Keep It Kinky: Natural Hair and Beauty

2 Graduation Hairstyles for Locked and Loose Naturals

2013-05-14T12:45:00.002-04:00

Congratulations graduates! You have hit and crushed a milestone and you have to look great for your big day. If you are on a budget, here are ideas and tips for loose/free naturals as well as another for the locked ladies out there. Try one of the styles using the natural hair tutorials below.

Monday Music | Mama by Christopher Martin

2013-05-13T11:30:00.000-04:00

Hailing from the rural community of Back Pasture, St. Catherine and born on Valentines Day in 1987, Christopher Martin is a reggae ringer/songwriter who won the Digicel Rising Stars competition in 2005. Digicel Rising Stars was Jamaica's version of American Idol.

Fast forward to 2010 and Christopher Martin is as strong as ever. The artiste continues to unleash the hits with new songs such as Real Friends, Melody to My Song, Paper Lovin, Come Where You Going and much more.

Natural Hairstyle Inspiration | Weekend Edition (with Tutorials)

2013-05-10T15:43:00.000-04:00

The truth is that those of us who work in professional offices tend to keep our hair in super-neat refined styles during the week so that our hair doesn't offend our bosses or clients. This is why the weekend can be the best time to have fun with your natural hair. Try one of these elegant but interesting styles this weekend and enjoy the land of natural hair freedom. Bonus - they are all very easy to do at home.

Natural Hairstyle #1

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Natural Hairstyle #2

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Natural Hairstyle #3

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Have fun and enjoy the weekend!

Solange Stuns at the 2013 Met Costume Institute Gala

2013-05-07T02:56:00.000-04:00

Singer Solange Knowles stunned at the 2013 Met Gala in a dazzlingly beatiful leg-baring leg-baring blue and black design by Kenzo with a trend-appropriate Edie Parker box clutch.

Solange wore simple black sandals with matching black nail polish that worked well with the busy print. She topped off the look with a show-stopping Afro, large statement earrings, a smokey eye and neutral lip. Is this strong yet understated perfection? Is her look hot or not?

Product Review Nunaat Karité Special Combing Cream and Leave-In Detangler

2013-05-06T05:52:00.000-04:00

I know the bottles look busted but the packaging label smudges easily and this product has been USED. Stick around to find out whether the Combing Cream and Leave-in Detangler (same exact product with different label by the way) is any good.

You may remember that I reviewed the Karité products before after using them for just a few short weeks. Here is what I mentioned about using it on my natural hair (I go between a variety of styles from straight to locked etc.):

gave my hair slip without sticky build-up even though it isn't entirely transparent
dries clear
doesn't weigh down my hair.
(so far) doesn't impede the effectiveness of other styling aids used after detangling.
left my hair light and slightly fluffy to the touch.
is great for people who only finger-detangle in the shower or those with longer hair who don't want to stand in the shower while detangling. Otherwise put, it is great for out-of-shower post-shampoo/conditioner detangling.

Here are my final thoughts on the product.

Monday Music | Janelle Monáe - Q.U.E.E.N. feat. Erykah Badu

2013-05-06T04:47:00.002-04:00

Janelle Monae, in all her staple black and white with red lip glory has a new video featuring Erykah Badu. Ms. Badu is really doing it her way.

KIK Feature | An Alexandria Collins Production

2013-05-06T04:00:00.000-04:00

Alexandria Collins – Source

She is an actress, writer, director, journalist, videographer and editor. It seems like a really long list but I could add more things, like "producer" to the list. Alexandria Collins is the woman whose work we have the pleasure of featuring today. View the short film that captured my interest below.

How to Handle Natural Hair Opposition

2013-05-01T01:41:00.000-04:00

They are calling you names. Some people snicker while others just laugh and tell you it's ugly. Family members say that it's just a phase and you'll soon relax your hair again. It is not always easy to transition to natural hair without the community support. Family and friends may not agree with your hairstyle of choice. I have shared in the sadness of non-appreciation for my natural beauty and have tips for keeping your hair kinky in the face of opposition.

Transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair (Source)

Think you're alone in the face of opposition? First, check out the video below where YouTube's well-loved Jamaican Makeup Artist talks about a recent challenge she faced with her hairstyle and how she is still not fully confident wearing some hairstyles. She is well known for doing beautiful full-faced makeup and wearing a myriad of straight wigs.

