Adventures in Bentonite Clay!!

I have blogged a couple of times about the importance of clarifying your hair, natural or relaxed. Clarifying is super important for maintaining a healthy scalp and stripping the hair of excess product residue that can cause your hair to look dull and feel stiff. Sometimes I forget this very important step in my haircare routine for a couple of months and I end up wondering why my hair looks soooo blah.

Usually I use cheapo Suave clarifying shampoo and sometimes a few drops of Dr. Bronners Tea Tree Castille Soap followed by a moisturizing shampoo. However, regular clarifying shampoos can end up being extremely harsh on the hair, even when moisturizing products are applied afterwards. Natural clarifyers such as bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda are a gentler option. And being the willing guinea pig that I am, I have embarked on an exploration starting with bentonite clay for your viewing pleasure :-)

Hair Inspiration for When I'm Feeling Blah

Everybody has those hair ruts. Whether you are relaxed, natural, transitioning, straight, kinky, curly or otherwise, sometimes you just look in the mirror and wish that you could blink and change the look you usually love so much. Recently with the added growth of my hair, I've been in a blah stage. My old hairstyles don't work quite the same and it's forcing me to be creative. Ugh! I have wanted to pick up the scissors on many occasions but I just stick it out and look for inspiration. 


The celebrities below help me do just that!  They have lengths, textures, patterns, and thickness similar to my own. The heads of hair on these chicks give me a renewed sense of love for my own. Hopefully, they can inspire you through your shaky days too! 


ESPERANZA SPAULDING, singer and jazz bassist  

YAYA DACOSTA, model, actress, and America's Next Top Model Alum

 BRE SCULLARK, model and America's Next Top Model Alum

 

Tangle Teezer Review!

I have waited more than 2 months to review the Tangle Teezer as I am somewhat quick to support a product which I have initially fallen in love with in only one use (i.e. Denman brushes, Jilbere comb). At this point, I can definitely say I like this item. There are a few things that I hope the distributors of the Tangle Teezer improve upon. But overall, I'm happy with my purchase. 

 Like with many new items that enter the market, I'm a little slow to jump on the bandwagon. This was especially true with the Tangle Teezer. I had just paid a nice little penny to purchase my Denman paddle brush online and I had become very fond of it (see my review on the Denman here). Furthermore, I wondered how a 47 year-old British man could know anything about detangling my kinks. 

But the whispers about how great this "miracle brush" was became roars online. I was intrigued, but still remained faithful to the Denman, which I actually still love. After my good friend and hair buddy tried it and loved it, I figured what the hay...there's nothing wrong with having more than one awesome tool in your arsenal...*product junkies nod in agreement*

My New Toy...MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme - Goes and Goes

I don't do hauls on expensive makeup. And for some, MAC may not be expensive. For me, it is. That's my truth and I'm standing in it (thanks Suze Orman lol). When it comes to department store and higher end makeup, I like to build my collection piece  by piece by allowing myself little splurges here and there. And it has to be something special. I have my MAC favorites that I will always repurchase like their Lipglass in Lust and Lip Pencil in Chestnut and Cremesheen lipstick in Creme d'Nude. 


Then there are little treasures like this...

 MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Goes and Goes

 And now an impromptu photo shoot with 

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Goes and Goes 

LOL at myself

Adventures in Head Wrapping!! "Rosie the Riveter"

I love a beautiful head wrap! It's so regal and elegant when done right. It's especially beautiful with a vibrant, rich fabric. Unfortunately, If I'm rocking a head wrap it's more "round the house" than regal. I haven't quite explored the art of wrapping with a purpose when I'm stepping out. Unless it's the bun look, which quite frankly I'm sick of. 

The fabulous June Ambrose steps out with a purpose in her head wrap. Gorgeous!!

I have all sorts of beautiful scraps of fabric laying around and with youtube at my disposal, there's no reason why I can't learn!! 


The first look I'm trying is the "Rosie the Riveter" look which is more American pin-up than African queen. But it's fierce no-less and the fabric that I used definitely gives this look an ethnic edge.