TOTAL LIFE PROSPERITY » HAIRstory

FAB Friday Giveaway! L’ Oréal Ever Strong Sulfate Free Shampoo!

Total Life Prosperity — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:01:12 +0000

FAB FRIDAY GIVEAWAY!

HAPPY FRIDAY TOTAL LIFE PROSPERITY FAMILY! What better way to start the weekend than with a giveaway!!! In this week’s HAIRstory: Hair Tips While Transitioning , I mentioned trying L’ Oréal Ever Strong Sulfate-Free Hydrate Shampoo that celebrity hairstylist Amoy Pitters recommended in her tips on How to Grow Long Locks. Since it is my goal that every reader experience wholeness in every area of life, I’m giving one lucky reader a chance to win L’ Oréal EverStrong Sulfate-Free Hydrate Shampoo!

About the product:

The Ever Stong Sulfate Free Fortifying System contains patented Bio-Ceramide Complex, which strengthens the hair fiber after just one use, helping it resist breakage. Rich lather and natural aromatic properties from rosemary and juniper help energize and invigorate the senses. EverStrong Hydrate Shampoo gently cleanses while strengthening hair and adding moisture. Nourishes dry hair and leaves hair strong and silky.

100% sulfate-free
No harsh salts
Natural botanicals
100% vegan – Formula not tested on animals, no animal byproducts
For normal to dry hair

I haven’t had a chance to try it yet so I can’t validate the product claims but it smells great! If you’re not familar, Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is a surfactant found in many grooming products, including shampoo. They work on the surface of the skin or hair to break down grease and they are also the agent that provides the thick rich lather. Sulfates are considered “bad” because they can strip colour from your hair and, like any detergent, they can irritate the skin and eyes.

Ways To Enter:

Tweet “Enter FAB Friday Giveaway http://bit.ly/b5d5TS ” and mention @nnicole527

Like Total Life Prosperity Blog on Facebook OR

Post “Enter FAB Friday Giveaway http://bit.ly/b5d5TS ” as your status and mention Total Life Prosperity Blog

Giveaway ends next Friday, August 6th at 11:59 pm EST!

Good Luck!

HAIRstory: Hair Growth Tips While Transitioning

Total Life Prosperity — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:14:18 +0000

HAIRStory: Tips while Transitioning

I’m 13 months off the creamy crack and I’m looking to do something different with my hair over the next month. I’m considering highlights but I’m not 100% sure. I’m tired of protective styling but this humidity is killer on straight hair so I did some online research to find some new products so I can keep wearing my natural hair straight. (Yeah I said it, I’m natural but I still want to wear my hair straight! Some naturals would have a fit because I still use heat but that’s another story) Anyway I came across MopTop Maven’s Tips to Having a Successful Transition where she shares how you can make your own “detangling serum” out of herbs found in your local health food store. I’m usually not the one to try “homemade” products but I figured why not give it a try. I don’t have much to loose right? Here’s how to make her favorite detangling mix.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon Marshmallow Root
1 tablespoon Irish Moss
2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Add herbs to boiling water, and stir frequently until the consistency is that of a light gel. Once mixture has reached the desired consistency, strain mixture through cheesecloth, or a fine sieve. Add olive oil to serum, pour into a spray bottle, and use immediately.

How do you use this?

Section clean, damp hair into four quadrants, adding the serum to each quadrant. Detangle each section thoroughly, and either braid/twist to keep each section neat, then rinse.

Why this works?

Irish Moss is rich in trace minerals which is very beneficial for your hair. Also, Marshmallow Root, & Irish Moss both release a mucilaginous substance that has abundance of minerals and proteins, and the mucilage that is released

I also came across an interesting article on Essence with tips on How to Grow Long Locks by Amoy Couture Hair Salon owner and celebrity hairstylist, Amoy Pitters. If you didn’t know, the sole purpose of my decision to go natural was for long, healthy hair. Relaxers never damaged my hair like some horror stories I’ve heard but I’m convinced the chemicals in relaxers prevent hair growth past my shoulders. (Not fact, just my theory) So anything related to hair growth, length, and retention, I’m willing to try at least once. I’m going to try a few of her tips! These are just a few I plan on trying:

Shampoo every week using a soap-free shampoo like L’Oreal EverStrong Sulfate-Free Reconstruct Shampoo ($6.99).

Use natural products like Virgin Coconut Oil to encourage hair growth. She recommends Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ($12)—it adds a beautiful sheen to your tresses, while also strengthening strands and promoting healthy hair.

