Weekend Recap…

Hey there! Hope you had a lovely weekend. Mine was pretty chill having another rare Saturday off. I kicked it off splurging at Walgreen’s because of the BOGO sale on natural hair products. I’ve been wearing more protective styles and been slacking styling my natural hair. I picked up some old favs and some newbies to test out. Right now I’m playing in Camille Rose’s line to see how it performs for a twist-out. I’ll share my results later this week.

I love a good deal. I find balance in being frugal but, I also enjoy luxury a whole lot! I get bi-weekly manicures from one of the best nail techs in Chicago. She goes by Spifster Sutton and the mini pieces of art she designs on my nails are astonishing to say the least. She never ceases to amazing me and I never make any color or design requests, I just let her do her thing. She also takes amazing care of my natural nails underneath the acrylic and one of the rare techs that actually uses real liquid gel and not the fake powder versions traditional nail shops use.

I spent Sunday, my favorite day to relax and practice as many forms of self-care as possible. Majority of the day 227 reruns played in the background while I focused on writing out my priorities and goals for the week in my planner. I caught the beginning of the Oscars which was a pleasant surprise to see so many Black people win for their first time and even some first of all times for any African American. It’s crazy I was watching Regina King as a teen on 227 then to see her win an Oscar live. Synchronicities and seeing things play out full circle blows my mind sometimes.

Since I didn’t prep any meals for today. I took a break from cooking and ordered Thai takeout. It’s a super, safe and a tasty choice for my vegan keto lifestyle. I ordered the garlic veggie entree which was so flavorful and had a nice variety of vegetables. The restaurant is right in my neighborhood so it was a relief to not have to travel far and keep the relaxing vibe of my Sunday going.

Of course, my day of self-care isn’t complete without sheet mask. This is my first time coming across one from Trader Joe’s. I don’t know what gods work for this company and read my mind but, they always carry everything I want and more!

Fill me in or your weekend. I’m sure it may have been more eventful than mine. Let me know how you practiced self-care too! I really wish everyone took a day to themselves to relax but, more so do things that promote wellness of the mind, body and soul.

A Dozen Rose Infused Products for Self-Care

Happy Valentine’s Day loves!!! I am a huge advocate of self love, especially on days like today when people often expect things that are outside of themselves. I like to indulge in self-care daily but on special occasions, I go all out. I’m currently obsessed with the scent of roses and have been buying anything I see that mentions it. I have yet to be disappointed by the intoxicating aroma.

Here is a list of 12 products infused with roses just in time for this day of love:

1.  Rose Water Facial Toner:  I used to use another popular brand but I came across this grocery shopping a few weeks ago and I almost lost it in excitement! The ingredients are way better than my previous rose spray. I use this not only as a toner but to set my makeup. I also mist my face when traveling and throughout the day for a boost of moisture. $4 (Trader Joe’s)
2.  Rose Facial Oil: I’m late to having a skincare regimen but love a good face oil after exfoliating at night. My results are usually glowing skin when I wake up. I can’t wait to test this out! $4 (Trader Joe’s)
3.  Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Sheet Mask: I’m also obsessed with sheet masks. When I saw this I jumped for joy in Target (when has that store ever failed lol)! I have sensitive skin but this is gentle and very hydrating. $5 (Target)
4.  Kissed By A Bee Rose Scented Honey Dew Body Oil: You can add this luxurious oil to your bath or use it on your body after a shower. Your skin will be soft and moisturized all day. Add on the shimmer option for extra sparkle! $25 (Shop Here)
5.  Anita Grant Neroli Rose Dry Oil: This lightweight oil is multipurpose. It can be used on all hair and skin types. It can also be used after shaving, sunbathing, and even on your face. $26 (Shop Here)
6. Schmidt’s Rose Vanilla Deodorant: This brand is one of the first natural deodorants that actually works if you know what I mean. I love a few of their scents options but been hooked on this one for months now. It’s scent is so soft and feminine. $5-9 (Target & Whole Foods)
7.  Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk: I love a good daily hair moisturizer. This is infused with rose hips oil which is a fruit of the rose plant. I have to pick this up asap because winter has been brutal and I have to protect my hair from the frigid conditions.  $15 (drugstores or Here)
8. Herbivore Rose Quartz Facial Roller: I am a huge crystal lover and rose quartz is one of my favorites. I debated listing my yoni egg but I decided to keep with the theme. This not only massages the face but also metaphysically is connected to the heart chakra. If any crystal is best for self-love, rose quartz would be my first suggestion. $40 (Sephora)
9. Pure Rose Absolute Essential Oil: This oil is made from pure roses and extremely concentrated. I like to diffuse my essential oils or add them to my baths. You can really go crazy if you like to DIY skincare and body products. $85 (Ask Me)
10. Goddess Worship Oudh: Although this has magical properties and often used in rituals,  I love it as a fragrance. I get constant compliments when I wear it. This is very concentrated too and a few drops lasts all day. $50 (Shop Here)
11. McBride Sisters Collection Sparkling Brut Rosé: If you are underage disregard this one and yes I know it’s not a beauty product. I don’t know what can be more relaxing than enjoying a sheet mask with a glass of wine.  This has  gentle notes of rose petals and pairs well with strawberries and whip cream😉. $20 (Shop Here)
12. Fresh Rose Petals: If you have never added fresh flowers to your bath, what are you waiting for! This is the ultimate feeling of luxury and relaxation. Don’t forget the wine and face mask and I promise you will feel like royalty. (check your local big box or florist for prices)

