Anita Grant Raspberry Rhassoul Deep Condish Winner!

I'm so excited to announce the winner of the Anita Grant Raspberry Rhassoul Deep Condish!!! 

The lucky winner is...Tiya Sumter!!!

Congrats Tiya!!! I'll be contacting you soon. 

You're gonna love this stuff!

Peace, 

SPC

Product Review: Raspberry Rhassoul Deep Condish and First Giveaway!

It’s that time of year again. Winter is here. And that means we have to take those little extra steps to protect our manes from the harsh blustery cold and dry weather. In years past, I have posted my favorite creams and butters  that help to maintain moisture in the winter months. While those faves still hold true…I have fallen in love with something new.

Anita Grant’s Raspberry Rhassoul Deep Condish! 

I have never met a deep conditioner that truly knocked my socks off (Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner is the closest thing to it), that is until now. Rhassoul Deep Condish is a clay based treatment that comes in the form of 30 gram cubes (3 in a package).

UK based Anita Grant started cultivating her environmentally-conscious line out of her kitchen in 2005 and has since gained a worldwide curly hair cult following. I must say , after trying the chocalatey Rhassoul, I am itching to find out what the rest of her line has to offer.

From the Anita Grant website:
Suitable for those with thick, parched naturally curly hair, locs, natural Afro hair and dry scalp.
Our Raspberry Rhassoul Deep Condish is an intense hydrating treatment that restores the moisture balance of extremely dry natural hair. It seals the cuticles, imparts sheen, improves manageability and elasticity. Red Raspberry is a brilliant hair tonic that is rich in vitamin c, iron, calcium chloride, magnesium, manganese and potassium. After one application you *may* notice:   
• Improvement in natural texture, strength and appearance of your hair.
• Increased sheen and curl definition.
• Improved manageability, softness and slip.

Ingredients:  *Organic Rhassoul Clay (Hectorite/Moroccan Lava Clay), *Organic Unrefined Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao), *Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olea Europaea), *Pure Organic Cocoa Powder (Theobroma Cacao), *Organic Unrefined Murumuru Butter (Astrocaryum Murumuru), Raspberry Powder (Rubus Idaeus Fruit), MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane/Methyl Sulphonyl Methane), *Organic Chilean Honey (Miel), Vitamin E (D-Alpha, D-Beta, D-Gamma & D-Delta Tocopherols) and LOVE!

Let’s get to the action…

Finding the Time: My hair maintenance calendar!

My post “ Hi and Bye 2012!! What I’ve Learned About My Hair” is a true testimony to the fact that natural hair does not automatically equal healthy hair. I would venture to say that naturals have even more work on their hands than our relaxed comrades. But as with anything on Earth, hard work comes with great reward. When your hair is showered with tender loving care, the reward of lush and behaving tresses make the blood, sweat, and tears well worth it.

I, like many women, have a truly demanding schedule. With my career, a husband, and two little girls (with two thick, long heads of hair that must be constantly maintained as well), it’s difficult to keep up with my own pampering. Before I know it, weeks and months have gone by without a trim, a deeeeeep conditioning session, or a clarifying wash.

So how does a busy woman keep up with these important routines????? A calendar of course!!!! 

I created this personalized calendar to remind myself of when it’s time for action. It will be on full display on my fridge and eventually I’ll get it into my Google calendar.  I’ll be doing my darndest to stick to my schedule consisting of trims every 8 weeks, protein treatments about every 5 or 6 weeks, clarifying washes, and protective styling. And while protective styling will be a mainstay in my new routine, my funky fresh and free hairstyles will still be in full effect on Saturdays. Yes ma’am!!

Are you in need of a hair calendar?? Download my calendar (goes through March 2013) here. Tip: Save as a docx file to customize it!

Ooop… looks like I’m due for a co-wash tonight! =) Gotta go!

Peace,
SPC

My First “Show ‘N Tell” – Reine's Funky Fresh Twist Out

A while back I introduced my "Show ‘N Tell" page to the blog. It's just a forum that allows my readers to ask a question, pose a topic for discussion, or even show off their funky fabulous natural or transitioning hairstyle.

I am so excited to have my first entry from Reine!! Here she is showing off her fabulous and full chunky twist out.

Work Reine!!! 

And thanks for Showing 'N Telling!!!

Hi and Bye 2012!! What I’ve Learned About My Hair

Well well well... Where have you been all my life??

