Product Review: Abiyah Naturals

Good morning mad manes...its been a while! I know I know...you guys are ready to chew me out and have been wondering where the heck I've been. But it's that time of the year again, I've been preparing for my return back to Hampton for my last year of undergrad (tear). Seriously, where does the time go??

Anyways, this post is not about me rambling about how old I'm getting but something much more interesting, a product review! Before I begin this review I must say thank you to a lovely lady by the name of Topia, for sending me products from her homemade skin and hair line Abiyah Naturals. Lets begin shall we!

I must say that I was extremely excited about doing this review. Topia and I previously had a conversation about the All-in-One Butter and a Honey Mango Shampoo Bar she would be sending me from her wonderful line. Like I've said I have been pretty busy lately getting ready to go back to school, but yesterday I had some time to finally try these two products out. You know I'm going to give you all honest feedback and tell you guys exactly whether the products were a hit or miss. Well the products that I used from Abiyah Naturals were a HIT! Oh my gosh I love these products, they were amazing!

First I want to talk about the Honey Mango Shampoo Bar. Over the last year I have seen a couple of my own favorite natural hair bloggers talk about shampoo bars and I've been curious about them. So when I received one in Topia's package I was quit anxious to try it out. The shampoo bar was awesome! I was a little skeptical about how clean my hair would be after using the bar, but it gave a good lather and left my hair and scalp feeling clean. Also, The smell was amazing!. However, it smelled more like oatmeal to me than honey and mango's. This product definitely gets my approval and two thumbs up! Lets talk about the All-in-One body butter now. I didn't apply the butter onto my hair this time but instead applied it to my skin. The butter is so soft and fluffy OMG and smells awesome! I received the orange cream butter, but Topia provides other scented All-in-One butters on her website as well. The butter left my skin feeling soft, moisturized and gave my skin a light smell of oranges and cream. I will definitely continue to use the butter as a daily moisturizer. If it left my skin feeling nourished I'm sure it will leave my hair feeling the same way. This product gets two thumbs up for sure! So overall I'm in love with these products from Abiyah Naturals, go check them out today!

Click here to be directed to Abiyah Naturals and follow Topia on Instagram at @abiyahnaturals.

Mad.Mane of the Week: Zakiya

Introduce yourself: My name is Zakiya, I'm 19 and was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.

What is your hair type? My hair type is a mix of 3b and 3c.

How long have you been natural? I've always worn my hair natural when it was long like in buns and such, but I would occasionally straighten it. I've never had a perm or any chemical straightening done to my hair.

Why did you decide to Big Chop? I decided to do the BC because with the occasional straightening and the pulling of ponytails and buns to my hair made my curls dull and dry. I could see my hair going into a less healthy state. Plus, I got tired of having to do ponytails everyday, because my hair started to get straight at the ends because of damage. Also, I hated wearing it out curly, if it was curly it was always in a updo, never free. I wanted to give myself a change and start over for the better.

Hair Benefits of Black Tea

Benefits of Black Tea

• Reduces breakage and shedding 
• Contains caffiene that blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT, which causes hair loss by harming follicles) 
• Can increase thickness of ones hair
• Adds shine and luster, also softening tresses
• Potentially darkens hair and enhances natural highlights 

Try This!!

• Black Tea Rinse- Brew two cups of black tea and rinse onto freshly shampooed hair.
• Black Tea Curl Rejuvenator- Add the brewed tea into your daily hair spritzer to help rejuvenate old wash and go's. 

Stay tuned for my Coconut Milk and Black Tea Rejuvenating Cleanse recipe!!

