8 Fun Hair Facts About My Natural Hair

I'm always asked the question, "How long have you been natural?"  When I answer "most of my life"  I tend to get a side eye like "Yeah, Girl whatever!" but then I'm bombarded with loads of product questions. Even in the moment of skepticism, my "secrets" are still on request for reveal. It's always been a tickling topic to me. Sometimes I have the "basher" (anyone and anything not natural is a problem!), the speudo educator (timelines and posts are their teacher. From their perspective, hairstylist don't know what they're talking about. 0_o) or (my fav) just a woman who likes to talk good haircare.  Many people tend to think that a series spectacular events happen in order for me to achieve the look/s they're inquiring about. Nope! Having been natural most of my life did not exclude me from the trial and error of finding out what works for my hair. However, being a hair professional and product trainer did make the journey a bit easier.  As per some of your inquiries, I thought I'd share a fun fact list of my journey along with my regimen. 

Cheeeeez! 18 months old and afro happy

MY FUN HAIR FACTS

1.I was a toddler rocking  huge afros. I really appreciate my mother for this. She had me wearing braid outs until first grade and I loved it!

2. As a child I maintained my curls with VASELINE and water. My edges and curls were LAID. I thought I had the secret until I went swimming and my hair turned white. My mother had to wash it out with dish detergent.

3. I've only worn a relaxer for 10yrs of my life (age13-23) *whispers* I'm going on 20yrs natural again. *winks*

4. I love hair color! I keep this strictly professional. 

5. People tend to think my hair is a wig or wig piece. I've been called some colorful names when I've replied "It's my natural hair."   One woman went as far as pointing me out to store patrons "she's a lying *BLEEP*" Geesh! She was mad!

6.There are NO holy grail products in my regimen. I switch up products all the time. When I find something I really like I keep it replenished but I still try other things.

7.My favorite hair tool is the Denman brush. A curly hair gift from the heavens. Amen! 

8. I am not a slave to my hair. 

Bonus fact: My husband usually colors, cuts and blow dries my hair. Who is spoiled? Meeeee!

Me today wearing a Wash and go

HAIR REGIMEN

Daily:  leave in conditioner/moisturizer. During the summer I use products specific for sun protection.

Weekly: Shampoo and condition. During the winter when my scalp is most dry, I do a bi-weekly scalp treatment.

Monthly: I alternate with deep conditioners according to my hair needs. I usually use a protein reconstructor of some sort every other month.

Bi Monthly: IF I stick to it then this is when I trim my hair. 

Quarterly: Hair color. new or retouch depending on if I'm using permanent or demi permanant. 

Yearly: Once a year I take off about 4 inches.  I don't have a clue as to how that number became the target but for the last 5yrs that's what it has been.  

See! No tricks or special effects. Just two tired arms trying to maintain what is affectionately known as the gorgeous beast.  Are you natural or straight? How do you maintain your healthy hair? Share some of your favorite hair tips below. 

 

Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream Review

Sometimes a girl has to be a little rebellious when it comes to beauty.  For example, using a moisturizing shampoo as a body wash or in this case, using a night cream during the day. Due to the cosmic confusing of our weather my skin was poised to read "out of whack! and I'm not for that forecast. This woman works hard at keeping her skin looking at least 10 years younger. hhhmph!  Apparently, the folks over at Influenster were moved to help so they sent me a "Hey Girl, You should try this.Ok! Great! look for it in the mail." email.  Geesh! Must be a staff of physics over there! As a fan of the Aveeno Positively Radiant line ( The cleansing pads are FAB! read it), I was more than happy to give the Intensive Night Cream a try. Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream  is said to give an extra boost to the 5 Factors of Radiance -tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness and brown spots.   All of the aforementioned are not on my list of concerns but those that are (texture and dullness) needed some quick assistance. Bravo to the Soy complex and vitamin B3 for taking care of it within days. My face and neck thank you. Oh, and I wasn't a total rebel. The day AND nighttime use of the cream maintained my goal: Clear and balanced skin.  Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream is very hydrating which is what my skin needs right now.  Although it's labelled as a cream, its texture is more like a lotion.  The non greasy formula spreads with ease and absorbs quickly.  Texture has been an issue since I turned 40. You're surprised?! Me too!  Good genes, love of self, and great skincare will do that for a girl. So yeah, back to this wonderfully affordable drugstore gem. It wears a pricetag of $16.99 and is well worth it you're looking for a quality cream that delivers on its claims. I'm off to go slather some on my face now. It will be morning when you read this and my skin will be GLO- WING! *rings the school bell*

What are some of your skincare concerns?  Also, tell me what Aveeno products are you using or are looking to try?  

