjoy!

curvesincolor:Toni Estes.

Photo credit: Christin Shoots People
Model: Toni Estes
MUA: Make Me Over

African American Short Natural Hairstyles

Model: Nikia Phoenix

diosasalnatural:“me siento super orgullosa de tener el pelo rizo, de tener mis raices africanas, antillanas bien vigentes en mi pelo y en m픓I feel really proud to have curly hair, to have my African roots and Antillean roots very present in my hair” - Sharalys from Puerto RicoPhoto by: Joaquin M

diosasalnatural:“me siento super orgullosa de tener el pelo rizo, de tener mis raices africanas, antillanas bien vigentes en mi pelo y en m픓I feel really proud to have curly hair, to have my African roots and Antillean roots very present in my hair” – Sharalys from Puerto Rico
Photo by: Joaquin M

Blogger Veronica Campbell from Pretty Girl Rock Blog

Hair Talk—The Heat Free Hair Movement

Posted in Hair, Natural Hair by

Hola peeps!  As the temps continue to rise *yippy!* I am seeking ways to combat the frizz and protect my hair.  I think that I have found a solution—Heat Free Hair Movement!  They are a fairly new company that offers 100% virgin hair exclusively for natural tresses.  There are two hair types offered the Kinks collection which is for 4b/4c textures and the Kurls collection for the 3c/4a textures.  Take a peek at the video for more info.

I have been trying to get my hands on a bundle of the Kurls collection but every time I go to the site it is sold out.  However, I don’t plan to give up!   So will you be giving it a try or better yet what style will you be rocking in the warmer months ahead?

Natural Hair—Naptural85 Twisted Sided Ponytail

Posted in Hair, Natural Hair by

Hola!  The sun is shining and temps are warming up…spring has finally sprung for real!  This is the perfect time to experiment with different styles that help to fight frizz and keep you cool during the humidity.  This style by Naptural85 is super cute, easy to do and can be achieved in about 2 minutes.  I plan to give it a try.  What styles are you planning to rock this Spring?  Share :-)

Hair Talk—Spring Scalp Cleaning

Posted in Hair, Natural Hair, Product Review by

Hola!  Spring has finally sprung however the temps in NYC feels like it is still winter!  Everyone has heard of spring cleaning—your house, closet and more but what about your scalp/hair?  It may sound weird but I learned the hard way that it is very necessary.  Last week I had the worst dry itchy scalp of my life; I freaked out because I have never had scalp issues!  I didn’t and still don’t know if the change of seasons, product build-up or an allergic reaction caused the flare up but I was on a mission to find a quick solution.  I immediately went to google and settled on the following products to combat the problem (in no particular order):

**Tea tree oil—This clear essential oil is derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant which is native to Australia.  It kills germs and is a natural healing agent for colds, wounds, rashes and more.  I massaged my scalp with this to rid it of any fungi that would’ve possibly been present, the cool tingly feeling soothed the itch!

**Avocado oil—A carrier oil that comes from avocados (of course) is often used for cooking however in many cosmetics as well.  This oil is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E which is a great moisturizer for a dry scalp.  I mixed it with the tea tree oil and applied it to my scalp, as well as alone on my edges which can  get really dry.  Please note the consistency is a bit thick so a little goes a long way.

**Organix Hydrating Teatree Mint—This hydrating treatment moisturizes and balances damaged hair.  I used this in place of my normal leave-in conditioner, it just melted into my tresses.  The scent was great and my hair felt wonderful!  If you aren’t familiar with this brand you must check out their wide variety of great hair and body products.

**Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo—This shampoo is infused with willow bark extract, tea tree oil and plantain enzyme instantly calmed my itchy irritated scalp.  It didn’t dry my hair out at all but made it feel extremely clean.

**Shea Moisture African Black Soap Balancing Conditioner—This product contains the same ingredients as above and it not only provides moisture but also makes detangling easy.  My tresses felt soft and very hydrated.

**Shea Moisture African Black Soap Dandruff and Dry Scalp Elixir—An all natural treatment that reduces itching and flaking, as well as soothe and balance the scalp.  I used this spray after I cleansed my hair and oiled my scalp.  This will be in heavy rotation as I plan to use this as a quick temporary fix anytime my scalp feels dry or itchy.

Since this issue occurred these products has been apart of my Spring Scalp Cleaning routine which has been in rotation every 2-3 days.  I know some may think that is too much washing for curly hair because it tends to dry out quickly but I don’t plan to neglect my scalp ever again!  Chime in do you/have you had similar issues?  What did you use?  Better yet do you have a hair regime that you follow with the change of the seasons?  Do tell.

Product Review—As I Am Coconut Cowash & Dark and Lovely 10-in-1 Styles Gelee

Posted in Hair, My Hair Updates, Natural Hair, Product Review by

Hola!  Today’s product review is with As I Am Coconut Cowash & Dark and Lovely 10-in-1 Styles Gelee.  After reading so many great reviews about As I Am products I had to snatch it up when I saw it at Target.  I received the Dark and Lovely Gelee in my Curl Box a month ago and I’ve been wanting to try out their new au natural line *remember their product launch I attended*.  Peep the pics and review below.

Damp hair after the cowash waiting while it air dries with Dark and Lovely Styles Gelee.

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2nd day hair- The finished looked had my curlz poppin and shining but crunchy. I think I used to much Gelee.

3rd day hair- I’ve been fluffing my curlz and most of the crunchiness is gone but a little frizzy. It is ok as I wanted big hair. I am still hating these layers though….huh never again!

The consistency is semi-thick and creamy with a coconut smell. The directions says to work it through the hair and it is suppose to make detangling a breeze. It dissolved into my hair but it didn’t add a lot of slip while detangling. Overall it gets the job done but I wouldn’t say that it provided outstanding results. I will continue to use the jar until it is gone perhaps my mind will change by then.

I finished my look with the Gelee. Even though they suggests to use this product with bantu knot outs, twist outs and more; I rarely do any of those because my WNG gives me the same look. The consistency of this products was really sticky, it reminded me of Kinky Curly. I worked it though my hair in sections and let it air dry. It left my hair with great curl definition but I didn’t like the crunchy feeling.

Overall both products did what was expected however with a bit more.  Although I had ups and downs I think that this duo when used together gets a 6 out of 10.  This was my first time using both products perhaps with a few more uses the results will be different, as I may try them with different styles.  Stay tuned for additional results/previews.  :-)