Crown Chronicles

What to Look for in a Conditioner

2011-10-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

All products do not work the same for every person. It is important to find at least one shampoo that works well for you. Two or three would be wonderful so that you can alternate. Of course there is the option to make your own shampoo. Here are 4 things to look for in a conditioner.

The first item to look for in a conditioner is a fatty acid base. These consist of oils and butters. Some examples of essential fatty acids are avocado, olive, castor and coconut. Some examples of butters are shea and mango. Look for a conditioner that has a minimum of ingredients. If the ingredients cover the entire back of the bottle or container, that may not be the product for you. The exception is when the product ingredients consist of natural botanicals like aloe vera, comfrey and/or horsetail. Giovanni products have lots of ingredients listed but they are natural.

Look for essential oils in your conditioners. The top ones are sage, rosemary and lavender. Peppermint and meluca or tea tree are some to look for as well. Each of these has different actions and benefits and properties.

If you are not sensitive, try to find products with protein in them. Protein is divided into two types. It is either derived from animals or plants. Some animal proteins are silk proteins, collagen protein or animal protein. Some examples of vegetable protein are wheat protein, soy protein, corn protein, pea protein or vegetable protein. Keratin is a protein as well. Based upon what I know today, my understanding is that keratin is derived from animal sources.

Lastly, try to find a conditioner that contains some form of amino acids. A quick an easy way to get them is to add them to your product. Many stores that cater to bodybuilders have products that contain amino acids. Try to find a plain one and mix it into your conditioner.

[Source]

Caring for Dreads 101

2011-09-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

Dreadlocks are one of those hairstyles that yield diversity to various looks from updos to Mohawks and cascading waves. Although you don’t have to suffer through the trial of detangling hair with this style, having locs doesn’t mean that haircare should be put on a back burner. You still need to schedule regular visits to your stylist and pay close attention to proper maintenance. Celebrity Hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood, who is the talent behind many of Jill Scott’s hairstyles, gives a few tips on properly caring for locs.

Salon Visits
Leatherwood says it’s important to have locs “blessed” (touched up) at least once a month but it’s what goes on between salon visits that’s really important to the hair’s health. “In between that time, it’s important to oil the scalp but make sure the locs aren’t left with moisture,” she says.

Cleansing

Allowing hair to fully dry after a shampoo is key because locs are thick and can hold moisture so there’s a risk for bacterial buildup to occur, she says. That’s why it’s important to give hair ample time to completely dry by either air drying or sitting under a hooded dryer. If not, you could be stuck with a smelly mildew odor. Thinning could also occur as a result of bacterial buildup on the scalp. Leatherwood recommends using Listerine to rid hair of the scent. “It won’t go away overnight but it will definitely improve,” she says.” That’s what Listerine does, it fights germs and bacteria.” An anti-fungal shampoo such as Nizoral, apple cider vinegar and which hazel can also help rid hair of the unpleasant scent.

Oil The Scalp

Leatherwood also says it’s a rule-of-thumb to oil the scalp after each wash for moisture. Jojoba, olive, rosemary, ylang ylang and other essential oils are great options to keep scalp from becoming dry and flaky which helps to prevent breakage.

[Source]

LeToya Luckett + Luster's

2011-09-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

LeToya Luckett is the spokesperson for Luster's new Pink Smooth Touch line. She’s bringing the ladies a preview of the season’s hottest trends during a multi-city tour that stops in Chicago, Houston and Charlotte, among other places. LeToya and Luster’s Design International Team are showing women how to get great hair using their new Smooth Touch product.

The New York Times Puts a Spotlight on TSA Natural Hair Pat Downs

2011-09-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

With Hair Pat-Downs, Complaints of Racial Bias

Timery Shante Nance is an African-American woman who has a thing about her hair. “I don’t use chemicals or straighteners,” she said. “It’s just my natural texture, and I wear it in a normal-looking puff.”
Chris Gash

Now she wonders, as some other black women evidently do, whether the Transportation Security Administration also has a thing about their hair. Ms. Nance is the second black woman I’m aware of within a month who says she was racially profiled when a T.S.A. officer insisted on publicly patting down her hair after she had already gone though a full-body scan without setting off any alarm.

Ms. Nance was departing from the airport in San Antonio in late July. After she passed through the body scanner, she said, a female T.S.A. screener told her to stand facing her possessions. “You’re good to go, but first I have to pat your hair,” the officer told her, she said.

“I’m like, pat my hair? O.K., I guess,” Ms. Nance said.