My Favorite Hair Styles

Okay so I'm extra excited about today's topic... My Favorite Hair Styles! Recently, a lot of my readers have been saying...Mignon we want to see more of your hair! So, I thought that this topic would be a great way to share with you guys how I've been styling and rocking my mane. As I've mentioned before I live a very, and I mean very simple lifestyle when it comes to my hair. Therefore majority of my styles are very basic and you won't be seeing any extravagant protective styles with me. I hope you all enjoy! (:

DIY: Summer Skin Care Treatment

In the summer, most people are outdoors. They may be in the pools, at the beach wearing bathing suits, tank tops and flip flops. While fashion is obviously important to both men and women in the summer, staying cool is imperative. Even though a person may wear proper sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, the sun can damage hair and skin. The extreme temperature can cause skin to dry out immensely. The sun is harmful too. The UV rays penetrate deep within the skin and damage it beyond  repair, even with proper sunscreen. Many people will experience skin discoloration, burning, and early wrinkles when they spend prolonged periods of time in the sun. 

There is good news, though! Skin can be refreshed, repaired, and renewed by certain scrubs, creams, and beauty treatments. However, many of the products contain ingredients that aren't heard of. These ingredients are made using toxins and chemicals that do not even do what they are intended to do. Many of the products actually cause more damage to the skin than good. The experts from Skana Spa of the New York resort Turning Stone sent us this recipe for a chemical free homemade skin mask that can be made with ingredients you probably have around the kitchen. 

To get started on a DIY Summer Skin Care Treatment, squeeze 1/4 of a cup of fresh juice from a tomato into a bowl. Then, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice. Mash 1 cup of avocado and combine all the ingredients together. The mixture should be thick and green and the perfect consistency to create and apply a mask on the face. The face should be washed before applying the mask. Once it has been washed, pat dry and then apply the mask mixture. 

The mask should be applied and allowed to sit for 35 to 40 minutes. The facial skin will feel tingly and may even sting a bit when it is first applied. The mask is ridding the face of dead skin cells so it is actually doing its job. Once the time is up, rinse the mask off using warm water and a washcloth. After it has been completely splash the face with cold water to close the pores back up. 

 This all natural DIY summer skin mask is extremely safe and free from chemical exposure. It is also very easy and quick plus affordable to make. The avocado infuses the skin with amazing antioxidants for nourishment while the tomato and lime juice help cleanse and exfoliate the skin. Working together, the face will appear softer,brighter and more refreshed. The mask is perfect to use after a long day at the beach to heal and renew the skin's texture and look. 

By: Michelle Pino 

Mad.Mane of the Week: Cashmere

Introduce yourself: My name is Cashmere. I am 25 years old, originally from Oakland, California. I have lived in different parts of California but currently reside in Dallas, Texas.

What is your hair type? 4B

When and why did you decide to go natural? I have sort of been natural most of my life, as a young girl my hair was pressed or braided because those were the only styles my mother would allow me to wear. Once I went to college I was solely responsible for my hair and I decided to wear weaves. I relaxed my edges while I was wearing the weaves because I would always wear my edges out (which was a terrible idea). I was tired of the hassle of the weaves and was concerned about the health of my hair so I decided I was going to go natural all the way. So, I decided to cut off any relaxer that was left in my hair as well as the hair that had heat damage.
I have been officially been natural since July 2012. I made it through my first year :).

Product Review: Hair of Nature

Hello Mad Mane's !!!  A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of speaking with Danyelle Templeton, the founder of Hair of Nature, a natural herbal hair care line. During our pleasant conversation Danyelle told me about herself and how and why she developed Hair of Nature. More words were exchanged between us two naturalista's and Danyelle was kind enough to send me her most popular products from Hair of Nature to review for you guys. Well I have just washed...conditioned...and styled my hair with these products here's the review. (:

PS: In this review I have also included the item descriptions and retail prices of these items. 

4 Methods for Trimming Hair

We can all agree, whether you are natural or not that trimming our hair is essential for it's health as well as length retention. However, some individuals (like myself ) do not need to trim often, while others need to quite frequently. When and how you decide to trim your hair is solely on the beholder of the Mad Mane, your hair goals, skills and your hair's damage rate. Here are four different trimming method videos individuals with natural hair tend to use. 

