_KINKY DUCHESS_

Red Carpet Faves: The Oscars 2014

2014-03-02T20:49:00.001-05:00

Well Hello Beautiful!

So, I'm sure many of you are probably watching The Oscars...or maybe the Kardashians...or possibly The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Maybe you're going between all three like me! Well, I thought I'd drop a line to say Hi and post some of my Red Carpet faves for you to check out.

Lupita Nyong'o looking stunning in Prada

Anne Hathaway in her Gucci gown

Mom-to-be Kerry Washington wearing Jason Wu

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior

Lady GaGa looking lovely in Atelier Versace

Pretty Lady Julia Roberts wearing Givenchy Haute Couture

Lady in Red Jennifer Lawrence wearing Dior

All of these ladies were absolutely fabulous on the red carpet...These are some of my faves, tag @KinkyDuchess on Twitter and Instagram with some of your red carpet favorites. #Oscars #RedCarpet

XoXo Loves

Photo Credit: Harper's Bazaar

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014: Fashion Palette

2014-02-13T18:22:00.000-05:00

I recently had the privilege of attending Fashion Palette's event for NYFW. Fashion Palette, founded by Sonya Mefaddi, is a leading platform in the fashion industry for Australia's independent fashion designers to showcase their collections at New York Fashion Week. This event showcased three outstanding designers whose collections covered a wide spectrum of styles and events in life.

Philipa Galasso's collection was the first to hit the runway with stunning and elegant pieces ranging from the Perfect Night on the Town to Red Carpet Ready looks. Philippa Galasso gives us youthful edge while maintaining style and grace...

Photo Credit: KinkyDuchess.Com

Next up was Tightology, a company dedicated to producing contemporary and original legwear. Their line featured a combination of tights and socks. I am soooo a tights and socks kind of girl, so I personally LOVED each design. Tightology chose to drape most of their models in wool coats to draw attention to the legwear. I wish they would have chosen a different, simple look for the models while still drawing attention to the tights, but their method did make us focus on the tights...and the tights and socks were amazing...

Photo Credit: KinkyDuchess.Com

Add Photo Credit: KinkyDuchess.Com

Photo Credit: KinkyDuchess.Com

Last and by no means least was Steven Khalil. Steven Khalil brought elegance, romance and sheer beauty to the runway. It was so easy to get lost in the ambiance created by the perfectly handcrafted gowns...Words cannot express...

Photo Credit: KinkyDuchess.Com

One of the Most Fabulous Finales
Photo Credit: KinkyDuchess.Com

As you can see we have a lot to look forward to for Fall 2014!

Sonya Mefaddi, Founder of Fashion Palette

ABOUT FASHION PALETTE

Founded by Sonya Mefaddi, Fashion Palette has emerged as a leading organization that bridges the gap between Australia and the global fashion community. A full-service company, Fashion Palette’s mission is to provide a platform to designers who would otherwise not be able to introduce their labels to new markets. Fashion Palette provides designers the resources and opportunity to showcase in new markets by handling production, media relations and showroom sales to launch their brand successfully.

-Fashion Palette

No Lye Pomades!

2014-02-05T18:10:00.000-05:00

For those of us who are natural, we have the best of both worlds. We can go from curly to straight in the matter of minutes. It may be a lot of minutes, but you get my point. Whether we decide on wearing our hair curly or straight, many of us still find ways to slick down our edges. Now if you're like me, you may not prefer to put gel on your edges when you have a fresh blow out. It tends to make that part of your hair harder than the rest. I've had my fair share of edge control and many brands have done nothing for my edges. So, instead I use a pomade. The Curls pomade has been my to go to product. It slicks down my edges just how I like them, and has a great smell to it.

Unlike many edge controls I've used, this pomade will actually last all day. If I know my blow out is getting a little rusty then I'll use my handy dandy Eco Styler gel.

Experimenting with your hair can be a long journey, but when you find what works for you, it becomes all worth it.

Until Next Time…No Lye

Lily B. On The Go: Fashionistas Dress Warmly!

