Crystal Kali - Health & Beauty

Perfect Hair :)

2014-07-31T10:18:00.000-07:00

Health / Nutrition / Fitness Coaching

2014-07-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

I will soon be expanding my beauty services to include health and wellness sessions. Stay tuned for details :)

Braids are Back!

2013-03-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

You've seen the stars wearing them in different styles shapes and sizes over the past couple years, from Lauren Conrad to Taylor Swift and beyond. Braids have evolved from a way to keep your hair from tangling while you sleep at night (or at least that's why my mom would always braid my hair before bed) to a fashionable style and accessory.

A few ways to wear braids:

1. Section off the front 1/3 of your hair from ear to ear. Tilt your head all the way one side and french braid starting at the opposite side over and secure with bobby pins for a beautiful french braided headband.

2. Part your hair to the side, french braiding each side and linking the braids in the back and securing with a hair band or bow.

3. Part your hair in the center, taking a little section from either side of the part and braid back to the crown of the head secure with bobby pins. Do another braid on each side and secure. You can leave the rest of your hair down or tie it up in a ponytail or bun. This is a great way to wear your hair if you haven't washed it in a couple days ;)

Workout Reviews: 90-60-30

2012-12-07T00:17:00.001-08:00

Workout Reviews: The Baddest and the Best
P90X, Insanity, 30 Day Shred

Get fit and fabulous in the comfort of your own home! After working in several gyms over the years, I have found my favorite gym of all time - my living room. There is no membership fee, I can wear whatever I want and play my own music, there is no commute, I don't ever have to wait for weights or machines, and the best part is I can bring my dog :)

P90X
90 days to a lean, sculpted body
Workout commitment: 6 days a week for 12 weeks, 60-90 minutes a day
$120 + shipping on beachbody.com for 12 DVDs that you rotate through
(You will also need pull up bar and weights or resistance bands or you can order the deluxe package for around $240 that includes it all)

Results: After following the P90X guide, doing all the workouts and the meal plan for just 30 days, I noticed a change in my body and my strength. My arms, legs, and abs were getting a little tighter and I felt strength, flexibility, and coordination throughout my whole body. The workouts alternate between strength and cardio days so some days you spend a LOT of time lifting weights, doing pull ups and strength training, PLUS 15 minutes of abs and the other days are the shorter 60 minute cardio workouts.

My critique: When I first started the program, I could barely get through the first workout. By the end of the first month, I could finish the workouts and was lifting heavier weights than when I started. The most exciting point for me in the program was when I could complete the 'Ab Ripper X' DVD all the way through without taking a break! However, it was difficult to 70-90 minutes of working out almost every single day so I was unable to stick with the program. Also, there were so many pauses in between some of the sets, I felt like I was just standing around or setting up for a lot of it. I still do some of the DVDs from time to time when I have an entire day off from work. This is a great program for an athlete or someone that has the time to commit to it wholeheartedly. It really does work and will get you in the best shape of your life and transform your body, but you need to put in the time.

Insanity
60 days to get in amazing shape and challenge yourself
Workout commitment: 6 days a week for 8 weeks, 30-50 minutes a day
$120 + shipping on beachbody.com for 10 DVDs that you rotate through

Results: Following the Insanity workouts every day made a HUGE difference in my abs. The workouts are mostly cardio drills with some strength training with your own body weight (push ups, lunges, squats, etc.) I noticed major changes in my core as far as definition, strength and balance. My legs were also much stronger from all the plyometrics. However, I did not experience the total body toning or muscle gains that I got from P90X, it was mostly just in my legs and abs.

My critique: This program was easier for me to stick with because the workouts were not as long and were actually more enjoyable. They moved quickly and there was not much down time in between exercises. Overall, I really like Insanity and would highly recommend it for anyone looking to lose weight and get in great shape.