Here are three things that I consistently did to ensure that my mind was in a space where nobody's negative comments about my natural hair or choice of hairstyle can make me second guess myself or feel bad about my hairstyling choices.

Let it be Done
My hair was always well-done. If I couldn't do it, I got it done by a professional. The thing is, I never felt unkempt and that made me feel well put together and confident. People responded to my confidence positively. I found that asking people what they think is never good unless I'm only living to please them. I'm living to please me so I do or get my hair done in a style that I love and think is appropriate for my lifestyle and move on - feeling confident and beautiful in the process.

Dress to Impress Yourself
No slouchy sweat pants for me. I decided to show my best natural self to the world. This included the way I wore my clothing. Feeling like I'm dressed to impress (myself) made me feel beautiful. Who cares if Shanna-kay thinks I look good with straight hair and mini skirts? I'm going to wear my natural kinky hair and my long flowing maxi dresses because they make me feel beautiful. Dress everyday to impress yourself and you will learn to be confident in your choices about your overall physical appearance.

Be Inspired
This one really kept me going. Watching videos and following blogs of people with hair like mine really helped to confirm to me that natural hair was indeed beautiful. It's actually at the point now where straight hair looks a little weird to me. LOL. Seeing other beautiful naturals gave me a new standard of beauty to uphold. I fed my mind with natural beauties and now I can effortlessly see the beauty in my natural hair no matter what anyone else thinks.

Monday Music | Kelissa – Afrika

2013-04-29T03:12:00.002-04:00

"We are not African because we are are born in Africa. We are Africa 'cause Africa is born in us."

Kelissa is Sade meets Rasta woman chant. Is that a genre? Hahaha. Well, I thought that Kelissa's sounds was so refreshing and new that I just had to share this video for today's music.

Kelissa McDonald was born and raised in the hills of St. Andrew, Jamaica. At an early age, Kelissa developed an inclination to listening and making music, largely influenced by reggae and Rastafari. With her parents as the lead vocalists in the reggae band ‘Chakula,’ there was constantly music pulsating from her home. Her music has evolved into an expression of her background as well her stimulating living experiences in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Ghana. At the moment Kelissa resides in Jamaica where she continues to make positive and conscious music as an avenue to express her diverse experiences and to inspire and uplift others.

– Source

100 SQUATS A DAY FOR THE MONTH OF MAY CHALLENGE

2013-04-27T14:44:00.000-04:00

So, I've lost a little weight lately from adjusting my diet. It's time to incorporate a routine I can actually stick to - 100 SQUATS A DAY. Are you with me? I'm starting today but you can join in anytime. Officially, this is the 100 SQUATS A DAY FOR THE MONTH OF MAY challenge.

Be sure to use the proper technique so that you don't hurt yourself. It's best to perfect your body weight squat technique before introducing weights. We'll talk about other techniques later but watch the video below to learn how to do the perfect body-weight squat.

Are you in?! C'mon. It's soooo simple. Join in.

SWATCH | Mango Taffy by Brucci Nail Hardener

2013-04-22T04:59:00.002-04:00

I wanted to give this nail polish an encore. Why? Because it's oh so perfect for Spring. This pic shows indoor pictures. Check this link for outdoor, natural lighting pics.

APPLICATION
Smooth but with smooth streaks (sucks)

COATS
3 but 2 will do it you're not obsessed with your nail polish being opaque

SOURCE
Lees Pharmacy in St. Andrew, Jamaica

Mango Taffy Nail Polish by Brucci Nail Hardener without a Topcoat

The image at the top shows the polish without a top coat and the one below shows the polish with a high gloss topcoat. Brucci is very popular in many pharmacies and beauty supply stores in Jamaica.

Mango Taffy by Brucci Nail Polish with a High Gloss Topcoat

Matte Lipstick Loving – How to Get Chap-Free, Smooth Matte Lips

2013-04-22T01:58:00.000-04:00

Brandy in red matte lipstick for Kontrol Magazine

Matte lipsticks have been synonymous with dry lips for years. That's why a lot of women love the look but hate the chapped look as matte lip colours tend to be very drying. Whether it's with Candy Yum Yum or Russian Red by MAC, you don't want to miss out on my favourite type of lipstick. Here is what you need to know about prepping your lips for matte lipstick to prevent that chapped look on the lips.

