The Anti Hair Slave - Healthy Hair All the Time

Length Retention x Split Ends

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Length Retention is when you retain (or hold onto) hair growth. Quite simply, the hair that grows from your scalp is seen in the increased length of your hair. If you are having issues with length retention you will notice that you have a lot of new growth, but for some reason your hair is not getting any longer. Now let's chat split ends. Personally, when I have dead ends or split ends they get cut. Point blank. Period. Split ends have no place in my hair care journey.

The above chart can be found all over the net and it's great because it shows that there is not just one type of split end, it comes in many forms and fashions. I tend to just cut them off because splits can travel up the hair shaft resulting in more hair having to be cut off in the long run. Please make note that I am exclusively talking about split ends here and not damaged areas of hair. Damaged areas of hair can sometimes be salvaged, but split ends cannot there is a difference, so keep that in mind while you travel along your hair journey. For more on length retention, check out the YouTube video!

Lifestyle Leak: The Dutch

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

New York City dining is somewhat of an acquired taste and I don't mean the actual food, I'm talking to crowds of people hovering around your table and practically being seated at the same table as the people next to you. In New Jersey (where I'm from) we have a bit more space, so the whole experience is a bit more mellow but I'm starting to get used the NYC vibe and dare I say it, I'm beginning to like it. Recently, me and the boyfriend were in NYC for a Valentine's haunt at Blood Manor afterwards we were hungry so I pulled out the trusty iPhone and found that The Dutch was within walking distance. Ever since reading about the SoHo restaurant in Bon Appetit magazine I was dying to get there and try the Rabbit Pot Pie. We got there and it was no longer on the menu, but we stayed anyway.

After a short wait, I'd say right about 20-30 minutes we were seated somewhat close to the bar area. The atmosphere was lively but not overly so, busy but there was no interruption of our service. Pleasantly lively. I dared my boyfriend to get something different and he ended up ordering the beef ravioli, porcini, robiola, black truffle. Not exactly what I had in mind when I said 'different' but that's okay I made him try oysters! He enjoyed his entree, but hated the oysters.

I had the Pecan duck served with organic dirty rice topped with a bit of celery. Duck is something I've never ever ordered at a restaurant, in fact I've only ever had duck one time in my life, but I liked it so I decided to try something new. I'm glad I did, the duck was great. I ordered it medium well and that ended up being perfect for me. The meat was tender and full of flavor. The celery ribbons added a nice hint of freshness to the overall taste. We split the Collard Greens and Ham Hocks, which were out of this world!

For the oyster lovers out there, I ordered the Olde Salt, VA and Spring Creek, MA. My favorite were the Olde Salt, which are larger than the Spring Creeks and have a salty flavor. I enjoy my oysters with two drops of tabasco sauce, a tiny bit of cocktail sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice.

When I read White Russian Ice Cream, I knew I had to taste that. So I ordered the Devil's Food Cake with black pepper boiled icing, fudge sauce and white russian ice cream. It was good, but nothing to really rave about. I would have preferred what the boyfriend ordered, The Dutch Apple Pie with Walnut Ice Cream. The apple pie was topped with so much crumble and the walnut ice cream was great as well.

Try it for yourself:
The Dutch
131 Sullivan St. at the corner of Prince St.NY, NY 10012
212-677-6200

Length Retention x Protective Styling

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Length Retention and protective styling go hand in hand. You will remember that length retention is when your hair's length increases. This means that the new growth from your scalp is translated into longer lengths. Length retention is one of the most common issue black women have with their hair, especially when it comes to growing their hair long. Our length retention is shattered by split ends, damaged hair, improper moisture:protein balance, and overzealous stylist who don't under what a trim actually is.

Protective styling can come in handy when you are trying to keep your length because it protects the ends of your hair. My favorite protective style is a low bun, like the one Beyonce is wearing in the above photo. But there are so many other protective styles out there. Protective styles are the easiest way to ensure more length retention.

Length Retention 101: The Video

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This video gives you straight talk about Length Retention. Make sure you subscribe to us on YouTube, so you get to see all the new videos first!

Relaxers = Uterine Fibroids?

