This caught me by surprise!

A couple weeks ago, one of my Hairlista's mentioned that they saw me in the new July 2015 issue of Essence Magazine..but I just didn't believe it - until now!

So my July Essence mag just arrived in the mail and lo-and-behold, there I am with the lovely Deanna from ThePrettyGirlsGuide.com and Angela Christine from LA Hair on WeTV :)

As you may already know, I love and use ORS Olive Oil hair products in my regimen! Not only was this experience truly monumental, it was fun and I still keep in touch with the ORS girls!

I remember when India Arie released “I Am Not My Hair” in 2006 and the popular phrase swept the hair care world by storm. Everywhere you turned, ladies were chanting this phrase to declare that they were more than just their hair journey. According to the song, whether it was a press and curl, jehri curl or a relaxer, India Arie stated that hair does not define nor consume her. She has encouraged women to look inside and go beyond that. While that is true, reality illustrates that women believe the opposite of the statement.

It’s easy to agree that our hair can depict how we feel; it’s an extension of our personality, even our spiritual beliefs. I think our hair is an accessory that can be manipulated to how we see fit. We use it to express ourselves in anyway we feel and chose. It’s possible that we are our hair only because our actions prove otherwise. Women spend countless amounts of money and energy in making sure their hair is looking top notch. We go through great lengths (pun intended) to obtain long hair, a certain hair style or product. At times, our self-esteem increases and decreases depending on how our hair is looking and feeling, according to our preferences.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with one taking pride in making sure their hair is up to their standards. Healthy hair is beautiful and it can really transform the way you feel about yourself. Our hair is an extension of ourselves.

However, we must also understand that our hair should not be the sole deciding factor on how we are to be perceived by others and ourselves. Though our hair a part of us, it’s not all of us. As India Arie greatly put it, we are the souls that live within. At the end of the day, it’s just hair.

Share your thoughts! Do you agree or disagree with the “I am not my hair” statement and why?

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: Do You Agree With ‘I Am Not My Hair’ Statements?

So you’ve decided to grow your hair long and healthy and you’ve set your hair goals. Now what? In order to achieve those goals, a regimen needs to be set in place.

PROTEIN RECONSTRUCTORS 
Reconstructors are packed with proteins small enough to penetrate and repair the cracks and gaps along the hair shaft. During relaxers, protein is stripped from the hair making it weak and fragile. Reconstructors infuse protein back into the hair. Light reconstructors can be used weekly and heavy reconstrcutors can be used every 6-8 weeks. Start off by using a light protein reconstructor weekly for 15-20 minutes.

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
Using a leave-in conditioner, after a deep condition, is essential as it aids in closing the cuticles so that the nutrients stay inside of the hair shaft. Closed cuticles mean the hair remains smooth, tangle-free with shine. Most leave-in conditioners provide moisturizing and protein properties for added benefit. Use a leave-in conditioner after every deep condition.

MOISTURIZING DEEP CONDITIONER 
A moisturizing deep conditioner is an essential part of any regimen. Moisturizing deep conditioners are crucial in adding moisture, softness, and smoothness in the hair. It’s perfect to use after a protein reconstructor as it restores moisture and elasticity back into the hair. Use a moisturizing deep conditioner at least once a week under a heat source (i.e. hooded dryer, heat cap, steamer etc.) for 20-30 minutes.

DAILY MOISTURIZER
Moisture is the key! Using a daily moisturizer is the quickest way to replenish moisture in dry hair. The only way to effectively moisturize your hair is by using a water-based moisturizer (make sure water is the first ingredient on the list). Focus on moisturizing your ends first, then work your way up to your roots. Moisturize daily to increase elasticity and hydration. Above all, listen to your hair! If you notice excessive shedding and/or breakage, use the process of elimination and cut back on one product at a time to see what is causing the issue.

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: Tips On Creating A Regimen For Relaxed Hair

Put It Up! 
The best thing to do while working out is to pull all of your hair off of your shoulders whether that’s in a ponytail, high bun or low bun. Protective styling the hair is best while keeping it wrapped with a silk or satin scarf. Tying the hair down helps keep the hair controlled, smooth and sleek during your exercise. Quick tip: do not take down your hair until it completely dries! This will help lessen the chance of your hair texture reverting.

Be Smart About Drying 
Ditch the flat irons and blow dryers for a healthier option. Try air-drying your hair while it’s in loose braids or a low bun overnight or grab the blow dryer and dry your hair on the cool setting. Cool air helps to close the hair cuticles encouraging them to lay flat and smooth resulting in healthier hair.




