My Current Product Faves

There are more and more natural hair products flooding the market to meet the mounting demand by the steadily increasing number of naturals. There is a wide cross section of products designed for natural hair and if you are not careful, the selection process can become quite frustrating. "Should I get the butter, smoothie, souffle or creme jelly?"  Are some of the questions that are not easily answered. Knowing what will work on your hair is often determined solely by experimenting. Too often I have heard girls swear by certain brands or particular products, and I gladly go by their testimony only to face much disappointment when I don't experience the same results that they do.
I wouldn't say that I'm by any means a product junkie, but I have tested and tried quite a number of products and have found a few faithful favorites that work like a charm for my 4b/4c hair type. These are my current faves and are likely to change if I discover something else that gives me better results. Each product listed is used for a different purpose in my hair care regimen. So here goes:


Co-Wash - My DNA Hydrating Co-Wash  
The term Co-Wash is short for Conditioner Wash and is used primarily in the natural hair community. It is a less drying alternative to cleansing with shampoo. My DNA is my fave because, of all the Co-Washes that I have tried, this one is the most moisturizing and at the same time it is very cleansing and actually allows me to work up a lather, which in my own weird way I feel is necessary to get squeaky clean hair.

Shampoo - Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
I'm not a big fan of shampoos at all and I spent a great deal of effort during the first couple years I was  natural, trying to find one that didn't leave my hair feeling crappy. After much trial and error,  finally I found and fell in love with this shampoo from my beloved Shea Moisture line. It leaves my hair feeling soft and manageable. The hunt was over, I was done. I'm not saying there aren't some better shampoos out there and I'm sure I will try others in the future but for now....I'm quite contented.




Conditioner - Suave Professionals Almond + Shea Butter Conditioner
If you are natural then you already know that conditioners, not diamonds, are a girl's best friend. Regular conditioners are useful for multiple purposes. Pre-Poos, detangling, or just for a good ole wash day conditioning, are just a few of the uses of conditioners. There are many great conditioners on the market, but my measure of greatness is determined by their thickness and creaminess, as well as the amount of slip they provide. The Suave Professionals Almond + Shea Butter conditioner not only meets, but surpasses my expectation of a reasonably priced conditioner. This very affordable conditioner can contend with just about any deep conditioner on the market. It infuses moisture into my hair and leaves it feeling soft and silky. I believe it will always have a place on my product fave list.



Deep Conditioner - Dark & Lovely Moisture L.O.C. Deep Conditioning Delight
Deep conditioner I would say is the most important product in my wash day regimen. Your deep conditioner can make or break the whole wash process, especially in cases where damage is being experienced. It is prudent to use an effective deep conditioner that will repair and restore your hair. Very few deep conditioners make the cut for me , but then again there are still a whole host of brands, formulated for naturals, that I am yet to try. I can only speak to those that I have personally experienced, and as of right now the Moisture L.O.C. deep conditioner provides the best results for my 4b hair. It has a thick, creamy consistency and provides amazing slip, which allows for easier detangling. As the name suggests, it indeed locks in moisture, and for me it is really a delight to have discovered this product.


Leave-In Conditioner - Kinky Curly Knot Today

This leave in conditioner has been tested and tried and proven to be the real MVP of leave ins. From day one, I have been using this product and no matter how many other products I try, I always end up back with my holy grail. I am not a big fan of the scent of the product but its effectiveness in adding moisture to my hair,  makes it easy to ignore that minor flaw for the sake of a greater good. I especially love the fact that it can double as a styler/moisturizer. Since moisture is very high up on my hierarchy of needs, this leave in will remain one of my favorite hair products of all times,







Styling Product - Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil 
Strengthen, Grow & Restore Styling Lotion

This product is fairly new to the market and was an instant winner from the very first time I tried it.  I don't know if it has anything to do with the fact that Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a favorite of mine but I can tell you this much, the product keeps my hair moisturized for days. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is know for its hair growth and hair strengthening properties and as a "Yardie", I am proud that an ingredient originated from my homeland is so highly regarded in the natural hair community.  This styling lotion is indeed one of my favorite daily moisturizers and styling product.




Styling Gel - Wet line Xtreme Professional Styling Gel


I am not very picky when it comes to Styling Gels. As long as it doesn't flake I'm good. For the longest while I was on the Eco Styler band wagon but my quest to find one that is protein and alcohol free led me to this brand. It is light, smells amazing, and provides the perfect hold to preserve my hairstyles. It is very affordable, which for me is the icing on the cake.  





The plethora of hair products at the fingertips of naturals, can be sometimes overwhelming. Most times it is through a process of trial and error that you will determine the products that are a best fit for your hair. I can assure you, as sure as night follows day, that there are people who will try or have tried the products I mentioned and not enjoy the same results that I am raving about. Over time as you learn your hair more, you will begin to understand what works for you and what doesn't. Don't get frustrated, the perfect combination of products is there for you, and you will get that aha moment when you find them. Stay committed to the journey.

Beauty Redefined

Oh how refreshing it is to see a deviation from the traditional definition of beauty, especially beauty of Miss World proportion. The image of a beauty queen with long, flowing, silky hair have somehow become commonplace.  The thought of a beauty contestant with a head of dreadlocks was absurd to say the least. 