Taking Vitamins. Pitters says prenatal vitamins are a great trick for growing hair, and they’re totally safe to take while not pregnant,” She also recommends vitamins B and C, as well as flax seed oil or a couple teaspoons of nettle. I have prenatal vitamins (#dontjudgeme) and I’m going to start taking them ASAP! Want more hair care tips? Visit Amoy Couture’s Hair Blog

*Added bonus! Since I still straighten, this month my long hair inspiration is Oprah!

HAIRStory: 1 Year Relaxer Free + Hair Product Giveaways!

Total Life Prosperity — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:51:38 +0000

HAIRStory Update + Hair Product Giveaways!

This past weekend I celebrated one year of being relaxer free!!!! YAY! NO creamy crack over here!!! I haven’t been keeping track of my hair process AT ALL! My sincere apologies…I actually think this is better for me so I don’t become too hair obsessed. A few people have been asking what products I’m using on my transition and they are shocked when I say, not many. I’ve tried alot of different hair products over the past year and there are only two that I highly recommend: Mizani HRM Humidity Resistant Mist and Morrocan Oil.

Mizani HRM comes at the recommendation of Celebrity Stylist, June Ambrose . She has absolutely amazing, relaxer FREE hair and this spray has been a life saver on these hot summer days.

Since my first experience with Morrocan Oil I’ve been hooked! In honor of her reader appreciation week, one of my favorite beauty bloggers, Danielle is giving her readers a chance to WIN IT! ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

That’s not it! The Style and Beauty Doctor is also giving readers a chance to win Surya Brasil Henna Powder and Henna Cream and 3 of Miss Jessie’s products! I have yet to try either products but in the natural hair care world everyone raves about Henna and Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding. Natural hair bloggers like Curly Nikki have tons of information about how to use both!

ENTER TO WIN Surya Brasil Henna Powder and Cream

ENTER TO WIN Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery Treatment

Hurry The Style and Beauty Doc’s Reader Giveaways end this week!

For inquiring minds, this is what my hair is looking like nowadays. This picture was taken at the POV Rooftop Terrace & Lounge at the W Hotel.

wearing: Bebe dress, Guess Earrings, Louis Vuitton clutch

HAIRStory: How to Avoid Naomi’s Traction Alopecia

Total Life Prosperity — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:45:24 +0000

HAIRStory: Traction Alopecia

Unlike other sites that are doggin’ supermodel Naomi Campbell out about her hair, I’m using her as example of what NOT to do! Ever since I started my transition from relaxed to natural hair I’ve become more aware of HEALTHY HAIR. I was extremely shocked to see these photos of the fierce Naomi Campbell who is suffering an extreme case of hair loss associated with hair braiding, weaving and extensions which has been identified as traction alopecia.

Trichologist to the stars Philip Kingsley said tight hair styles, pony tails, hard brushing and hair extensions could all lead to traction hair loss. Hair loss is known as ‘traction alopecia’. Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Victoria Beckham and Alexandra Burke are all reported to have suffered similar symptoms as a result of their extensions. I’m a cheerleader for protective styles such as a sew in weaves but not at the cost of my hairline! This is truly sad!

So what exactly is traction alopecia and how can women avoid it?

Traction Alopecia can also occur due to overprocessing of the hair. Chemical treatment of hair with dyes, bleaches, or straighteners disrupts the keratin structure in a manner that reduces its tensile strength. The hair can become fragile and heavy fall out can occur with brushing or combing. Hair loss is often in the frontal and temporal regions, but also depends on the hair style. With those who wear cornrows, the area most commonly affected is that adjacent to the region that is braided. The use of thermal or chemical hair straightening, and hair braiding or weaving are examples of styling techniques that place African American women at high risk for various “traumatic” alopecias.

The key to stopping traction alopecia is detecting it early. Hair styles that put unnecessary strain on the hair root must be changed for “looser, more gentle hair style. Women, who suspect they may be vulnerable to traction alopecia should take action immediately to change their hair style or treatment methods and see a dermatologist. Professional hair stylists specializing in braids, cornrows, weaving and chemical processing should warn their clients about traction alopecia.

Traction alopecia is reversible if diagnosed early, but may lead to permanent hair loss if it is undetected for a protracted period. Unfortunately, no medical treatment is available to reverse late-stage traction alopecia. Hair grafts have been identified as the only practical solution.

If you wear your hair relaxed or natural this is something to consider. Take Fergie and Victoria Beckham for example.