30 Day Shred
30 days to a toned, shredded body
Workout commitment: 6 days a week for 4 weeks, 20 minutes a day
$7-15 on Amazon.com for 1 DVD with 3 workouts

Results: My results may have been a bit skewed because I began this program right after completing Insanity, but I think this program gave me the best results so far. My arms, legs and abs are toned and I have lost weight at the same time. The workouts are only 20 minutes and follow the pattern of 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes cardio, and 1 minute of abs. It is perfect for people with not a lot of time and short attention spans.

My critique: I was a bit skeptical at first wondering how working out only 20 minutes a day could make a difference, but when I could barely make it through the first 20 minute workout, I knew it was delivering results. The program is easy to stick with because the workouts are short and results happen pretty quickly. It's a great combination of using weights to gain muscle and tone your body, while shredding fat with cardio and toning the abs in between circuits. I love this program and have been recommending it to everyone!

Ringlet Wave Hair Tutorial

2012-03-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

Inspiration: Taylor Swift's soft ringlet waves framing her face

Tools: Duckbill clips, hair spray, comb, curling iron

Step 1: Comb through and section hair with duck bill clips

Step 2: Taking small sections about the size of the iron, wrap hair around the barrel of the iron

Step 3: Spray each section as you go (for more resistant hair, use hair spray before and after curling each small section)

7 Deadly Skin Sins

2012-01-30T12:39:00.000-08:00

OK, so these practices may not be DEADLY, but your skin is your body's largest organ and the first thing people notice when they see you so why not take care of it? Your skin is with you all your life, constantly regenerating and changing (for better or worse.) While I may not be Ponce De Leon, I can give you some tips to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful :)

Avoid these 7 skin sins and to prevent breakouts and blemishes, minimize hyperpigmentation and scarring, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help protect against skin cancer, and maintain healthy, glowing skin.

7 - Using Bar Soap on Your Face
Healthy skin is slightly acidic, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. This acid mantle on the skin protects it from bacteria and microorganisms.

Most bar soaps have a pH between 9 and 10, which means they are alkaline. Using bar soaps on your face (or your body) raises the skin's pH to an alkaline state which can lead to several side effects. In addition to making your skin a breeding ground for bacteria, bar soap can dry your skin out completely, causing patches and flaking. In reaction to this, you skin actually may start producing more oil to compensate, which can lead to more breakouts and blackheads.

SKIN SAVIOR - Use a facial cleanser followed by a toner to help balance your skin's pH to its natural level. You can also try a neutral pH product line.
My pick is SebaMed's face and body cleanser.
It has a pH of 5.5 (how about that? The same pH of healthy skin!)
Check out http://www.sebamedusa.com/ for more info

6 - Not Cleaning Your Cell Phone
This may sound strange, but just think about all the germs, bacteria, and gunk that is in your pocket or purse when you store your phone. Or how about what is on your hands while you are texting, e-mailing, surfing the net, or playing Angry Birds while taking the train to work or waiting in line at the grocery store? What happens in the midst of all this when you ACTUALLY GET A PHONE CALL and all this stuff transfers to your cheek and chin? Yuck!

SKIN SAVIOR - Clean your cell phone at least once a week (if not daily!) You can use a commercial cleansing wipe or just slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with a bit of rubbing alcohol and wipe the outside surface of your phone.

5 - Over Exfoliating
Yes, exfoliation is important but it has to be done right and with the right products. Most of the commercial exfoliants and scrubs out there (say bye bye to your apricot scrub!) are way to abrasive and can cause microscopic tears in the skin, eventually leading to scarring and hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin.)

SKIN SAVIOR - Use a gentle exfoliant, such as Aveda's tourmaline charged exfoliating cleanser. This product has perfectly round jojoba beads that wont tear your skin and will burst under too much pressure, releasing healthy natural oils into the skin. If you already have a cleanser you love, you can try Aveda's liquid exfoliant, available at www.aveda.com

4 - Under Moisturizing
Using a moisturizer is just as important for those with oily skin as it is for people with dry skin. If you have oily skin and do not moisturize, it can actually lead your skin to produce more oil as it tries to create a protective layer on your face. For dry skin, moisturizer creates a protective barrier and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

SKIN SAVIOR - Use an oil free moisturizer in the morning and before bedtime if you have oily skin. I like Aveda's Tourmaline charged protecting lotion (see below). For dry skin, it is especially important to moisturize at night before bed because your skin does most of its absorbing while you are asleep. Try Estee Lauder's Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Creme available at www.esteelauder.com.

