GlamSwagger

EDEN BodyWorks Extends Coconut Shea Collection

2014-04-03T14:00:00.003-04:00

Well this is awesome news! EDEN BodyWorks is extending my beloved Coconut Shea line. The Leave in Conditioner and the Curl Defining Creme are 2 of my go-to products these days. I remember when I tried the line out last summer I had wished there was a deep conditioner to accompany all of the wonderful styling products. Well, EDEN BodyWorks has added a hair masque along with a few other things.

Coconut Shea All Natural Hair Masque penetrates the hair shaft to transform dry, brittle hair through an intensely moisturizing botanical blend of Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, delivering softer, stronger hair.

Coconut Shea All Natural Hair Oil is an exotic blend of nourishing ingredients that strengthens hair, prevents breakage, and adds shine without oily buildup. Perfect for use on braids, locs, twists, coils and other natural, relaxed and color treated hairstyles.

Coconut Shea All Natural Styling Elixir is a moisturizing, conditioning serum that prevents frizz with daily application. Made from an exotic blend of all natural ingredients, it leaves hair soft, sleek, and shiny.

Coconut Shea All Natural Hair Balm restores and moisturizes hair with a creamy balm infused with Coconut Oil and Shea Butter. This tropically scented balm nourishes hair, resulting in less breakage, leaving hair feeling soft and smooth. ICYMI: Check out my video review of the first round of products from the Coconut Shea line. I look forward to trying the new additions soon!

Super Fro Twist Out!

2013-10-08T04:50:00.001-04:00

Hey guys! Here's a quick vid on how I style my twist outs with the Private Stock Super Fro kinky curls.

Private Stock Hair: Super Fro!

2013-08-26T20:25:00.003-04:00

Marley Twists!

2013-07-30T16:02:00.000-04:00

Peep the vid for all the details on my self-installed marley twists.

Q&A Time With mainelement: love Founder Tyrika Williams

2013-07-29T18:49:00.002-04:00

What inspired you to create mainelement:love? mainelement: love started almost 5 years ago as a bath and body company. While making and selling my bath and body line, women were continuously asking me to make for them what I was making for my own hair, and for advice on what they could and should be doing to properly care for their own hair. It wasn’t long before I was selling more hair care products than my other products. I realized that there was a need that wasn’t being fully met by enough of the products that were on the market. It was at that point I chose to make my passion my business and focus my knowledge, energy and talents on hair care completely.

How does aromatherapy come into play with your product line? Aromatherapy is the basis for the entire product line. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to alleviate ailments in our bodies, both physical and mental. When you use mainelement: love, not only is your hair benefitting from the healing properties of the oils, but your emotional well-being reaps the benefits as well.

What is your most popular product? The Herbal Styling Balm has been a huge hit with naturalistas of all hair types. It seems that there’s a growing number of naturalistas looking for alternatives to gels, for a number of reasons: from disliking the crunch and flaking that gels sometimes cause, to wanting a product that provides a bit of sealing without drying out the hair.

What is a good summer hair routine with your products? With the summer comes a lot more heat and humidity. Washing with the Herbal Shampoo Bar allows you to cleanse the scalp from excess sweat and dirt without over drying it, followed by continuous nourishment of aloe from the Aloe Conditioner. Whether you are a wash n go kinda girl or a twist out diva, moisturizing with the Shea Smoothie and then sealing with the Herbal Styling Balm with give you the long term moisture you need to keep you from having to do too much more than pineappling at night and a quick fluff and go in the morning. And should you need to refresh, the Herbal Hair Tea can be used in a spray bottle as a rehydrating spray.

(Naturalista's Survival Kit)

What products do you recommend for twist/braid outs, and Wash and Go’s? For twist and braid outs I recommend the Shea Smoothie and Herbal Styling Balm be used on clean, conditioned hair for extended moisture, and a soft hold and definition. For wash n go, I recommend the Aloe Conditioner and Shea Smoothie. I find that wash n gos come out best on well-conditioned hair.

Do you remember the very first product you created? How did it turn out? I remember finding a recipe for a whipped shea butter that I couldn’t wait to tweak and make my own. It was a sticky, oily concontion that never quite managed to stay whipped, or even congealed. It separated terribly, and would reform with a gritty consistency. This was my introduction to precise measuring, emulsifiers, and blending at the proper temperature. But it smelled heavenly! It was my introduction into the joy I didn’t know existed for making products, knowing exactly what’s in them, and the benefits of each ingredient. It’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about the importance of using products with as close to natural ingredients as possible. I never did master the art of whipping shea butter into a soft fluffy consistency. LOL!