But it wasn’t O.K. Ms. Nance, who had been visiting her husband at the Air Force base where he is stationed, was deeply embarrassed as other passengers stared at her, “as if I’d done something wrong.”

She asked the screener why her hair was searched while others, including white women with ponytails or bushy hair, were simply waved through. “Is it just African-American women with natural hair who get the hair search?” she asked.

The screener said no, “but if you have certain kinds of ponytail or bun, you have to get your hair patted,” said Ms. Nance, who is 30.

Now, as I said, this is the second such recent incident. On June 30, a young African-American woman, Laura Adiele, said that a screener at the Seattle-Tacoma airport insisted on patting down her hair, which was also natural and curly, even though the body scan had not set off an alarm. Ms. Adiele said in various interviews that she thought the search had been racially motivated.

The T.S.A. denies that. “All passengers are thoroughly screened coming through the screening checkpoint,” said Kristin Lee, a spokeswoman. “Additional screening may be required for clothing, headgear or hair where prohibited items may be hidden,” she said.

The agency says it never uses racial or ethnic profiling — and I totally accept that assurance, as a matter of agency policy. But when I spoke to Ms. Nance, she seemed to see also a cultural issue, rather than a strictly racial one.

“More black women are wearing their hair in a natural state,” she said. “It’s becoming more of the norm in business cities, for example. On the other hand, for black women, it’s been 40 or 50 years of needing to relax and straighten your hair, wearing weaves, things like that.”

In other words, black women who choose to maintain their hair naturally can get some cultural pushback — including even from other African-American women who choose otherwise. In fact, Web sites like Nappturality.com, are popular among black women who share a sense of community, and some defensiveness, about wearing natural hair.

Also, it seems that some women of all races are fascinated by natural hairstyles worn by black women and like to touch it. “Sometimes you feel like a circus act when your hair is in its natural state and people always come up to you and say, ‘Can I touch it? Oh, it’s a lot softer than it looks!’ ” Ms. Nance said.

I asked around about this. Some young black women my wife and I know, including college students, readily agree that natural hair is a delicate issue. “Do not touch unless specifically requested!” one said firmly.

We also have a friend, a white woman in her 30s who is a frequent international business traveler. She has a noteworthy mane of bouncy, curly brunette hair tumbling to her shoulders.

“Do they ever ask to pat your hair down?” I asked her.

“Never!” she said.

So, have we now possibly isolated the problem?

The T.S.A. goes to lengths to be culturally and even politically aware. Those with medical needs, for example, can bring on extra liquids and gels. Military personnel in uniform can pass through security without having to remove their shoes.

Increasingly, the T.S.A. talks about a “multilevel” approach to security that adds better intelligence work, behavioral detection and more common sense to the checkpoint procedures, some of which have been derided as unnecessary “security theater.”

Ms. Nance says she filed an online complaint but has not heard back from the agency.

“They never want to take ownership of something if they were wrong,” she said.

[Source]

The Vixen Guide To Weaves

2011-09-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like a good weave. Finding the best hair in the perfect cut can not only enhance your look, but transform you into another woman. The main purpose of wearing extensions is to enhance your hair to its fullest potential, not to cause breakage and harm to your natural hair.
Unfortunately, all weaves are not created equal. Some don’t last long and, without care, they can cause major breakage for your natural hair. VIBE Vixen chatted with Ericka Dotson, Co-founder and Creative Director of Indique Virgin Hair Extensions, to get the 411 on hair extensions!

When choosing hair:

Choose a length in hair extensions that you will feel comfortable in.
Create your signature style by blending textures with 100% human hair. For example, combining wavy hair with curly gives you an easy wash-and-go style. A relaxed texture combined with straight will give you the perfect blend with lots
of body.
Choose textures that work for your lifestyle. Do you work out? Do you like low maintenance hair? Ask yourself these questions when selecting. You can also opt for clip-in extensions for a temporary style.
Think about how often you would want to change your style with your extensions. For a natural part, leave some of your natural hair out. For alternating between lots of body and sleek strands, opt for curly or wavy textures.
Don’t be afraid of color! Choose a color that compliments your skin tone and one that you can easily maintain.