EXFOLIATE & MOISTURISE
Exfoliate your lips before putting on a matte lipstick. Next, quickly add a thick layer of moisture using your favourite lip balm. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, dab off the excess moisturiser, line your lips, then fill them in with your favourite matte colour. Watch the video to see how Tracy does matte lipstick. Keep reading to see recommendations for a good lip scrub or to learn how to make one yourself at home.

If you are on a budget, I recommend making your lip scrub at home. You can store it in a tiny container safely at home or in your handbag and you won't have to go to the store to replenish. It's super-easy and quick to make yourself. Just blend the ingredients below thoroughly then store in a tight-lid container. It can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. I would say about one week if not.

BROWN SUGAR LIP SCRUB

1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp coconut oil
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp honey

COMMERCIAL LIP SCRUB RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are three product recommendations for lip scrubs.

LUSH Mint Julips Lip Scrub

Its main ingredients are castor sugar and Organic Jojoba oil so there are no harmful ingredients. There are a variety of flavours to choose from that are very fun. This runs about 9 USD in lush stores. You can also find LUSH products online.

Clarins Extra Firming Lip & Contour Gentle Exfoilator

It's not cheap at over 20 USD but most people agree that it immediately moisturises, nourishes, softens and plumps lips so they look supple and healthy. It claims that is aids in reducing the look of fine wrinkles, lines and furrows.

Monday Music | Rescue by Kristine Alicia

2013-04-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

You may remember Kristine Alicia from an old Monday Music feature. This song is beautiful and definitely makes her music worthy of a Monday Music encore. Keep the good music coming Ms Kristine Alicia. Learn more about Kristine here.

Venus Williams' Hair | Styled 16 Ways

2013-04-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Lawn tennis superstar, Venus Williams, has been wearing her natural hair out a lot more lately. Is it a good look? Venus clearly loves to change up her look regularly. Go through the pictures below. The show her some of her hairstyles throughout the years and through her many phases.

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New Nail Polish Technology from China Glaze

2013-04-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

China Glaze Texture Collection

It is undeniably innovative and definitely cool China Glaze has a new gritty texture that looks different from just about any non-shimmer nail polish I've ever seen.

Close-up of the texture

Do you like it? Check out the colours below then vote for your favourite one.

China Glaze Texture Collection

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVE

The China Glaze® Texture collection will be available in May 2013 at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

Spring Re-invention Intervention

2013-04-17T22:16:00.000-04:00

It's a time of blossoming and new beginnings. It's spring and everyone deserves a fresh start this spring. Here are 5 ways in which you can fully transform your life this spring and ever after.

FORGIVE YOURSELF
Yes, forgive yourself for every bad choice or broken new years resolution. Put the pain of failure in your past and start fresh. Let go of the negative thoughts and forgive yourself. You are special, unique, important and deserve the very best that God has for you. Starting off your spring with a fresh, new, revitalised spirit is important for future success. Every time a negative thought of your past comes up, just repeat, "I am forgiven and that is in the past." Yes. Yesterday is in the past too. This morning is in the past. Every time you mess up, forgive yourself and move on and try to leave that low moment in the past forever.

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PURGE
Get rid of every unimportant thing that you don't need and haven't used in over 2 years. This includes the fancy can opener you bought last January and the orange blouse that you hate to wear because it doesn't suit your style. Get rid of everything that does work for you anymore. You'll be surprised how much easier it is to get to, find and use the things that you have left. Do this with your closet too. You'll end up with a closet full of things you like to wear as opposed to a closet of nothing to wear. Don't be scared if your clothing options are cut down to half of what you had before. You'll enjoy the things you have and wear more.

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CLEANSE

Now that you've taken care of all the clutter and can see everything clearer, it's time to take care of your body. I'm not talking about going to the spa. Clean up your diet and exercise habits. I'm not kidding here. You don't have to do a lot to see major improvements in your health and fitness level. I went on a plant-based diet for a month and was shocked to see how much my stomach flattened and my energy increased. So, not everyone can go vegetarian. Well, cut out 5 bad daily habits like drinking soda, eating fast food, skipping breakfast (the most important meal of the day), skipping a multivitamin (most of us need one), or getting enough rest (so that our body can repair). C'mon. You can do it. Clean up your act.