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0000

I'm sure by now you've seen the video about the Boston study linking hair relaxers to fibroid tumors. As a woman who uses relaxers, the study is eye opening but don't expect to see me doing "the big chop" or transitioning anytime soon. As a health care professional, I know that uterine fibroids have an unknown etiology and "Because fibroids arise after menarche and become largely quiescent after menopause, they clearly are subject to hormonal stimuli.*" I also know that correlation does not equal causation and just because black women are genetically more likely to develop fibroids than women of other races, it doesn't mean it's due to hair relaxers. In fact, that statistic "may be confounded by other characteristics such as body weight and diabetes status*." So like I previously stated, it's eye-opening of course but until more studies are done and more information from credible sources are released, I'm still going to relax my hair.

For even more information about the study visit CurlyNikki.com, she was able to chat with Dr. Wise who is the lead author of the study.

* Source

Blonde Rihanna?

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:09:00 +0000

Now that we've all had a chance to get used to the blonde hair on Rihanna, what do you think ladies? Do you love it?

If you do love it? Which way do you prefer Rihanna's Blonde Hair ... Straight or Curly?

Arganics Relaxer Review Video

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:24:00 +0000

This is a video review about my favorite relaxer, Arganics No Lye Extra Virgin Olive Oil Relaxer kit.

Aphogee 2 Step Protein Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:12:00 +0000

As part of the Operation Wedding Hair, I decided to tweak my regimen a little bit and throw in a protein treatment. This video talks about exactly what I did.

Lifestyle Leak: DiNic's

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

So I've been to the Reading Terminal Market two times now and on my latest adventure me and my boo stopped at DiNic's. The line was wrapped around the counter, people were waiting to get at these roasted pork, roast beef, and veal sandwiches. Luckily, we were able to get two seats at the counter pretty quickly and placed our order.

We ordered our sandwich just like my boyfriend had seen it on Man vs. Food, but a gentleman sitting next to us recommended we get it 'wet' which means they add the juices from the pork to make the sandwich more moist. Since the sandwich was huge we ordered one and split it. WoW! Talk about delicious. It's a roasted pork sandwich with provolone cheese and topped with broccoli rabe. I added a few hot peppers that they have available in a dish on the counter for some added kick and it was so good. Be sure to get it 'wet' because I think without that it would have been just a tad bit dry, but my goodness it was tasty. Ever since, we've been dying to head back down and get some more!

Try it for yourself:
Tommy DiNic's
Reading Terminal Market
1136 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-6175

Winter Hair Care Tips Video

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:56:00 +0000

A new video! This video talks all about Winter Hair Care tips!

Everyday Hairstyle: The Undone Bun

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

TRESemmé Stylist Jeanie Syfu created a gorgeous undone side bun for Rebecca Minkoff's Fall 2012 runway show. To complement the designer’s collection including a mix of leather, fur, sequins and knits, Jeanie created a very chic and relaxed low bun to bring femininity to the strong silhouettes of the collection.

How-To Steps:
1. Create a deep side part and prep damp hair with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Root Boosting Spray. Apply throughout hair from roots to ends
2. Diffuse hair on high heat
3. Repeat steps 1 & 2 – apply TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Root Boosting Spray from roots to ends and diffuse hair. Be sure to layer the product to create a natural, rough texture
4. Apply a dime size amount of TRESemmé Smooth & Silky Anti-Frizz Secret Crème throughout hair to give definition
5. Gather hair into a loose pony on one side, fastening elastic midway down the pony, leaving the heavier side of the face-framing part loose and undone
6. Twist hair into a messy side bun, fastening with hair pins as you go
7. Loosely gather pieces from the heavier side of the part and pin into bun
8. To finish, lightly spritz with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray

Classic Hairstyle: Refined Ponytail

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:09:00 +0000

TRESemmé Stylist Jeanie Syfu created the sleek and polished ponytails backstage at Charlotte Ronson's Fall 2012 runway show. Inspired by the 70s, the designer’s collection was refined and glamorous with edgy accents. The perfectly coordinated pieces featured a mix of textures – leather, sheer fabric, knits and slashes of metallic. The colors were rich with emerald green, tomato red and purple. TRESemmé Stylist Jeanie Syfu took a different approach to the hair by slicking it back into a refined ponytail.

How-To Steps:
1. Start by prepping hair with TRESemmé Split Remedy Leave-In Conditioning Treatment. Apply throughout hair from roots to ends
2. Blow dry hair straight back from forehead, using a flat brush to gently push back
3. Pull out a few face-framing pieces from the hairline, just in front of the ears for a more windswept look
4. Apply a small amount of TRESemmé TRES Ultra Firm Control Gel with a color brush to the front hairline, leaving the wispy pieces out
5. Comb back all the hair flat and gather into a ponytail, securing with a band just above the nape of the neck
6. Flat iron the ponytail to reduce flyaways, if necessary
7. Secure the style with a light spritz of TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray

Amerie's New Short Hair

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:33:00 +0000

Amerie used to have some of the nicest hair in the music world. It started out looking like that, long dark and healthy.