People…2012 has been such an interesting and ever-changing year. It’s truly been a whirlwind! I’m so sorry that I have completely abandoned my new years resolution to blog more. I’ve pretty much done the opposite =(

And now I’m left trying to cope with the fact that it’s almost 2013!! A whirlwind I tell you!

There have been soooo many changes in my life this year and the state of my hair is no exception. Unfortunately, those changes haven’t been so positive. It started last year when all the pampering slowly began to cease. Lack of protective styling (especially overnight), reckless and impatient detangling, and improper moisture infusion led to some pretty upset follicles. It seemed my interest in my hair had peaked and slumped. No wonder I hadn’t posted in a while. =(

95 percent of the time, my hair is worn in its naturally curly state. And my curls seem to hide their pain and frustration when really, they are being abused. By the time I find out my hair is damaged by way of unreasonable tangles, hair coming out in clumps, loss of definition, dull appearance, haystack dryness even when moisturizing products are applied, and refusal to respond properly to straightening or any kind of set (roller, twist or braid out, etc.) it is already too late. I knew what had to happen...a second big chop.

Actually, there were several chops over the course of a year. A snip snip here and there. It seems that no matter how much I cut, there were still damaged ends remaining. Man had I fouled up with my hair!!

In that period of time, my hair (stretched) went from this…

To this…

Good Grief!!! And as you can see, there were still some scraggly ends left when this picture was taken… so more was cut since then!

Needless to say, I’ve learned some pretty big lessons about the importance of listening to and caring for my hair.

I’ve also come to accept some things about my hair…

5 Essentials That Stay in My Natural Hair Toolkit

 

 

Looking back on the last 4 years since my “big chop”, I have done lots of research, experiments, and purchasing of the newest products and tools hoping that they would be my “hair savior”. From this, I have learned the importance of having handy and easy tools that can turn a frustrating styling experience into a fabulous hair day on the fly. They don’t always have to be fancy gadgets like this one. 

Here’s my top five tried and true hair tools!

#5 Spray Bottle

I love to mix potions in my spray bottle, lightly spraying my hair for moisture and pliability when styling. Some concoctions I’ve added to my bottle include: a base of purified water, aloe vera juice, or rose water mixed with olive, argan, or castor oil. I’ve also enjoyed mixing variations of the youtube sensation, Kimmaytube’s popular DIY leave-in conditioner.

#4 Hairpins / Bobby Pins

These are a MUST for me. With them I can create buns (one of my favorite styles for the office), pin-ups, funky fro-hawks and many more styles. You can find a pack of 100 hairpins or about 40 Bobby Pins for a measly $1 at your local beauty supply.

#3 Wide Toothed Shower Comb

I’ve tried many detangling tools (Denman brushes, Flex combs, Tangle Teezer) some of which I still love and use for certain purposes. But a wide tooth comb (like this one) is a mainstay for me. Its perfect for shower detangling or for a “primary” detangling session before styling. It’s also the easiest tool for me to use on my children’s hair.

#2 Silk or Satin scarf

I find that no matter how moisturized I keep my hair, going to bed just one time without a scarf (which I personally prefer to bonnets because they stay put a little better and pillow cases are decent but usually leave me with a messy mane) results in a dry matted disaster in the morning. Most of us know that cotton, wool (eek!), and other coarse fibers are a no-no but real silk and/or satin-finish scarves may not seem readily available. Furthermore, many of us like to look cute going to bed for our partners or ourselves. My suggestion? Visit your local fabric store and select a half yard of silk or satin that you find irresistible. Tie it in a funky fashion a la June Ambrose and wa-la!! Ferocious AND set for the morning =)

Scarves are also a best friend to pony-tails and puffs, buns, and any other style requiring the hair to lay down. After applying product and brushing into place, I apply my scarf for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This smooths the hair into place and eliminates frizz around the hair line.

And now. Drumroll please…

The gadget that's never left my hair toolkit and nevvvvvverrrrr will…

#1 Pantyhose Legs!!!

Yes… pantyhose legs! Some people use bra straps, headbands, or even regular ol’ ponytail holders. But snipping off the leg of pantyhose or stockings or tights will leave you with an awesome stretchy, flexible hair holder that can easily create pony puffs, pony tails, buns, frohawks, bouffants, and I’m sure there are tons of other styles this dynamic tool can create that I haven’t even explored yet! It’s easy to use, readily available, a breeze to make, and highly cost effective.