3 - Picking, Squeezing, or Popping pimples
You already know that you shouldn't do this, but when you see that blemish in the mirror you still reach for it... STOP! Popping your pimples can lead to more breakouts as the pus and bacteria spread over your face. Not to mention, it can lead to scarring and discoloration on the skin as is heals, especially if you use your fingers or nails.

SKIN SAVIOR - I would recommend seeing a licensed esthetician for your extraction needs, but if you must do it yourself, do it the right way! First, use a warm compress or take a hot shower or steam your face over a bowl of hot water to open up the pores. Taking 2 cotton swabs, squeeze the sides around the blemish to get all the gunk out. Immediately exfoliate or use and astringent around the area to keep the bacteria from spreading. If you are having difficulty getting the pimple to pop, it is not ready. Do not force the blemish open as it may lead to scarring. Continue exfoliating the area and try again the next day.

2 - Not Washing off Your Makeup
After a long night of dancing, partying, and who knows what else, the last thing you want to do is remove your makeup and wash your face before bed, but you really should! Your skin does most of its absorbing at night while you are asleep so everything that is in your makeup (have you read the ingredients and do you know what they all are?) plus the sweat and bacteria that may have gotten on your face while you were out are seeping into your pores when you hit the pillow. This can not only lead to breakouts, but possibly bacterial infections and other skin disorders.

SKIN SAVIOR - If using an eye makeup remover, cleansing your face, and moisturizing before bed sounds like too much, you can use a makeup wipe (or 2!) to cleanse off as much product as you can. While this may save your skin on the weekends, I would recommend sticking to the full routine on the rest of your nights. You can spring for the MAC wipes which are $15.00 for 30 sheets at www.maccosmetics.com or pick up a drugstore brand for around $5.00.

1 - Not Wearing Sunscreen
Putting on sunscreen is another step in the morning, but probably one of the most important. As much as we love a golden glow on our skin, the sun's rays cause massive damage to our skin cells, even when it is overcast. Overexposure to the sun can make the skin look and feel leathery as well as age the skin, increasing the appearance of sun spots and wrinkles. The sun's UV rays also contribute to the risk of skin cancer.

SKIN SAVIOR - Use sunscreen every day (rain of shine) to protect your skin from aging, burning, and to reduce your risk of skin cancer. An SPF 15 will protect against 92% of the sun's damaging UV rays. This is good enough for your everyday activity, but you may want to bump it up to SPF 30 if you know you will be out in the sun. Make your life easier by using a product that is a moisturizer and sunscreen in one. I like Aveda's Tourmaline Charged Protecting Lotion available at www.aveda.com

Valentine's Boudoir Special

2012-01-23T10:11:00.001-08:00

Curly Fun Hair and Makeup Tutorial

2012-01-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

The Finished Look: Va-Va-Va Voom curls, red-orange smoky eye,

bronze lips and 'orgasmic' cheeks

Hair Tutorial - Using product, defining curl, scrunching hair, using a diffuser

Tools - gel, curl creme, duck bill clips, blow dryer and diffuser

Makeup Tutorial - Blending and shading eye colors, wing-tip eyeliner, layering blush

Sleeping for Beauty

2012-01-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

There's a reason it's called 'beauty sleep.' Sleeping is proven to make you slimmer, sharper, and better looking! If you don't get enough sleep, your body actually releases an appetite stimulating hormone called grehlen, making you more hungry during the day. Lack of sleep can also reduce your brain function, memory and reasoning abilities... you know that feeling of being too tired to remember a word that's on the tip of your tongue. And of course, we all want to avoid the ultimate sign of a sleepless night: dark under eye circles. Just by sleeping 6-8 hours a night you can improve your appearance, brain function, and stay slim :)

Need help catching some zzzzzz's? The aroma of lavender can help you relax and get a restful sleep. Spray some lavender pillow mist on your linens or rub some lavender oil on your temples before bedtime.