2014-02-03T12:23:00.000-05:00

As Mercedes Benz fashion week rapidly approaches us, Lily B. has been keeping her eyes on NYC's bravest females. With such cold weather, obviously it would make sense to wrap up warmly. But, NYC's most fashionable women did not let the inclement weather hamper their style. With such harsh cold in our lovely city, NYC fashionistas have geared towards practical colors, however, true NYC fashion queens did not shy away from color. It’s surely not the time for bright colors. But for most, the clothing mood is very sombre. I believe it’s fair to say black is the color of the season!

Black just hides all of NYC messy Slush!

Keep up with Lily B. on the go for Fashion, Art and Everything girls love...

Peace and Love until next time my Lovely Lily B. Babes

No Lye: Home Goods

2014-01-30T22:05:00.003-05:00

Many times we get caught up in buying hair products that we feel are great for our hair needs, but it ends up being not so great for our pockets. Taking the time out to see what we have in our refrigerator and/or cabinets can help us find things that will work wonders for our hair. Below is a list of home goods and their uses. These home goods should help maintain beautiful, defined, and healthy hair.

Eggs	* raw eggs are used to condition the hair egg whites are used to treat oily hair egg yolks are used to moisturize the hair
Olive Oil	*Used as a moisturizer, protector, shiner, dandruff fighter, etc.
Mayonnaise	*Used to keep/make hair hydrated and adds a great shine
Coconut Oil/Butter	*Used for growth, strength, and shine
Avocado	*Used to prevent split ends and to moisturize brittle hair while adding shine
Banana	*Used to prevent split ends and breakage
Honey	*Used for nourishing and enriching the hair
Apple Cider Vinegar	*Used to remove product buildup, treat dandruff, hair loss, etc.

Be sure to experiment with these home goods and many others. The amount needed all depends on your hair needs.

Until next time…No Lye

No Lye Wednesday: Am I Natural??

2014-01-22T23:19:00.001-05:00

I've heard many opinions on what “being natural” is, but nothing stood out to me more than hearing someone say that being natural is only for black people. After hearing that I had to question myself and see where I stood on that opinion.

When I think about a natural person, the first thing that comes to mind is someone whose hair is free of chemicals or what’s considered to be creamy crack. Race shouldn't play a role in whether or not you are natural. This is where having a texture chart becomes handy for me and helps put a stamp on my view of why natural hair shouldn't be based on race. We all have different curl patterns, whether we stem from the same tree or not.

Below you will find 4 women, 2 are Hispanic and 2 are West Indian. All 4 of these women are natural hair divas and each has their own curl pattern. It shouldn't matter where you come from as long as you embrace what was naturally given to you.

…until next time *No Lye*

Embracing Me Naturally

Lily B. On The Go!!: How about those Carter's?! Beyoncé Shares Family Photos for 2014

2014-01-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

Here’s proof that the Carter’s are just simply adorable!! Beyoncé took to her Tumblr page

sharing photos of Blue Ivy’s second birthday party.

Beyoncé also posted photos of her family's New Year’s Eve festivities in Miami.

Aren’t the Carter’s just simply adorable? And Beyoncé’s showing she’s definitely a “Grown Woman.”

Keep up with Lily B. on the go with Fashion, Art, and Everything girls Love.

Peace and Love until next time my Lovely Lily B. Babes.

Chaitty Anyone??

2014-01-16T13:47:00.000-05:00

Chaitty pronounced Chai Tea (How Clever!) is a warm, cozy soulful coffee shop in the heart of the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. I recently stumble upon this fabulous coffee shop while on my journey to find Brooklyn Swirl, which is a frozen yogurt spot in the same area. If you know anything about me, you know I love a good latte and good cookies...so when I saw the words "Coffee Shop" on the sign, I was completely derailed from my course and lured in by the aroma of rich vanilla, cinnamon and mocha.

Upon walking in we were greeted by an amazing woman, who was so warm and welcoming, turns out she was the owner. She walked us through the menu, the flavors, where the coffees come from and everything. As she was giving us the rundown, the pastries caught my eye. I noticed a red cookie and inquired of it's flavor...it was a Red Velvet Cookie and it was Slammin'. To my surprise the cookie was so rich in flavor it was like biting into a slice of that southern, down home red velvet cake.

Red Velvet Cookies and Pumpkin Spice in the back! Yum!

