Make Your Nails Glow with Silver Jewels

Wind of Lagoon (Sinful Colours) topped with Silver Jewel (Jordana)

Let me just start by saying that Silver Jewel by Jordana was an annoying itch to get off. In removing this nail look, all of the Wind of Lagoon (Sinful Colours) came of long before the glittery Silver Jewel. With that said, I absolutely LOVE/hate the glitter. Here is why:

• Silver Jewel really gives a jewel feel. If even reflects! No kidding, I had my fingers on a table and the "jewels" were truly reflecting. I though that was really cool. 
• On the down side, I didn't like that I have to be so careful in order to evenly distribute the polish but whatever. It's worth the trouble. You will have to do several coats to get more of the jewels on the nail.
• I love that the base of the glitter is clear so it can be worn over many colours without altering the case colour. 
• I love that while moving your hand, it almost looks like you're wearing diamonds on your nail. lol. This is fun but...
• I don't like that when the nail is stationary, you see these scattered chunks of glitter. 

I don't know if I love it or hate it. What do you think? Check out the image below to see the look while my hand is in motion.

Wind of Lagoon (Sinful Colours) topped with Silver Jewel (Jordana) in motion

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Kimba Keeps it Kinky

Who: Kimba
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana.

KiK:  How long have you been natural/locked?
Kimba:  I’ve been natural a little over two years now. I was previously natural over 9 years ago, but because of some pressures from family and friends, fell back into relaxed hair until a little over two years ago today.

KiK:  I'm glad you're back to what you love. Tell us what you love most about your kinky hair.
Kimba:  I love the diversity of having kinky hair.  One day I can wear a twist out, one day I can leave it in twists, I can make funky updos or fro it out.  The opportunities of being unique and diversified quantified for me when decided to live the natural lifestyle.


KiK:   Share your favourite hairstyle?
Kimba:  My favorite hairstyle is the typical afro…big and tall.  LOL.  I also love wearing my hair in funky updos.

KiK:   I love that! These afros can be tricky to maintain healthily though. What is your hair regimen?
Kimba:  Basically, on the weekends (Saturday), I wash and deep condition.  I usually twist out my hair or blow it out (depending on the occasion).  During the week, I choose a protective style unless (on some days) I feel like wearing it down.  Since I exercise a lot, I tend to co-wash at least twice a week.  When I co-wash, I make sure that I detangle and seal my ends.

KiK:  What is your favourite hair product and why?
Kimba:  I have two favorite products - Isabis’ Naturals Healthy Hair Puddin’ and Jane Carter solution’s Nourish and Shine.  They are both great sealants and they both smell delicious.  They both are all natural and the Nourish and Shine adds an awesome sheen to my hair…it also gives a little hold, which I love.  I love Hair Puddin’ because it also smoothes my hair cuticle, giving my hair this awesome bounce and shine.


KiK:  OK. So what is your favourite hair site?
Kimba:  Of course, Keep It Kinky!  I also love precious-curls.com, BGLH & naturallycurly.com

KiK:  Hehehe. Thanks girl. Where online can we keep up with your journey?
Kimba:  My blog is at www.fleurdecurl.com

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Why Staying Stylish Means Healing Faster – Part 2

( Clicl here for Part 1)

by Jackie Clark

Let's talk about an example to give you a clearer idea. If you have received a mesothelioma cancer prognosis, you surely already have a calendar full of mesothelioma cancer doctors to help you tackle the disease. If you have already undergone mesothelioma cancer treatment, you are well aware of how difficult it is to maintain a positive self-image.

Remember, though, that Maslow's famous theory ranks taking pride in yourself high as one of the most important things you can work on. When a woman is feeling confident, the sky is the limit. Reevaluating her wardrobe so it best brings out her inner beauty, and letting that confidence shine, can radicalize how you feel about your cancer diagnosis.

You might think that putting on your makeup or buying new clothes for yourself has no merit since you are sick. This is a common feeling; being diagnosed with cancer is usually an all-consuming thing in your mind, heart and everyday life. Realize, though, that taking pride in what you see when you look in the mirror is one of the best things you can do for yourself at anytime and even more so when you are suffering a sickness.

Check out the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance blog for more information on wellness.

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REVIEW & SWATCH | Summer Power Nails

This summer is all about brights and neons. I didn't realize how many bright colours I had until I revisited my nail polish collection this past weekend. Here is the look I came up with. It's a combinations of Electric Pineapple (yellow) by China Glaze and Pink Power (bright pink with orange undertone) by Jordana. Keep reading for the review.

Summer Nails 2012  Trends: 

Electric Pineapple by China Glaze

The colour is opaque but a little too thick for my liking. As a result, I always have to very carefully do two to three coats to get even-looking coverage. Outside of that, it is long-lasting and definitely bold. It doesn't wear much when the proper topcoat is used. 

