#HAWMC, 2 strand twist, 3 strand twist, 3-C hair type, 4-b hair type, Au Naturel Diva, aunaturale, beauty products, clarfying shampoo, clarifier, co-wash, coily, color. miss sixx, curls, curly, curly fro, curly hair, curly hair syles, damage, damage hair, dry hair, product review

Eden Body Works-Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo Product Review

shampoosm

Manufacturer: Eden Body Works

Type: PEPPERMINT Tea Tree Shampoo

Size: 8 fl.oz

Price: $8.50

Rating: 4

Attributes: This invigorating shampoo increases scalp circulation for a refreshed, renewed feeling. Removes all traces of dirt and oil build up. Formulated to help alleviate dry scalp with the use of pure peppermint botanicals. (Taken from the Eden Body Works website)

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Lauramidopropylamine Oxide,  Methyl Gluceth-10, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Hydroxypropyl Guar,  Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey, PEG-150 Distearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Oil,  Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Leaf Oil, Phenoxyethanol (insert-hand cramp, had to type that out due to their ingredients being a pic instead of typed..*sigh*)

The Good: My hair felt clean as if I had used a clarifying shampoo. My hair did not feel striped once I rinsed it. I used a product sample I’d received from a hair event, the sample contained enough shampoo for me to wash my hair twice (I have a TWA) while in the shower.

The Bad: The shampoo lathers really well, A LOT. I have become accustom to sulfate free shampoos, and am not use to a lot of lather. Although my hair did not feel striped, it didn’t feel as moisturized as when I use Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo. I did not feel the “tingle” many  spoke about when using this shampoo.

Overall: It’s a good product, and personally I will continue to use this shampoo, but as a clarifying shampoo. I will opt for the more moisturizing Shea Moisture shampoo or my sulfate free brands for daily/weekly use.

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The almighty chase of the curl & definition

Day 3-4 of a flat twist out


I’m always asked the question ” what do you use to get your hair curly?” ” How do you define your curls?”  The answer has remained the same for the last 6 months- I do flat twist out, using diluted lottabody setting lotion and my homemade whipped shea butter. I pineapple my hair at night, shake, and fluff in the am and ROCK OUT!

I have curly hair, however I’m no longer chasing curls and demanding that my hair is ” defined” 24/7. I do my twist out on Sunday and I don’t re twist until the following Sunday. I stretch a twist out for 5 days ( sometimes 6). The picture above is a 3rd or 4th day twist out. In the morning, I take down my hair ( from the pineapple), take my shower ( the steam help loosen the hair), after the shower ( i don’t not wet the hair- I just let the steam work), spritz with Oyin Handmade Juice N Berries ( or you could use water), fluff and go.. I’m now in love with my hair on day 3-5 of my twist out- I love the volume and loose curl. Day 1-2 the pattern is really tight and and not ” big” as I would like- not my fav look ( on myself).

Day 2 of a flat twist out 

MOISTURE is what defines and shapes our curls, not product. MOISTURE is what chases frizz away. Use products to enchace what you have, not create something that isn’t there. Curls come naturally- not in a jar ( or tube, or bottle).

{ posted on BlackGirlLongHair.com/} ” Don’t fight nature, embrace it. Haute hair, begins with healthy hair. So, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Trim every 3 months. Choose protective styles whenever possible. Avoid heat like the plague. Once you have mastered these principles, explore styling options that work with your natural curl pattern. If your hair is very kinky, roll with it…literally. Styles like finger twists and comb twists will produce awesome lasting texture with ease. These styles also tend to look better as they age. Gently separate the twist after a few days for greater volume and variety.”

Now that summer is creeping up on us and the the heat and humidity is in FULL EFFECT- Below are links to a few post to help you maintain healthy summer hair and keep the curls popping by providing tips on how to moisturize & maintain length.