The thought of that cookie led me back there today...we held our Duchess Team meeting at Chaitty just for a more relaxed setting with free flowing thoughts and ideas and Yes my latte and my cookie. I would love to say I am exaggerating, but I am not exaggerating when I say I had the best vanilla latte I have ever had today at Chaitty. I have tried everyone's lattes and coffees and I have my favorites, but this vanilla latte took the cake. It was so flavorful and rich, with just the right level of sweetness.

I would highly recommend the Chaitty Coffee Shop when you want to go some place cozy, where you feel at home and are treated like a friend of the family while you enjoy sweet treats, lattes, teas, coffees and flavored oatmeals.

Next time you're in BK, stop by 392 Halsey Street and Check Out the Chaitty Coffee Shop!

392 Halsey Street, Brooklyn, NY

Happy Guests!

Newest Member of Team Duchess!! Naturally No Lye!!

2014-01-15T18:29:00.000-05:00

Hey Duchess fam! Happy Hump Day!! As you all know, we have been working diligently to expand Team Duchess to make sure we bring you the best and the trendiest in fashion, hair and life. With that said, please help me warmly welcome the newest member of Team Duchess...

Hair, Hair and Mo' Hair. No Lye!

No Lye will be bringing you the best of the best in products, tips, tricks and styles for all of our naturalistas and for all of our relaxed, rinsed and dyed ladies who just love a good hair product and trustworthy hair tips. No she is not a licensed cosmetologist, No she is not the shampoo girl at your local beauty salon, she is just a girl on a journey with her hair, just like you and me. She has tried the best products and what may be considered the worse and she is here to give you real facts about the products and her own real time experiences using them.

You can catch her right here on KinkyDuchess.com every Wednesday...Starting NOW!! Aoow!! Welcome to the Family No Lye!!!

Take a minute to check out her first product review...you just may need this info when you head out to pick up your next batch of wash day necessities...feel free to leave questions and comments below for our lil sister No Lye...

Hair, Hair and Mo' Hair:

Cantu vs. Cantu Natural

Being natural doesn’t mean all the products you use have to say “For Natural Hair”. When you're natural, the products you use should be products that you are sure will keep your hair moisturized, healthy, manageable and fabulous!

Cantu Shea Butter is a great example... This brand has created two leave in conditioners. Their first leave in conditioner is for all hair types, but their second one was made just for natural hair. Being the product junkie that I am, I had to try both. When you are testing out products I suggest that you use a product for at least a month. Testing it for at least a month can allow your hair time to show the products true value and allow your hair time to change according to what the product promises to help your hair achieve. It may also give you enough time to determine whether or not you would like to continue using the product.

The original Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioner felt just as a leave in should. It left my hair feeling well moisturized and my ends never looked better. It wasn’t thick at all, nor did it weigh my hair down. I've seen great results and fast growth from the use of this product.

The second Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Condition is for natural hair and gave me a different kind of feel. It’s much thicker than the original and instead of it making my hair feel like I applied a leave in, it made my hair feel as if I applied a curl defining crème. Sounds great, doesn’t it? I did love how it defined my curls, but I didn't like how my hair dried out so quickly with it.

I’ve asked many naturals how they felt about these two products and I have heard many different opinions, but always remember that your hair texture and level of moisture is different from all others. What might work for me might not work for you..But at least you can go out there and make an informed decision!!

Later Duchess Fam!

xoxo, No Lye!

Newest Member of Team Duchess! Lily B. on the Go!

2014-01-09T18:36:00.004-05:00

Lily B.! An entrepreneur, designer, celebrity stylist and all around doll. She has designed for and styled the best and now I have the pleasure of bringing her to you as the newest member of Team Duchess...Ladies and Gents...I give you...

Lily B. on the Go...Fashion Forecast

Lily B. will be gracing KinkyDuchess.Com with her fashion expertise every Thursday as part of our weekly fashion forecast. Look out for Lily B. on the Go every Thursday right here on Kiky Duchess. WooHoooo!! Welcome to the team Lily!!

Check out this post from Lily B. forecasting the latest fashion news...feel free to leave your thoughts below or leave a fashion question for Lily B.

Hit!! ...or... Miss??