Then she went to this, a little lighter but still looking healthy.

Next, she took it PLATINUM! Remember? Explaining that she wanted to look like the children of the Solomon Islands. You can see that her hair is throwing in the towel here. Going from black hair to platinum blonde is a super duper strain on your hair and it's a struggle to keep it from falling right out.

Photo Credit: TheYBF.com

Now she's chopped it off and gone back to black. Thankfully, it looks healthy again! I like this cropped 'do with the super heavy bangs on her. What do you think?

February 2012 Length Check

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Since I really did not follow The Plan for OWH (Operation Wedding Hair) in December 2011 I didn't take update pictures in January. Then to make matters worse for the end OWH Goal, I had to do several trimming session in my bathroom to ensure that my ends are healthy. In the above image A is from October 2011, B is November 2011, C is December 2011, and D is February 2012.

Looking back at the images, October from November I made a good increase in length but it looks like I'm sort of stuck in a rut. I don't have that much time left in the Operation Wedding Hair Challenge since my buddies wedding is June 1st, but we'll see how it goes. I think I need to make a few tweaks to my regimen to get over this hump.

In January, I started out doing really well and following The Plan but towards the end of the month I was slacking again. So you can see I didn't gain much length in the last two months, instead I'm holding steady which is better than doing backwards I guess. If you're participating in OWH with me, let me know how you're doing!

Hairstyles for Fall 2012: Backwards French Braid

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Ann Yee presented her Autumn/Winter 2012 collection at GO studios. To coincide with the collection, key hairstylist Marcos Diaz (of ION Studio) designed a tribal, pre-historic/Jurassic look that was still tangible and modern. I call it the Backwards French Braid, not only is it a cornrow but it starts at the nape of the neck and goes up instead of starting in the front of the head and going down. Pretty funky! Perfect for natural hair too!

STEP 1 - Prime the hair with Davines For Wizards No. 13 Mat Forming Ground. This makes it easy to grip the hair when creating the braid, the next step. It also gives the hair a mat look.

STEP 2 – Create a cornrow to the front of the hair line. Then pin the braid to the top of the head.

STEP 3 – Using hair pins, rick rack the front hair that has not been braided, and flat iron the pieces. Then allow the pieces to set. This will give the hair an accordion/zig-zag look.

STEP 4 – Remove the pins and tease the hair with a comb. Finish by spraying with Davines Defining Invisible Hairspray.

Unique Nail Design How To

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:41:00 +0000

At Nicole Miller, CND's Wanda Ruiz helped showcase parallel times to prove that "the past plays out in the present." CND's "Time Machine" manicures at Nicole Miller were trippy and hypnotic in colorful swirls of CND Colours in Plumville, Electric Orange, Bicycle Yellow and Anchor Blue. Master this look at home with a toothpick (or a detailing brush) and some patience or you can pull up the image and take it to your local nail salon.

If you choose to do it at home, be sure to allow each swirl to dry thoroughly before you paint the next swirl. To save some time blow your nails with your blowdryer on cool between painting each swirl.

The look is uniquely interesting and would certainly be a conversation piece. Would you rock it?

Hairstyles for Spring/Summer 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Here is part two of the Redken Spring/Summer 2012 Hair Trend Report! In part one, we shared the Water Babies look and the Shape Shifter.

Casual-cool was the look at Balenciaga. “It’s as if a girl is wearing the most amazingly designed clothes, but hasn’t bothered with her hair,” says Guido. To style models’ roughed-up waves, Guido created a messy center or side part, worked in tousle whip 04 soft texturizing cream-wax, then blow-dried hair until it was 80% dry. Hair was then left to dry naturally, to bring out texture—once fully dry, apply a small amount of powder grip 03 mattifying hair powder to the roots for added texture and volume. Building on the look seen at Balenciaga, the models at Alexander Wang walked the runway with a sporty, just-out-of-the-shower look that contrasted perfectly with the high glam collection.