Pink Power by Jordana 

This colour takes three coats as shown in the image and is still not 100% opaque. Nevertheless, it is strikingly beautiful. Unfortunately, too, I have to do either a thick layer of topcoat or two thin layers are this one rubs off on paper, walls and whatever surface it can. After topcoat is added, it does pretty well. I'll try to give the 5-day update on Facebook so that you can see how well it wears. 

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School Rejects Child and Says No to Braids

Seriously? This just annoyed me. This girl looks so adorable but her school doesn't allow hair braids of any kind?!?

Ignoring their ignorance (since her hair was not in a braid),  this just sounds like racism and... well, complete NONSENSE. It hurts me to say this since I rarely pull the racist card. Really thought, I didn't realise that there are schools that still don't allow braids - of any kind.  Ugh! When will we start to teach our children about the things that are really important in life. She's such a cutie pie. I hope this doesn't crush her sense of creativity and self-expression.

What do you think about this? 

Rope or Sister Twists for Perfectly Defined Twist-outs

Now that I am locking my hair, I fondly remember my quest for the perfect defined twist-out. I knew just how to get it - what products to use and what type of twists to do. Now, I am sharing my secrets with you.

Perfect Super-Defined Twist-out

Here is how I do my rope twists for a super-defined, long-lasting twist-out.

General Suggestions

• If you do this on dry hair, you need to let it remain for at least a week to get as much definition as possible and for the twists to set.
• For best results, do this on detangled damp or wet hair. Let your hair fully dry or it could end up  not so defined, like this... 

Product Suggestions

• Jane Carter Nourish and Shine. This is suggested especially if done on dry hair as it really has fantastic hold.
• Lottabody setting lotion on damp hair gives great hold but no moisture so you must add your oils or moisturizer. It is very affordable.
• Regular shea butter and coconut oil combination or old school grease can be used on damp hair as well. This may need to stay in for a couple of days though in order for your twist-out to last. 

Size Suggestions

Micro Twist-out

• Micro Twists can be done with micro twists but is extremely difficult to detangle. I don't really suggest this. But it did give me a great twist-out back in the day as you can see to above.  
• You can also do larger twists but the twist-out won't last very long. I suggest smaller medium twists. the twist-out below lasts about 2-3 days and maybe 5 if you don't  mind it not being very defined.

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FAB or FAIL? | Solange's Hair

When natural hair is so often considered unkempt, is Solange representing with her natural hair. Leave a comment below! Is her hair and overall look FAB or FAIL?

SWATCH & REVIEW: Milani Cosmetics Lipstick in Santa Fe Sunset

I thought this work appropriate lipstick would be like all the other Milani lip colours I've swatched on this blog ... but it's not. Below is what Santa Fe Sunset by Milani looked like on my  way to work listening and laughing to FAME fm.

Milani Cosmetics Lipstick in Santa Fe Sunset in indirect sunlight

Looks fine, right? Well, unfortunately, it doesn't look as great close-up. It moves around way too much and isn't evenly distributed on the lip. Now, although the lipstick isn't drying, it can't be worn without a balm underneath. But even with the smallest amount of lip balm, it still moves around way too much, causing me to not love the beautiful flecks on copper that this lipstick boasts.

Milani Cosmetics Lipstick in Santa Fe Sunset in direct sunlight

Well, I'm going to keep wearing it but maybe over a brown colour I have called  Taupe Envy to give the taupe some life.

Milani Cosmetics Lipstick in Santa Fe Sunset indoors

REVIEW | Jamaican Mango & Lime No More Itch Gro Spray

Jamaican Mango & Lime No More Itch Gro Spray for twists and locs won't make your hair grow faster but it will definitely deliver on most of its claims:

• Prevents itchy & Dry Scalp
• Longer Locs Faster
• Non-Greasy Formula
• Moisturizes

Directions
Spray entire head. Lift locks and spray scalp and massage. Repeat twice daily. 
This product really does not need to be used twice a day. Once in the morning is just fine to me. 


Bonus!

• One thing that I really love about this is that it actually gives hold. Now, this is not the intent of the product but I have found that it makes my braid-outs and curls more defined. 
• It smells GREAT. 
• Can be used on wet or dry hair. 

Ingredients

Pure Distilled Water, Propylene Glycol, Shea Butter, Ginkgo Nut Oil, Essence of Limes and Mangos, Tropical Herbal Extract, Glycerin, Vitamin E, Polyquaternium 10, Beeswax, Carrot Oil, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Passion Fruit Oil, Sea Grape Oil, Fragrance.

My Nappstar Inspired Natural Hairdo

Hey curlies! It's been a while since I've done a hairstyle post. I was chatting with Nicole Webster on Skype last night when she started her nightly twist-out prep routine. I looked in the mirror and decided that I wanna be cute for this Friday too.  LOL. Here was the result.

I prepped my hair with flat twists and curled the top with perm rods. I got a really nice hold despite only using water to dampen my hair before setting it on the rods.

I curled the back ones forwrd and everything else back.