Co-Washing Natural Hair

Moisturizing & Sealing Natural Hair

My ( daily/weekly/monthly) Regime

Disclaimer: These images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Mz. Sixx. Use of any image as the basis for another photographic concept or illustration (digital, artist rendering or alike) is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws. All images are copyrighted © 2012 – Au’Naturale by Mz. Sixx

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FREE copy of the Hair Growth Survival Guide

Get your copy of the Hair Growth Survival Guide – The Do’s and Don’ts of Growing Healthy Hair


It can really be a challenge growing your hair especially with all the elements we have to deal with. In the winter you have to deal with the hot, dry indoor air that sometimes makes your hair dry and brittle…

Then there are the hot summer months that dry out your hair, weigh your hair down with the humid air that adds moisture and extra frizz.

Then comes your styling products. Sometimes you don’t use the right products that are right for your hair type.

What about your diet? Are you eating the right foods?

Did you know that almonds, raisons and oranges are super foods that can help you grow longer hair? Simply add these simple snack foods to your diet on a regular basis for longer hair. But these aren’t the only foods that will help grow your hair.

THERE ARE MORE! …

If you want to know:
What foods will grow your hair longer
Shampoos you should never use
The food in your diet that could affect your hair growth
Essential ingredients for your hair
The #1 Moisturizer that’s all-natural!
… + so much more! You’ll be amazed!
This book is completely FREE of charge!

Your free e-book is ready for download. Grab it now!

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This E-book is courtesy of Curly Hair Salon

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My Dominican Salon Experience-YIKES!!!!!!!!!

I was having a moment and decided I was going to pamper myself and go get my hair done. After much thought, I settled on visiting a Dominican Salon. I figured if I was going to go through the motions of straightening my hair, I mine as well get it as straight as possible. Several of my co workers go to Luisa’s on the regular basis, and their hair looks GREAT!

I called to get pricing, I asked what was the price for a wash and blow dry on natural hair. The receptionist (I assumed she was the receptionist), began to yell and say “I’ve already told you ma’ma I have to see your hair, I can’t give you a price over the phone” [insert gas face RIGHT HERE] – I said, “excuse me, you haven’t told me anything because this is my 1st time calling!” The receptionist began to apologize profusely *apparently a lady kept calling demanding price over the phone* once she realized I was a “new” customer, she explained that the price is $45 for relaxed hair, $55 for natural hair (hair that hasn’t had a relaxer in +3 months), $10 additional if they have to flat iron the hair, and $10 additional if the hair was past shoulder length. Ok, I digest all of that and go to the salon as soon as I got off work.

I went to the location in Columbia, MD (7 minutes from the job). The salon is located in an office park across the street from the Columbia Mall. It was rather hot & humid that day, so I was stunned to see that the AC wasn’t on-but they had the front door propped open. As soon as I walked in, the receptionist- said hello, asked me if I wanted a wash & blow dry, I said yes, and she told me to have a seat at the sink. {I was surprised that I didn’t have to wait, everyone around me looked comfortable). The shampoo girl began to wash my hair, it was the BEST hair wash I’d ever had. She wasn’t afraid to get to my roots!!!! While she was washing my hair, she said something in Spanish to the receptionist – the receptionist then asked if I wanted a conditioner, I said yes, a deep conditioner. The lady applied the conditioner, massaged it in, put a cap on my head and took me to a hooded hair dryer. {Thinks to self} these dryers aren’t that bad… I can do this… 15 minutes later, I was back at the sink getting the conditioner washed out.