I plan to use a few of these products today. Don’t exceed your budget though, no need to go broke in the name of self-care. I’m all for D.I.Y or $5 and below too! Let me know if you have a favorite or what you want to try!

P.S All the “shop here”  links are Black owned businesses by the way! Happy Black History Month!

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Chocolate Inspired Products for Your Hair

Here are some products I’ve come across that contain some version of chocolate. Now I just didn’t pick some random lines, these are all products I would and plan to try in my hair. Most are all natural, silicone and sulfate free.  Enjoy these yummy selections and the rest of your Valentine’s Day and remember LOVE IS IN THE HAIR! (I’m corny but hey I can’t help it I’m on a mission to spread my love for natural hair if you haven’t noticed yet!)

Well here is the lineup:

Carol’s Daughter Chocolat Smoothing Collection

Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Detangling Ghee

CURLS Whipped Cream

B.A.S.K. Cacao Bark Deep Conditioning Hair Treat

Darcy’s Botanicals Cocoa Bean Hair and Body Oil

Alba Botanica Real Repair Cocoa Butter Shampoo and Conditioner

Treat Your Hair to the Benefits of Chocolate!

Happy Valentine’s Day Curlies,

Hope you all are feeling the love in the air today. No reason to be sad you don’t have a Valentine. I am a huge advocate of spoiling myself around the holidays and especially my hair.  Why not try out a yummy deep treatment and sit back and relax with a cup of tea?

One thing I love about Valentine’s Day is chocolate. I love anything chocolate but haven’t seen many options for hair but then again smelling chocolate all day would make me crave it more. There are, however a ton of benefits to chocolate whether you are eating its or using it on your hair and body.

Check out this article on Naturally Curly by Stephanie Bird:

The cacao tree is as beautiful and intriguing as it is useful.  One of the top economic botanical plants, Theombroma cacaos pods yield cocoa butter, cocoa powder and that confection we desire most of all during February: chocolate.

Savoring the numerous health benefits of chocolate is a nourishing treat for skin and hair—adding shine, vibrancy and improving the general health of both. By using chocolate and cocoa butter products on your hair and skin, you get to enjoy the delightful chocolaty aroma and reap the benefits of antioxidants, vitamin and mineral, while skipping the fear and guilt of overindulging this February 14th…

Click here for full article.

Stay tuned I have found a few products with chocolate and cocoa!

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How will you be treating your hair this V-Day?

Chrisette Michele’s Big Chop

Today’s fab curl is Chrisette Michele! She worked this TWA (teeny, weeny afro). I love how she spiced it up with big lashes and a statement making, huge feather earring. Her makeup is flawless and very natural looking too. To achieve this style you can do a wash and go leaving a light spray leave-in conditioner and seal with an oil or hair pomade. I think a combo of one of Oyin Handmade’s juices and pomades would work great. That line smells sooooo yummy! You could also achieve this look doing a coil out with a soft hold styler or hair butter. I was surprised to have read that Chrisette colors her own hair. Deep conditioning is a must weekly if you decide to color because keeping those curls moisturized will prevent damage and promote healthy hair.