Whether wavy or straight, hair that’s worn down has undeniable elegance. “This style is always in fashion—it’s about updating it in new ways,” Guido says. Inspired by the “minimal and controlled” aesthetic of the house, the look at Akris was clean and defined. Guido applied satinwear 02 ultimate blow-dry lotion to damp hair, blow-dried hair straight, then flat-ironed the lengths for a super sleek look. Finish by tucking the sides behind the ears and misting on quick dry 18 instant finishing spray for shine and control. The healthy, shiny hair seen at Sonia Rykiel is something every woman wants. “It’s 1940s meets 1970s, very flirty and pretty,” says Guido. Sometimes, nothing but the perfect blow-dry will do. That was exactly the look seen at D & G, where models’ bouncy blow-outs stole the show. Get the look by applying velvet gelatine 07 cushioning blow-dry gel to damp hair and blow-drying with a round brush, then smooth on a small amount of All Soft Argan-6 Multi-Care Oil.

Sofn'Free Launches Nothing But for the Naturals

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

With more and more women going natural there is a serious void in the hair care world for mainstream (read: available in the drugstore) hair products that cater to African American women who choose to wear their hair natural.

Sofn'Free GroHealthy Nothing But is stepping up to fill that void with a collection of products that leave out five ingredients that are common in hair care but naturalista's love to avoid. Nothing But's seven new cleansing, conditioning and styling formulas are free of petrolatum, mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, colorants and phthalates. Additionally, they contain no drying alcohols or animal proteins, plus they price points are easy on your wallet ranging from $5.99 - $10.99

What's in the collection? Cleansing Conditioner that's in a tub like a conditioner, but it works like a shampoo without the SLS and other sulfates. Clarifying Shampoo, which is recommended for once a month deep cleansing sessions. Intense Healing Mask, a deep treatment and a variety of styling products like the Curly Pudding, Wake Up Spray, Curl Sealer, and Mold & Hold Wax. Of course you know I'll be road testing everything on my hair, so I'll be sure to keep you posted! Check out the new products at HonestHairCare.com

Lifestyle Leak: Warmdaddy's

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

For my friend's boyfriend's birthday, me and my boo headed down to Philadelphia to celebrate with them. We stayed overnight in the Westin on South 17th Street at Liberty Place which is surrounded by shopping, museums and historical attractions. For dinner, the birthday boy chose Warmdaddy's. It was just a short car ride from the hotel to the restaurant and thankfully, there is a parking lot right behind the restaurant where you can park for free.

The night that we went there was a $20.00 cover because there would be a live band and singers performing. The atmosphere was nice, relaxed, but clearly busy and lively. Warmdaddy's is a soul food restaurant, mixing southern cuisine and soulful music. We settled right into our table and started placing our orders. I ordered the BBQ Beef Short Ribs with yams and string beans. My boyfriend has the Southern Fried Chicken Dinner with mashed potatoes & gravy and smoked turkey collards. Right off the bat, we noticed that our favorite side, macaroni and cheese was not listed as a side, instead it's listed as an appetizer. So, we ordered it anyway requesting that it come out with our entree's so we could share it.

I thoroughly enjoyed my BBQ Beef Short ribs, they were tender and the sauce was perfect. My favorite sides were the yams and the smoked turkey collards. I happen to love string beans, but I like them southern style. You know when they are totally soft and well seasoned? These string beans were the crisp kind, tasty but not my favorite. My boyfriend enjoyed his chicken, which of course I tasted. It was good, crisp flavorful outside and moist inside. But his favorite sides were the mashed potatoes and smoked turkey collards. We both agreed that the mac and cheese wasn't our favorite, only because it had a strong garlicky flavor.

Both my boyfriend and my friend said the yams could have been softer, but I happened to like them. My friend had the Blackened Tilapia with Shrimp and Crab Etoufee, she reported back that it was okay, nothing to write home about. To round out my meal, I had a Warmdaddy's Classic Cocktail. I chose the Sweet Georgia Peach, made with orange juice, peach nectar, Peach Schnapps with Parrot Bay Rum. It was very light on the alcohol, but the citrusy sweet flavor was perfect. But, be warned that the OJ they use does have pulp.

If I'm in the area again, I would go back. The food was good, the entertainment was a plus, and free parking? That was amazing. It's a great place for a date or a group of people, just be sure to make reservations.

Try it for yourself:
Warmdaddy's
1400 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 462-2000
Website

Hairstyles for Spring 2012 by Redken

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Get excited for this summer’s natural, playful and glamorous hairstyles created by Guido on the runways and translated by him into trends to inspire everyday styles.

