Hair Product for Weaves: SoftSheen Carson Professional Weave Care Detangler.

Nowadays, alot of women wear weaves... all types (every ethnicity), but TOO many women don't take proper care of their weave. Well, slowly but surely many of the top hair care companies are creating products exclusively for weaves.

One in product that I've been hearing about, SoftSheen Carson Professional Weave Care Detangler. It supposedly works well.... and any weave-wearing gal knows how easy it can get tangled, especially after the first week and a half. I suggest trying this and reporting back.

After a small search I found their website and Softsheen actually has an entire line of products, check it out here. I can't wait til Mizani creates a line!

Oprah's Hair: This is Not a Weave

Oprah's hair unstraightened

Oprah's hair straightened

It's everywhere I figured it might as well be here... Oprah, got tired of people saying "Girrrl, I like your weave", and I don't blame her. People, that's really ghetto to tell someone you like their weave- wtf?! lol... I could soooooo see how that could be annoying.

Oprah's hair is NOT a weave- and I knew that from the jump. She's Oprah Winfrey! C'mon now... she's literally the "queen of the world"... so I'm she probably has the best hair stylist in the world, and so therefore that is NOT a weave because she can afford to grow it out and keep her hair in tip top shape. Also, to me its very obvious that it wouldn't be because we have literally seen her hair grow over the years from a short nice cut, to a bob, to shoulder length, to right past the shoulder, to now... the entire time her hair was very thick.

I just feel it's very ignorant for people to assume it is and of course its black people-- listen, all because you or no one in your family doesn't have long thick hair doesn't mean others can't... The only reason I feel like people who thought it was hers before suddenly thought it was a weave when straight is because of the 2 short pieces a the front of her hair, I think that's a usual "tell-tell" sign someone is wearing a weave... but Oprah's hair has been cut in layers for awhile, she's had bangs, and there have probably been times in which she had weave... but that hair- it's all hers-- duuuuuh!

Check Oprah's Hair Evolution: From short & chic to long & layered.
With the right products, patience, and a great hair routine
you can have beautiful hair like Oprah too!

(click to enlarge)

Best Products for Natural Hair: Biosilk and Carol's Daughter

From what I hear, these are some of the best products for natural hair... especially for those newly relaxed to natural ladies.



1. Biosilk Hydrating Shampoo and Silk Therapy

2. Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Oil and Khoret Amen Hair Smoothie

via essence.com

Bye-Bye Stretch Marks: Tips on How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Forever, Tips on How to Get Smooth Skin

They annoy us... they come they go... we prefer them to stay way--- S T R E T C H M A R K S. Many women have struggled with them since the age of 12, others after they gained the freshmen 15, others after giving birth. And guys struggle with them as well... when they finally gain the extra pounds to form those sexy muscles or when they trim down to get cut.

Well, Let's cut the small talk and get down to the nitty gritty... how to get rid of stretch marks.


1. The number 1 way to get rid of stretch marks? I don't think you're going to want to hear this, but... Eat healthy (lots of fruits and veggies), exercise almost daily, and drink lots of water. For most women struggling with stretch marks its because you are fluctuating too much in weight-- up and down and up and down (that's the story of my life)... if you adapt a healthy lifestyle (not a diet) then you are waaaay less likely to have stretch marks. Your body loves and need stability, all the yo-yo dieting and sweet binges are not what's up... yessss, we're emotional creatures and we tend to binge when we aren't doing too well with the beau or if we're stressed, but you MUST fight it as much as possible :-) Instead of opting for a dairy queen blizzard get a smoothie king smoothie.

Okay and so now, what you want to hear... the products.

2. Typical answer yet usually reliable- cocoa butter... I personally feel like cocoa butter doesn't RID stretch marks, but it PREVENTS them. With daily use you shouldn't have any new stretch marks and the others will get alot smoother and some will fade. If you're going to use cocoa butter, I feel like you should adapt my "cocoa-butter duo" treatment. You purchase cocoa butter oil and cocoa butter in a jar. After washing your body in the shower rub cocoa butter oil all over your body, then gently rinse it off. After getting out of the shower dab yourself dry with the towel and apply cocoa butter onto your body, particularly rubbing it into areas with stretch marks. This certainly will help your skin to become more one-toned, soft, and smooth. If you're really good you'll do what I did back in the day: I used cocoa butter soap, oil, lotion/creme, and serum to boot... again it didn't per se rid my stretch marks, but it made them and all my skin very smooth and more even-toned. (Some people say the natural cocoa butter works best, but be careful because its not as easy to use, you'll have to heat it to apply it).