Hair extension care:

Maintenance is key. Treat your extensions as you would your natural hair. However, you should take your extensions down every eight weeks. Every six months, you should also give your hair a break from extensions for at least two to four weeks.
Avoid hairline breakage at all costs! Take care of your natural hair. Try to leave out ample hair around the edges to avoid added tension around your hairline. Tight braids applied close to your hairline with tracks sewn on them can easily break or cause further damage, like tractional alopecia.
When getting extensions, always use premium hair. Using 100% virgin Indian hair, with cuticles running in one direction, from root to tip, will ensure that you will be able to reuse the hair multiple times.
These types of products will weigh the hair down and make your hair extensions stiff so avoid at all costs:
- Spritz
- Oil sheens
- Products containing alcohol
- Heavy leave-in conditioners
- Mousse
- Pomades
Shampoo hair in the shower in a downward motion to keep hair from tangling. Air dry or use a diffuser for curly hair, for straight styles use your blow dryer and a vent brush and flat iron until sleek. Make sure your base braids are fully dry to avoid braid mildew.

[Source]

You could be next!

2011-08-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

Do you want to be featured on Crown Chronicles?

- Got hair tutorials/videos you'd like to share?
- Product reviews (Pictorials and text)
- Did you just do the big chop?
- Are you transitioning? (Relaxed to natural, starting dreads e.t.c)
- Got skills in styling? We will post your pictures!
- New tips & techniques?

Take a look at the lovely ladies we have featured to date here.

If you or someone you know would like to be featured on Crown Chronicles, send a request to info@passionbyshardupri.com and we will send you the detailed guidelines. Serious entrants only.

YOU COULD BE NEXT!

Taliah Waajid: World Natural Hair

2011-08-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

The World's Largest NATURAL Hair & Fashion Show...Ever!

The 2011 Fall World Natural Hair, Health and Beauty show will be held in Atlanta on September 10-11, 2011 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, GA.

The Fall Show will include new FREE consumer and professional workshops, the best Natural Hair Competition, The Big Chop or Not, Da Poetz Corner the new Wellness Way Pavilion providing FREE Health Screenings, the Children's Corner, the latest in healthy hair and beauty products and services and so much more. Of course, the Natural Hair, Health and Beauty Show is always filled with excitement, beautiful people, beautiful fragrances, music and a sea of information on natural hair, health and beauty. Come and see why Natural Hair is the official other choice for hair care and why it should be the "natural" choice for you!

[Source]

Refinery29 Month of Hair

2011-08-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

August is Refinery29 month of hair. Everyday this month they feature a different lady with a story to inspire you. Check it out here.

Buns are cool, just keep it loose

2011-08-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Tight and stiff bun drenched in “pump it up” use to be the hottest trend in the 1990s. Now loose messy buns are the center of attention in the fashion world. Chignon buns are one of the top styles of today. A Chignon is a knot or coil of hair arranged on the back of a woman’s head . This style is most commonly incorporated with loose open in back blouse. Without a use of comb, at times your fingertips will give it a volume effect. Messy is Trendy!

[Source]

PSA: The winner

2011-08-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

Please accept our apologies, the winner of the contest has not been announced yet. I was at a conference this weekend. I will be announcing the winner in 24 hours. Hang tight!

3 days left

2011-08-17T09:01:00.001-07:00

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

WIN! WIN! WIN!

2 packs of virgin Brazilian hair, any length and style of your choice!

RULES

Reblog this on Tumblr [click here] or
Like the Facebook page or
Follow on @PassionHairSD on Twitter
Entrants can enter through all of the above listed for a greater chance of winning ;-)

TERMS & CONDITIONS
»» Contest ends AUGUST 20, 2011
»»  Facebook, Twitter and the email address must be valid
»» One entry entry per person
»» Contest is open to anyone worldwide
»»  Must be over 18 years of age
»»  The winner will be announced within 48 hours of the deadline and contacted by email

For more information on Passion by Shar & Dupri, visit the website [click here]

Hair Tip

2011-08-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

Daily shampooing is not recommended, ethnic hair is dryer than other types of hair, shampooing strips away the oils from your hair so try shampooing once every 3 to 7 days instead.

Source

New Feature: Louisa of Afroblush

2011-08-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

Meet Louisa, a lady after my own heart! Louisa is the creator of Afroblush, the unique vision behind the blog was what attracted me to it. Louisa just did the big chop 2 months ago! Read her glory story here.