“This Spring/Summer 2012 season was all about natural beauty, which was reinvented in modern ways. Each city had its own distinct personality—in New York we saw more casual and sporty hair, Milan had a very rich feeling, and in Paris we stepped out a bit more and really pushed the envelope.”

—Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

Keep reading for Spring/Summer 2012 “Natural Order” hair trends how-to’s and shows for each of the first two of four trends: “Water Babies” and “Shape Shifter”. Look out for Hairstyles for Spring 2012 Part II featuring “New Lengths”, and “Naturally Tough”.

This season, wet looks weren’t just about slicked-back hair. This season’s styles had texture, body and movement— for style that’s anything but watered down. “It’s easy and effortless, like she’s just come off the beach,” says Guido. “It has that wet look without actually having sopping wet hair.” To create it, wet hair and apply a generous amount of guts 10 root targeted volume spray foam from roots to ends. Scrunch to create a wavy texture, then pull into a low pony, leaving out some pieces around the face. Finish with shine flash 02 glistening mist. Another great product to use for the wet look is All Soft Argan-6 Multi Care Oil.

Whether sculpted into a high-drama updo or woven into intricate braids, this season’s styles were all about strong shapes. As anyone who follows fashion knows, braids are here to stay. The braided updo Guido created at Valentino epitomized the beauty and elegance of this timeless style. The tousled French twist seen at Marc Jacobs was a nod to the 1960s, with a hint of inspiration from the 1920s. “It’s the look of a girl who was dancing all night,” says Guido.

Help your Damaged Hair

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Sometimes the best products for your hair come packaged up and marketed towards a totally different hair category, but you've never know if you didn't read the ingredients and the usage tips. You guys know how I like to experiment with products geared towards transitioning from relaxed to natural, well now I've found a miracle product that's actually geared towards Blondes. Pureology Perfect 4 Platinum Miracle Filler.

Stay with me guys... Although this product is marketed towards blondes with 4+ levels of lift, say platinum blonde like Christina Aguilera, but it's perfect for relaxed heads too because it's formulated to fill in gaps in the hair's cuticle leaving the hair soft and shiny. Chemical relaxers leave holes in the hair's cuticle, so this product is perfect for us too!

The Miracle Filler is in a bottle with a spray nozzle, but I prefer to spray into my hands and then apply to the ends of my hair. The product is a white liquid that has a flowery scent, a little bit goes a long way and by spraying into your hands you can control how much get's onto your hair.

Ultra Smooth Comb Collection by Cricket

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

The Ultra Smooth Comb Collection from Cricket Company features Argan and Olive Oils, plus Keratin protein are infused into the combs. This soothing blend of oils helps to heal damaged hair without leaving residue on your hands. Argan oil conditions hair that has been dried out from the cold weather and smoothes the hair cuticle, creating healthy locks. Olive Oil delivers shine and makes strands silky smooth, while Keratin adds strength and reduces static and frizz.

(Ultra Smooth Wide Tooth Comb, $6.99 Amazon.com

I must admit it seems a little gimmicky, but you know I would try it. You can't deny that you're interested too! I know my product junkies! Here are a few more details about the Ultra Smooth Combs: As long as the combs are in the original packaging the oil/keratin lasts at least 3 years. Once the combs are removed from the packaging and exposed to open air the oil/keratin will slowly evaporate from the surface of the comb – the oil is always part of the resin, just the percentage decreases with age. This process doesn’t really start for 4 – 6 months after the initial usage. So, store your combs in the original packaging to prolong the life of your comb.

(Ultra Smooth Detangler Comb, $6.99 Amazon.com)

Now I know you're dying to know how it works. The method of infusion allows the oils/conditioning benefits to constantly "rise to the top" to go from the comb into the hair. As the comb material wears, the product remains a constant as it is an actual part of the comb. The combing motion will impart the oils into your hair as well.

Win the Motions Natural Girl Search

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:08:00 +0000

You've seen the new Motions Naturally You! products, now it's time to enter their huge sweepstakes! Motions Salon hair care is searching for 3 fabulous girls with natural style to introduce their newest line of natural hair care products, Motions Naturally You!

If you’re chosen as the Motions Natural Girl, you’ll be on your way to NYC for a full makeover weekend, where you’ll be featured in a hair style how-to-video featuring a celebrity hair stylist! You’ll also appear in a special Motions spread in Essence magazine, plus other Motions Naturally You print and/or campaigns!