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Have you recently big chopped? Please share your experiences and what products you use.  Do you want to BC soon? Would you rock this look?

My Winter Regimen and Monthly Length Check

Since mastering how to manage my hair I have gotten way more organized. I try to create a regimen seasonally to cater to my hair’s needs and goals. I also try to keep things simple to ensure health and promote growth. Last year my hair grew from ear to neck length. This year my goal is to grow my hair to APL which is about 10 inches in the back when straightened, which is about shoulder length curly. Shrinkage is not a big deal to me.

Currently my hair’s length is 9 inches in back, 7.4 inches on the side, and 5 inches in back. December 2010 my hair was cut into a bob with the longest in front and shortest an upside down “U” shape in back. The front of my hair has always seemed to have grown fastest and compared to last months measurements (7.5, 6.5, 3.5) its seems that it really does. On average hair grows .5 inches a month so in order to retain length you have to protect the ends. They are the oldest which require the most moisture and gentle care.  Some say hair grows slower in winter and with age. Some also say hair grows faster in warm months. I have to research this more but I plan to track my hair monthly to see what the case is for me. My hair grew approximately 1.5 inches in the front and back and .9 of an inch on the side. I said approximately because I think I may have measured incorrectly last month.

My Winter Regimen

Before Straightening and Trim:

• Clarifying Shampoo
• Protein Treatment
• Moisturizing Deep Treatment

After Straightening:

• Heat Protecting Serum
• Penetrating and Heat Protecting Oils

2-4 Weeks after Straightening:

• Sulfate/Silcone-free Shampoo
• Protein Deep Condition

Curly Hair:

• Clarifying Shampoo monthly
• Deep Condition weekly (alternating between protein and moisturizing)
• Gentle Shampoo (sulfate free/silicone-free), Ayurvedic Mask, or ACV Rinse  weekly
• Cleansing/Detangling Conditioner 2-4 times a week
• Detangle w/ Shower Comb and Denman Brush followed by fine tooth comb
• Moisturizing Leave In
• Creamy or Buttery Styler
• Oil or Butter Sealant
• Essential Oil Scalp Massages as needed or as Pre-Shampoo

Styles:

• Pinned Up, Banana Clip, Ponytail, Occasionally Loose when straight
• Twistouts, French Braids, Protective Styles (wigs or  weaves), silky turban or hat (satin bonnet underneath) when curly

Sleeping:

• Satin Bonnet or Silk Scarf
• Satin Pillowcases

Other:

• monthly length checks
• pictures of length check after trim and return to curly
• occasional henna treatments
• trims every 12 weeks – 90 days

You can see what products I use in my previous post of my staples. What works for my hair and my hair type may not work for you. However you can use this as an outline to create your regimen and choose products appropriate for the needs of your hair. The most important thing is making sure your hair is moisturized and measures are taken to retain length if growth is your goal. When you focus on growth and obsessing over other people’s hair you tend to lose touch with reality and in my experience it usually ends up with a hair cut or overdue trim which could have been avoided. Love and learn the hair you have, the results will lead to happy and healthy hair!

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What is your winter regimen? What goals do you have for your hair this year?

Curl of the Day: Kelis and Her Big Chop

 

Since starting her career singer, Kelis has been known for her big hair. A few years ago she chopped it all off and has been rocking it like this ever since. Her sides were originally shaved so that’s why it has this tapered shape.  This is how my hair looked after my BC (well chemo chop), too bad I only wore it out once. This style is so easy to achieve. I would shampoo (before I knew about co-washing), condition, and leave in a conditioner or curl cream. This look is beautiful and I would like to encourage all my lovely big chopped curls to rock their hair. Don’t always cover it up, if I could do it all again I definitely would!