3. Two words: BIO OIL... I haven't personally used it, but I have heard ALOT about this oil. and out of all the at-home products and treatments this seems to be the best. Women and men say that with daily use they have seen obvious changes, some women say they've seen it work over night... (I'm not sure if these women are black though)... Soooo, long story short I'm going to order some today and I'll use it and I'll report back. The best thing about Bio Oil is that it can be found almost anywhere- walmart, walgreens, ebay, amazon. I just praaaay it works because I have a few stretch marks on the back of my leg (behind my knee) that I MUST rid asap.




4. Natural ingredients. Some people say the only way their stretch marks go away is with natural ingredients... check out this routine a woman swear's by:

"Everyday I shower, and use an exfoliant on my marks. This exfoliant is very gentle and takes away any dead skin cells. It is made out of:

-Plain Oatmeal

-Honey

-Pure Ginger Root (ground into a paste)

(Keep in the fridge)

Then I will put 100% Vitamin E oil, with 40,000 IUS.

After it is rubbed in completely, put 100% Coco Butter on the marks.

At night, repeat the steps but this time with the Vitamin E oil, rub it in and put a thin towel over the marks. Then get a hot water bottle, or heating pad and put it over the marks for 10 min or so. This penetrates the oil deeper into the skin.

I also drink 2 L of water a day, and have a very healthy diet, with lots of exercise. I also found that tanning, only naturally, helps the marks..because we receive vitamins from sunlight"

Her routine sounds pretty solid, huh? I say if you have a routine that hasn't been working- try this... its 100% natural so you won't hurt your skin.



5. Jojoba Oil. Many people haven't heard of this one, but they say its one of the best- certainly better than cocoa butter. Jojoba oil is rich in Essential Fatty Acids will help to repair and regenerate your new skin cells. It's 100% natural and non-allergic.


6. Skin peel, laser treatment, and/or cosmetic surgery. If you have the funds, I say cut the bullsh*t, lol, and just go get them removed- that's what all the stars do... you know our beloved Beyonce or J.Lo has stretch marks, but they pay to get them removed. Matter of fact, I think I remember Beyonce or one of her assistants talking about it a few years ago... Anyway, the fact of the matter is, the treatments are often expensive but you can save up for it, do research on the best doctors in your area who specialize in removing stretch marks on women of color (specifically black women) and make an appointment. After your stretch marks are removed you can now work to prevent them, with the oils and treatments above. I say if you can splurge on a brand-new coach bag with matching boots or on a new plasma screen, why not on a treatment that is likely to boost your self-esteem or atleast give you some extra confidence. (But don't hastily get one of these treatments, consult your doctor, and do alot of research and thinking).

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Stretch marks are on most people- thick, thin, short, tall, fat, skinny, old, young, black, white, female, male... don't feel alone. Women, believe it or not but most men surprisingly don't even care, they'll still think you're sexy... and men if you have bulging biceps who cares about a few stretch marks... but if you want to treat them, the above methods will work.

Stretch mark cremes? Yeah, these usually don't work and if they do it's usually for new stretch marks, not for old one's that you've had for a year or longer. Generally speaking do NOT waste your money on these cremes, unless you have extra money to spend and you have new stretch marks and you have fair skin.

How long will this take me? Be patient! Give yourself a month... stop your complaining, time flies. If you've been living with stretch make for years, whats a few weeks to see progress and a few months to see them vanish away.

Get in a routine, oil your skin and massage the oil into your stretch marks TWICE a day for atleast 4 weeks... drink lots of water, eat healthier portions, more green veggies, more juicy fruits, and lean proteins... exercise daily (atleast jog in place for 5 minutes, do a 25 situps, a few lunges/squats, and 5 push-ups), lol... stay positive and you'll see perfection.

FEEL FREE TO GIVE YOUR STRETCH MARK REMOVAL ADVICE BELOW.

Dominican Republic Salon In Your Area : Salon Reviews

These are some of the reviews I've found about Dominican Salons. At the end of the post there's a link to a site that will find dominican salons in your area.

Dominican supermodel, Arlenis Sosa Peña

SALON REVIEWS

You mentioned you were looking for a Dominican shop in the Atlanta area. My daughter goes to Charisma Hair Salon in Gwinnett County. The number is 678-924-7660. She comes home from college just to get her hair done there. She had tried a shop where it was a little closer to home and cheaper but her hair began to fall out and she returned to Charisma. She has thick hair that comes down to the middle of her back. I don't like going to sit all day in a hair dresser and do mine myself. However if you hear of a Dominican shop close to the Decatur area please let me know.

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If you're in manhattan, go up to washington heights and inwood. the dominicans are everywhere there.