Kanye West proved that even a girl who seems to have everything actually doesn’t! West surprised fiancé Kim Kardashian with a one-of-a-kind Hermes Birkin bag, hand painted by renowned artist George Condo.

Kim was spotted shopping in Woodland Hills, CA, toting her exclusive Hermes bag with her boo beside her. Kim made sure her new bag stood out in an ensemble of whites and creams. The mother of fashion wore tight white trousers and a Henley top.

Is Kim’s new Hermes bag a hit or miss, ladies??

Keep up with Lily B. on the go for Fashion, Art, and Everything girls love.

Peace and Love until next time my Lovely Lily B. Babes

Southern Swag~ My Soul Fly Apparel

2014-01-07T14:31:00.001-05:00

Follow My Soul Fly on Instagram

LIKE My Soul Fly on FaceBook

Follw My Soul Fly on Pinterest

Happy 2014 Ladies!! So this is my first post of the New Year and I wanted to bring it to you with a Bang! So, Bang here it is...My Soul Fly Apparel is a Fantabulous clothing line with colorful and creative graphics to inspire and motivate the ruling generation and the up and coming to understand that they are fly and their dreams and aspirations are a gift within their reach...and when I found out the owner/designer is a North Carolina girl who resides in my family's hometown, I was sold!

The line of tee shirts and graphic art sets itself apart from all others with it's design inspiration coming from the actual expressive drawings and paintings of it's owner, Jennifer. Jennifer is a passionate woman, mother, artist and genuine motivational individual who helps others who may feel broken at heart to move mountains by means of her art and her words expressed through her tee shirts and her life story.

The tee shirts are quality shirts and the prints on the shirts are not the type to crack and peel or fade away. I typically cut tee shirts up to refashion them and make them fit the way I want them to, but with this tee there is no need, it is perfect and stylish as is. The tee shirt modeled in the pictures is the Big Hair Don't Care Tee and anyone who knows me knows that this is the mantra of my life. So, this tee speaks to those of us with big, chunky, grand tresses who just rock it like rock stars with the pride God has granted us. The best part of the whole experience was that the shirt FIT!! It was true to size, which is so rare these days. All in all my experience with Jennifer has been phenomenal, I look forward to grabbing some pieces from the upcoming Spring Collection. You should too!!

Three Little Birds Tees- Philly's Fabbb Fashion!!

2013-12-20T01:00:00.000-05:00

Three Little Birds Tees

Hey Fashionably Fabbb Fashionistas!! My plan was to begin this post with a formal greeting and a list of fabulous fashion finds....but all of that went out of the window when I opened a package addressed to me and found this AWESOME tee that captures all that I loveee. I couldn't wait to try it on!!

I had the privilege of chatting with the creative genius behind this Naturalista's dream t-shirt line. Her name is Nandi Tahir and she is the Founder/Owner of this amazing collection of tees so sweetly named Three Little Birds Tees. It may sound sweet, but it comes packed with a bold message. Three Little Birds Tees is a line of tees that is positive, fashionable, culturally aware and boasts black pride and culture. Nandi's collection of tees emerged from its parent company, Pearl of Africa which is Philadelphia's longest running cultural store on South Street. Nandi understands her customers wants and needs and has a wide customer base which includes everyone from Jill Scott to Erykah Badu to Iyanla Vanzant and Ashley Simpson. Although she has styled many celebrities, she is the true celebrity due to her passion, sincerity, hard work ethic and the foundation she has built on style and love.

Get Your Three Little Birds Tees t-shirt Today! Check out the link below...
Three Little Birds Tees on Etsy

Be Sure To LIKE TLB on Facebook!!
Three Little Birds on FaceBook

Shop Three Little Birds Tees and meet the owner this Saturday!!!!

ShoeMint!

2013-11-13T11:37:00.001-05:00

What's Hot vs. What's Not!

2013-11-07T10:23:00.000-05:00

Fabulous tips and tricks from top stylists! Great tips for becoming a stylist and for defining your own personal style. One of my top 5 faves!