What is one piece of advice you'd offer to new naturals? Embrace and appreciate your own texture. While it’s perfectly normal to have hair envy, don’t get caught up in wanting another naturalistas curls or coils. The beauty of being natural is the uniqueness each of our heads possess. Learn to love it!

What is your "go to" style on a bad hair day? A bad hair day for me instantly calls for a high puff! It’s easy to disguise frizzy spots or strange shrinkage when it’s pulled high up there; plus, it’s guaranteed to not rub up against anything so the ends are at least somewhat protected.

What's next for mainelement:love? I have plans to launch a deep conditioner towards the later part of the year. You’ll see us sponsor a few major events, and we’ll be vending at Nappiology in Dallas in November. Outside of that, most definitely looking forward to the upcoming holiday season. Despite it being summer time, I hear a lot of naturalistas already talking about their shopping plans for the holiday season and we plan to thrill them.

I know I'm super excited to try that deep conditioner and everything else that's to come! You can find the products online at www.mainelementlove.com

Review: mainelement:love

2013-07-21T10:59:00.000-04:00

Aloe Conditioner I was really excited to try this conditioner because my hair is a big fan of aloe vera. I first used the conditioner as a midweek cowash. The product melted into my hair, and I was able to finger detangle in sections. It also worked great as a leave in on wet hair.

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Lavendula angustifolia (Organic Lavender) Distillate, Anthemis nobilis (Organic Roman Chamomile) Distillate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ricinus communis (Castor Seed) Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolized Wheat, d-Calcium Pantothenate (Panthenol Vitamin B5), Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Rosa mosqueta (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Salix nigra (Organic Black Willow Bark) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary Essential oil), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Essential oils

Shea Smoothie This product worked best for me on wet or slightly damp hair. I was amazed at how quickly this absorbed into my hair. I also used this product to finger detangle after taking my hair down from a 3 day old bun. It was super easy!

Ingredients: Water, Aloe Vera Whole Leaf Juice(Organic), Shea Butter, Emulsifying wax, Palm Stearic Acid, Almond Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Vitamin E, Silver Citrate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Panthenol, Essential Oils

Herbal Styling Balm I used this to after applying the Shea Smoothie to lock in the moisture. The texture is consistent with that of a balm so you will need to rub this in your hands before applying. For those of you who aren't a fan of gel it's great for taming your edges!

Ingredients: Palm Christi Oil, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Palm Stearic Acid, Candelilla Wax, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Neem Oil, Essential Oils

Overall, I think these products are a great. The ingredients alone should make them worth a try. You check out the full line available for purchase at MainElementLove.com

Stay tuned for my interview with MainElementLove creator Tyrika.

*These products were sent to me for review. I was not paid, and all opinions are truthful and based on my personal experience*

LabriShop Earring Giveaway!

2013-07-18T05:54:00.000-04:00

"Like" GlamSwagger and LaBriShop on Facebook. Then, from LabriShop's Facebook page "share" the picture of the earrings you like the best. Contest ends July 21st at midnight EST.

Video: Eden BodyWorks Review

2013-06-24T00:37:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! Check out my thoughts on the new Coconut Shea line from Eden BodyWorks!

My Workout Plan

2013-06-18T19:09:00.000-04:00

Sooo if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you know I've been working out a bit more err passionately lately.
After weighing 120 pounds for like 10 years with no exercise, I think my fast metabolism finally caught up with me. Damn!
I'd say over the last year and a half I gained about 30 pounds. Yea, I can't believe it either! Honestly I probably wouldn't have noticed but uh the size 2s I used to squeeze into could no longer go past my thighs lol.
With my 30th birthday approaching, I decided I should probably get my life together. Not just for looks but a healthier me.
I have been working out 5 days a week for about 2 months now.

I just got these new workout shoes...I LOVE them. They are the Nike Free Bionic and are super light and ideal for high intensity training.
Ok so let me get to this workout plan.