Boudoir Before and Afters

2012-01-05T23:47:00.000-08:00

"Easy like Sunday Morning"

Natural makeup enhancing your soft, feminine side with soft pink and peach tones

Hair has soft, flowy waves with a touch of texture for that ruffled "sunday morning" look

"Night Seduction"

Heavy eye makeup with use of color, contouring and shading to bring out the bold in you.
Hair is smoothed with large curls and body that will last all night.

Book your own boudoir makeover and photo shoot today!
E-mail info@crystalkalibeauty.com for more information.

Save Your Skin this Winter

2011-12-07T14:17:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year... the cold weather and dry heater air take a toll on our skin, but not this year! Save your skin this winter by remembering these two things: Exfoliate and Moisturize.

Soften your Skin - Have you every applied so much lotion that it just disappears into your skin without really doing much? Or do you sometimes see small flakes coming off your skin while you are rubbing in a body creme? If so, you are skipping an essential step in your skincare regime - exfoliation.
Your skin regenerates constantly, meaning old skin cells are shedding while new ones come in to replace them. Sometimes the old skin does not completely come off, so we need to help that process along by exfoliating. I mean, who wants to hang on to old, dead skin? Using a body polish or body scrub in the shower will work wonders on your skin and leave you feeling more like a superstar and less like a snake.

Best BODY Exfoliants and Moisturizers:
Have a tropical island getaway in the winter with Aveda's Caribbean Therapy line, made with Caribbean Mango and Cocoa butter.
Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub ($39.50 for 15.8 oz at aveda.com)
Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Cream ($27.00 for 6.7 oz at aveda.com)

I discovered this line when a client introduced me to it and have been hooked ever since:
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish ($38.00 for 7 oz at fresh.com)
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Cream ($35.00 for 6.8 oz at fresh.com)

Feel like soft skin is not in your budget? My favorite soft skin regimen is actually the cheapest solution!

Create your own exfoliant using sea salt and olive oil (for your legs and arms, do NOT use this on your face) or a mixture of 1/2 c brown sugar, 1/4 cup almond oil, a teaspoon of honey and a touch of vanilla extract or your favorite essential oil. The amount of oil you use will depend on the texture and condition of your skin, but feel free to tweak the recipe to work for you and your skin.

Believe it or not, my all-time favorite moisturizer is.... Johnson's baby oil! I keep a bottle in the shower and apply it right after I pat my skin dry with a towel. Add a couple drops of essential oil if you do not like the baby aroma (I personally don't mind it). Or you can try Neutrogena's body oil at a comparable price point.

For a Fresh Face - The skin on your face is a little more delicate than on the rest of your body, so take extra care and use the right products so that you can put your best face forward. Some of the exfoliants out there on the market (the apricot scrubs!) are much too abrasive for the face and can cause microscopic tears on the face which could lead to scarring, hyperpigmentation, and other discoloration on the skin, so choose your products with caution!
Even though Aveda is known for hair care, it's skin care line is absolutely sensational, and of course, it all smells divine.

Try exfoliating with the Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser ($29 for 5 oz at aveda.com)
It is made with perfectly round jojoba beads that will gently exfoliate your face without tearing any tissue. The beads burst on impact and infuse your face with natural oils.

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant ($20 for 5 oz at aveda.com) is a liquid exfoliant that you can apply with a cotton round. This product is a great addition to your existing skin care regimen and will give you a refreshed, clean look and feel.

For intense moisture, use the Aveda Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Cream ($37 for 1.7 oz at aveda.com)
This product may be a little heavy for some skin, but if you are extra dry, this is a great one to use at night.
Tourmaline is an energizing mineral that will leave your face with a beautiful glow.