Please visit motionscontest.glam.com to enter!

Prizes:
• All expenses paid trip to NYC for a makeover weekend
• Featured in a hair style how-to-video
• Appear in an Essence Magazine Spread

Remember:
Whether you’re wearing your natural hair in tightly-coiled curls, loose ringlets, flowing waves or super straight, new Motions Naturally You products are specially-formulated to moisturize your hair with essential natural oils. Embrace the incredible beauty of your natural hair with Motions Naturally You. For more information visit us at http://bit.ly/zxbd4g.

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Motions via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Motions”

Lifestyle Leak: Valentine's Day Date Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

As a teenager I used to love the idea of getting teddy bears, flowers, and candy for Valentine's Day, skip forward a few years and it was jewelry, but now I prefer to actually get up and do something with my boyfriend for Valentine's Day that isn't dinner and a movie. I mean does your man really want to see The Vow?!? It's not that I'm anti-Valentine's Day but I feel like we've do all the Valentine's Day type activities year round so it's not special or unique.

This year we've planned on heading to Blood Manor in SoHo for some Valentine's Day Frights! For those of you who do not know, Blood Manor is one of the premier haunted houses in the tri-state area. You know me and my boo love visited haunted houses like this one and this one in October, but for two nights only Blood Manor opens up to visitors and has a Bloody Valentine's Weekend February 10th and 11th. I had no idea about this until I received an email from Gilt City about discounted tickets, needless to say you need Gilt City. Here's your invite!

Not into haunted houses? Do something different this Valentine's Day and find a local cooking class and take it together. Then, test out your skills at home together for a special Valentine's Day dinner. It's even cooler if you pick a cuisine that reminds you both of a special trip you took together. Went to Paris? Pick French cuisine. Or dying to go to somewhere cool but haven't made it there yet, pick a dish inspired but that country or location and whip it up!

What are you guys doing this Valentine's Day?

Motion's Naturally You! Product Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (The Anti Hair Slave) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:45:00 +0000

So, by now you've seen all the event recaps for the Motions Naturally You! Collection. We all had a blast, enjoyed cocktails, and quizzed Ms. Ursula Stephen on hair care. But I know you guys are dying to know more about the actual products. I've had the opportunity to actually try out the collection and I have to say my relaxed hair had it's favorite products.

The Motions Naturally You! Collection features a Moisturizing Cleanser, Smoothing Conditioner, Deep Conditioning Masque, Curl Defining Cream, Curl Hydrating Pudding, and Radiating Gloss. So far I've tried the Moisturizing Cleanser, Smoothing Conditioner, Deep Conditioning Masque, and the Radiating Gloss.

First up, let's chat about the Motions Naturally You! Moisturizing Cleanser. This shampoo was very gentle on my hair and scalp, yet managed to lather up well and get my scalp clean. My hair felt like it had a little moisture to it too from the shampoo, but not enough to feel as though I could use this product without following up with a conditioner. The scent is nice, it smells clean and does not linger on my hair. The reason why this is perfect for naturals? It's packed with moisturizing properties and ingredients that help soften the hair.

The Motions Naturally You! Smoothing Conditioner worked okay, but I happened to really like the Motions Naturally You! Deep Conditioning Masque. Unlike most deep conditioning treatment masques this one is thinner in consistency making it great for naturals with super thick hair because it makes coating all the strands easier.

Have you ever put a thick conditioner on your hair and had to fight with the product to get it down to your new growth and on all the strands? Well, with this you will not have that problem. If you love thick conditioners, I urge you to give this one a chance even though it's not thick because it really packs a good moisturizing punch. I applied it to my hair, threw on a plastic cap, and sat under my hooded dryer for about 10 minutes and my hair was soft like I'd sat under there for at least 20-30 minutes.

I have yet to try out the Motions Naturally You! Define My Curls Crème and Motions Naturally You! Hydrate My Curls Pudding because I've been rocking a roller-set and blow out but I have used the Motions Naturally You! Radiating Gloss and I have a love/hate relationship with it. My hair loves the actual product because surprisingly even though it's meant for naturals it's light enough to use on my somewhat fine relaxed hair. I have an issue with it due to the packaging. The pump gives way too much product, I wish there was a way to control how much comes out when you use it. I feel like because of that small design flaw I'm going to go through it faster than I otherwise would have.

So ladies, will you be trying this collection?