MONDAY UPPER BODY

dumbell bicep curl
seated cable row
back extensions
chest press machine
dumbbell side bend

TUESDAY LOWER BODY
body squats
weighted lunges
freehand jumpsquats
calf raises
leg extension machine
butt ups

WEDNESDAY CARDIO ABS

Plank
lying leg raise
plate twist
reverse crunch
10 mins on bike
10 mins on elliptical
10 mins on treadmill

THURSDAY UPPER BODY

dumbell bicep curl
seated cable row
back extensions
chest press machine
dumbbell side bend

FRIDAY LOWER BODY

body squats
weighted lunges
freehand jumpsquats
calf raises
leg extension machine
butt ups

I do some type of cardio each day. On upper body days I do intervals on the treadmill for 15 to 20 minutes. On lower body days I speed walk or use the elliptical for 30 minutes.

As far as my hair goes...I don't have a workout "style." I do add a cowash midweek or whenever necessary.

Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Line

2013-05-15T21:32:00.005-04:00

I come to you from under the dryer. I may just die from heat stroke....but at least my bantu knot out will be on point. LOL no but it really is hot as hell under here!
I digress. I was sent the new Coconut Shea line from Eden BodyWorks today. It came right on time for my mid-week cowash. So I wasted no time putting the products to use.
I was pleasantly surprised by the All Natural Cleansing Cowash. It had decent slip and produced a thick lather. I had no issue detangling with my comb, and my hair felt soft and supple after rinsing.

After that, I applied the All Natural Curl Defining Creme and began twisting and bantu knotting my hair. The product applied very easily, felt super moisturizing and left a great sheen on my hair.
I then applied some of the Control Edge Glaze to complete the bantu knot set.
This brings me to my current situation---they hooded dryer. So handy yet so....torturous!

There's no way my hair would dry in these knots before Saturday so, I do what I must.
I can't wait to see the results. Expect a full review in the coming weeks. Check out my Instagram for pics of the finished look.
**If you live in the DC area and are attending the "Style with Eden" event at the Mandarin Oriental hotel Thursday, May 16th I'll see you there :)

"Party over hair: Bloggers let it flow, grow online"

2013-05-12T09:33:00.002-04:00

Check out my little feature over on Headline News TV's website. I shared my thoughts on the natural hair "movement" and the role bloggers are playing in it. A few other natural hair bloggers/vloggers were featured as well. Too cool!

A Hairy Situation

2013-04-30T20:42:00.001-04:00

Sooo here's a post on one of the not so glorious things about natural hair: hair balls!
I absolutely loathe seeing shed hair. It's just so gross to me. With that said, I have failed to find a tolerable method to err prevent my shed hair from clogging my drains.
My tub became clogged, and my handy maintenance man discovered...this!

Seriously?! A hair ball larger than my fist was inhabiting my drain. Honestly I was shocked (and disgusted.)
I wouldn't normally post something like this, but I figured it could serve as a warning.
I detangle in the shower but figured most of my hair was caught in my comb. I was clearly wrong.
Now many of you probably already have drain covers to capture your shed hair. Or if you're like me and can't stand the sight of it, buy a Zip It! It basically goes down the drain and grabs all the hair.

Gettin Wiggy Wit It

2013-04-07T17:50:00.001-04:00

So I finally got around to finishing the wig and I love it! I'm sticking to this self-imposed protective style challenge for as long as I can manage. (Feel free to join in!)

This is the Truly Jolly Brazilian Kinky Curly hair. I lightly combed it out for a bigger/frizzier look.

Here's what it looks like wet...

I can't wait to play around with it, trying different styles and maybe even some color.

I posted a video on my thoughts of the hair so far.

My Hair Needs A Break

2013-03-18T18:08:00.001-04:00

I'm giving my hair a break from the constant styling. It's much needed. Trying something new as well. Peep the vid!

Ugh So Disappointed

2013-02-25T17:22:00.002-05:00

Soo...this was supposed to be a post that included a video on how I achieved my awesome glamorous roller set.
*Sigh*
After watching numerous YouTube videos and blog tutorials I just knew I was prepared. I was wrong...so so wrong. I mean I was dang near in tears trying to get those dang rollers to stay tight lol.
Hence the reason for no photographic evidence :(
I bought mesh rollers and roller pins to secure them. Yea those roller pins were kinda pointless! I couldn't figure out how to stick them in without puncturing my scalp.
Needless to say it was a hot mess.
When I took them out my hair was stretched so I decided to do a twist and curl.

As a natural you have to know how to roll with the punches!