I know it seems I've been posting a lot about fashion and I must admit I have been; but what's fabbb hair without a little personal style and pizzazz?! I was recently told that in order to make this whole fashion/style/hair blogger gig work, I have to be fashionable myself and care about how I look. While I admit there's truth to that statement, those words hurt. I totally care about how I look and put effort into developing my personal style and the right fit for my curves. So, who can really define what's fashionable for each individual? Who's to say what I wear deserves a spot on the worst dressed list and Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus' threads deserve best dressed? Many would say both of them are a bit over the top with what they wear, but the bottom line is it's their personal style and what makes them feel good or at least gives them the ability to be who they want to be in life or maybe just for the moment. But is that acceptable?

Society has this preconceived notion that what the expensive name brands say is trendy or fashionable must have come from the Bible or something, because they swear by it. Tom Ford said it best in an interview with New York Times, he said, "If I was ever going to become a good designer, I had to leave America. My own culture was inhibiting me. Too much style in America is tacky. It's looked down upon to be too stylish..." He's right! We are brainwashed into believing that whatever full ensembles Chanel, Gucci, YSL, Dior, Fendi and other fashion houses put out must the uniforms of our everyday life. Now I'm not saying boycott name brands, what I'm saying is be you, be unique, create your own style. By all means, shop and wear whatever brands make you happy, but make the brands work for you. Play around with different brands, pieces, fits and colors. Create your personal style! Most importantly know the heart of each brand. We know brands like Calvin Klein, Gucci, YSL, Dior, Fendi, and Of course Chanel, just to name a few, but do we know Francisco Costa, Tom Ford, Stefano Pilati and Karl Lagerfeld?

The moral of the story is this, never let anyone define you, be it your style, your personality or anything else that gives you the spunk that makes you YOU.

Fashionably Fabulous!

2013-11-02T23:32:00.001-04:00

So this is my current situation...Saturday night blissfully perusing magazines and style sites putting together a few fabbb looks...Nothing like a night with my hot pink Sharpie and a pile of magazines! Anyway, as I was ever so peacefully turning, tearing, cutting and pasting, I stumbled upon one of my favorite bloggers, Gabi from GabiFresh.com. She put together the fab look in this pic for us curvacious, bodacious beauties! Check out her stylish and trendy looks gracing a variety of platforms, such as Glamour.com, Seventeen Magazine (Nov. 2013) and of course on Gabifresh.com!

TGI....

2013-11-01T02:26:00.001-04:00

ShoeMint Anyone?

2013-10-31T15:50:00.001-04:00

So, I just found out that I Love Shoes!! I know, I know, you're probably saying, "Doesn't every girly girl love shoes?" Well, that may be true in most cases, but I am a real life billboard for the motto, 'Diamonds are a girl's bestfriend,' I love all things blingy, the real bling, and I loveee jewelry. I have Good shoes, but I have Great jewelry. Too bad for the man that marries me...lol! I get side tracked so easily, anyway, I recently realized through shopping, reading magazines and keeping up with celeb stylist Emily from Love and Hip Hop NY and Chrissy and Mr. Jones, I LOVE SHOES. I signed up with ShoeMint.com some time ago when I saw a few of +whoissugar videos on YouTube showing off her monthly ShoeMint shipments of fabb shoes, but I never really did much with my subscription. Well, now that I have a new found loveee, I find myself perusing ShowMint.com regularly, scoping out my next shoe purchase...My Addictions Become Serious! Check out ShoeMint.com!

Do-It-Yourself Fashion Alert!

2013-10-31T14:58:00.001-04:00

If you're anything like me, you're always looking for trendy ways to stay warm while the weather is frosty. I love being able to go home and put on a cozy sweatshirt while I sip on some hot cocoa and catch up on reality tv (don't judge me). I used to always dream of the day I'd be able to wear my big, fluffy sweatshirt outside to work, meetings, pick up mini me and do whatever else I need to do, but let's be real sweatshirts are sooo unflattering, especially on us curvy girls. Not anymore! Check out this DIY way to wear your cozy, unflattering sweatshirts and still keep it cute and stylish! I am allll about refashioning Everything, especially sweatshirts! I will post pics later of some of my refashioned sweatshirts, from adding a little bling to lots safety pins and buttons. The cool thing is YOU DON'T HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SEW! Because your girl does not have that type of time and patience....Try this fun DIY....Don't forget to send me the pics from your bedroom mirror photo shoot ;)

Yes Gawd!!