Ditch Itchy Scalp 
Those who sweat a lot in their scalp tend to experience excessive itching and overall discomfort in their scalp. Applying Coconut oil to the scalp 2-3x/week along with frequent Apple Cider Vinegar rinses in the scalp can help to eliminate the itching and remove dirt.


Less Shampooing is Better 
Using shampoo in the scalp is a great way to remove excess dirt, build up and sweat; however, using it after each workout can cause excessive dryness. Washing the hair with shampoo daily or every other day can strip the hair of natural oils and moisture. Eventually this can cause damage to the hair. If you must cleanse your scalp with shampoo, use one without sulfates for added hydration.

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: On Maintaining Relaxed Hair While Working Out

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Check out the reasons below...

DIFFERENT BALANCE REQUIREMENTS 
Telaxing the hair preserves the protein within the strand, as it’s not broken down completely by the relaxer. Since there is more protein left over in the strand, texlaxed hair tends to crave more moisture as opposed to protein treatments. Relaxed hair benefits from consistent protein treatments to build the integrity of the strands that were weakened by the relaxer. A balance of both moisture and protein is important to maintain healthy hair.

Relaxed and texlaxed hair differs in texture. Texlaxed hair is filled with volume, thickness and of course texture! Texlaxed hair isn’t completely relaxed in order to achieve a fuller thicker appearance. Relaxed hair is just the opposite! Relaxed hair is straighter with fewer kinks in the strands. Due to the differences in texture, each hair type requires care that is unique to its characteristics.

RELAXER
Although both relaxed and texlaxed hair requires relaxers to achieve their style, the amount of time the relaxer is left on the hair varies. For example, when I relax my new growth, I spend approximately 25 minutes applying and smoothing my relaxer whereas someone with texlaxed hair may finish the entire process in 10-15 minutes. Those who are texlaxed omit the smoothing step for less straightness and more texture. The goal is not to get the hair straight but to just to loosen the natural curl pattern.

MANIPULATION 
Depending on the style you chose to wear, both relaxed and texlaxed hair require a certain level of manipulation. Texlaxed hair is easier to comb, detangle, and overall manipulate in sections - preferably while moisturized. Texlaxed hair tends to be thick and highly textured; therefore, sectioning off the hair in 6-8 sections helps to cut down on matting, tangles and breakage. As relaxed hair can be quite straight, putting the hair in sections is not a necessity due to its ease in manageability, though it’s quite helpful.

DIFFERENT NEEDS 
Ladies with texlaxed hair often voice fears of their hair reverting after it’s been freshly flat ironed! Completely understandable! It’s a fact that flat-ironed texlaxed hair can revert back to a kinkier texture if humidity is present in the air. Texlaxed hair, as opposed to relaxed hair, requires an arsenal of anti-frizz and anti-humidity products to help combat reversion while straight. Relaxed hair, though it’s a possibility, rarely experiences this dilemma.

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: Relaxed hair vs. Texlaxed hair

1. Moisturizing and seal your hair. Dry hair leads to breakage and breakage leads to possible split ends. See the vicious cycle? Finding the right water-based moisturizer and sealing with a natural oil will prevent your ends from splitting and breaking. This will allow your ends to grow and stay full.

2. Don’t be afraid to trim! Split ends cause our hair to appear jagged-y, dull and cause tangles—who wants that? Do not hold on to length just for the sake of having long hair. Healthy hair comes first! Routinely trim your ends on a schedule that works best for you and your hair. I tend to trim my ends every other relaxer.


3. To achieve and maintain healthy ends, protection is key! Protective styling allows me to avoid heavy manipulation, which can cause my ends to fray. As a bonus, since my ends are hidden, I dodge frequent trims! Buns and wigs are my fave!

4. Baggying allows your hair to remain moist by covering your ends or your entire head using a plastic cap! I swear by baggying! It’s a great way to re-hydrate and retain moisture while you’re at home lounging around. My ends love it!

5. Pamper your ends with a weekly dose of deep treatments! Your ends, the oldest part of your hair, tend to experience the most wear and tear. Give your ends the extra TLC it needs to combat breakage and dryness. Apply the deep conditioner to your ends first, and then work your way up to your roots. Don’t forget to use heat. Your hair will love you for it!