4 Tips on Reducing Breakage While Washing Hair

For my quest of longer and healthier hair I try to avoid breakage as much as possible. Recently I noticed I had more hair shedding while washing my hair. That definitely frightened me...was my hair damaged??? I explored numerous natural blogs and vlogs trying to find out what was wrong with my hair. Finally, I stumbled on a few articles answering my dilemma! My hair wasn't damaged...I just had to start being more gentle and patient while washing my tresses. I realized that my hair was longer, so I could not keep practicing the same washing regimen I once had when I had a TWA (teeny weeny afro). More steps are involved like detangling and moisturizing before cleansing or co washing my hair. Below are a few steps I have added to my regimen to reduce breakage while washing my hair, these steps have worked significantly! I hope these tips work for you as well!

 Kisses (: 

-Mignon 

10 Foods for Healthy Hair

When it comes to healthy hair, it's not just about what you use on your curls...kinks..or coils--it's also what you put into your body. Below is a list of 10 foods that when consumed often provide beneficial affects to ones tresses.

Blueberries are packed with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for the circulation of the scalp and supports blood vessels that feeds your hair follicles, making your hair stronger and less likely to break off. 

Tips on Transitioning to Natural hair

Do you want to go natural but don't want to "big chop"...then transitioning is for you! Here are some transitioning tips I have discovered and learned over the past few years from fellow naturalisitas.

Consult a Professional 

Before being your natural hair journey visit a stylist that specializes in natural hair. This way the stylist can give you great advice on products that could make your transitioning journey a lot more manageable and great styles you can try while going natural.

Hair Benefits of Aloe Vera

Nourishing Shampoo

An aloe vera plant contains plenty of minerals and vitamins that assist with restoring hair strength. Aloe vera gel can make a revitalizing shampoo that promotes hair growth, when combined with coconut milk and essential oils, such as coconut or castor oil. Aloe vera gel or juice can also be added to favorite shampoos 

to deliver nourishing benefits to ones hair.

Promotes Hair Growth 

Aloe vera gel or juice is used as a natural treatment to prevent hair loss. This substance is wonderful for both men and women to promote hair growth were hair loss has been experienced. Aloe vera stimulates the production of new hair and can even help with the effects of Alopecia.

Natural Conditioner

Aloe Vera acts as a natural conditioning agent, restoring hairs shine. It makes ones hair not only soft, but enhances tresses suppleness and strength. Aloe vera can also be used to manage frizz without leaving a greasy buildup. Aloe vera can restore the proper balance between oily or dry hair as well.

Reduces Dandruff

Aloe vera contains natural enzymes, which soothes and moisturizes the scalp. This assists with the elimination of an itchy and scaly scalp. It also helps to increase blood circulation, stimulating the production of oils. Aloe vera also provides a cooling sensation to a inflamed scalp.

Mad.Mane of the Week: Monique

Introduce yourself: Hello! My name is Monique. I was born in Pasadena, CA, raised in Hampton and I'm 22
years old.

What is your hair type? I have no idea what my hair type is. I wouldn't really consider my hair "kinky," I have spiral curls that aren't super tight, but they aren't loose at all.

When and why did you decide to go natural? I decided to go natural sometime in 2008; I was going into my senior year of high school. I just felt like I was wasting a lot of money on relaxers for no reason. I always knew I was able to straighten my hair and get it nice and silky as if it had been relaxed without it actually being relaxed, but I kept getting relaxers for the convenience. When I discovered that my curl patter would never be right with a relaxer, I knew it was quitting time.

Flat Twist Tutorial

Here is a great tutorial by MariaAntoinetteTV on how to flat twist natural hair :  

Here are my flat twist results after watching this tutorial. However, I switched it up from the video by parting my hair down the middle and creating two flat twists instead of having multiple ones. 