If there were any such cases in the past, they must have few very few and far between. Winner of the Miss Jamaica World 2015 competition Sanneta Myrie changed the game and pretty much crushed the notion that the title is only reserved for those who fit a particular image. 

I agree that all locs are not equal. Left unkempt, they can look quite unpleasant to the eyes. In Sanneta's case however, there is no doubt that her hair is well groomed and properly maintained. Her victory is a testament to the fact that the scales are being removed and true beauty is being embraced for what it is.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Representing with Green Braids!!!

I had to stop in, I feel like its my obligation and my civic duty to give a shout out and extend maximum respect to my girl Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce for taking the gold in her women's 100 meter race. She defended and retained her title and proved in no uncertain terms that she is indeed a World Champion.
Y'all know this is a hair blog so it would be remiss of me not to mention how dope her green braids are as a part of the representation of the colors on the national flag of Jamaica, Black, Green and Gold. As an owner of a beauty salon in Kingston, Jamaica,  Shelly could do no less than to make a bold statement about her intentions through the art of hairstyling. One would think that the length of those braids would present a challenge with maintaining her speed. That wasn't the case. She came, she saw, she conquered!!!

Girls Gone Grey!!!

We seem to be living in a era where its all about flipping the script and  stepping away from the norm. This new hair color trend is no different as the once dreaded grey hair that is typically an indication of age, and is usually limited to those considered to be old, is now a hot and popular trend in the beauty industry. Who would have thought??? Prior to this new trend, the norm was that grey hairs couldn't pop up fast enough for ladies to slather that hair dye all over it to erase any possible trace that it naturally exists. For the younger crowd who are not necessarily at the age where greys would be expected, if God forbid one strand should rear its ugly head, it would send the unfortunate victim in an immediate state of panic and disarray....lol.

Far be it from us to comprehend the new craze that has surfaced,where young girls are now altering their natural hair color to achieve  grey, silver-like, whitish hair. As with most trends, the grey hair trend originated with top fashion designers and it soon became noticeable among celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Pink and Rheanna.

Weaves, braids or just some hair color spray, many women are opting in where this hair trend is concerned. I am a bit surprised at this trend as it goes against the ever present quest for women to take whatever steps are necessary to remain looking youthful, but I am always respectful of people who are willing the step out of the box as it relates to their appearance and especially since wearing grey hair makes a bold statement that they are not willing to be defined by the normal standards of beauty. What are your thoughts about this trend, would you be caught wearing it or nah?

Photo Credits:
http://trend-kid.com/grey-hair-black-women.htm
http://stylecaster.com/beauty-high/grey-hair-dye
http://elitedaily.com/envision/going-grey-for-fashion-photos/979772/
http://www.christianwileshairdressing.co.uk/news/salon-news/the-granny-grey-hair-trend/
http://www.instyle.co.uk/celebrity/news/met-ball-2013-10-things-everyones-talking-about
http://www.intokazy.com/postview.php?id=102
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/08/cheeno-grey-gray-hair_n_5563526.html

Daddy Styles Daughter's Hair

This week on The Real, I saw this father and daughter team displaying their unique hair styling technique. It really warmed my heart to see a dad functioning in that capacity in the life of his child. The circumstance surrounding him doing her hair is unclear and frankly irrelevant. Whether he is doing it by choice, or because he is a single father who has to do what he has to do, he still deserves his props for stepping up to the challenge. 

For little girls, when hair styling can be this quick and so much fun, its truly a pleasure. Thanks for letting other dads and moms in on this secret. I need to have my hubby hold my ponytail so I can spin into my bun too....shoooooooottttt!!! Hair styling has never been this speedy. 

Keep it going daddy, and kudos to all the other dads out there who are representing.

Zendaya Sports Faux Locs at The 2015 Oscars

Disney Star Zendaya turned heads, dropped jaws and popped eyeballs at the 2015 Oscars with her beautifully installed Faux Locs. The flawless locs cascading over one shoulder framed her face beautifully. I don;t know who or what is to be credited for the inspiration but I absolutely LOVE it.

Zendaya's hair perfectly complemented her off-the-shoulder Vivenne Westwood gown.

Zendaya could have rocked a 20" weave, a bob cut, a elegant bun, a messy updo or a tonne of other options, she chose however to step outside of the box and express her individuality, taking the risk of not getting the approval of the traditional, stereotypical fashion critics.

Zendaya's look symbolizes self-expression, self-confidence, individualism and BOLDNESS.  I have a new found respect for this girl. Did I mention that brows are on fleek?!!!

Natural Stars Ripped the Red Carpet at the 2015 Oscars

Two of my very favorite stars Ripped the Red carpet at this year's Oscars. I am super duper stoked and beaming with pride that my fellow naturals chose to rock their hair in its authentic, all natural state. They are truly an example that beauty is not defined by the length or texture of your hair. I TOTALLY loved both their looks, from their hair, to their make-up and not to mention their drop dead gorgeous gowns. Kudos ladies....you Rock!!!


Lupita Nyong'o wore her hair in a very low cut. She did another recent big chop and as usual is never afraid to experiment with or make drastic changes to her hair. She is indeed a Natural Beauty.

Viola Davis, one of my most highly respected actors, is a true representation of a strong black woman who knows her worth. Her hair appears to have been styled in a Wash n Go. The tapered Do is very attractive and she wears it very well.