Hair Hazards!! The Risks Involved with Hair Straightening Techniques

I'm stuck at home with the kids today. Who told teachers and daycare providers that they could have breaks?? I kid I kid!! (Shouts out to my beautiful teacher-friends!) Anyhooo, I was able to catch the homey Dr. Oz today. I loooooove me some Dr. Oz. Oh yes I do. Not only is he a gorgeous old Turkish stud (I'm weird, I know it) but this cardiovascular surgeon and media sensation (offspring of the Oprah family of experts) is also extremely knowledgeable on many health topics. He offers so much insight into health in such a hands-on, graspable way, giving the average Joe the knowledge to take an easy step in the right direction.

The amazing Dr. Mehmet Oz
Photo: www.examiner.com

Every time I happen to catch his show I find his topics to be super informative and relatable. I was not surprised when I flipped right in time to see the topic "The Dangers of Hair Straightening". Along with Cheryl Kramer Kaye, Beauty Director at Redbook Magazine, Dr. Oz examined the harmful ingredients and risks associated with three of the biggest mainstream techniques in hair straightening. Discussed were the controversial "Brazilian Blowout", flat ironing, and of course our dear creamy crack, relaxers.

Curlformers Part II !!!

My most anticipated item of the year arrived in my mailbox a couple of weeks ago, the super innovative Curlformers!!! ($11.99 - $12.99  quantity varies between 6-8 per pack, depending on width & length, available at Sally Beauty Supply)

I purchased 4 packs of the Extra Long & Wide and 2 packs of the Long & Wide

I seriously could not wait to rip open these babies and try them out. I was pretty confident that I could figure them out easily. But as I began the process, I found that they were a little trickier than they seemed.

Winterizing!! Beauty Essentials

So obviously the hawk is upon us with a vengeance here in Chicago. I've been living here all of my life but still I'm never quite ready! But I'm learning...

One of the things that I've struggled with during the last three years being a natural haired vixen is maintaining a healthy, thriving, quenched mane during the brutal winters here. I admit, protective styling is not my thing. I try, I keep it up for a while, then all of a sudden I'm back to hitting the pillow with my hair in all its unkempt glory.  Most days, I wake up to a dry and matted mess...and this is in the summer! Imagine my unruly hair battling against my lack of nightly maintenance AND the elements outside! Fortunately, my hair springs back to life as soon as the steam from my shower hits it. I'm a wash and go type of gal and my hair craves water!! But that's not enough and attempting to go outside in this weather with even a slightly damp head could leave me in a whole heap of sickness!! Soooo... I'll need something that will keep my hair moist ALL day and keep me from waking up in the morning with a thirsty brillo pad on top of my head. Coconut, grape-seed, castor, and olive oil are usually my best friends. But when the weather is cooler, I need more.

I've heard so much about Qhemet Biologics amongst the natural hair community. However, when it comes to spending a nice piece of change on a much hyped product, I'm a little hesitant. I've learned my lesson many times with these products (Miss Jessie's, Carols Daughter, etc). Most times, you can find something thats just as good or way better than those high end products marketed to natural ladies. You can even make a comparable or better quality product yourself!! Well, I decided to take the leap and try the Amla & Olive Heavy Cream only because I could hardly find one negative review and I knew I was in need of something great to conquer this feisty winter approaching.

I just said 10 minutes ago that I was done spending money on these tempting deals floating about the internet over the last several days and now "Cyber Monday" floods my inbox with a million new temptations. Ugh! My wallet cries....

But anyhoo!!! I'm starting to wonder if ALL of my posts are going to have something to do with my favorite cheapie makeup brand, NYX. Maybe I should just make my blog an ode to this company lol. They are being featured on HauteLook today. I thought I could resist. However, this selection is wayyyyy better than the last one that they offered on this great "deal of the day" site.

I've got my eye on the blush trio which includes the Mosaic Blush in Rosy, the Rouge Cream Blush in Glow, and the Powder Blush in Desert Rose. Gee, what's a girl to do??? Maybe I can resist???

CLICK THIS LINK TO JOIN HAUTELOOK AND CATCH THIS SALE!!

Curlformers!!! Part 1

Curlformers are becoming super popular with women of all textures, relaxed and natural. I've heard so many great things about these contraptions online including these youtube reviews HERE , and HERE, and HERE and many many more. They are seemingly simple to use, require no heat, and dry quickly resulting in perfect bouncy curls. They have about 6 different sizes including short & narrow, short & wide, long & wide, etc. The only downfall is that they are pretty darn expensive. A pack of 6 long & wide curlformers cost $11.99! And this doesn't include the Curlformers hook ($4) which works as a tool in unison with the curlformer. They do have a Salon Kit ($59.99, including the Curlformers hook) which may save you some dollars if you can use the Long & Wide (40 pieces) and Short & Wide (6).

Given the price, I totally ignored this product at first. Until one of  my girls brought them back to my attention. My curiosity was once again piqued. Again I was hesitant. Especially considering that the Salon Kit would do me no good and I would have to purchase the packages separately to suit my needs. Lo and behold the after Thanksgiving sale arrived at Sally Beauty Supply. I could no longer resist (and Sally's has a very lenient return policy. If I try it and don't like it, I can bring it straight back to the store).

With 25% off and free shipping, I purchased 4 packs of the Extra Long & Wide and 2 packs of the Long & Wide along with a Curlformers hook. I am soooooo excited to try these babies!! I love my usual carefree look but change is good and I'm in need of one.

I'll be sure to post a Part 2 of this post detailing the setting process and of course my results!!!

If you wanna catch this sale at Sally Beauty Supply, use promo code: 555156
Expires 11/29/10 so hurry!!