I plan to extend the twist & curl for the entire week so I can get big fluffy hair :)

As for roller setting...I'm willing to give it another go once I get some clips to secure the rollers. Those pins are the devil.

*You can check out my take on CurlyNikki's Twist & Curl here*

Hair Update: L.O.C Method

2013-02-18T17:19:00.002-05:00

Check out the video for an update on Thickums. I uploaded this to my YouTube channel a few weeks ago, so if you're not subscribed you're missing out lol.
I haven't been doing much with my hair lately, which explains the lack of hair posts! But I've been staying consistent with my regimen give or take a few product swaps. For me it's less about the products and more about the technique. Although good quality products help :)

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

2013-02-18T16:57:00.005-05:00

Can I tell you guys how obsessed I am with Pinterest?! I don't go to the site everyday, but when I do go the hours seem to fly by! I stumbled upon this recipe during my last visit there and I just had to try it out.

It got a lil messy, but it was fun!

As you can see I made mine kind of big. Do whatever size you like!

I let them cook in a 400 degree oven and then covered with slices of mozzarella cheese.

They were soooo good and very easy to make! You can get the recipe over at Dinner A Love Story.

Energy Kitchen DC

2013-01-17T15:02:00.002-05:00

I was recently invited to the grand opening of a new restaurant with a pretty cool concept. It's called Energy Kitchen, and I would describe it as fast food for the health conscious. Everything on their menu is less than 500 calories!
I was able to try nearly everything they offer including burgers, fries, shakes and brownies.

The broccoli slaw (pictured above) was amazing! Probably my favorite thing next to the sirloin burger and sweet potato fries.

I chatted with Anthony Leone who is the President of Energy Kitchen. Super nice guy.
He was explaining to me how the menu was created and that everything was either baked, steamed or grilled. The meals are created as fuel to keep you energized.
I definitely tried a good assortment of their menu and I did notice although I was full, I didn't feel like I needed a nap. In other words, I didn't get the "itis."
Right now Energy Kitchen has locations in New York, DC, Florida and New Jersey. Check em' out if you're looking for a healthier alternative to typical fast food.

Hey Winter Heeey!

2013-01-14T19:04:00.001-05:00

This weather has been so wacky! Although this winter has been pretty mild so far, the DC area has had its share of frigid air as well.
The constant shift in temperatures has thrown me off my winter hair regimen. I typically switch over to heavier cream/oil based products and increase my protective styling. This year...I'm slacking.
I'm gonna get my life together, I promise.
I've just returned to my holy grail winter moisturizer.

Qhemet Biologic's "Amla and Olive Oil Heavy Cream."
My hair stays moist with this product. It also provides great shine and just enough definition for a decent twist out.

Here are a description of the product on Qhemet's website: "Our ultra thick cream contains Amla, Brahmi and African Aloe, premium Afro-Indian botanicals used for thousands of years to nourish the scalp and strengthen and condition hair. MSM sulfur nurtures follicles and encourages healthy hair growth, Mediterranean Olive Oil delivers emollience and lubricity while Vegetable Glycerin and pure African Castor Oil lends sheen, softness and intense moisture."
I let my hair loose as soon as I finished this post.

I just love big hair!! But I'll commit to protective styling at least 4 days out of the week to retain length.

Happy New Year!

2013-01-11T14:41:00.002-05:00

I hope you all are enjoying 2013 so far. All is well over here. I try not to make resolutions because there's a 99.9% chance I'll be over it in a week.
However, I *am* setting some personal goals. This is my last year in my 20's *eek* the thought of that freaks me out. Not because I feel old, but because time feels like it's literally flying by.
One of my goals involves this blog. I want to expand beyond natural hair and the random beauty posts.
While I still love my curlies, there's only so much I can share. I know what products work for my hair and as far as styling goes...I tend to keep it pretty simple.
I will definitely still have posts on different styles and product reviews, but I'd also like to share some of my other interests with you!
I love trying new recipes so you can expect to see posts about my adventures in the kitchen...and uh teaching my boyfriend how to make more than spaghetti! (Video coming soon!)
You can also look forward to some fashion posts as well as beauty and personal finance.
I hope you all will continue to follow me as GlamsSwagger.com evolves. Let's make 2013 great.