If you're in brooklyn, there's a few spots on flatbush ave right below empire (b or q train to prospect park).

If you're not near either of those places, try your nearest spanish neighborhood.

Also, the shops in brooklyn are in the 15-20 range, cheaper if you go early in the week.

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I saw your post and I live in Charlotte (North Carolina) too. I found that there are 3 Dominican Salons in Charlotte. One on Independence Blvd and two on North Tryon. There's Kiri's Unisex Salon at 4401 E Independence Blvd, Mercedes Dominican Hair Salon at 4409 N Tryon, and Carmens Dominican Hair Salon at 3720 N Tryon. I hope this helps you out. I'm moving to NYC could you tell me of some shops in the city that I can try. A good nail salon too. I'll even drive to a different borrough! lol You, know how we women are about our "look"...lol.

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Hey I live in Savannah, GA there is a good one in Jacksonville, FL if you dont mind the drive. Personally I dont mind because I'm there every other weekend anyway cuz my boyfriend goes to UNF. its called Chisam and the prices are reasonable.

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If you are in Philly (Philadephia) check out Dominican Beauty Hair Salon at 8th and Lehigh Streets. The owner speaks english and a few of the younger girls speak it as well. Everyone in the Salon does hair well so you won't be disappointed.

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Bronx, NY
I've been natural for almost five years now come December. The name of the Salon is Mirror & Images of Broadway (Ask for Chauney) for an appt. and directions you can call @ 718-601-8378. Their closed on Sunday and Monday.

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For More Salon Locations and Reviews visit:

http://www.dominicanhaircare.com/salons/

The Dominicans: Growing Your Hair One Garlic Treatment at a Time

There's a growing phenomenon in this country and it's all centered around beauticians that hail from the Dominican Republic. I found myself on this site and before I knew it I was reading all the comments. It seemed that people were having a debate.

American Black Hair Stylist -VS- Dominican Hairstylist.

At first the Dominicans were winning then a few American black hairstylist showed up and they begin to win, then more women sided with the Dominicans and it just kept going back and forth.

Before I give my opinion on the whole thing let's just state this:

1. Many if not all women from the Dominican Republic have african heritage and many of them would be and are technically considered black. Though I hear that "indian" is what blacks are called in the Dominican Republic... long story short like most countries blacks were taught to hate themselves, hate curly hair, hate dark skin... and in this country in particular they began to just call Dominicans of a darker hue "Indian"... quick history lesson, but I digress. I just say all that to say when black Americans want to discredit black women who for patronizing their Dominican hairstylist and call them "sell-outs" you're horribly wrong. They are actually supporting black women... so get off your high horses.

I have heard about this phenomenon many times, first from friends in Atlanta, then when I visited to New York. People would always say, "I'm going to go to the Dominicans", and they would say it in a tone that made it sound like gossip... very interesting. I have never gone to a Dominican Salon before, but after the high praise I hear about them, I think I may (just maybe)

famed actress, Zoe Saldana is of Dominican descent

This is what seems to be going on, Dominican women are:

1. able to grow American black hair at a consistent and speedy rate
2. they have great prices, usually half your average american black salon
3. they have great service- they're polite
4. they are speedy- no waiting around for hours upon end.

This is looking pretty good to me, and the fact that women are SWEARING by them makes me believe the hype. I've read stories of women who have gone to atleast 10 different hairstylist in their life, then around the age of 40 they go to a Dominican and they have the best service and BEST HAIR they've had in their entire lifetime. I mean c'mon, that's pretty special right. (But I've also heard the COMPLETE opposite).

I just feel like to each it's on, if you want to go to those salons- GO and try it firsthand, and don't be fearful of not supporting your own because you are. I'm telling you black people need to stick together worldwide, but especially on this side of the globe- there are are blacks all throughout South America and Latin America and the Caribbean and we all struggled and still struggle the same way- so a black in Brazil is no different than one in The United States except that she speaks a different language.

And If you want to only patronize American black salons that is fine as well. But I feel like we should all just learn from each other and try to just run the best businesses that we can. And don't be fearful about helping a "dominican" business rise because most likely, when they succeed they'll get categorized as "black" anyway.