Then another lady (not sure what all she does, for the purposes of this post Im’a refer to her as the roller lady), escorted me to her station. She whips out a comb a IMMEDIATELY started to rack my hair from ROOTS {I jumped up) and said NO! that hurt!!!!!! She said something in Spanish- I said in English-“ you can do that to my hair!!!!” she tried to take it easy- but honestly I’m tender headed and she was heavy handed, and everything she did HURT!!!!!!! I know it took her 60-90 minutes to detangle my hair, and roll it. I was taken to the dryer, handed some ear muffs { I’m confused, never seen anything like it before, I look at the other girls and they had them over their ear, so I put them on my ear, and the roller lady tied a net thingy around my head. I was under the dryer {literally stuck-COULD NOT MOVE} I guess I had too many rollers in my hair.. Then all of a sudden … I WAS ON FIRE!!!!!! My skin was burning, my scalp was burning, I was trying to get from under the dryer –and I let out a scream { the metal roller pins, was laying on the side of my neck and was burning me!!!!!!} ** the skin actually blistered on my neck!** whew lawd.. That dryer was SO HOT, that when I stuck my hand under the hood to move the pin, it burnt my fingers!!!!! { now, I’m embarrassed-I’m the only one acting a pure fool.. everyone else is calm cool and collected} the roller girl comes over, said something looked at me and SHOVED my head back under the dryer.

My hair dried in 30 mins (a record). I was woozy, skin stinging, and I’m afraid of the heavy handed roller girl. She takes out the rollers.. applied some oil on my hair.. and LAWD-SHE WHIPS OUT THAT ROUND BRUSH AND SHE WAS WHIPPING MY HEAD BACK AND FORTH!!!!!!!! LORDY HELP ME JESUS… The smoke that pillowed out that hand dryer clouded up the salon. THEN.. [hold ya self} some salsa music sound came on.. JESUS.. SHE WAS DOING THE SALSA DANCE TWIRLING AROUND, SINGING AND WHIPPING ME BACK AND FORTH ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!!!!!!! She was FINALLY FINISHED-right? NOPE! Now she comes with the flat iron. That wasn’t too bad, but my head is pounding, my scalp and skin is burnt and I’m READY TO GO!!! FINALLY after 3.5 hours of TORTURE- I’m finished!!!!! Get to the register- my bill was a whopping $75!!!!!!! [screech]. I paid it and left. Mid way to my car……. THE SKY OPENED UP AND IT POURED ON MY HEAD!!!!!!! **TEARS** I got soak and wet and bushed up my newly flat ironed hair!!!!!!!! I get in the car- look in the mirror.. and I can see waves forming in the front of my head. Now all I smell is burnt hair!!!!! {yuck}. I just drive home, snap a few pic’s , wrap it up, and went to bed. Needless to say- I wore my hair straight 2 WHOLE DAYS!!!!!!! Yep, 2!!!!!!!

I went to my cousin April Crawford, and had her to trim my hair, cut in layers & bangs, and re flat iron my hair. She did an awesome job and I was very happy with the look after she was finished. ( The pictures was taken after April did her thang). **THANK YOU MZ. APRIL***

The Good: I finally got a MUCH needed trim, and becasue of the layers, my hair falls very pretty into “shape”.

The Bad: Luisa’s was NOT gentle enough for me. I hadn’t had my hair blown out in 6 years, and anybody with any experience with natural hair KNOW you start detangling from the ends to root- NOT root to ends. If we are paying extra for having natural hair, we should be given ” extra gentle treatment”.

THE UGLY: The burns, and extreme heat. That cant be healthy or safe!!!!!! in addition to getting drenched in the rain 3 minutes after leaving the salon– PRICE- $75 was STEEP. I was a regular at the Dominican salon in Jersey ( 15 yrs ago), and the MOST I ever paid was $25. I didn’t expect to pay $25, but I damn sure didn’t expect to pay $75 for a wash, conditioner, blow dry, roller /flat iron.

If I ever have to endure THAT again for straight hair, I will forever remain a CURLY head!!!!!!!!