What I love most about the pantyhose leg is that it allows those who don’t quite fill out or reach into a ponytail, to easily pull their hair back away from the face. You can gather the hair as far back as you like creating the puff size that you desire and then tie the ends in a loose knot to secure. The stocking is barely recognizable as you can choose a pair that closely matches the color of your hair. And you can cut the hose as long or short as you please.

I guess this is my first official and very impromptu amateur video. I thought a visual would be nice. Usually I would brush the edges down and apply my scarf for a smoother look. But you get the idea =)

They are easy to hand wash and hang up to dry. And I haven’t noticed ANY hair breakage around the point where I usually place my puff in the 4 years that I have been using them.

Absolutely Essential!!!

Ladies…What are some over your tried and true hair tools?

 

SPC

 

Aveeno Nourish + Condition Leave-In Treatment Review

I’m always on the hunt for a great leave-in conditioner. None are created alike and all serve a purpose. You have your creamy leave-ins which are great when you need that extra dose of moisture or for creating twists/braids etc. (ex. Bantu Shea Butter Leave-In). There are leave-ins that are primarily for smooth definition, hold, and shine (ex. Paul Mitchell The Cream). You have your leave-ins that serve mostly to detangle and tame the hair (i.e. Kinky Curly Knot Today). Then there are those thinner liquid leave-ins that usually come in spray form. Many of these claim to condition or revitalize the hair with various vitamins and minerals. Usually I end up disappointed with these variations as they seem to be too watery and lacking the moisturizing capabilities that I seek. That was until I found this...

Aveeno Nourish + Condition Leave-In Treatment

According to the Aveeno Website: “AVEENO® NOURISH+ CONDITION Leave-In Treatment does much more than nourish and condition — it quenches the thirstiest hair with a fusion of deep conditioners and moisturizers, recharging it with healthy new life. Hair is instantly revitalized and scientific studies show that just three uses helps repair dry, damaged hair.* And, using the Leave-In Treatment as part of a complete NOURISH+ regimen will help protect your hair from damage caused by thermal styling, resulting in up to 95% less breakage.”

I absolutely love this product! The feel of the product is thin but not watery. You can feel the oil in the product but it doesn’t leave a greasiness or heaviness on the hair. My favorite way to use it is to give my hair a mist while its damp and as a base for any other product that I might use. I also use it to refresh and moisturize daily.

What I Like About Aveeno Nourish + Condition Leave-In

• It’s thin enough to use in the convenient spray form but not so watery that it feels ineffective
• Moisturizing but not heavy or greasy
• The nozzle sprays very wide allowing for even distribution without overuse of product
• Serves as a heat protectant so I don’t have to use a different leave-in when I straighten
• Smells great
• Works for many textures
• Won’t break your wallet at about $7 for a 5.2oz bottle

What I Don’t Like About Aveeno Nourish + Condition Leave-In

• Hmmmmm…you should be able to purchase it by the gallon

As you can see, I really like this product. If you are looking for a leave-in that you can use daily to refresh your hair, that is dual purpose for many hairstyles and types, moisturizing and replenishing, and plays well with other products…this one may be for you!!

Peace,

SPC

 

Target Clearance Swag!

 

Target has some pretty great beauty items in their clearance section right now. I just couldn’t help myself! I’m a sucker for Target’s illustrious clearance section. Right now you can find products from Sonia Kashuk, Milani, Rimmel, Shea Moisture, e.l.f, Aveeno, Covergirl (including the Queen Collection), Pixi, and more for up to 50% off!

Beauty product junkies…RUN don’t walk =)

Peace,

SPC

Queen Helene Royal Curl Review!

You may be familiar with the Queen Helene product line if you’ve ever slathered your hair in Cholesterol for a strengthening protein treatment, rid your kneecaps and elbows of ash with the Cocoa Butter lotion, or gave yourself a DIY facial with the line of masks and scrubs (love the Mint Julep masque for unexpected blemishes and the Apricot scrub for reviving dull skin!) Queen Helene has been around for ages and is definitely a household name. So imagine my delight when I noticed that the line has expanded to join the “natural hair frenzy” with its new Royal Curl products.

I picked up two products that just happened to be on sale for $6.99 each at Target that week.

The Royal Curl Moisture Rich Conditioner claims “to powerfully remove frizz, define curls and smooth waves” with “the nutrient packed super-food that feeds the Queen Bee in her hive. Packed with 17 amino acids plus vitamins A, B, C, D, and K, the Royal Jelly in Moisture Rich Conditioner works with Jojoba Seed Oil and Green Tea antioxidants to deliver luxurious shine and ultimate softness while defending hair from heat and humidity.” Royal Jelly, which is a honey bee secretion that is used in the nutrition of larvae and adult queens, seems to be the star of the Royal Curl line.