__________________________________________

Here's a view interesting comments from the unofficial dominican vs american blacks debate:

From: Arielle
For those of you that need a salon and practically an architect for your hair I say cool, do you. for those of us who have "straight hair", try this-- limit how often you get a relaxer this may not be feasible for some, but one of my best friends only gets relaxers 3 times a year. she washes and blows it dry herself, other times she goes to the dominicans. She also eats cucumber like its going out of style. Her hair is thick and beautiful. And all of the dominicans I go to do not "mix up" some crap in the back room-- they use brand name relaxers on my head.Motions, Optimum, etc. The only thing that they may mix up is that garlic treatment, which smells pretty damn good if your're hungry. In Brooklyn, I pay 30$ for a relaxer Mon - Wed, 10$ for a wash and set tose days too. The rest of the week is 12$ for a wash and set,35-40$ for a touch Up. 5$ for a deep or leave in conditioner. Browse the beauty supply stores and get your own stuff. Before I go to get my hair done,whether I get a relaxer or wash& set, I put conditioner on my hair the day before, this works well if Im also low on cash and I can save that 5$ -10 $ on that deep condition. Get the avocado or garlic conditioner from the beauty supply stores. If they dont have it in your beauty supply stores if you ever visit NYC check out ours, especially down town bklyn or the hood-- crown heights, bed-stuy,etc. And also, your hair gets blown to death when YOU request it. Some times you can find the good conditioners even in the 99 cent store. I ain't lyin!! (LOL) when black hair stylists stop putting a freakin bucket of setting lotion on my hair and stop charging a arm and a ass, then maybe Ill go back to them. But until then,I will remain loyal to my Dominican sisters. Lets all join hands and sing the Dominican national anthem, shall we? (LOL LOL)


From: Tanisha
Since I've been going to Dominican salon my hair is growing like grass. In the two years I've been going my hair is down past my bra strap from a very short haircut. I get it deep condition once month and get a dubie twice a month. I get my hair relax every eight weeks. I have nothing but good things to say about Dominican Hair stylist. Plus their prices are much cheaper than a Black owned salon and I don't have to wait all day to get my hair done while the operators are running their mouths about nothing.


From: Alice
I am a 55 years old black female women who have had too many hair stylist. I recently left yet another black hair salon, who only interest is to continue to put a bandaid on the problems that I am having with my hair by weaving. My hair has been falling out in the front for a couple of years. I went to a dermatologist to see what the problem was but none of the test gave any conclusion to my problems. Our hair stylist are clueless as to how to help you in this situation. Their only answer is to braid or weave your hair,they seem only interested in the money being made and not the person. This has been a very difficult situation for me a womens hair is her crown and glory. I met a dominican hair stylist at the clinic where I work. After seeing me she told me about a product that she uses and brought the product to my office. She asked me to come to her salon she felt that she can grow my hair back. My hair is growing. I notice that all the women in the salon hair is very health looking. I have never seen hair that look like that at the black hair salons. The prices at the black salons are too high, and the service is poor. I agree that they keep you waiting too long, they are rude and have bad attitudes. I have not met a one that goes for continue education class for their craft. I will continue to go too the domincan salon for the great hair care and prices. These prices allows me to go for the weekly treatments that I badly need. The only problem with the domincan salons are many of them cannot speak english very well which sometimes can be a problem.


From: Mary
As for the dominican stylists, yes personally i like that look however too much heat will damage the hair over time. I have seen temporary alopecia on someone from the results of visiting the dominican salons.


From: Rod Horton
To start off... I'm a black hairstylist in NYC. I started my career in the south, GA. I can only speak from my experience in dealing with clients. When I worked in ATL... women were very serious about their hair and hair care. I found it to be a challenging when moving to New York working in black hair care. I notice in black women that would come to me alot of breakage around the hairline and strands of hair that looked damaged. After asking them the history of their hair and finding out they frequent the Dominican Salons, it led me to believe through the process of over "frying" the hair with the blowout and roundbrushing...the hair shafts were being stripped of it's layers and breaking. Most clients don't understand the make up of hair. The cuticle layer of the hair becomes damaged with the strong heat that is used in their process which causes the hair to then split. If you pay close attention to clients that frequent those types of salon...the hair tends to be very thin on the ends. Though it's long... it's not that healthy. Dominican salons could work for some but it's not for ALL! Know your hair and choose wisely on what works best for your haircare. To add... not every black stylist keep clients waiting. My clients are taken on time at their giving appointment and out within 45 to 60min for a quick wash&style.


From: Portia
I don't know about the not being licensed part - BUT I can definitely believe it! Just as I can believe that their products are homemade and re-mixed (in fact one blogger (who was dominican herself) just told us that they have been making their own perm before Revlon even existed (let's ask ourselves what's in it)...

