Shea Butter Beauty of the Month

Okay bellas,

As you all know(or you should know), the purpose of this blog is to promote the love of Black women and their hair.  Starting in 2010, I will be recognizing you, my wonderful readers, on a monthly basis a Shea Butter Beauties. 

So here's the deal...

If you would like to be featured as the Shea Butter Beauty of the Month, please email me the following things 

1.  Three pictures of yourself (with your hair visible please)

2.  And the answers to these questions, however you like...

• Who are you?

• Where are you from?

• What are your interests?

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

• Speak on your relationship with your hair and/or your hair journey (big chop if applicable)

• Why should you be Shea Butter Beauty of the week?

Email address: makeda@sas.upenn.edu

-Make it happen. 

Miss Jessie's Sale

Hey Bellas,


I almost forgot to post about Miss Jessie's annual BOGO sale!!  The sale ends December 31st so hurry up and place your order.  Miss Jessie's has great products...however, they're not the cheapest.  This is a great opportunity to finally purchase the Miss Jessie's product that you've been eyeing all year.  


Where can you purchase your products?


If you live in NY, at the Miss Jessie's store
120 Hancock Street
Brooklyn, NY 11216
(718) 852-2600
*Bougie Alert-You need an "appointment" to even walk into the salon...Last year I learned this after just walking in.  They let me purchase my products anyway, "this time only"...Try your luck


If you love online shopping, Miss Jessie's website or another site like Naturally Curly


I myself own the Curly Pudding and the Curly Meringue.  

I love the Curly Pudding.  It stretches and defines your curls.  When using it, you must put some type of moisturizer into your hair.  Using the Curl Pudding alone will leave your hair dry and crunchy.  Miss Jessie's recommends using their Buttercreme but I found that too greasy.  With the Curly Pudding, I usually use Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey.  Although I don't use it like I used to, I still love this product.

P.S.  I use this product with a braid out or twist out to see a difference in curl.  

I was not a big fan of Curly Meringue.  It left my hair crunchy even with the moisturizer.  This is supposed to have a stronger hold than the curly pudding.  It's too strong for me :-/


I do have friends that use this and like it...so try it for yourself.

Makeda Moment

Deaf Artist Spotlight: Signmark


Want to know more?  Here's a short bio.

PSA: Black Women.

Going natural has been one of the most eye-opening experiences for me. I learned so much that I should have known a long time ago.  Black hair is different and needs different products and care.  

The Golden Rule: 
Many products that are marketed to Black women are not really good for Black hair. 




Now this was one of the most difficult things for me to understand.  It meant that 95% of the products on my dresser were going into the trash.  It was difficult but it was all for healthier hair.  Knowledge is power ladies.  Be an educated shopper and know what to look for.


1.  No Sulfates!


-Most shampoos contain harsh sulfates that strip your hair of it's natural oils.  When your hair is stripped, this leads to breakage and dryness.  Many shampoos that are "created for Black women" contain sulfates.  My favorite example is the Pantene Pro-V Shampoo for "Relaxed and Natural Hair."  The second ingredient is Ammonium Laureth Sulfate.

Harsh Sulfates to look out for

• Sodium Laurel Sulfate
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
• TEA Lauryl Sulfate
• TEA Laureth Sulfate

2.  No Mineral Oil or Petrolatum!


Take a second to look at the ingredient list of the products on your dresser.  In many of these products, you will see mineral oil or petrolatum listed.  This is not good!  Mineral oil and petrolatum are two of the most common ingredients found in moisturizing products for Black hair. 


Mineral oil and petrolatum coat the hair and actually end up keeping moisture out.  Think of when you use vaseline on your skin.  Water beads up on your skin.  For permed hair, keeping moisture out is usually seen as a good thing because if that water gets in, your hair will revert.  For natural hair, getting moisture inside the hair shaft is key.  In addition, research shows that these products containing mineral oil and petrolatum clog pores and end up stunting hair growth. 


3.  No Alcohol!     '


 "Avoid products with alcohol, especially if you have a perm or colored hair.  This will only dry out your hair."  
This is something that I have read over and over in my research but am still learning about. I encourage you to do your own reserach as well and post the info that you find.  I have found many differnt opinions on the topic of alcohol so maybe not "No alcohol"..  


Here is a very helpful piece about how alcohol works with your hair.


These are all of the must-knows for now...more to come.

Mega-Tek Challange

Today I am beginning my Mega-Tek challange (whooo hoooo!).  I was so excited to get my package in the email.  I ordered my Mega-Tek from doversaddlery.com for about $24 bucks.  I must say that the delivery RIDICULOUSLY fast!  I ordered my late on Sunday night (12/20/09).  I wasn't expecting to receive it until 12/28 since I had missed the cutoff date for Christmas delivery.  I received my Mega-Tek on 12/24.  It took only 3 business days to arrive and I am ecstatic!  I can offer only rave reviews for doversaddlery.com 

Here's my regimen for today

Pre Poo

45 minutes-1 hour

-cheapie conditioner-VO5

-EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

-JBCO (jamaican black castor oil)

-Vitamin E oil

*I recently started doing a pre-poo because I have been experiencing a lot of shedding.  This is probably with the season but some more moisture can't hurt.

Shampoo

Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo

*I use this as my clarifying shampoo. I only use it once every 2 weeks.  I alternate between this shampoo and another moisturizing shampoo.

Mega-Tek

Apply directly to scalp and massage in.  Leave in for about an hour.

-I am diluting my Mega-Tek with coconut oil and JBCO.  The mix is about 50% Mega-Tek and 50% oil.  

Conditioner

-Trader Joe's Balancing Conditioner

*I've read great reviews about this conditioner and I finally bought it a few days ago.  I can't wait to see how it is!

Welcome

Hey bellas!


I have FINALLY decided to create a blog. I went natural more than a year ago, and I was clueless when I began.  After getting fed up with my newly natural fro, I decided to start my education about my hair.  Since then, I have become a natural hair junkie.  I have learned so much about being natural and I have grown to LOVE it.    


This blog will primarily be about my hair journey. However occasionally, I will take the opportunity to share some of my other interests....photography, music, Deaf culture, and shopping.


Enjoy.  I encourage comments of for improvement and news on your hair journey.


P.S.  my perm ladies are welcome as well.  I don't discriminate ;-)  Learning to love yourself and your hair is the goal..