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Natural Radiance Purederm Green Tea Essence Face Mask Review

The Mask Sheet

When you live in a house with little boys, the scarier a beauty treatment makes you, the cooler you are. In fact, if it's a quiet relaxing moment I'm looking for then I must hide to avoid the barrage of "who I should scare next" and" how I can look scarier" ideas.  I'm a big fan of masks so I decided to try the cool Purederm Green Tea Essence mask from Natural Radiance.  Natural Radiance is a leader in providing Korean beauty products, inclusive of BB creams, makeup and skincare.  The premoistened sheets have just enough juice to make the mask stay put without any dripping or messy application.  My six year old was every bit of intrigued.  He had some questions and I'm sure you would have asked the same...

6yr old: "Mom, what's that?" *asking and touching are synonymous*
6yr old continues: "Oh, it's soft! and wet. What's in it?"
*shoos his hand away before he pulls on the mask*
Me: "It's a face mask that will moisturize my skin and..."
* interrupts with wide eyed curiosity*
6yr old: "YOU'RE GOING TO LOOK DIFFERENT?!!"
Me: "No (lol) it's going to soften my skin and brighten it up a bit (i hope!) It has green tea, licorice root and vitamins in it."
*As I list ingredients, I see disinterest looming so I interject*
Me: "so, it's like food for the skin."
*light bulb moment or a fine idea for a way to escape from my presence twinkles in his eye*
6yr old: "ooooooh!" *pause & giggles* "You look like a super hero!"
Me: "really? what should my name be?"
6yr: *shrugs* "I don't know but you look COOL!"

So, There you have it a mask that makes you look cool AND keeps you pretty (the final verdict from the 6 yr old). A gentleman in training, indeed! I would definitely try more of the masks. My skin was really soft for three days after use. The only issue with this product was the lifting around the jawline but I take responsibility for that.  I didn't align the mask well, it was too high on my hairline. Natural Radiance has tons of skincare options for all skin types, needs, and/or concerns on their site and right now,  PUREDERM FACE MASKS ARE $1. Yes, you read that right.  Follow Natural Radiance on Twitter and Facebook for updates on new products and more great discounts.

Me, the Superhero! LOL

Would you like to join my Superhero crew?  Like my Facebook fan page HERE and leave a comment (on FB under the post) telling me your cool Superhero name. I'll pick one random winner to receive 3 masks. (U.S.Only ends 9/14/2012)

*product provided by Brand Representative for review consideration

Aveeno Positively Ageless & Positively Radiant

One thing I love about going to see my mom is that she always has something new lurking in her beauty/ fashion stash.  Yes, Momma Gorgeous loves to shop and is not afraid to try something new. Whether it's a vintage sweater she nabbed while thrifting or some random beauty product that she "thought I would try and let you tell me if it's good".  Her cabinets always make me feel like a little girl again, only now I know exactly how to apply everything.  On a recent visit I found the Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Cleansing Pads & Positively Radiant Anti-Wrinkle Cream   sitting on her shelf.  I had to give it a try and come tell you about it. The Pre moistened cleansing pads were a bit on the "juicy" side but there wasn't  any puddles or product running down my arm.  The light baby scent makes it pleasurable to smell and the lather is mild but effective in eliminating makeup and/or dirt. The duality of the pad is a plus; One side is textured for mild exfoliation (polishes the skin) and the other side is smooth (cleanse).  My skin felt clean, no tightening and was noticeably brighter. A huge win for me because winter weather slows my natural exfoliating process which tends to result in textured skin not pleasing to my eyes.  The pads are bigger than most pads I have seen to the point where you could cut them in half and stretch your supply without compromising it's benefits. Not, bad right?! especially for the affordable price of $6.  I would definitely keep this stocked in my house.  The jar is too big and bulky for travel, I do hope they do something about that. 

The Positively Radiant Anti-wrinkle Cream was alright. I mean  it didn't make my emotions bubble over with joy.   It's a light-medium weight cream, with a mild scent, spreads well and absorbs quickly.  My skin felt soft into the next morning.  Would I purchase again? Most likely not. I'm always turned off by skin care products that list sodium hydroxide (it's function is to soften the skin) in the ingredients.  So yeah, that's all I have to say about that one. 

textured & smooth sides of the cleasing pad

I am inclined to give more of the Aveeno skincare line a try. I've been a fan of the Oatmeal bath products for years and now I shall venture into other parts of the line.  What are your favorite Aveeno products? Tell Us in the comments...

aveeno positively radiant

Soul Purpose Remede Hydrating Salve

If You carry two tubes of a product in your purse, does that mean your obsessed with it?...lol Well the Soul Purpose Remede Hydrating Salve is that product makes me a suspect. A medium textured high powered cream that penetrates deep and aids in a multiple of issues. Got sunburn? Nose stuffed up? Feet looking a hot mess in your Choos? Hands dry from continued washing? Remede, delivers on all of it plus some. It's packed with ingredients (No synthetics) that heal, soothe, moisturize and hydrate. With this weather treating my skin like happy hour, free drinks before 11pm, I make sure I apply Remede daily to ensure I'm guarded and protected from environmental exposure. My skin thirsts no more and I'm even able to layer my favorite scented lotion over top of it. I have found the Remede to keeping my skin gorgeous.

Soul Purpose's Remede hydrating Salve, $15