And the product claims all natural status with no alcohol, sulfates, petrolatum, parabens, or phthalates but does actually have cetearyl alcohol (which is known as a “fatty” alcohol that helps condition the hair) and Behentrimonium Methosulfate which is an extremely mild detangling agent made from rapeseed (no not grapeseed) oil and not actually a sulfate.

The conditioner appeared to be everything I look for in a conditioner. It was extremely thick and creamy and smelled wonderful . I washed my hair like usual in the shower, applying the conditioner after, and detangling with a large toothed shower comb (with conditioner still in). Immediately, I noticed that the Moisture Rich Conditioner did not have the “slip” that I’m used to with my beloved favorite conditioners like Herbal Essences Long-Term Relationship and Hello Hydration or Neutrogena Triple Moisture. For me, the slip is soooo important because it prevents my delicate strands from breaking off during the detangling process. Also, Moisture Rich didn’t seem to impart much moisture =(  And my curl definition was just…regular. So this product was a no go for me. Maybe it would work better as a leave-in or for co-washes.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT ROYAL CURL MOISTURE RICH CONDITIONER:

• Smells great with great consistency
• The price is definitely right at about $7.99 for a 12 oz. bottle
• Although I didn’t love it for it’s actual purpose, it could work for someone who doesn’t need copious amounts of moisture or a detangling aid. Or for leave-in or co-washes
• Does not contain harmful additives

WHAT I DON’T LIKE ABOUT ROYAL CURL MOISTURE RICH CONDITIONER:

• Almost non-existent slip to aid in detangling and curl definition
• My hair didn’t feel much softer, smoother, or moisturized

Next up…

The Royal Curl Curl Shaping Créme claims to “transform kinks to defined curls and soft waves” (still not sure how I feel about this…I think kinks are beautiful too…but I digress) and “to naturally tame frizz, define curls and smooth waves with silky hold. Pure Aloe Vera Gel and Agave Nectar quench your hair’s thirst without the grease, while powerful Green Tea antioxidants and intense moisturizers defend against damaging heat and humidity.” Again with no alcohol, sulfates, petrolatum, parabens, or phthalates.

The consistency is like that of jelly. It’s pretty similar to the Shea Moisture Curl Soufflé from my review here but WITHOUT the icky silicone feeling. I had high hopes for this one! I applied on soaking wet hair and finger combed through hair that was detangled in the shower. I must say my curls were pleased. The Shaping Créme didn’t feel sticky or icky and didn’t dry to a super crunchy finish. HOWEVER…this product had one major flaw. It left a white flaky residue on my hair!! This is something that I hate hate HATE in a leave-in/curl cream. Generally, products like this look beautiful on wet or damp hair and then you go about your business thinking your hair looks fly and all of a sudden you catch a glimpse of what looks like a mound of dandruff perched atop your head. Just tacky. I tried using less product and still the same result. So disappointing. Ah well…

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT ROYAL CURL Curl Shaping Créme:

• Smells wonderful and promising consistency
• Again a great price at about $7.99 for a 15oz. jar
• Does make my curls POP and doesn’t dry overly crunchy
• Great ingredients and all natural: No alcohol, sulfates, petrolatum, parabens, or phthalates

WHAT I DON’T LIKE ABOUT ROYAL CURL Curl Shaping Créme:

• Terrible terrible terrible white flakiness when dry =(

Overall, the Queen Helene Royal Curl line is promising and may be great for someone else but didn’t quite work out for me. I do appreciate that the line is free of harmful additives and the price is right.  I’ll probably try the Moisture Rich conditioner in my leave-in mixtures and as a co-wash from time to time. And I still want to try the Smoothing Oil from the Royal Curl line which claims to “add Moisture and Shine, Strengthens to Prevent Future Breakage”. Hmm, could be the treasure I was seeking.

Until next time my pretties,

SPC

 

 

I’m Back!!! With visions for self-improvement in 2012 and favorite things I’m bringing with me!

Happy MLK Day everybody! Oh yeah and Happppy New Year!! Wait…Merry Christmas and Happy Thanksgiving too. Yeah…that’s how long it’s been. Blame life. (work, kids, stuff, and pinterest) I must apologize to my people out there who took the time to follow my lil ol blog. I promise to do better in 2012… I promise!

2012!!!