Au Naturale Hair Mask, Au'Naturale Hair Wash, Cantu Shea butter leave in conditioner, coconut milk, color. miss sixx, curly hair, moisturizer, natural hair styles, orange marmalade

You’ve Been Asking-My Hair Regime

Hair Type-3C

Natural off/on since 2005

Loc Rocker 2.5 years

Fro Rocker-2 months

Daily

Moisturize
· Homemade Hair spray bottle mix applied to hair daily (coconut milk, aloe juice, Curl Activator or glycerin, & distilled water)
· I use Orange Marmalade Hair Butter, Lemon Soufflé Twisting Butter, or Lemon Cream ( all products that I make)

Weekly

Cleanse-Co-Wash

· No-poo / conditioner wash – *Sun-Wed-Fri*
I use Moisture Milk- Strawberries & Cream by Vo5 or Coconut By Suave
Any “cheaper conditioner” will do

· When using the conditioner, make sure to totally saturate your hair
· Detangle hair with a detangling comb or a Denman Brush I only “comb” my hair on Sun- Wed-Fri while detangling

· Always use a leave-in conditioner after rinsing out the regular conditioner
I use Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In or Long Relationship ( by Herbal Essence)
· Then apply a moisturizer and/or styling product to define your curls

I use Orange Marmalade Hair Butter, Lemon Soufflé Twisting Butter, or Lemon Cream ( all products that I make)

· Seal ends with Castor/Coconut Oil Mix

Pre Poo Hair Treatment
· Hot Oil Treatment- Sunday
Hot Oil Treatment- Olive Oil ( or any other natural oil-coconut, jojoba, sesame, or Canola) + Honey ( make sure is PURE Honey- I prefer Raw Honey)
· 3tbls oil+3tbls honey=Hot Oil Treatment
o Sit bottle into a cup of hot water to warm mixture
o Pour the mixture over “Dry Hair”
o Apply heating cap for 30-60 minutes
o Rinse with cool water, then co wash or shampoo

Protective Styling


· Twist or Braid Hair at least 2-3 days a week (usually on Sun- Wed- Fri)
o Wear Twist Out or Braid Out styles
o Another option is Bantu Knots/French Braid/Corn Rows/2-Strand Twist
o Search You Tube for methods and other styling options

Bi-Weekly
Shampoo
· Shampoo hair with a sulfate free shampoo
o I use the shampoo that I make- If I use commerical brand I use Organix
o If your using shampoo with Sulfates, dilute the shampoo with distilled water and add Olive Oil

Monthly
Deep Condition

I mix either of the 2 recipes below to perform a deep condition once a month. I do not apply heat to my hair- therefore I never sit under the dryer.

Here is a picture of my hair- after applying the bannana mask

Banana Hair Mask (Protein)
Ingredients
· 1-2 jars of stage 2 banana baby food ( or 1 ripe banana pureed)
· 1 tbsp of honey
· 1 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Directions
· Mix until smooth and creamyWork the mixture into your hair, paying particular attention to the ends (which tend to be more damaged). You can just use this mixture on your ends, if you prefer, especially if hair tends to be oily.
· Cover head with plastic wrap, and then wrap a warmed damp towel over the plastic wrap. Let the mixture sit on your hair for 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Avocado & Mayo DC (Protein)
Ingredients
· 1 egg
· 1 extremely ripe avocado
· 1 tbsp mayonnaise

Directions
· Blend all ingredients to make a smooth paste. Work the mixture into your hair, from scalp to ends Apply more at roots and ends. Cover your entire hair. Cover head with plastic wrap, and then wrap a warmed damp towel over the plastic wrap. This ensures a better absorption or deeper treatment. Let the mixture sit on your hair for 45-60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water

Coconut Honey Deep Conditioner (moisturizing)
Ingredients:
· 4 tbls Coconut oil
· 2 tbls Natural honey
Directions
· Place coconut oil and honey in a small plastic bag and place the bag in a hot cup of water for 1 minute to warm. Apply to hair, wrap hair in a towel for 20 minutes. Wash then dry hair

Length Retention
· Clip ends
· Keep hair braided or twisted for at least one out of 4 weeks

** Note**
Will soon be adding Henna and Bentonite Clay to my monthly regimen

Nightly
Pineapple Hair
· (Put up in a high pony tail) and put on a silk or satin bonnet or a silk scarf. In the least, use a satin pillow case. Curls can be very fragile and tangle easily. You want to avoid tangling as much as possible while sleeping.