*UPDATED 7/8/10

After doing some more research on Traction Alopecia, I came across an informative article from Roshini at Glamazini.com. She experiments with hair products, vitamins, diet, and even prayer and documents her progression over a few years. Anyone dealing with any similar issues should definitely check out Roshini’s Big Ole Anti Alopecia Experiment

HAIRstory: Miss Jessie’s Opens SOHO Salon + Video

Total Life Prosperity — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:00:26 +0000

HAIRStory: Miss Jessie’s Salon opening in Soho

Natural and curly divas in New York will be estatic to hear that Miss Jessie’s has opened their salon in Soho! The new salon is an evolution of the salon the sisters first opened 13 years ago in Brooklyn with one thing in mind: to respond to the need for experts in texture in all of its forms. Originally named Curve Salon, they used their savings and did the renovation themselves, right down to stripping the floors.

In case you haven’t heard of Miss Jessie’s. Back in 2004, after a year of testing and tweaking, the sisters proudly launched the Miss Jessie’s collection. The first product to hit the shelves was Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding. Six months later, they launched Curly Meringue, followed by Curly Buttercreme and Baby Butttercreme. Today, the Miss Jessie’s line, which includes a full range of shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling products, is available at a wide range of locations, including one of my favorite stores Target! While I’m still wearing my semi-natural hair straight, I’ve heard mixed reviews about their products, mostly that they are over priced…Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS to these sisters!

Check out the video from the event

Miss Jesse's Salon in Soho

Video and images via NaturallyCurly.Com

HAIRstory: Solange Knowles’ hair grows fast!

Total Life Prosperity — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:05:31 +0000

Solange’s Hair grew back fast!

Media was in an uproar when Solange Knowles “shaved her head” last summer. I didn’t think much of her hair until now. I know its been a year but her hair grew back fast! (if this her real hair). Celebrity gossip site theYBF.com is calling her hair a wig. Either way, real or not I like this hairstyle on her. This is her at a recent party at Tao Las Vegas.

Solange Knowles June 2010

Her dress is super cute as well! You can buy her Boxing Kitten Tam Tam dress online

In case you can’t remember this is what her hair looked like a year ago…

So ladies, what do you think of her hair?

HAIRstory: Janet Jackson’s new do!

Total Life Prosperity — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:32:55 +0000

Celebrity HAIRstory: Janet Jackson

Ever since one of my favorite celebrity gossip sites TheYBF.com got a new layout I always have the hardest time with the site but today it loaded and I was surprised to see that Janet Jackson aka Mrs. Jackson if you nasty cut all her hair off/ took her weave out rocked a new hair do!

If it works for her I love it! I’m sure she will release a statement about her hair in the next few days. It seems as if the media (myself included) are obsessed with hair, and especially “black hair” styles and trends. Personally, I loved her messy up-do she wore a few months back when she made an appearance on 106th and Park. This is definitely a summer style to try.

HAIRstory: Natural Hair Inspiration featuring Kelly Rowland

Total Life Prosperity — Tue, 04 May 2010 11:00:23 +0000

HAIRstory featuring Kelly Rowland

It’s going on 11 months since my last relaxer and its becoming harder to manage 2 textures of hair. I said I was going to do a “mini” cut of about 3-4 inches in July and then a final cut in December with hopes to get rid of my relaxed ends. In the meantime, I’m debating on what protective styles to try for summer. While online I came across some pictures of Kelly Rowland’s new do! She’s my Nautral Hair Inspiration for the week !

If I could I pull off this look as well as Kelly I would! She was spotted at the “About Face” book launch for make up artist Scott Barnes. I’m sure its weave or maybe even a wig but I love it!!! Especially for summer!

She looks FAB!

Visit CurlyNikki.com to find more natural hair style inspiration

ADDED MOTIVATION: A while back one of my HS friends shared a Beauty, Wellness & Lifestyle Video Blog with me on Youtube by LeobodyC5. She has gorgeous, long, natural hair. I haven’t been keeping up with her video’s lately but HAIR XXX is a video that celebrates her long locs! Definitely some inspiration when you want to go back to the creamy crack! (LOL)

Black Girl with Long Hair

Total Life Prosperity — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:16:49 +0000

Long Hair, Don’t Care!

If you’ve been following my blog you know I’m currently transitioning from relaxed to natural hair all in hopes of long, healthy hair. Its been 10 months since my last relaxer!!! I had no idea what I was getting into before I started but its definitely been a learning process. I promised to start posting more natural hair inspiration and I stumbled across a great new website I wanted to share- Black Girl With Long Hair, a site that celebrates the dopeness of natural hair. BGLHonline.com has tons of online resources for natural hair care, natural products, styling tools and tips, pictures, and tutorials.