All you Need to Know Pt 2: Type 3 Hair

Type 3 hair includes lightly curled to extremely curly strand patterns. These curls are well-defined with lots of body and can be styled in its natural state easily. Type 3 hair can easily be straightened with a blow-dry despite its appearance. 

Shamar's Favorite Protein Treatment

Hi! My name is Shamar I am 22, and currently a receptionist at a graphics company in D.C. I was born in Los Angeles, CA. My instagram is @shamarclay. I definitely have type 2a hair and have always been natural. After high school I big chopped! I had so much hair that I grew tired of it. I wanted something wild and drastic, that's when I decided to go platinum blonde. 

I wash my hair very seldom,well shampoo my hair very seldom. Shampoo dries out my hair to the extreme and that's not good for my bleach blonde hair. Because I have colored my hair it is a must that I keep it moisturized by deep conditioning  it, I can't stress this enough!!! Here is my favorite protein treatment I use in my hair that I mix up with ingredients from my very own kitchen!

Mayo and Honey Protein Mask: 

1 Cup of Mayonnaise 

1/4 Cup of Honey 

2 teaspoons of Coconut Oil

Leave mixture on hair for no longer than 30 minutes and rinse out with Shampoo/Conditioner

All You Need to Know Pt 1: Type 4 Hair

Type 4 hair ranges anywhere from fine and thin to wiry and coarse with lots of strands tightly packed together. Coily hair has less cuticle layers than any other hair types. This means that the strands have less protection from damage such as combing, brushing, curling, blow-drying and straightening.

Mad.Mane of the Week: Talisa

Introduce yourself: Hi, my name is Talisa I am 21 years old, born in New Jersey. I am studying Criminal Justice at Montclair State University.

What is your hair type? I would say my hair type is 3b and 3c.

BC or Transitioned? Neither

If you were stuck on a deserted island and got to have three hair products what would they be? Coconut oil, Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie and Silicon mix conditioner.

What is your washing regimen? I wash my hair every week, sometimes i'll co-wash and when I want to do something different with my hair I will shampoo condition and deep condition.

Coconut Milk Hair Mask

Ingredients: 

• 1 Can of Coconut Milk
• 1/4 Cup of Coconut Oil
• 20 Drops of Grapeseed Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of Honey
• 2 Cups of Corn Starch
• 1 Tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

15 Beauty Tips Using Coconut Oil

Hair Care

• Frizz Tamer- Use a small about of coconut oil on hands and run through the ends of your hair. This keeps ends from frizzing up.  
• Moisturizing Shampoo- Mix 1/4 cup of coconut Milk, 1/3 cup of Castille Soap, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. 
• Flyaway Tamer- Apply coconut oil to your flyaways...don't add too much, you don't want your hair to be oil. 
• Overnight Leave-in- Mix your favorite conditioner with the coconut oil and detangle your hair with the mixture. Put hair in a loose bun and keep mixture in overnight.  

Mad.Mane of The Week: Nikki

Introduce yourself: Hi! My name is Nikki, I'm a Bio-Chemistry student born and raised in Chicago, IL.

What is your hair type? I definitely have type 4 hair, 4a to be exact with what looks like 4b texture in some areas and 3c texture around the nape.

When and why did you decide to go natural? I started getting relaxers at a young age and surprisingly, growing up my hair was always a decent length (past shoulder length). It wasn't until my high school years when I went on a hair coloring "rampage" that I started to see the affects of the dying and bleaching on top of having a relaxer. My hair was badly damaged and I knew if I went natural my hair would be healthier and longer, which is what I wanted. I've been natural now for almost 3 years.

BC or Transitioned? For me transitioning was NOT an option just because I knew I wouldn't have the patience to deal with the two textures, and I just wanted to get rid of the damaged relaxed hair that I held on to for so long. I wanted a fresh start!

DIY: Homemade Frizzy Hair Remedies

These are some great homemade remedies I stumbled across by AndreasChoice. 