Notes/Helpful Hints
1. Detangle only when the hair is soaking with conditioner and rinse
2. Spray hair with water daily to hydrate and seal with natural oil if wearing the hair in a natural style.
3. Rotate the conditioners (both moisturizing and protein) every other week so that the hair does not stop responding to them.
4. A hot oil treatment to be applied to hair for 20 minutes before shampooing once a month.
5. Use a strong protein treatment if any out-of-the-ordinary breakage occurs.
6. Keep the hair braided for at least one out of 4 weeks to save on a detangling session and for length retention.
7. Do not braid too close to the edges (small baby hairs) to avoid thinning of the hairline.
8. Clarify the hair once every 6-8 weeks or when a lot of product has been used during the week to get rid of build up. Do not do this often to prevent the hair from feeling ‘stripped’ and dry.
9. Limited Use-
· Shampoo – Can be drying / stripping; I dilute or add oil to my shampoo and use sparingly
· Silicones – Trying to use fewer products containing these. They coat/build up the hair shaft and cannot be removed by conditioner alone.
· Alcohol – very drying to the hair
10. Track your growth every 3 months with pictures.

** Feel free to alter this regime to suit your hair- these things works best for my hair**

au naturale, cultivated locs, curly hair, fro hawk, headbands. natural hair, miss sixx, natural hair, relaxer

I was just told- I project a bad image with natural hair!!!!!!!

OMG!!!! I’m on fire sitting here as I type this. If you see smoke- its just me- trying to calm the hell down…

I was holding out on you guys with a major announcement. I’m taking down my loc’s– not because I don’t want them anymore- but because I want them smaller and more uniformed. I was never really happy with the size, so I decided to take down this set, and start them over. I wanted to do the big reveal once I’m done- but that wont be until next week ( heifer messed up my plan).

We’ll I’m at work- sitting at my desk in my office **ok, Im’a be honest- **I’m sitting here looking at You tube videos on how to do a twist out **, you can obviously tell that some of my loc’s are gone. All of the front have been taken down- I only have the back loc’d. I have them two strand twisted going to the back into a pony tail. A co worker ( who shall remain nameless) walks up to my desk and say ” ooh, your loc’s are gone” * insert a big ass kool aid smile on her face*, I responded- yes, but not for good. I start with my explanation of why I was taking them down- she cuts me off –

** This is how the convo continued**

Her: good now you can go and get a relaxer

* insert the gas face and a bubble caption that reads ” GTFOH *

Me: You know I’m not getting a relaxer- I’m Au’Naturale baby ( she knows about the blog, the products, etc) I wont ever be going to a relaxer again- EVER- NEVER- AGAIN will the creamy crack take up residence on my hair!

Her: well you can go see my Dominican stylist ( Lucia) she can blow your hair super straight and it will be down your back-

* insert beads of sweat forming on my nose and silently praying for God to shut my mule-we are in a corporate building and I’m located in the executive suite*

ME:NO- THANK YOU- I’m happy being natural- and when they are all out I will rock a curly fro for a month, then re twist to re start loc’s in September.

Her: chile, please.. all you gotta do is get some protectant, hair oil and you will be good to go- I have a relaxer and I get it done every 2 weeks at the Dominican Salon. You have ” good” hair”- You will be happy with it and you”ll be able to do more with it {hair}. Lucia will hook you up!

** Me thinking to myself- is that what you did when you had to chop off your shoulder length hair into a short bob, because of breakage and bad perms-just use styling protectant, and oil – The oil you had me mixing for you and your daughter?? ummmmm**

ME: well to each its own, but did you ever think that everyone isn’t into the super straight hair – I love my curls- I love being natural!

Her: Why?? who would want to walk around and look like that on purpose?