I went to a Dominican salon in Marietta, GA and I can AGREE that in the beginning the results were AMAZING... I went in with all natural below the shoulder hair- that took me 3 years to grow out after cutting my permed hair off and wearing a short natural. The purpose of me going natural was to have FULL hair and to be able to wash and wear in a beautiful natural style AND to be able to press from time to time for a straight look. 2-4 months later my natural hair was a WICKED MESS!!!!! I didn't realize it until I tried to wash it myself and NO CURLS would come back!!!!! It was LIMP and did not do a thing!!!!! I had about 4 stylists try to assess what caused my damage - no one can figure it out- some say they SNUCK a perm in my hair (people say they have liquid perms in the "deep conditioners" to straighten the hair without sitting you in the "perm chair" so that you are still thinking that our hair is natural)... others say its from the EXTREME heat + bristel round brush that the use. All I know is that I am PISSED- that was 3 years of hard work and MANY bad hair days gone to waste!

I have heard other Atlanta women talk about haw much damage their hair has suffered after being with the Dominicans after a couple of months. A girlfriend in NY never has complained about the Dominicans (maybe they are better up there, or maybe since she had a perm, she doesn't notice the damage... I don't know...)

What I do know is that I will NEVER go to a Dominican salon again! I will seek out a stylist who values my time, has reasonable fees and knows haw to do natural hair the HEALTHY way so that the natural curl STAYS for those wash and wear days!!!!!

From: Kacie

THERE IS A WEBSITE CALLED: WWW.IBEAUTYNY.COM. I USED CINAMON AND SOLE OR KUZ THAT'S WHAT A LOT OF DOMINCANS USE..ALSO SALEM 21..

My Conclusion: The dominican hair salons work great for some women and very very bad for others... so you should really think about it when deciding to try one of their salons...

So what do you think about Dominican Salons? What are your experiences? Please share?

Product of the Day: Dr.Miracles Temple & Nape Gro Balm

The temples and the nape of the hair are the most fragile and tend to break the easiest, according to celebrity hairstylist Eugene Smith. “I like this product ($7.99, walgreens.com) because it specifically targets those areas.

Excellent for relaxed, braided, weaved or natural hair, it has a “feel” formula tingling sensation that stimulates blood flow to the scalp in the temple and nape area that continues to work even after you stop feeling it.

I'm going to the go to the store and purchase this, so I'll let you know how its coming along...

via: Essence

The Natural Weave: Tips on How to Blend Weave into Your Natural Hair

Don't you hate when you see someone who's obviously wearing a weave. When I see this, I ask myself , "what's the point of wearing a weave if you can tell its a weave." mind-boggling right.

Well here's a few tips you should abide by to make sure your weave has the most natural look:

1.) buy hair that matches your hair texture and color. the average women of color should usually choose "perm yaky" hair- this hair matches your permed hair texture. If you have fine hair, then it's okay to choose "yaky" hair, but perm yaky or a mixture of both is best.

2.) unless your hair is all pulled back (meaning your forehead is showing), it's important to have a bit of scalp showing. Meaning that you should have a part in you hair- it can be down the middle or on the side... either way, having a part in your hair helps it to look natural.

When superstar Rihanna wears a weave it always looks natural. Notice how she has part down the "side/middle", then the hair around the part covers her extensions that help gives her symmetrci bob length.

3. Treat your weave like its you hair, meaning don't forget to wash your hair every week or two. Take care of it. make sure you spray oil sheen in every morning. Especially take care of you natural hair that is left out- moisturize your edges and use a silk scarf. Having a weave doesn't make your hair invincible - you still MUST take care of it!

5. Wear hairstyles that look good on you and compliment your facial structure.

6. Don't wear your weave longer than 2 months. 3 months if its a really good weave. Your natural hair needs to and must breath:-)

7. Don't let people touch your hair and when people ask if its real reply "how rude". Then change the subject... if they're asking it must look real enough... you shouldn't hide it or be ashamed, but it's so stupid for people to ask. If you don't want to say "how rude", then say something like "does is matter, GOSH!"... then look really annoyed, lol.

Feel free to add more tips below.

PRETTY FEET: How To Get Beautiful Soft Feet Over Night

There's nothing worse than laying with your partner and getting scratched by their feet. It's important for both men and women to have smooth soft pretty feet.

Here's the quickest, most effective, easiest, cheapest way to get soft feet.

What you need:
- old thick socks (with no holes)
- shea butter, cocoa butter, or vaseline

Directions on how to get soft feet: Every night before you go to bed thoroughly moisturize your feet with cocoa butter , shea butter, or vaseline. Put on the socks. Go to sleep and wake up with softer smoother feet.

Why this works? Cocoa butter, shea butter, and vaseline are all products that naturally heal and soften your feet. By placing these products on your feet at night you allow them to soak in and efficiently work.