An awesome everyday moisturizer is the Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion ($33 for 5 oz at aveda.com) This is a great moisturizer for all skin types, not too heavy and not too light. And it will leave your face with a delicate aroma that is great for kissing and caressing ;)

Advice for your Eyes - This skin around our eyes is the thinnest and most delicate skin on our body, so take extra care and precaution when working with it. Forget about exfoliating for this section.

All the holiday parties, stressful shopping sessions, work deadlines, and final exams in school leave you wanting one thing: more sleep! While I can't add more hours to the day for you to sleep, I can tell you how to combat those dark circles and puffiness.

1) Drink more water! We forget to do this in the winter because it's cold and all the wonderful winter drinks (peppermint hot chocolate, pumpkin spice lattes, egg nog, mulled wine, spiced cider) sound so much more appealing and WARM.

BUT instead of reaching for that morning cup of coffee after a long night of partying, drink a tall glass of water and try bending forward to touch your toes or do a headstand. (but proceed with caution, use a wall or pillow if you need.) It may sound a little crazy, but this will help you hydrate and improve circulation to your head and face, making you look and feel more awake and energized.

2) Apply an under eye cream twice a day (morning and night) that will help address your specific needs. Use something a little lighter under your concealer in the morning. I like Aveda's tourmaline charged eye cream, but it is discontinued :( But your favorite department store line should have something good.

Try Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eye before bed. It may be a little pricey, but a little goes a long way. Remember to use your ring finger when applying anything or touching your eye area because it applies the least amount of pressure to this delicate skin.

3) If you have time, you can always lay back and put cold cucumber slices or cold spoons over your eyes.

Tips for Lips - Exfoliate, moisturize, enjoy!

Try Fresh's Sugar Lip Polish ($22.50 for .6 oz at fresh.com or available at sephora) and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment ($22.50 for .15 oz at fresh.com or sephora) to get your full fix. You may even be able to find a gift set with both products around holiday time. This is my FAVORITE lip balm. It has SPF 15 and now comes in a few different tones. I keep one in each purse!

Chantecaille Lip Potion ($42.00 for .16 oz at chantecaille.com)

This is a splurge, but my sister swears by it! Specifically for anyone that picks at or bites their lips throughout the day, this product will be a mini miracle at night. Apply a little bit before bed and wake up with soft, smooth, silky lips.

For something more economical, you can exfoliate your lips with an old toothbrush (make sure your lips and the toothbrush are both wet and use gentle strokes) and apply a moisturizing balm such as softlips or blistex throughout the day.

Help for Hands - Constantly washing your hands in hot water can lead to dry, chapped hands. This can even be a little painful if the skin starts cracking. To avoid that awful feeling of having your own hands snag your stockings in the morning, exfoliate with a sugar scrub or exfoliating body wash.

For moisture, try Aveda's Hand Relief - $20 for 4.2 oz

Besides the wonderful citrus aroma, this product is amazing because it lasts through multiple hand washes and infuses your skin with Vitamin E and other essential oils. Throw a travel size Hand Relief in your purse for a little relief anywhere you go.

Don't Forget your Feet! - They may stay hidden in stockings, socks, and boots all day, but give them some TLC at the end of the day. Exfoliate in the shower using a wet pumice stone, paying extra attention to the heel and any other extra dry areas. Apply a foot cream and take a few minutes to massage it in before bed.

Reinventing the Heel from origins.com works wonders for my mother, who works on her feet all day. This product will sooth your sole and make your toes tingle with jojoba oils and a little bit of menthol.

You can also check out bathandbodyworks.com for foot soaks, cracked heel treatments, and super rich foot creams. Put on a pair of gel socks after you treat your feet for continued conditioning while keeping your feet warm.