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: 5 Musts For Healthy Ends

As 2014 quickly comes to an end and we reflect on our hair progress throughout the year, it’s important to be realistic when setting new goals for 2015. Setting goals that are congruent with our lifestyle is a key factor for success. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are creating your goals for 2015.

START SMALL AND BE SPECIFIC
If you want to grow your hair from shoulder length to mid-back length in 6 months, think twice. Remember, our hair does not grow very long overnight! We grow on average ½ an inch per month, which equates to 6 inches a year! Aim to go from shoulder length to armpit length in 6 months to 1 year. Chances are, you’ll reach your goal way before you anticipated!

WRITE IT DOWN
Writing down your hair goals and keeping track of your progress is an excellent way to stay on top of your hair ambitions. Journaling will help you to set your path and you can make adjustments when needed.

EXPECT BUMPS ALONG THE WAY
Expect bumps along the way! You may not achieve your goal on the first try – that’s okay! It will not always be smooth sailing. Trial and error is part of the journey. Without the “hiccups” we experience, we wouldn’t truly understand our hair. Embrace the ups and downs, have patience and most importantly stay consistent!

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: Are Your 2015 Hair Resolutions Realistic?

When I’m stretching my relaxer I like to do low manipulation styles to camouflage my new growth. Twist-outs are fun and playful. They give me just the right amount of volume and wave to spice up my hair. The best part is, they are super easy to do and great for any occasion!

Products Used:

Here’s how I do it: 

Step 1 
I like to moisturize and seal my hair first to lock in moisture. I then part my hair in 5 sections. I apply 1 pump of my favourite foam lotion to each section. Twist it up and clip. Take one section, split it in two (2).

Step 2
I grab one of those sections and begin to two-strand twist all the way down to my ends. I twist each section tightly for more curl definition.

Step 3 
Starting from my ends, I roll the perm rod all the way up to my roots.

Step 4 
I continue to twist my entire head until complete. Each section should have 2 two-strand twists with perm rods on the ends.  I have a total of 10 sections. At this point, I go under the hooded dryer for 15-20mins to allow the foam lotion to set. I throw on my satin bonnet and go to bed.
In the morning, I remove the perm rods carefully, trying not disturbing the curl. I unravel my twists, separate, fluff and go!

Results:

Bunning is one of my favourite quick and easy “go-to” styles. There are various buns that I’ll choose at any given time, but the bun-style that has grabbed my attention lately, is the Top knot bun! This style has been a hot trend lately. It’s sophisticated, chic and I love how quick and easy it is. You can dress it up for a night out or you can dress it down for a messy top knot look – it will still look fabulous!

Check out the steps below on how you can achieve this look:

1. Moisturize and seal your hair. Thoroughly comb your hair ensuring there are no knots or tangles
2. Gather all of your hair to the top of your head (where you want the bun to be placed i.e. crown region) and secure your hair with a ponytail holder. Make sure it’s not too tight.
3. Take your hair in the ponytail and split it in two.
4. Begin to do a loose two-strand twist with your hair.
5. Wrap the twist around the ponytail holder (clockwise) to form a bun. Secure the bun with a few bobby pins to ensure it does not unravel
6. Go over your hair with a 100% Boar Bristle Brush so your hair and edges are smooth and in tack!

That’s it!

I love rocking this style. It’s fun and the bun looks like a sophisticated intricate knot! Enjoy.

1. SHAMPOO FIRST
It’s important to start with a clean slate! You shouldn’t apply a flat iron to dirty hair because it can cause future breakage. Try a sulfate free shampoo to prevent your hair from being stripped of its natural oils.

2. DEEP CONDITION
To prevent dry dull flat-ironed hair, give your hair a thorough deep condition to ensure the hair will remain moisturized and soft. Deep conditioning your hair prior to flat ironing protects the hair from heat damage.

3. APPLY A LEAVE-IN HAIR LOTION
A smoothing leave-in encourages the hair to lay flat, promotes shine, provides heat resistance and anti-frizz benefits. No matter the climate, your hair is protected! I like to use my smoothing leave-in on damp hair, prior to my flat ironing, and after I’ve finished flat ironing. I use a quarter size amount and pass it through my strands for even distribution.

4. ADJUST HEAT SETTINGS
Adjust the heat setting on your flatiron to a setting that is comfortable for you and your hair. Using the flatiron at 450 degrees is way too hot and potentially damaging to your hair. Play around with the settings to see what works best. I like to set my flat iron anywhere between 350-400 degrees.