“A year from now you will wish you had started today.” -Karen Lamb

How I Straighten My Hair

2012-12-12T22:51:00.001-05:00

I can't recall if I did a blog post going into detail on my straightening method...so here goes!
I start with freshly shampooed hair. You want to use a shampoo because the cleaner your hair, the better your results will be. Piling silicones on top of dirty hair will give you dull, lifeless straight hair.
After shampooing I always use a moisturizing deep conditioner. Your curls and kinks should be in tip top shaoe for the straightening process.
I let my hair air-dry until it's only slightly damp and then I apply my heat protectant. I use Aveda Smooth Infusion glossing straightener.

Basically you want to get your hair as straight as you can doing the blow drying process.
This reduces the need for a super high heat setting while flat ironing.
I believe it's best to use a flat iron with adjustable temperature settings.
I find that certain sections of my hair are fine and can't take the high heat needed for my thicker sections.
When you flat iron I recommend sections of 1 inch or less. I use the comb chase method where I run a comb down my hair as I flat iron. This ensures the sections get as straight as possible with heat being evenly distributed.
You should only need to do 1 or 2 passes down the hair with the iron. Nothing more.

Also if the hair is hot to the touch, the heat setting is too high for your heat protectant putting you at risk for heat damage.
Once I'm done straightening...I'm done.

I preserve my hair by wrapping it at night or pulling it back into a ponytail.
I have a tutorial on how I acheive a bouncy loose curl look.
Be sure to check it out!

Review: Alikay Naturals

2012-11-26T07:31:00.001-05:00

Hey there! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! My hair and I are doing great. I've been trying out some new products over the last few weeks.

Among them: a shampoo and conditioner from Alikay Naturals.
The hair care line was created and developed by popular YouTuber BlackOnyx77.
I was given the opportunity to test a couple products and you'll find my review below.

Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo:

Product description: Made from Raw Black Soap, this shampoo is great at cleaning the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
I must say I was very skeptical about the shampoo off the bat. My experience with Black Soap has not been the greatest. I found it very drying.
However that was not the case with this product.
I only needed one squirt for each quadrant of my head and the lather was nice.
My hair and scalp felt very clean and I did not feel "squeaky" or stripped.
The scent reminded me of lemongrass.
I was definitely impressed.

Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner:
Product description: Excellent Conditioner Treatment for dry damaged hair. Revitalizes your weak hair, and replenishes moisture. I received an 8 oz tub of this product and thought...I will only get 2 uses out of this :/ I was wrong again. I applied this in the shower immediately after shampooing and used about a silver dollar sized amount for each quadrant. The product is not super thick so it spread easily on wet hair. OMG the slip was amazing. I only left it on for 5 minutes in the shower. Let me tell you... my hands glided through my hair and detangling (with a comb) took about 5-7 minutes. For my ENTIRE head. I absolutely loved it. You guys know that the only conditioner I have gushed about like this is TIGI Moisture Maniac. I got about 5 uses out of the 8 oz jar and I think that's pretty good for thick hair past bra strap length. There is a 16oz jar so I will definitely be purchasing that. I highly recommend either of these products if you are looking for a new shampoo or deep conditioner. *The products were sent to me to review. I was not paid, and as always...all thoughts and opinions posted here are my own*

Bantu Knots Revisited

2012-10-22T19:08:00.001-04:00

The twists are out! Loved them, but definitely missed my big fluffy hair :)
I did a Bantu knot on stretched hair and I plan to keep this style for the remainder of the week. Yay for fall and lack of humidity!!
I used Elasta QP mango butter and made about 20 knots to achieve this look.
I have a video on this if you haven't seen it already. Super easy!

Bantu Knots Revisited

2012-10-22T19:07:00.001-04:00

Mini Twist Maintenance

2012-10-12T08:15:00.001-04:00

It's been 4 weeks and I'm preparing to take them out. But, before I do that, I wanted to share how I maintain my twists.
I wet them everyday. Either with a spray bottle or dipping my ends while in the shower.
I use a sulfate free shampoo every 2 weeks. I focus the product on my scalp and rinse.
As for conditioner, I use VO5 Moisture Milks. It's the lightest one I have around and is best to avoid buildup in my twists.
Once my hair dries I retwist the twists around the perimeter of my head. They tend to loosen during the process.
Daily Maintenance:
Spray with water

Apply a moisturizer

At night I put my hair in a high ponytail and sleep in a scarf or on a satin pillowcase.

That's it!