My Hair: Two Strand Twist Out

Good afternoon my curly companions! I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe fourth. I know I did... I took a trip to the Big Apple!! I had a wonderful time and saw so many of you gorgeous naturalistas. Any  who before I left I managed to stray away from my usual wash and go and try a new style, a two strand twist out. Like I've said in previous posts, for the last year I've had a very simple hair regimen wash and goes everyday.  However, the purpose of Mad.Mane is to explore and try new things with my hair, sharing with you all my hair journey. Below are my twist out results. My hair wasn't picture perfect but I think I did good for my very first twist out (pats myself on the back) GO ME! (:

Natural Hair 101- What's Your Hair Type

For a while now I've gotten several questions asking  what hair typing is and how one breaks down which hair type they are. When I first went natural a little over a year ago I myself became overwhelmed and lost, reading all the different online discussions talking about 3c or even 4b type hair. Whether or not one thinks putting their hair in a certain category is important or not, it is beneficial to be aware of what types there are. Knowing the basics of hair typing can keep a naturalista in the loop of curly hair conversations. In addition, being familiar about your hair type can give you the best tips on how to care for your hair and what products work best for your curls. Here is a hair type guide I have put together from reading other popular blogs like Naturallycurly.com and blackgirllonghair.com. 

Type 4 Hair- Kinky Hair:

• Tightly curled, kinky hair
• The size of 4 type hair is about the size of a crochet needle or smaller
• Type 4 hair can be fine or coarse that densely pack together 
• Shrinks curls up to 75 percent 
• Has less cuticle layers than any other type of hair. Which means has less protection
• Has three subcategories which are 4A and 4B

Three Type 4 Categories:

Curl Commandments

Mad.Mane of the Week: Keisha

Introduce yourself: Keisha Odunz, 21, PG County, MD.

What is your hair type? My hair type is 4A, I believe, (coily springy). I have tightly curled hair with a S pattern. Sometimes its hard for me determine what hair type I actually am, but for now I am going along with this one.

When and why did you go natural? I've been natural for all of my life. I would fluctuate by wearing my hair straightened or in its natural state for most of my life. It was not until the summer before my senior year that I decided that I would wear my curly sue out forever. My hair has a beautiful curl pattern and is way healthier and longer, when I wear it without putting heat in it which damages hair.

BC (Big Chopped) or Transitioned? Neither.

If you were stuck on a deserted island and got to hair three hair products what would they be? Mimosa Hair Honey, Coconut Oil and Virgin Olive Oil.

What is your washing regimen? I co-wash with conditioner instead of washing my hair, because  shampoo strips the oils from my hair. I use a homemade conditioner that I use with all the essential oils and nutrients in it. Example: Avocado, virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, rosemary oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar.

Celeb Spotting: Nicole Ari Parker

Beautiful actress and natural hair advocate, Nicole Ari Parker shows us exactly how to rock your natural hair with an updo. This gorgeous hairstyle was done by none other than celebrity hair stylist Felicia Leatherwood. Leatherwood has also done hair for ladies such as, Teyonnah Parris and Tomiko Fraser. We can't wait to see more of Parker and her hair at the BET Awards premiering tomorrow night. 

Qu'ality's "NA-TU-RAL" Music Video

Qu'ality's "NA-TU-RAL" (Produced by Qu'ality)

Check out Qu'ality's YouTube channel here

DIY: Hair Smoothie

As we all know being natural can be quite expensive, especially from purchasing new products to try for our hair. I myself have spent tons of money on the latest buzzed about conditioners, hair creams and hair custards. Today however, I'm here to tell you that we have the capability of concocting healthy hair products in our own kitchens! Yes ladies, there are plenty of cheap and nourishing ingredients for our hair found in our our cupboards and fridges at home. Its not only cheap and convenient to mix up our own products, such as conditioners or shampoos, but it's also fun! 