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SET SOME GOALS

You don't have any goals? C'mon. You've got goals. Everyone needs something to keep them motivated. When you lose motivation, life becomes less meaningful and we can't afford for that to happen. You need something to excite you and keep you encouraged throughout the journey of life. It could be a short term or long term goal. It doesn't matter whether you failed at it in the past. Your goal could be as simple as finishing rearranging your bedroom or learning how to sew. It could be as complex as starting a new job on the side or going back to school for your dream job. Stop reading this post and set 3 goals that you get excited or even anxious at the thought of completing.

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START LIVING

Now that you have started to live a happier (forgiveness), clearer (purging clutter) and healthier (cleansing) life, you are in a much better position to start living a more fulfilling life. Let's look at your list of goals again. Write down one thing you need to do in order to achieve each goal. Those are 5 things. Which will you start doing today? Pick one and start doing it... or trying to do it today. You are already equipping yourself with the clarity and strength to do so.

Keep this list close-by. Put it on your dresser or on top of your wears in your drawer. Let it be a daily reminder of the things that you could and should be doing to live the life that you want today.

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Thanks for reading. I challenge you to do these things, even if only for the rest of the spring and see the transformations that could take place in your life. If you are truly ready for a change, now is the best time to take these small but life-impacting steps to becoming a better you.

Sign up to receive magazine alerts HERE. New magazine coming May 2013.

Trending Right Now | Hair Accessories for 2013

2013-04-15T19:54:00.003-04:00

One of my favourite trends for hair in 2013 is hair scarves. The trend has been around for a while but I'm just loving the many options that one scarf can provide.

Subscribe HERE for the next free issue of the KiK Magazine ezine where we'll be giving you the low-down on how to wear our top 3 hair accessories trends for Spring and Summer 2013.

See some of my favourite videos on scarf tying options for funkifying your most simple hairstyles below.

Short haired ladies, don't be left out!

Monday Music | No Hesitation by Konshens

2013-04-15T13:14:00.002-04:00

If you don't know who Konchens is and haven't heard his music, you have certainly been missing out. An ever-rising Jamaican stars on the music scene, Konchens is one of my favourites right now. He has a few new songs but I still wonder what else he will be coming out with for the summer.

Born Garfield Spence, the 28 year old Jamaican dancehall artist has been active in the music industry since 2005. Hit songs include Winner, Good Girl Gone Bad and Stop Sign. Notably, he was one of several JAmaican celebrities that took part in a march to end political rivalry in Torrington Park.

The march commemorated an assumed politically motivated fire in May 1980 at the Eventide Home which killed over 150 elderly women in Jamaica.

Coming Soon!

2013-04-09T16:50:00.003-04:00

The best issue of KiK Magazine is on it's way. Subscribe for the FREE magazine here.

Melani from Virginia

2013-04-08T01:41:00.000-04:00

Melani Jones of iRock Natural showing off her natural hair

Name: Melani Jones
From: Virginia, United States
Of: iRock Natural™
Natural Since: May 29, 2010

Melani Jones of iRock Natural showing off her natural hair

KiK: Why did you go natural?
Melani: I was working out regularly and I was looking for an alternative to wearing my hair relaxed throughout all of my exercising. For me, it was easier to maintain my hair in its natural state.

KiK: Cool. So how would you describe your texture?
Melani: I’d describe my texture as kinky and tightly coiled. I do have some looser curls at the nape of my neck though.

Melani's natural hair updo

KiK: What is your regimen for taking care of your hair?
Melani: I try to be a low-maintenance natural as much as possible. I do my wash routine weekly, unless my hair is in a protective style and I may go a week and a half without washing my hair. My wash routine consists of: pre-poo, shampoo, condition, deep condition under my steamer, and then style. I like the LOC (liquid, oil, cream) method to moisturize my hair during the styling process. I like to keep my hair in protective styles as much as possible. When my hair is in a protective style, I will use my spray water mixed with a few oils to keep my hair moisturized. I only apply heat to my hair once a year, normally during the winter.

Melani's natural hair updo

KiK: So what are the main hair products in your arsenal at the moment?
Melani: Shea Moisture Purification Masque is my ULTIMATE favorite pre-poo and deep conditioner. I also like Coconut oil and Bee Mine Curly Butter in Island Mango Scent. Those three are definite must-haves in my regimen.

KiK: So what is your hairstyle of choice?
Melani: My favorite hairstyle by far is the dry twist out. It gives my hair such volume and definition. I can really see the health and growth of my hair in a dry twist out.