2013-10-31T14:30:00.001-04:00

Long Hair Don't Care! Giving life!

Blinged Out Vaseline!

2013-10-29T13:45:00.001-04:00

Ok, so anyone who knows me knows that I love all things blingy! They also know that I am the DIY Duchess! I Loveeee a good Do-it-Yourself project. This blinged out Vaseline is a fabbb DIY!! Not only is it fabulously fabulous, but it also serves tons of other purposes. This blingy Vaseline is perfect for growing your eyelashes, hiding split ends (I'd rather not put Vaseline in my hair, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures), it keeps that excess nail polish off your fingers while painting your nails and it helps keep your favorite perfume scent from wearing off as you go through your day. Cute and Handy! #Winning

Weight Loss Journey

2013-10-09T10:01:00.001-04:00

Hey Chicas!! I thought I'd drop in to tell you all about my new journey...I've been attempting to lose weight for some time now and I find that I'll lose a little and turn around and gain a lot and I'm pretty much over it. So gone are the fad diets and the starve yourself detoxing, I'm going to do this old school. Through shifts in my diet and EXERCISE (blah, blah, blah) I am going to reshape my body into the me I know I can be.
Today I saw a pancake recipe I just had to try. With just one banana and 2 eggs, I had a breakfast fit for a queen...and it was only 240 calories!
I put the banana and eggs in my one serving blender for about 20-30 seconds and I instantly had a smooth pancake batter. Next, I sprayed a little non stick spray in my pan and poured the batter in as I would ordinary pancake batter. Each side cooks for about a minute...and in 2 minutes you have the perfect pancake!! The batter makes about 4 small pancakes, however I was full after just 2. You can garnish your pancakes with berries or drizzle a tiny bit of maple syrup on top, yummm... I hope you enjoy this recipe and join me on my journey to lose weight and feel great!

Kinky Duchess takes on YouTube!

2013-10-08T20:04:00.002-04:00

YaY! My hair has finally reached the natural girl's definition of waist length hair!! I will celebrate my 3rd Naturalversary on October 24th and I couldn't be more elated! On the same token, I have been experiencing some new things and trying to make some new adjustments. My hair is happy and healthy, however, I am facing new challenges, such as longer detangling time, intense wash sessions, an ongoing search for products to accommodate my hair needs and modified styles now that my hair is longer. Don't get me wrong, I love my natural hair and view these challenges as part of my journey. I'm learning what works and what doesn't work anymore. As I continue on my journey, I plan to document each step from my challenges to my successes. I have chosen to document this journey to be able to look back at what has worked and what has not worked for me, but I also hope to help anyone going through the same struggles, from trying to retain moisture and styles to the issues those of us with light colored hair face. So check me out on my channel as I take to YouTube - just me and my mane!

Just My Opinion- Might be Yours Too!

2013-09-30T11:35:00.000-04:00

So it's fall now and we're preparing for brisk weather, boots, scarves, jackets and if you're a curly girl, you're preparing for lots of moisturizing and protective styles. As I look through the plethora of YouTube videos and Instagram pictures searching for protective styles for fall and winter, I realized that I have not had a protective style since December 2012 and I have retained my length just as well. As kinky girls, we know that our hair needs a lot of care and attention, but is it really as high maintenance as many of us make it out to be?

In my opinion, keyword MY, I don't find hair to be as fragile and high maintenance as we may believe. I do believe washing and/or co-washing, deep conditioning and moisturizing are a must, however, I do not think we need to keep our curls hidden and in protective styles 99.9% of the time. It's hair, it grows and we should enjoy it!!! In my experience, I wear buns, twist outs, braid outs, twists, blow outs and after a recent Q&A with the lovely Taren Guy, I have even flat ironed my hair a few times without blow drying and using minimal heat and Guess What... I still have all of my hair AND its healthy. This coming October 24th will mark my 3 year anniversary since my big chop. My hair has just hit waist length, the very top of my waist, but its still waist length and its happy and healthy. When you get a chance take a look at Kinky Duchess on Instagram and Facebook. You will see that I was once the high maintenance naturalista and now I am the fun, free Kinky Duchess. I hope my journey inspires you to have fun, let your hair down and be free!