Below I've added a video of one of the very first recipes that I mixed, created by one of my favorite natural hair channels on YouTube Fushionofcultures. My hair felt great when I was done! The mixture left my hair feeling soft and shiny. I hope you enjoy (: 

Mad.Mane of the Week: Ashleigh

Introduce yourself: My name is Ashleigh I am a 22 year old, born in Washington Heights New York City and raised in South Side Jamaica Queens.

What do you consider your hair type to be? If I were to give my hair a type I would say it is a mix between 3c and 4a. My curls are pretty tight and springy.

When and why did you decide to go natural? I decided to go natural during my sophomore at Hampton University. I was more so curious as to what my natural curl pattern looked like.

BC (Big Chopped) or Transitioned? I wasn't bold enough to do the Big Chop so I transitioned. The process was interesting. I could see my roots thickening as time went on and it motivated me to continue with it. Eventually my grandmother, who is a beautician, cut off the thin ends.

I Want Long Hair: 10 Ways to Retain Length

Photo by: mzmoodswingz.tumblr.com

• The first rule is to practice patience!! Your hair won't grow over night and won't grow at the same pace as other's. But, if you take care of your hair and practice healthy regimens your hair will grow in no time (: 
• Pre-poo (pre-shampoo)- Before washing your hair base apply your favorite natural oil like, olive or coconut oil.  Adding a natural oil prevents breakage as well as moisturizing your hair, protecting it from being stripped when you shampoo. 
• Avoid shampoo's with sulfates- Shampoo's with sulfates strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, causing the hair to become dry. 
• Clarify hair - Applying hair products beings a build up on your hair. Co-washing is not enough to relieve your hair from all the build up, but cleansing with a clarifying shampoo or Apple Cider vinegar will. 
• Finger detangle- Avoid using combs! Comb's are ruff on hair and can cause breakage. By using your fingers you can detangle your hair at a slow and safe pace. 

Product Review: Curls Unleashed Leave-In & Curl Boosting Jelly

Products

Curls Unleashed: Leave-In Conditioner $10.99

Curls Unleashed: Curl Boosting Jelly  $14.99

Good afternoon beauties! Okay, so since purchasing my first leave-in, Kinky Curly's Knot Today (which I absolutely loveeeed), I've been excited about trying other leave-in's...like how did I go a year natural without using any??? I digress... Anyway, lately I haven't had any time to go out and buy any products, but yesterday I finally managed to make it out to Target (my natural hair heaven). As always Target had a wide array of products so deciding which one I wanted to review was a challenge. Finally, looking through the aisle's I came across Curls Unleashed leave-in conditioner. I was already familiar with the brand because a girlfriend of mine back at school had previously given me their curl boosting jelly.  I decided to just grab the Curls Unleashed leave-in and kill two birds with one stone, reviewing the curling jelly as well.

Before using Curls Unleashed I co-washed my hair, while it was damp I applied the leave-in. On the bottle is says that it, "softens and detangles." Let me just say

Mad.Mane of the Week: Courtney

Introduce yourself: Hi everyone! My name is Courtney. I'm 24 years old, I graduated from Hampton U in 2011. I was born and raised in Baltimore,MD. My Instagram is @thatcrazyshxt. 

What is your hair type? I'm not really sure about my hair type. I have several different curl patterns and textures throughout my hair. It's hard to put myself in one category. 

When and why did you decide to go natural? I decided to go natural in 2010. I was bored with my hair and had done everything to it, from weaves to colors to cuts. My grandmom would always tell me that I didn't need a perm (relaxer) so one day I just decided I wouldn't put them in my hair anymore. I had my last relaxer in November 2010.

The Fohawk: A Quick Style for an Edgy Look

Mad.Mane of the Week: Camylle

Introduce yourself: I am Camylle and I am 20 years old.
I was raised in the Bay Area in the City of
San Jose, California.

