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.