5. SLOW AND STEADY
Pass the flat iron over your hair slow and steady. The slower you go, the better the heat will penetrate into the strands giving your hair that shiny smooth straight look! Sliding the flat iron slowly through the hair also minimizes the amount of times you pass the iron through the hair. One or two passes are all you really need. Try it!

6. FLAT IRON IN 1” INCH SECTIONS
For silky smooth results! I like to part my relaxed hair in small 1” inch sections. I do this because it’s easier to manage my hair in smaller doses as opposed to tackling the entire head at once. I also realized that flat ironing in small sections allows the heat to be evenly distributed on each strand ensuring consistent frizz-free results. Big sections wont straighten properly!

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: Hairlicious Inc. Gives Tips On Flat Ironing Relaxed Hair

1. STRETCH RELAXERS 
I like to space out my relaxers as far as possible. My hair thrives when I relax every 10-12 weeks. By stretching out my relaxers I'm giving my hair a break and allowing my new growth to grow in fully before putting the relaxer on it. When your new growth is not visible, it's much easier to overlap the relaxer on the previously relaxed hair. This can cause thinness, breakage and overall damage. Stretching your relaxers makes your hair stronger and thicker over time.


2. NORMAL STRENGTH VS. EXTRA STRENGTH RELAXERS
Normal strength relaxers tend to process the hair at a much slower rate than extra strength relaxers. The slower process along with my quick relaxer speed results in my hair not relaxed completely bone straight. There is still some texture left over in my strands. More texture means thicker dense strands.

3. PRE-POO WITH COCONUT OIL
I like to pre-poo my hair with a mixture of conditioner and coconut oil before I shampoo. Coconut oil is known to protect the hair from protein loss when used as a pre-shampoo treatment. In other words, it helps prevent damage to the cuticle. Less damage means stronger fuller cuticle, which gives you thicker hair.

4. PROTECT PREVIOUSLY RELAXED HAIR
I never relax my hair without my ends being protected from the relaxer. Relaxing previously relaxed hair can cause the hair to be over-processed eventually leading to thinness and breakage. Protecting the length of the hair to the ends creates a barrier between your hair and the run-off of the relaxer. I like to use a thick Oil or Grease to protect my hair.


5. WEEKLY LIGHT PROTEIN TREATMENTS 
I changed my regimen around in order to incorporate weekly protein treatments. Using reconstructors under a hooded dryer for 15-20 minutes is the best thing for my strands. Protein causes the hair to swell in diameter, therefore increasing the thickness. Protein treatments strengthen and fortify the hair preventing breakage.

I must admit, relaxing my own hair with the help of my sister has been such a liberating process. Don’t get me wrong, I love being pampered at the salon every now and then; however, having the freedom to relax your hair any day of the week and at any time certainly places power in your hands.


Using a normal strength relaxer is my personal preference. I use normal strength relaxer because it processes slower preventing my hair from becoming over-processed. I usually relax every 10-12 weeks and prep it a few days in advance by using a detangler to remove any knots and tangles at the demarcation line. This really helps to speed up the relaxer time. On the day of my relaxer, I apply a thick oil to my scalp and around the perimeter of my hairline preventing any burns. In order to prevent overlap and over-processing, I apply Vaseline in sections on my previously relaxed hair the day of my relaxer. This step is crucial as it creates a solid barrier between the length of my hair and the relaxer.

RELATED: Straight Talk: Hairlicious Inc. Explains Why She Doesn’t Frequent Salons

My sister and I tag team and relax my hair at home. I make sure I have my relaxer tub, latex gloves, applicator brushes, extra towels for any mess and my timer! We part the hair in 4 quadrants (2 in the front and 2 in the back). I’m responsible for the front portion and she relaxes the back portion. I pre-part the front of the hair in 1” inch sections and 2 strand twist each section for fast and easy application. My sister duplicates the same process in the back section. We smooth out the relaxer 2-3 times (relaxing only the new growth). We relax my entire head for 20-25 mins, which works best for my hair, as the results are always consistent. My hair turns out straight with a little bit of kink – just the way I like it!



What works for me is neutralizing my hair at least 3-5 times to ensure the relaxer is completely removed from my hair. This is key! Then I proceed to deep condition with a moisture/protein balanced deep conditioner adding strength back into the hair. That’s it! Try it!

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: Hairlicious Inc. On The Art of Relaxing Your Own Hair