Swimming in chlorinated water

2011-08-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some steps to take to before and after swimming:

Adding coconut oil to the hair will help the hair absorb less water. Use it the night before swimming to give the coconut oil time to penetrate the hair.
Soak the hair with tap water before getting in the pool. If the hair is saturated with tap water, it will absorb less pool water. Remember that a light rinse won't do it, have your child stand under the shower for a few minutes. If the hair is in delicate style that cannot handle direct shower spray, consider putting a lycra cap on your child before she steps into her pre-swim shower and make sure that cap gets soaked.
Use a latex or silicone swim cap to further limit how much chlorinated water the hair takes on. Since they won't keep the hair totally dry, put them on after soaking the hair with tap water. These caps can be used over lycra caps if desired.
After swimming, rinse the hair thoroughly. You can wash the hair with shampoo at this point to remove even more chlorine. If you choose to wash the hair, don't forget to condition too!
After the post-swim rinse or wash, add a moisturizing leave-in

[Source]

Pat your weave. Fight the itch.

2011-08-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Yes. We’re all victims of it. We’ve been spotted in places where we thought no one was looking, combing through our tresses, patting furiously at the top of our heads, receiving sideway glances and mixed looks of confusion.

The plight of the itchy scalp. The itch is experienced in a variety of ways. Sometimes it’s a tight weave that feels good for two days that sends our fingers on a wild and crazy roaming spree. Or it’s a harsh winter day that saps the living water right up out our roots.

But what really triggers that fiery feeling on the top of our heads?
One of the most common reasons for an itchy scalp is dandruff. It is a condition that is caused by the overgrowth of yeast on our scalp, which triggers inflammation at our roots and itching. The most noticeable downside of dandruff is flaking, or the peeling away of dry layers of the scalp.

Another reason, which is most attributed to weaves and braids, is the tight contraction of the skin and lack of moisture and fresh air. If your hair is pulled too tight during the braiding or weaving process, inflammation of hair follicles can develop. When hair is trapped under a net or mass of hair for days without moisture, the scalp gets ridiculously dry, creating a spread of that fiery itching feeling. Sweating or getting the hair wet without properly drying the scalp can cause mold or mildew to develop and create an itching sensation as well.

How can you make that burning sensation go away?
Washing hair too frequently can dry out hair, leading to an itchy scalp. One way to lessen the pain is to reduce the amount of times you wash your hair. Oils for African-American hair is a treasure—a recommended once a week, or once every two weeks, shampoo is plenty.

Consistently moisturizing the scalp is a must, especially for braid or weave wearers. Find a good nozzle that can be used to get a moisturizing hair cream down to the root of your scalp. An oil sheen spray with a stick nozzle helps you reach into those tiny cracks and corners of your scalp that need the most juice.

Let your tresses hang free. Capping it down, wrapping it up, tying it up with a scarf—you name it, there are several moments throughout the day that we seek to protect our hair. Protection is a great thing, but sometimes all your scalp might need is some breathing room. If you find yourself in a raging itch battle in the middle of the night, try sleeping with your hair bonnet off – the air will help smoothe the scalp and reduce the pain.

If you do suffer from dandruff, continue to use your anti-dandruff shampoo. If you have a severe case of an itch, one that results in pus forming bumps on the head, please take your scalp to a health professional to have the problem addressed.

[Source]

Shea Butter + Black Soap

2011-08-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was feeling very insecure about the black spots on my face. I decided to pay close attention to it by monitoring when I got flareups of pimples. I noticed coffee and stress made me break out. Not only would I have a few bumps on my face, my ecezma would also start irritating. I was at Toronto's Annual Afrofest and checked out a few vendors selling natural products. They suggested black soap and shea butter ranging between $25 - $50. That was definitely NOT an option because the African shop by my house sold black soap and shea butter in its natural raw form for just $2.99 and $3.99. I wish I took pictures of my before and after because it was drastic! I got ~~results~~, noticeable results in just 2 weeks! I kid you not.

Here's my regimen -
FACE: I wash my face with black soap twice a day.

Wash your face as you normally would. When you wash your face, you might feel a slight burning, tingling sensation, don't worry
Dry it with a clean towel. Black soap really dries out your skin
so. . .
Use the shea butter to add the moisture back

I use the shea butter once a day, at night. Due to the fact that it is very greasy and I wear foundation to work, I use a tiny, tiny bit in the morning. Use an old pillow case or a towel at night to prevent the shea butter from staining your pillows and bed sheets. Please make sure you buy the Black Soap in its natural form. I know there are few scented ones with lavender or aloe vera or even the processed ones that look and are shaped like a regular bar of soap.

ECZEMA: Please buy another black soap for your body seperate from the one you use on your face.