Curl of the Day: Jill Scott’s Fab Cornrows

Check this out curls…

Miss Jill Scott rocked this fab look at the premiere of “Why Did I Get Married Too”! Check out tips and products her stylist Felicia M. Leatherwood (total sweetheart) recommends over on Essence.

I like to apply a light leave in like Jane Carter’s Revitalizing Leave In Spray and follow braiding with an oil based hair butter to keep things smooth like Carol’s Daughter Loc Butter.  I’ve been eyeing B.A.S.K.’s Java Bean and Honey Hair Balm to replace CD’s butter. Leatherwood also stated she uses Bohyme Brazilian Wave my favorite curly weave of all time. These extensions blend so well with natural hair especially 3c and 4a tpyes.

New Product Alert: B.A.S.K. Beauty

As did my normal YouTube stalking. I came across a review from one of my favs EmpressRi. She had me ready to dump out my piggy bank to try a new line of products called b.a.s.k. I immediately went to the website and went straight to the hair section. Even from the tiny iPhone screen these products looked amazing and the ingredients were right up there so I had to share.

The line was created by Rashida Jefferson in Spring 2011. She creates these goodies from scratch in here studio in Macon, Georgia. I love the story and vision behind her line it embraces what Diamonds and Curls is all about, loving you and especially natural beauty.

Our Vision

B.A.S.K. is a specialty beauty company established to innovatively craft premium, gourmet-inspired, artisanal spa delectables that cater to the ethnic woman’s different cosmetic needs – such as dryer skin types and diverse hair patterns.  B.A.S.K. products aim to indulge those natural beauty aficionados who are seeking the finest ingredients without the compromise of effectiveness, luscious sweet aromas, & textures.

Our Mission

To encourage women of color to embrace & “bask in” their unique natural beauty.

Reminds me of a Jill Scott lyric “Sweeter than your favorite ice cream be/Bask in my glory baby”.  The line consists of hair butters, conditioners, and moisturizer which is great for these winter months and type 4 curls that can’t use water based products. I was trying to decide which ones to get for my hair but honestly I can’t decide they all look amazing. I’m trying to control my spending habits so I will be emailing her to see what she recommends for my hair but let me get to the good part and show you the line up:

Cacao Bark Deep Conditioning Hair Treat

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Prime Pressed Cocoa Butter, Virgin Coconut Cream, Kukui Moluccana Seed Oil, Agave Nectar, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Raw Cocoa Powder, Amalaki Fruit Powder, Cetyl Alcohol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin.

Java Bean & Honey Hair Balm

Ingredients: Virgin Palm Kernel Oil,Castor Oil, Coffee Bean Butter, Macadamia Nut Oil, Prime Pressed Cocoa Butter,Soy Wax, Beeswax, Raw Honey, Lecithin, Vitamin E, & Fragrance Oil

Silk & Honey Latté Detangling Hair Milk

INGREDIENTS: Distilled Water, Babassu Oil, Castor Oil, Cupuacu Butter, Shea Butter Glycerides**, Raw Honey, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Silk, & Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

• BLACKBERRY SAGE (fruity aroma of tart blackberries)
• CUCUMBER HONEYDEW (fresh melon w/ undertones of green cucumber)
• NECTARINE VANILLA (summer peach vanilla icecream….YUM!)
• SOUTHERN TEA (brewed lemon tea sweetened w/ sugar)
• UNSCENTED (no added scent)

Y.A.M. Nectar Intense Honey Hair Nourisher  

INGREDIENTS: Pure Clover Honey, Vegetable Glycerin, Yucca Oil (Virgin Olive Oil infused w/ Yucca Root), Avocado Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Manuka Honey, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Essential oils of Rosewood & Copaiba, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin.

Palm Tapioca Deluxe Hair Cream 

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Cocoa Butter,  Unrefined Cupuacu Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Babassu Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Palm Oil, Virgin Palm Kernel Oil, Ucuuba Butter, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Beeswax, Ceteareth-20, Fragrance, & Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin.

Sevenfold Butter Blend Hair Butter  

Ingredients: Organic Palm Oil, Jojoba Oil, sevenfold butter blend (Tucuma Butter, unrefined Shea Butter, Mango Butter, unrefined Cupuacu Butter, Cocoa Butter, Illipe Butter, Kokum Butter), Vitamin E, & select essential oil of choice.