** adjust my eyeglasses, insert the gas face with a twist and my church finger up!~**

ME: I know thousands of women, men, and children that has CHOSEN to be natural- its a choice-and believe me dear. I’m super fresh , happy, and confident EVERYDAY-regardless of how I rock- Loc’s, Fro, twist out, OR A RELAXER !

Her: ** slowly walking away out of my office** no way, no how would I subject myself or my daughter ( her daughter is 4) to that image.. Good luck with that

* stands up to escort her up outta my space * image of Martin Lawrence comes to mind of him throwing people out of his apartment* hand on my hip*

ME: Good luck with growing your hair back after that bad perm-ooh.. and you have a relaxer scab dangling- U might wanna check that ( :0 )

Divas!!!! I never knew this heifer felt that way about my hair. I’m in complete shock right now.. I’ve never heard a “bad comment” about my loc’s or my natural hair- so I’m completely caught off guard right now.. She had the friggin nerve to waltz her ass into my office and suggest that I project a bad image because I ‘ve chosen to be natural- BISH GTFOH!!!!!!!
au naturale, curly hair, essence magazine, hair diffuser, hair steamer, miss sixx, shampoo, silk scarf, styling products, trim, wash n go

Curly Hair Do’s and Dont’s

Wash and Wear
DO: RE-WET HAIR EVERY THREE DAYS. “For curlier textures, I usually recommend a three-day limit between rinsing and conditioning,” says Dickey. “If you wait longer than that, your curls will shrink up or dry out.”
Amber Waves
DON’T: TOUCH YOUR HAIR UNTIL IT’S COMPLETELY DRY. “If you fuss too much with your wet hair, you’ll disturb the curl pattern,” says Dickey. “And the curls won’t have a chance to set properly.”
Silky Smooth
DO: TUCK CURLS INTO A BONNET OR SILK SCARF AT NIGHT. “You have to protect your curls at bedtime!” says Dickey. “And if it’s long, first gather your hair into a high ponytail, using a loose scrunchy.”

Super Shampoo

DON’T: SHAMPOO YOUR HAIR EVERY TIME IT GETS WET. “You”ll dry out your curls if you shampoo too much,” says Dickey, who recommends using Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream Moisture-Rich No Suds Shampoo ($22). “I suggest a ‘big shampoo’ once a week. And don’t worry about it not getting clean—when you wet

Snip Snip
DO: GET A TRIM EVERY THREE MONTHS. “This is key for curly hair,” says Dickey. “You gain a quarter of an inch or so a month, so you’ll want to snip off dead ends to keep your curls looking and feeling fresh.”
Steam Heat
DO: USE STEAM TO HELP REFRESH 2ND AND 3RD DAY CURLS. “To redefine your curls, stand in the shower and let the steam seep into your hair,” says Dickey. “It adds moisture, which is so key for bouncy curls. After the shower, apply a finishing cream.”
So Hood
DO: TRY A PORTABLE HOOD DRYER INSTEAD OF A DIFFUSER. “After applying your styling product to sopping wet hair, sit under a pre-heated hood dryer,” says Dickey. “Stop when your hair’s almost dry, and then let the rest air dry. Your curls will have great definition!”
High Style
DON’T: USE TOO MUCH STYLING PRODUCT. “This leads to crunchy curls,” says Dickey. “Your product should be lite enough that you can saturate your hair with it, and your curls don’t get crunchy or weighted down.”
Tips courtesy of Essence.Com
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All Curls Products 20% off at Curl Mart

ALL CURLS products are 20% OFF at Curl Mart! Use coupon code CURLS20. Expires July 12th. CURLS products, formulated with certified organic ingredients, natural oils from Bali and Indonesia, and exotic extracts from China and Japan, are specifically designed to define, defrizz, and hydrate needy curls. These delectable delights promise effortless, frizz-free curls. With 11 products to choose from, CURLS caters to every curly hair type.

ALL orders – FREE CURLS Product!All CurlMart orders will receive a FREE sample of CURLS Quenched Curls Moisturizer. This daily moisturizer is a life saver.While supplies last.