5 Reasons to work out NOW!

2011-12-02T16:34:00.001-08:00

5) Get Great Skin - Exercise improves blood flow which makes it easier to transport nutrients to the skin. Additionally, sweating during exercise helps cleanse toxins out of the pores. The result is clean, healthy, beautiful skin with a natural glow.

4) Get Friendly - Taking a class a gym or just running along a popular trail, you will see a lot of people smiling. People are generally in better moods when they exercise (see below) so take advantage and make some new friends!

3) Get Happy - Over and over I have read about how exercise makes your brain release endorphins and other 'feel good' substances. While I do not completely understand the science behind it all, I know it's true! Exercise always boosts my mood and gives me energy. Instead of a morning cup of coffee to brighten your day, try a quick AM workout.

2) Get Healthy - Yes yes yes, there are many health benefits of working out. Reduce your risk of all kinds of diseases, treat depression, live longer.... you know all this ;)

1) Get Sexy - Of course! Working out tones your body, makes you feel good, and makes you LOOK good. Even if you already look good on the outside, working out will make you feel good on the inside, and vice versa. So instead of picking up the remote and envying the amazing bodies on... (insert the name your favorite TV show with hot people on it)... get up and shape your body the way you want to see it!

Need more motivation? These tunes will get you in the mood and keep you going. Whether you are running, kickboxing, lifting weights, or just letting loose and having a dance party in your living room, let these beats push you to burn some extra calories!

Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris - "We Found Love" (this is a good one to warm up and get you going)
Flo Rida - "Good Feeling"
Jennifer Lopez - "Papi"
Pitbull ft. Chris Brown - "International Love"
LMFAO - "Sexy and I know it" (When he sings 'look at that body' you reply, I WORK OUT!)

My Five Faves: Mascara

2011-12-01T13:41:00.001-08:00

Mascara and makeup is like frosting and cupcakes. Sure, the essence is there, but that little extra step adds so much more!
Here are my favorite mascaras that will complete your look and satisfy your senses:

5) DiorShow Mascara - Retail Price $24.50
DiorShow comes highly recommended by makeup artists around the globe and rightfully so. It curls the lashes while coating them with color. If you want to enhance your curves (on your lashes, of course) and complete your runway catwalk, check out DiorShow Mascara.

4) MAC Splashproof Lash   - Retail Price $15.00
This is my #1 recommendation to brides, their mothers, sisters and anyone else that may shed some tears while wearing mascara. Using this product is like coating your lashes with little mini umbrellas, it works great and does not clump. To keep mascara on your lashes and not trickling down the side of your cheeks, try Mac's splashproof lash.

3) BADGal Lash by Benefit  - Retail Price $19.00
The wand of this mascara says it all! The ultra-thick long brush will coat your lashes top to bottom, giving you big beautiful sexy lashes. Wiggle the wand back and forth as you apply to really saturate the lashes with product. If you are looking for full, fierce lashes with attitude, BADGal's magic wand will make it happen.

2) Makeup Forever Smoky Lash Mascara   - Retail Price $22.00

What don't I love about the Makeup Forever line? All their products are fabulous and this mascara is no exception. I especially recommend this to clients with lighter lashes because it is ultra-pigmented and coats the lashes with full, rich color. For the perfect mascara to complement your smoky eye, use Makeup Forever's Smoky Lash.

1) Supernova Mascara by Fresh - Retail Price $25.00
This may come as a surprise to some of you, but keep in mind that this is a list of 'favorites.' Why do I love this product over all the others? It is alcohol-free so it does not dry your lashes, but conditions them with natural oils. Supernova is also free of sulfates, synthetic dyes, and fragrances for those of you that may have sensitive eyes. AND this formula has fortifying ingredients that actually help strengthen your lashes while defining, thickening, and lengthening them... all in one rich coat!
As if all that is not enough to make me love this product, every time I use it, I get numerous compliments on my eyes and lashes. Apply 2-3 coats for a look that will have you say Bye Bye to false lashes and Hello Supernova!