Sweet Manna Botanical Hair & Scalp Serum  

INGREDIENTS: Castor Seed Oil, Virgin Olive Oil infused w/ (Burdock Root, Nettle Leaf, Pygeum Bark, Muira Puma Bark, Fenugreek Seed, Horsetail, Saw Palmetto Berry), Jojoba Oil, Camelina Seed Oil, Tucuuma Butter, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Agave Nectar, Vitamin E, & Essential Oils of Benzoin, Lavender, & Peppermint.

As you can see these products are top-notch. They are moderately priced ranging from $14-$20 but you get what you pay for and none of these ingredients are cheap. You also get free samples with each order. Be sure to check out the sitefor your self she also has body and bath products. I’m really liking the hair gift set too. It’s currently not available but it includes some sample sizes of the most popular productsI recommend this line for thicker curls and those in cold climates.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

(FYI: The products in bold are the most important and the ones in purple are ones I love.)

2011 Staple Products

Hi there!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and new year. I’ve been preparing for this year the past few weeks setting goals in all areas of my life and making my plans for the year but most importantly for this blog. It’s time to take it to the next level and I just want to give thanks for those that continue to stay on this journey with me. I can’t believe I am over 7 years natural. I have learned so much on my journey and stalking others. I have also tried almost every product under the sun. I have complied a list of my staple products of 2011. One thing I have noticed is that I have learned to keep it simple and have also learned what products work amazingly on my hair. Now what works for me may not work for you but this basic lineup should help you to create a healthy regimen and stash. Here is my list:

My 2011 Staple Products:  

Pre-Poo:

Extra Virgin Olive or Coconut Oil

(I simple just apply a gennerous amount of oil to my hair and scalp for 15-20 minutes before shampooing. Sometimes I use a heat cap but most of the time I just left it sit before hitting the shower)

Shampoo:

Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo

(I use this before protein treatments and this year will start using it monthly since I use a lot of heavy oils, butters, and gels)

Jane Carter Moisture Nourishing Shampoo

(I use this to remove silcones from my hair after straightening and occasionally for my weekly shampoo)

Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo

(This is my all time favorite. It’s sulfate free and great for weekly shampooing. It’s were gentle and leaves hair squeaky clean.)

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse

(I use this as needed sometimes after a deep treatment or when my hair’s pH balence is off. It’s also great for cleaning the scalp with braids or weave, even takes the fake shine off of synthetic extensions and wigs)

Co-wash:

Trader Joe’s  Nourish Spa or Tea Tree Tingle

Suave Juicy Green Apple or any silicone free scent

Aussie Moist

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration

Leave In Conditioners/Moisturizers:

Kinky Curly Knot Today

Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream

Deep Conditioners:

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose

(This is the ultimate moisturizing deep treatment. I use it weekly alternating with the GBP.)

Aubrey Organics GBP Lavender Ylang Ylang or Rosemary Mint

(I use this after straightening and alternating weekly AOHR.)

KeraCare Humecto Creme Conditioner

(I use this after protein treatments to bring the moisture balence back.)

Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

(I use this weekly if I want a little variation from the AOHR.)

Stylers:

Eco Styler Gel

Kinky Curly Curling Custard

Organic Root Stimulator Lock and Twist Creme Gel

Oil and Butters:

Avocado, Coconut, Grape seed, and Castor oils

Lavender,Rosemary, and Peppermint essential oils

Shea Butter

Other:

ApHogee 2 Step Protein Treatment

( I use this before straightening. It is also good to use before and after braids and weaves)

ApHogee Balancing Moisturizer

Chi Silk Infusion

(I use this for heat protection, frizz, and to avoid curl reversion when my hair is straight.)

Biotin

Iron

TJs B Complex

TJ’s Pre-natal

Tools:

Jilbere Shower Comb

Denman Brush

Fine Tooth Comb

Chi Turbo Flat Iron

Shower caps, Satin Bonnets, Silk Scraves

Bobby Pins, Hair Combs, Clips, etc

Roots Only applicator bottle

 What products are you loving? Feel free to comment and share!!!!!!!