Shower with the Black Soap
Dry your skin with a clean towel
Moisturize your skin with shea butter or apply to affected areas

PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH BLACK SOAP AND/OR SHEA BUTTER
Black soap is also known as African Black Soap and is simply referred as ABS. It is an excellent cleanser that is composed of numerous soothing and beneficial ingredients that are abundantly found in nature. Although these ingredients are found all through the world, ABS is traditionally made by hand in Africa. Research has revealed that black soaps might contain many different ingredients, but majority of black soaps contain various oils, like the coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, shea butter and cocoa butter. They also contain ashes from different plants, like shea tree bark, banana trees, cocoa pods, and plantain leaves.

Shea butter also known as karite butter is a cream-colored fatty substance made from the nuts of karite nut trees (also called Mangifolia trees) that grow in the savannah regions of West and Central Africa. Karite trees are not cultivated. They grow only in the wild and can take up to 50 years to mature (they live up to 300 years!). In most parts of West Africa, destruction of the shea tree is prohibited because this little nut provides a valuable source of food, medicine, and income for the population. Shea butter is sometimes referred to as “women’s gold” in Africa, because so many women are employed in the production of shea butter.

I will be posting pictures in my followup post in about two weeks to show you the before (as of today) and after. Try it out. You will see amazing results in a short span of 2 weeks, provided you use it regularly.

We Love Her Style: Braided-fro

2011-07-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Hairline

2011-07-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

Is your hairline scaring you? Thinking of taking a break from weaving and braiding? Fear not! Pay close attention to all of these tips.

GIVE THE PONYTAIL A REST

Your hairline will suffer if you stress it too much, too tight

WEAVE CAREFULLY
Don't incorporate synthetic hair into hairline braids. Be careful/notice how your hair is being braided, make sure its loose

COLOR SMART
If your hair is colored make sure your hair is pre-treated and well conditioned prior adding the color. Relaxed hair, too many relaxer treatments can cause breakage not the hair color

TIE YOUR HAIR DOWN AT NIGHT
This goes for natural and relaxed hair, minimize movement

TRY NEW STYLES FOR NEW GROWTH
Be versatile! If weaved prevent pulling on braids under and around hairline

ADD A LITTLE OIL
This will protect from daily stress of styling. Oil scalp periodically, oil is less prone to breakage but not daily to prevent clogged pores or oil on your skin. Every 3-4 days is sufficient

PAY ATTENTION TO RELAXER DETAILS
It is very important you follow proper instructions. Relax in downward motion when relaxing, go in the direction of hair growth when massaging the relaxer. Do not use use a small comb around hairline, this will cause unnecessary stretching and pulling. Condition! Condition! Condition!

STARTS WITHIN
Take proper care of your body. Eat well. Get nutrients such as fish oil, B-complex, fiber, vegetables and a lot of water. The changes in your hair, nails and skin with reflect

AVOID GLUE
If you wear lace wigs, find another alternative of putting on the unit on. Read this article on disadvantages of using glue. Weave wearers, do not use glue either, try styles that can be done sewn in. If you must, let it be an occasional basis and make sure the glue is washed out and your hair is treated properly

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
If your hairline is residing beyond the point of no return, book an appointment with your doctor

Passion by Shar & Dupri contest

2011-07-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

WIN! WIN! WIN!

2 packs of virgin Brazilian hair, any length and style of your choice!

RULES

Reblog this on Tumblr [click here] or
Like the Facebook page or
Follow on @PassionHairSD on Twitter
Entrants can enter through all of the above listed for a greater chance of winning ;-)

Money Matters

2011-07-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

I am enroute to becoming an young, fabulous self employed millionaire before the age of 30 :-) Passion by Shar & Dupri (the name of my hair salon) is a dream I have carried with me for about a year now. While God continues to sort things out for us, I am doing my research.

MONEY MATTERS!

There's no doubt about that, it is plain and simple; whether or not you're ok working 9 - 5 or starting out your own business. I came across this article while sitting under the dryer as my hair treatment penetrated through my coils of my natural hair ;-) I decided I would share it with you.

MEASURE OUT PRODUCT
Avoid squeezing and pumping product into yours hands or directly onto clients hair. A lot of product is wasted in this manner. Use manufacturers instructions when determining the amount of product to use ans measure accordingly.

PRICE SERVICES ACCORDINGLY
Make sure your prices include the cost of the professional product to render the service not just what the operator gets paid.

DO YOUR RESEARCH Find distributors or manufacturers who will give you the best prices. Research the best deals even if it means coming out of your comfort zone.