KiK: Have you been to the hairdresser regularly since being natural?
Melani: When I first went natural, I was going to the hairdresser pretty much every 2-3 weeks. After that, I started doing my hair on my own. I did go recently in 2012, but I have since started doing my hair again on my own. The only reason I don’t go is because I enjoy doing my hair myself. I take pride in knowing that I can properly care for and style my hair myself.

KiK: When did iRock Natural begin and why?
Melani: iRock Natural began on March 16, 2012. The idea for the name came to me one day when I was driving home from work and I knew I had to do something with it. My parents have been in the t-shirt business for years so I already had that background knowledge. I decided I wanted to do items to express my love of being natural and to also encourage those who were natural or considering being natural. I just wanted to use my creativity to add to the natural hair community.

KiK: I see. So what is the mission of iRock Natural?
Melani: The mission of iRock Natural is to encourage the love of and appreciation for natural hair. When I state that, I don’t want to make it seem that natural hair is superior to other ways people choose to wear their hair. I just love being natural and want to ROCK it the best way possible!

KiK: Thanks for doing this interview! Where can we keep up with you online?
Melani: The iRock Natural website can be found at www.iRockNatural.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/iRock Natural. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be featured!

Music Mondays | That Girl by Jah Cure

2013-04-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

How to Create Clip in Highlights for Natural Hair

2013-04-03T22:43:00.002-04:00

Source

Are you afraid of the possible damage from colouring your hair? Maybe you just like to switch things up on a regular basis. Whatever the case, you can instantly get the look of subtle or dramatic change in the look of your hair. Just check out the video below courtesy of Long Hair Don't Care LLC on YouTube below.

How to Curl Locs Without Heat – Two Hairstyles in One

2013-04-01T11:00:00.002-04:00

Franchesca showing off her curly locs – Source

Franchesca uses a number of methods to curl her locks. The loc knot method is very popular, however. as a method where you can wear your hair for up to two weeks in the knots style before taking it down to reveal the spirally curls.

Franchesca showing different points of the takedown process – Source

Lock knots are perfect for medium to long length hair. Check out the video below to see how she creates the knots.

The hair can be released to show bouncy curls. Some people have kept their knots in for up to three weeks. You really can keep the knots in from a few hours to a few weeks. If you want to retain the curls, though, you have to allow the hair to fully dry before removing the knots. See the video below that shows how her hair looks once the knots are removed.

Monday Music | Unconditional Love by Jah Cure

2013-04-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Born in Hanover, Jamaica on October 11, 1978, Cure’s new album, “WORLD CRY,” is his second recorded album since his release from prison. The album contains collaborations with Mavado, Pooh Bear and Jazmine Sullivan, crossing the reggae, hip-hop, Latin, Pop and R&B genres. It will be available digitally on iTunes on December 11th, 2012 and is scheduled to be shipped worldwide on January 29th, 2013.

He is signed to SoBe Entertainment in Miami, Florida. His music is distributed by InGrooves/Fontana Distribution/Universal Music Group.

Nailing the Black and White Fashion Trend (Nail Art Edition)

2013-03-29T22:17:00.002-04:00

March Jacobs – Spring 2013

Black and white was possibly the most consistent trend on the Spring/Summer 2013 New York Fashion week runways and Marc Jacobs did it well in a new and fresh way. The chic and effortless look already has women experimenting in new ways of pairing black and white in their wardrobe. Today, be inspired in a different way. Watch the tutorials below to see how you can introduce the shade on shade trend in your nail art designs.

These nail art design tutorials are for everyone. Whether your personal style is chic, girly or edgy, there is a black and white nail art design here for you. There are also easy and more advanced looks so you can find something for your level of competence no matter how basic or complex your skill level.

Most of the designs seen on the runways featured very block-type styling with polka dots and stripes. Here is another way in which you can experiment in block styling on your nails with a puzzle style design.

Now, if you are more into the feminine look, there is something for you too. The video below features an easy but more time-consuming swirly design created using a simple water-marbelling technique. The nail art design tutorial that follows features a free-hand drawn design.

Now, if you're into the more edgy look, this nail art video tutorial is the one for you. If you don't have studs, go for something else of try silver dots. Just get creative.

I hope that one of these nail art looks inspired you to create something fun and beautiful this weekend. Which one of the nail art looks was your favourite?

Thanks for coming by and don't forget to sign up here so that you'll be alerted when we release the next issue of KiK Magazine.

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