What do you consider your hair type to be? Putting my hair into one of those categories has always been the hardest thing for me! This is because the front of my hair needs a whole lot of love!! It doesn't curl like the back of my hair, it's more of a wave and this is because I used to pull my hair back into ponytails for track and spent more time straightening the front. I'd say the back is 3b and the front is so limp and barely curly so it's 2c. 

When and why did you decide to go natural? I have been natural all my life, but I had decided to be more conscious of wearing it in it's natural state my freshman year at Hampton. My teammate wore flat twists to practice and so I decided to try it as well. I loved how her curls were so

Black Women Let Strangers Feel Hair on the Streets of NY

You Can Touch My Hair---  Promoting strangers into touching their hair three women, one with relaxed hair, dreads and natural hair, stood on the NY Streets holding up this sign. This awkward, yet somewhat intriguing event has been getting much buzz around the natural hair community this week. The controversial  exhibit, developed by hair blogger Antonia Opiah was created as a social experiment to give non-African descent individuals the chance to feel all types of black hair.

Photos taken from un-ruly.com Instagram

In an article for The Huffington Post Opiah states; 

Black hair is unique. It requires different care techniques and routines. And in a country where we primarily see commercials for white hair products and magazines that mainly cover white beauty topics and TV shows that mainly feature white characters, we, and those curious about us, have to find information about our hair from other sources.

Now I don't know how I feel about this, its like going to the zoo to see animals. I definitely think we should feed curious minds about our hair, but standing on a street willing to let anyone just feel and grab on your hair is WEIRD! That's just my opinion... how do you ladies feel about the subject? 

If you are interested in seeing the exhibit there will be another showing June 8th  from 6-8 at  Union Square, New York City. 

Celeb Spotting: Solange Knowles

Singer and actress, Solange Knowles was spotted at the 6th Annual Roots Picnic, rocking yet another retro hairstyle. Usually sporting a massive Afro or braids, the fashion/hair icon switched it up, performing with her hair in Havana Twist. Her new twists and African print ensemble, by designer Kenzo, gained my approval. This girl can do no wrong in my eyes...she looks absolutely dashing! 

Mad.Mane of the Week: Chelsea

Introduce yourself: Chelsea from Orlando, Florida and I am 21 years old.

What do you consider your hair type to be? 3C/ 4A

When and why did you decide to go natural? I decided to go natural after my freshmen year at Hampton University. I was interested in taking a more active role in learning my roots and culture and going natural was just an extension of that. I was excited to see my natural curls and have thicker and fuller hair.

BC (big chopped) or Transitioned? Both. I transistioned for 6 months with box braids and weaves. After it (my hair) grew about 2 inches I went in for my big chop.

My Wash and Go Process

I'm very excited about this next post. Today I will be showing you guys how I do my favorite hairstyle...Wash and Go's! I know what you're thinking "what is so special about a wash and go," well personally it has been my go to style since I first cut my hair. I mean I love anything that is simple...quick... and looks great on me. Lets get started...

STEP ONE-  First I co-wash my hair. If you want to know what conditioners I use check out this link go to conditioners. Today I used VO5's Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream ( this conditioner has GREAT slip and smells AMAZING). 

Staple Products: My Go To Conditioners

I get asked all the time what my go to conditioners are. All of them aren't all natural products, but I still swear by them and make sure that I stock up on.

What are Carrier Oils...And What is Sealing?

Another group of oils besides Essential Oils are Carrier Oils (CO). CO's are usually extracted from seeds or nuts and are best used unadulterated and natural as possible. CO's can serve as moisturizers and strengthers for hair. Individuals also use CO's to seal hair. Sealing is when you first apply a leave in into damp hair and then following up with CO on the ends of your hair, to trap in moisture and nutrients. 

Three popular Carrier Oils include: 

OLIVE OIL 

 JOJOBA OIL

COCONUT OIL