WANT TO LEARN MORE AS A STYLIST?
Cover your basics. Business cards and a website are a must with examples of your work. The more you have, the better.

BE ONLINE SAVVY
You can also create a Facebook business page or Twitter account. Ask your clients to support you, remind them to "like" and "follow" you. The great thing about it is self marketing and promotion + it's free so utilize it. Ask clients to give feedback on Yelp or City Search.

PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICE
Great service keeps clients coming back. Take your time, be patient and friendly!

REWARD YOUR CUSTOMERS
Throw in perks such as a free deep conditioning or discounts.

CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION
Always be open to learning new things and researching to keep your styling fresh. Clients want to know that you are aware of the changes in your expertise. Suggest a new style that would compliment their face or hair color. Keep them at the edge of their seats with changes and ideas.

*****

It hope this helped. It is not just directed to aspiring salon/spa owners, I am sure at least one if not all will be helpful to you. If you know any entrepreneurs that can learn from this article, pass it on :-)

Crown Chronicles Giveaway

2011-07-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

CONTEST NOW CLOSED

Hello beauties! To make up for my brief hiatus, I wanted to reward a guest on this page with a gift. I started yet another blog, Beautiful Afrique *_* Those who know me very well, know I have a passion for Africa and everything about it. I will be relocating. . .soon!

The purpose of Beautiful Afrique is to showcase the POSITIVE things of Africa displayed in various ways. With that being said, I am always on my toes filled with excitement every time someone asks me WHY? Why do you want to move back? I won't bore you with the details just yet :-) I decided since I can't move back yet, I can certainly GIVE back.

Beautiful Afrique Boutique (BAB) is an online store that sells unique t-shirts for men and women inspired by Africa. Concepts and ideas are designed and/or hand made by me. The boutique will allow customers to express their passion for Africa through creative fashion appealing to people of all ages, worldwide.

Passion for Africa was inspired by Milton Glaser's I ♥ love NY. This includes simple white cotton crew neck tees for men and women available in 2 designs. The ♥ shape is a print of beautiful ankara material. Proceeds will be donated to proceeds will be donated to SOS Children's Village Orphan Aids in Africa.

WOMEN

MEN

BAB was created…

»» for the individual who left Africa and never looked back
»» as a symbol of unity to the community who is working on rebuilding their nation
»» to connect to someone who is trying to find their roots
»» for ANYONE who would like to make a difference

Contest rules are ~~very~~ simple!
»» Follow Beautiful Afrique on Twitter, tweet your favorite design @BeautiAfrique and
»» 'Like' the Facebook page Beautiful Afrique

»» The deadline to enter is Wednesday July 13, 2011 (exactly one week from today)
»» Facebook, Twitter and the email address must be valid
»» One entry entry per person
»» Contest is open to anyone worldwide
»» Must be over 18 years of age
»» The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline

GOOD LUCK!

SUPPORT! Please spread the word, Beautiful Afrique Boutique is on BigCartel and Etsy.

We Love Her Style - Colored Bantu

2011-07-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Tomato Head

2011-07-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

Did you know tomatoes brings luster back to life by restoring pH balance in your hair? I've got a do-it yourself recipe for you!

All you need is. . .
♥ 1 cup tomato juice
♥ 1 teaspoon cornstarch

♥ Mix ingredients
♥ Pour on top of clean, wet hair
♥ Wrap your head in an old towel (the juice will stain)
♥ Leave for 10 minutes
♥ Rinse well
♥ Shampoo again to make sure you're not feeling like a cup of Campbell soup ;-)

VOULA!
Your hairs pH is now restored and you will see incredible shine and body.

Fresh color

2011-07-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Spring and summer is the time some women step outside of the box when it comes to their hairstyles. . .I know I do. For those who try a new color for the first time or just for the season. I've got simple instructions for you to keep your color looking fresh!

Never shower in hot water - Just like how hot water dries out our skin, it will also fade the color
Shampoo less - I know it can get quite hot in some countries, states or provinces depending on where you live. Daily shampoo pulls color pigment out of hair.

Be Right Back

2011-06-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

Blogfam,
I must apologize for the hiatus. I have been busy, very busy with other projects that is taking me away from posting regularly. I haven't given up on my passion or drive. I simply cannot be everywhere I'd like to be at once. With that being said, I will be back momentarily. Please do check back in about a week. . .or 2. There are new and exciting ventures I am currently working on and just CANNOT wait til everything unfolds. So stay tuned my lovelies!

♥ Remain blessed ♥