Here was my inspiration. I think I came kinda close. LOL.

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How to Transition from Locs to Loose Natural Hair

In Summer 1995, my nice blunt cut with the shaved back had me looking like I was growing out a mullet by Winter 1996? Like many other hairstyles and haircuts, it can be really difficult to transition from locs to loose or even longer loose hair. Still, It can be done and done very successfully. Here are my top 3 methods for transitioning from locs to loose natural hair.

Method #1
Cut your locs off. It's the easiest and most simple way. You will have the chore of growing out your hair if you don't plan to keep it short but this grow-out period can be a time to really get to know your hair again and enjoy it at each stage of length.

Method #2
Detangling. Locs are essentially organized tangled hair. If you maintain your locs by re-twisting/palm-rolling, this process can be fairly easy but is much more difficult when hair has been maintained by interlocking the root. Always detangle from tip to root with a sharp object like a paper clip or envelope opener - whatever works for you.

This method is very time-consuming and requires a lot of commitment. Watch the video above for tips on detangling locks.

Method #3
Grow Your Hair Out. Yes, you can just stop retightening and grow your hair out. Finger-detangle your roots after each wash to help to keep them separated. Plait, twist or flat-twist your locs, to camouflage your new growth. This can be done successful for a very long time but it gets more difficult to camouflage as your hair gets longer. Nevertheless, I have seen nice ponytails of afro hair done neatly and you can manage to do this and keep a professional appearance. Watch the video above for more tips and suggestions.

How would you transition from locs to loose hair? Leave a comment below and don't forget to subscribe.

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Pipe Cleaner Curls on Kinky Twist Extensions

This fabulous style by Twists and Curves features  kinky twists extensions style that was curled on pipe cleaners. Check out the video to see how pipe cleaners can be used to curl your hair.

Model's Hair with Pipe cleaners – Source

To get long-lasting curls on your braids extensions, dip your hair into a cup of steaming hot water for 7-10 seconds. Squeeze water from lock and let cool before removing the pipe cleaner. This will help the curl to set more securely and evenly. 

Model in an updo on pipecleaner curled braids extensions – Source

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SWATCH | Milani Lipstick in the Colour South Beach

Wearing my work appropriate lipstick in South Beach by Milani

South Beach by Milani 

South Beach by Milani Lipstick

SWATCHES | KleanColor, Jordana and ColorClub Nail Polishes

Neon and brights are totally on trend for Summer 2012. The good thing is that you might be able to dive into your own collection to find something that fits the trend. I found this old bottle of Neon Aqua by KleanColor.

Neon Aqua Nail Polish by KleanColor is totally on Trend for Summer 2012

Colours Used
KleanColor: Neon Aqua (blue)
Jordana: White
ColorClub Fractured Nail Polish:  Smash Hit (Black)

Should You Trim/De-fuzz Your Locs?

Most of us don't like to be told what to do. We like to have control over our own life and that is why I will not tell you explicitly what to do with your hair. What I will do in this post, is tell you the advantages and disadvantages of trimming your locs and follow up with a video that shows my personal opinion.

Trimming locs is the process of cutting away stray hair/fuzz from the entire loc from root to tip to create a neater, frizz-free lock.

Advantages

1. Your locs look neater.
2. You spend less time managing frizz and therefore reduce the time spent on maintenance of your locs. 
3. It is the easiest way of reducing frizz and hair that has loosened from the length of the lock. 

Disadvantages

1. Your locs may become a lot thinner than they would have been without trimming. There are other ways to manage frizz and loose hairs when you have locs.  
2. Trimming weakens the loc. The network of hair is damaged and not as carefully connected so you may end up with locs that break off (especially if you dye your hair).
3. If you ever decide to detangle/pick out your locs, you will end up with a lot of broken/cut strands.

Swatch & Review: Milani Cosmetics Lipstick in (15) Royal Ruby

Milani Lipstick in Royal Ruby

I thought it was pure red but, to me, it's a really strong, saturated pink. lol. I could just be colour blind. In any case, I'll be wearing this all summer. It's close enough to the current neon and brights trend without being dated.  I noted several things about this colour:

1. It bleeds. You absolutely have to use a lipliner.
2. It doesn't hold up very well over lip balm and it doesn't fade well either. You just have to reove and reapply.
3. It is pretty moisturizing. I give it a 4/5. 
4. I got about 4 good hours out of this colour. 
5. Royal Ruby must be reapplied after eating. 
6. Ignoring my freckled lips, for the average person, it is very opaque.
7. It is unique. There aren't many out there like it. 

Overall Rating - 4/5


My lips without lipstick can be seen below.

Super-quick Lock Hairstyle

These are two super-quick lock hairstyles that I do when either my braid-out or twist-out is failing or I Just want a little twist on having my hair all out. Here is what I came up with.

Short Locs Hairstyle: A Semi-Professional Mohawk

Short Locs Hairstyle

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