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited about this year and it’s been pretty interesting so far. I’m looking forward to new beginnings, renewed purpose, and turning 30!!! Something about turning 30 makes you zoom in to  your own individuality and what’s most important and necessary involving relationships and family, career goals and paths, and even how you look. And since this is a blog focused on personal style, I’m sharing the deets on my new outlook on fashion, hair health, and beauty as well as some new allies that will be joining my arsenal in 2012. My mantra for 2012: Focus on outwardly reflecting the optimism that I’m feeling on the inside.

Let’s get right into it…

 [ Not only am I working on the most obvious resolution, getting my body in shape, but I’m also beginning to realize the importance of creating a more positive mental image of the body I’m working with right now. And that positive body image needs to reflect in my wardrobe…Instead of feeling that “my body makes certain clothes look bad”, I’m choosing to focus on certain clothes that make my body look BADDDD (bad meaning good not bad meaning bad).

FAVORITE WARDROBE ADDITION

THAT WILL ROCK IN 2012!

This black sweater knit cotton skirt from the Sophia Vergara line at KMart is everything to me and probably my favorite clothing purchase of 2011! And from Kmart of all places! Not that I’m a snob about where I buy my clothes…I’m just more of a Targét girl

Sophia Vergara for KMart

The details make all the difference between this skirt and a regular ol mini. The ruching is very flattering on my curves and forgiving of any lumps and bumps. It can be worn high on the waist (which is how I prefer it because it adds length to my short legs, balancing out my longer torso) or stretched and worn low on the hips to create a near knee length pencil skirt look. It can be dressed down or up, worn with boots, pumps, or flats, and layered over tights or under blazers, tunics, or sweaters. I love to pair this with a billowy flowing top to balance wide hips and hide not so shapely arms. Absolutely perfect addition to the collection! And the price was oh so right. Can you say clearance for $12?!

Here’s me rocking the skirt on NYE…

This skirt seems to be in limited availability and is clearancing out but for some alternatives check out…

Free People black ruched mesh mini      Rachel Pally Cinched Front Mini          Asos Club L Ruched Skirt
Sale $47.19                                                  $165                                                    Sale $35.81

Honorable Mention: Platform Pumps!!! I’m sooo not a “heels girl”…as a matter of fact I’m not really a big “shoe girl” (I know I should be stoned). But I realize the magic that they can create for an outfit, my posture, and height. Platform pumps can perform miracles with the illusion of extra heel height supported by the platform. Finding the right ones can still require a lot of searching but these babies have definitely come through for me in the clutch and will be rocked in 2012!

 [ Next and just as important…I’m focusing on giving my hair the attention it craves. Not too long before the new year I did some major chopping starting about here…

To This…

 

About a good five inches. Not tooooo drastic.  But I hate when I have to chop my hair due to negligence. Yes negligence. Stemming from detangling too infrequently, too many wash n go’s, and not protecting at night. I have recently realized just how fine in texture my hair is. This means that my strands are relatively weak and delicate and MUST be pampered in order to prevent breakage.

FAVORITE HAIR PRODUCT THAT WILL ROCK IN 2012…

Kinky Curly Knot Today!!!! I know, I know…I’m late to this party. It has been a fave amongst natural/kinky/curly ladies since it’s creation years ago. But I love to resist the norm… *shrug*, especially at a borderline high price tag ($12 at Target). For those of you who are like me, let me tell you…this stuff is the BEES KNEES!!! Meaning awesome and definitely worth the cost. Used as a detangler, it simply melts knots and tangles. It’s a dream on my hair as well as my two daughters. And we all have different textures. Life is so much easier since torturing hair combing sessions have been reduced by at least half the time. Used as a leave-in, it defines and shines my curls and leaves them moisturized but not greasy at all. I will definitely be using this to keep my hair detangled more frequently which will reduce unnecessary shedding and breakage. KEEPER!!

Honorable Mention: OLD SCHOOL HAIR GREASE. Yes, petroleum…mineral oil…parabens and all. Old school grease (think Blue Magic, Magic GRO, Indian Hemp) has made a comeback. Surprise Surprise…women are fickle. Warning! While some use this a sealant over oils, I only use it for braid and twist-outs (nothing I’ve seen creates shinier deeper sets). I also wouldn’t recommend putting this on your scalp because of the pore-clogging tendencies of some of the ingredients. Finally, a nice clarifying wash should follow to prevent dullness, dryness over time, and hair that is attractive to lint.

Click on for more…