I really dig the Love is in the Hair giveaway post. With all of the single black women and triflin’ black men debates/news specials, the blogger thought it was time to inject a lil’ positivity into the situation. Her and friend Briana, over at Boutique Unique, are giving readers that submit photos of them and their boo a chance to receive a beautiful vintage ring, compliments of Boutique Unique.

All the Love is in the Hair entries are posted at

ww.blackloveposter.tumblr.com

Check out Black Girl with Long Hair

Already natural? Share some resources with me!

HAIRstory: Chrisette Michele’s BC! + natural hair inspiration

Total Life Prosperity — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:29:15 +0000

HAIRstory: Chrisette Michele’s BC

It’s been a few months since I’ve written a HAIRstory post so I when I was on Twitter this morning I saw a tweet that screamed “blog worthy”. Grammy Award winning singer, Chrisette Michele took to Twitter and one of my favorite natural hair blogs (CurlyNikki.com) to address the internet buzz around her shaving her head!

Here are some excerpts

CN: What’s your hair story? Also, you were natural early in your career, right? Why did you decide to straighten?
Chrisette: My hair story is one of a very healthy relationship. Although I was always changing my hair from relaxed, to braided to red to natural, no matter the style it was always healthy. I made sure to give a rest when needed and loved to nurture it. I was natural early in my career. Honestly I’m not really sure why I changed it again. I just wanted to try something new and fun. I had my hair like that many times but I’m very open minded and I love change. I think my look at that time helped me to convey the sound that I wanted to portray.

CN: What or who inspired you to go natural again? Was it a spontaneous decision or a process?
Chrisette: I have the most incredibly beautiful mother and she BC’s all the time (our hair grows fast). She looked gorgeous upon her last BC and I felt like that was my next step towards feeling good about the way I treat my body. Also my cousins Christine and Alecia and their lovely mother Ginger and even many of my aunts have natural tresses. I feel like we are all each others twin now! I LOVE sitting next to my mom and having the same hair as her. I’d been thinking about doing this for about a year. I was often told that fashion and kinks don’t mix well together. I was often discouraged with the thinking that perhaps my music would have to change for me to pull this look off. I believe that if this is what my heart is saying then my music which is from my heart will match just perfectly

CN: Who are your natural inspirations?
Chrisette: My mother and her sisters and my darling cousins as I mentioned earlier. Kelis and Solange have been my most recent inspirations as they are highly fashionable and natural. Tracy Ellis Ross is such a lovely diva. India, my sister, has been such an inspiration in her boldness and courageous manner. Lastly my bff and gospel singer Danielle Lewis.

Read the full interview at CurlyNikki.com

I love her pics with celebrity photographer Derek Blanks!

Photos courtesy: © 2010 “for freedom not for beauty” by Chrisette Michele and Derek Blanks
Makeup: Shanelle Mays
Direction of: Chrisette Michele

Follow Chrisette on Twitter Twitter.com/epiphanygirl

My HAIRstory update:

It’s been 10 months since I’ve been off the creamy crack! At times its been challenging to deal with two different textures of hair but I have no plans on going back! Before I decided to go “natural” I thought it was the “in” thing to do so I harshly criticized the women who made such strong accusations about those who still relaxed their hair. I take back all of my words because now I totally understand what they meant. Even though it hasn’t been a whole year, I honestly believe this was one of THE best decisions I’ve made in a long time. I know this may come off as cliche’ but I’m learning so much about myself, my hair, and my definition of beauty. Just yesterday while doing my hair I tweeted:

I’ve been extremely lazy with documenting my hair process but back in February I cut off 3 inches of relaxed hair since I’m not brave enough for the “BC”. This is the shortest my hair has been in life! But I’m embracing the change. I have about 3 or 4 more inches until I’m all the way natural!

My Current Natural Hair Inspiration is celebrity stylist June Ambrose

I know you shouldn’t compare your hair to anyone else’s but considering my hair is thick as I don’t know what, when I look at hair pictures I only focus on those whose hair is similar to mine and I truly admire her full locks and length. I learned some of her hair secrets from her recent interview with Danielle from theStyleandBeautyDoctor.com

June Ambrose Hair Secrets

Her 100% relaxer free hair has a standing appointment at Paul Labrecque Salon in New York City

She wears her hair in knots at night and sleeps on a silk pillowcase since scarves drive her nuts

She never puts any product in her hair since it weighs it down, but when rain and humidity tries to spiral her ‘do, she relies on Mizani HRM Humidity Resistant Mist.