Bonus Mascara Tip: Just like frosting on cupcakes, mascara should be the last step of your makeup routine, unless of course you are adding sprinkles ;)
Whether you put on your lipstick, gloss or mascara last, use the following tip for your lashes:
By applying mascara after your makeup is done, any shadow or powder that falls onto your lashes can be cleaned up with the wand. To make the lashes appear fuller, dust a layer of translucent loose powder on them before applying mascara.

Party Glam Hair and Makeup Tutorial

2011-11-30T15:38:00.001-08:00

The finished look: Big sexy hair, Colorful Eyes, Contoured Cheeks, and Nude Lips

Hair Tutorial - Teasing, Smoothing, and pinning

Tools - Teasing comb or rat tail comb, Volumizing Hair Spray, Bobby Pins

Makeup Tutorial - Highlighting, Contouring and Shading the eyes and cheeks

Classic Glam Hair and Makeup Tutorial

2011-11-29T15:12:00.001-08:00

The Finished Look: Soft waves, bold eyeliner and red lips

Hair Tutorial - Soft waves on long hair with a curling iron

Tools: 3/4'' or 1'' curling iron, Single or double prong clips, duck bill clips, rat tail comb, flexible hold hair spray

Makeup Tutorial - Brow filling, Basic Shadow, Eyeliner, Concealer, Soft cheeks, Bold lips

All-Natural Miracle Hair Product: Coconut Oil

2011-11-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl, my mother used to massage my scalp with coconut oil and braid my hair before bed every night. At the time, I thought that coconut oil only make my hair smell funny and excessively greasy.

Fast forward twenty years later and I am the one massaging coconut oil in my scalp and braiding my hair before bed (not every night, but at least once a week) AND I'm recommending it to all my clients!

Coconut oil is high in saturated fat, with some polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat. All these fats contain a variety of amino acids and vitamins that are great for your skin and hair. You can use it to combat hair loss, to treat dandruff or dry scalp, to moisturize dry hair, and it may even help your hair grow faster. There is no other product out there that can do so much. The best part is that it is only $10, available at your local health food store, and you can do it yourself. Here is how you do it:

1) Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so scoop some out into your hands and rub them together to liquify the product.

2) Starting at the nape of your neck, massage the oil into your scalp. Use more product as necessary to continue massaging your entire scalp, paying extra attention to places you may have excessive dryness or hair loss. USE YOUR FINGERTIPS to massage, not your fingernails!

3) Once your scalp is completely covered with the oil, you can use a fine toothed comb to work it through. If you have longer hair or are using the product as a conditioning treatment, apply some product to the ends of your hair and work it through.

4) The oil will solidify once again at room temperature. You may pull your hair into a braid if it is long enough.

5) The following morning, use a cleansing shampoo to get the product out. I like Aveda's Shampure shampoo because the aroma overtakes the coconut smell. You will have to shampoo twice and make sure you really build a lather to get out all the oil.

6) You can skip using a conditioner or if you prefer, you can use a light detangler on your hair. Dry and style as usual and notice the shine and fullness in your hair :)

What a crazy year!

2011-09-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

It has been over a year since I posted and so much has changed, but one thing has remained constant, I love my work doing hair and makeup :)

And now that I am finally able to pay my bills, I have time to update this blog!

Keep an eye on this blog for tips and trends on all things beauty, fitness and health.

As my wedding hair and makeup business has been growing, you'll also see a lot of bridal hair and makeup pictures as well as tips and tricks from brides themselves as well as stylists, photographers, and designers.

Glad to be back on the blog!

Sunday Funday :)

2010-07-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Wedding Hair

2010-06-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

Brunette Bombshell

2010-05-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

Double Process Color

Blonde Beauty

2010-03-22T14:54:00.001-07:00

Cut and Color

Sexy Style

2010-03-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hair and Makeup by Crystal Kali

Angel's Wedding

2010-03-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

Angel's Wedding - Holud

2010-03-12T18:47:00.001-08:00

Classic and Classy: Fingerwaves

2010-03-12T18:05:00.000-08:00