Keep it Kinky!

Kinky Hair Tips and Tricks...

2013-04-11T00:56:00.001-04:00

Hey Kinkies! Spring is here and a lot of my kinky girls are asking how they can achieve soft, healthy curls as the sun shines, the heat rises and Spring fever becomes Summer fun in the sun. Well, I decided to share a few tips and tricks from my hair regimen to give you somes ideas and some direction.

Wash your hair Regularly.......once a week at the very least...

I choose to CoWash, which simply means washing your hair with conditioner instead of harsh shampoos.

My 'Go To' Conditioners:
Organix Coconut milk
Herbal Essence Hello Hydration
Vo5 moisture milks

*Remember the pricier the product is does not mean it's better, especially when it comes to conditioners.

Wash your hair with conditioner as you would with shampoo...it cleanses and conditions. If you want a deeper cleanse due to product build up in your hair, use apple cider vinegar...pour throughout your hair and wash as you would with shampoo. For even softer curls, you can mix the vinegar with the conditioner, it will have the same affect on your hair as fabric softener has on clothes...I didn't believe that whole fabric softener situation at first, but after trying it I was amazed by the results.

Moisturize Regularly...Day and Night!
I personally do not use too many hair products from beauty supply stores or drugstores.
I typically ONLY use shea butter, coconut oil and sweet almond oil. However, if I were to recommend some brands, I would recommend Shea Moisture products without a doubt, also Dr. Miracle's product line for Natural hair and the Curls products. I would also recommend some of the Carol's Daughter products, but that is a whole post by itself with a breakdown on the products offered and how they can treat and enhance your curls (stay tuned).

Daily Maintenance is Crucial!
Your hair needs water to grow as the rest of your body does.
Get a spray bottle fill it with water and an oil of your choice (olive oil, sweet almond oil, apricot oil). Since its getting warm, I've swapped the oils for my fave conditioner. So, my spray bottle is filled with water and conditioner. Spray your hair daily morning and night and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

For the summer I like to let my hair out to play....lots of twist outs and bantu knot outs to lock in moisture while twisted and to define my curls during the day while untwisted. I will be sure to post pics of my twists and bantu knots, as well as pics of them unraveled. Be sure to tag #KinkyDuchess in all of your style pics, I want to see your lovely curls!

*Remember, this regimen has worked for Me, however, you may need to adjust some aspects to create a regimen that caters to the needs of your hair.

*Remember- try not to make combing your hair while Dry a practice!!! I only comb my hair when I wash and detangle, I never comb my hair otherwise, it can cause breakage and hair loss.

*Remember to use a tshirt to dry your hair, towels are too harsh.

*Remember to tag #KinkyDuchess in all of your Natural Hair pics!

Always Love your kinks and curls!!

Kinky Hair Meet Up in Brooklyn!

2013-02-26T01:13:00.001-05:00

We had a blast, NY's Naturals showed up and showed out!!
Thanks for a Fabbb Kinky Date!!

_____KINKY DUCHESS_____

Red Carpet Faves: The Oscars 2014

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014: Fashion Palette

No Lye Pomades!

Lily B. On The Go: Fashionistas Dress Warmly!

No Lye: Home Goods

No Lye Wednesday: Am I Natural??

Lily B. On The Go!!: How about those Carter's?! Beyoncé Shares Family Photos for 2014

Chaitty Anyone??

Newest Member of Team Duchess!! Naturally No Lye!!

Newest Member of Team Duchess! Lily B. on the Go!

Southern Swag~ My Soul Fly Apparel

Three Little Birds Tees- Philly's Fabbb Fashion!!

ShoeMint!

What's Hot vs. What's Not!

Fashionably Fabulous!

TGI....

ShoeMint Anyone?

Do-It-Yourself Fashion Alert!

Yes Gawd!!

Blinged Out Vaseline!

Weight Loss Journey

Kinky Duchess takes on YouTube!

Just My Opinion- Might be Yours Too!

Kinky Hair Tips and Tricks...

Kinky Hair Meet Up in Brooklyn!

_KINKY DUCHESS_