Do you consider yourself "natural" if you've stopped using hair relaxers, but still use haircolor?

I really can't believe I'm even entertaining this foolishness, but I continue to see this contradiction on so many blogs. It's the claim to be "natural" because hair relaxers aren't used, but haircolor is? Yes, I have a degree in Chemistry, and yes, I'm a licensed cosmetologist - but those qualifications aren't required to know that haircolor IS a chemical! And if you're coloring your hair, you aren't "natural".

So my question for you today is: Do you consider yourself "natural" if you've stopped using hair relaxers, but still use haircolor?

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Do you mix and match skincare brands?

I've been discussing this pretty much all week on Twitter and so if you follow me then you know that I don't recommend it. Maybe I'm biased (I am a licensed esthetician), but the fact of the matter is that products within a skincare line are really formulated to work with one another. Now, I do know that not every product within a line will work for you- and if that's the case, I do feel it's fine to substitute in another brand. But, I do stand firm on using a full regimen from the same brand.

So my question for you today is: Do you mix and match skincare brands?

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Does your esthetician double-dip during your waxing service?

If your esthetician is doing this, then you need to RUN! It's unsafe, unsanitary and just disgusting. Think about it- most estheticians use one wax pot on all clients. So, if double-dipping occurs during the brazilian waxing service performed before your appointment, then the wax used for your lip waxing is now contaminated. And we know that the temperature of wax isn't high enough to kill bacteria, because if it was it would burn your skin.

So my question for you today is: Does your esthetician double-dip during your waxing service?

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Do you tip after receiving salon/spa services?

If you don't, then please tell us why? And if you do, then how much? Do you tip when the person performing your service is the owner of the business? Also, do you leave your tips at the front desk with reception, or do you give your tip directly to the person who performed the service? Would love to know your thoughts in the comments section below!

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What's the worst beauty advice you've ever received?

You've got to let me know! For me personally, it's not that I've received horrible beauty advice, it's just that it's annoying when someone tries to advise you and they don't follow their own direction! For example, I had an esthetics instructor who smoked cigarettes - and I'm sure you can imagine the rest... I was never able to wrap my brain around the fact that she taught skincare/skin health, but smoked cigarettes!?! Like, who really still even smokes? Anyway, please share your stories in the comments section below!

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What are your thoughts on the Brazilian Blowout controversy?

You all know that my undergraduate degree is in Chemistry- and yes, I analyzed the chemical composition of "Lye" and " No-Lye" relaxers as a project for my Analytical Chemistry course. What we found was that the chemicals listed in the ingredients were definitely in the product! And yes, I got an "A"!

So when WWD broke the news about the Brazilian Blowout controversy, I had to know your thoughts! Just in case you haven't heard- "Brazilian Blowout" a professional hair smoothing treatment claimed to be formaldehyde-free, was exposed after an Oregon hairstylist, with the help of Oregon Health & Science University, found between 4.85 percent and 10.6 percent formaldehyde in samples. Not cool - at all!

Let me know your thoughts. Have you had the treatment? If so, how was the process and what were your results? Has your salon now pulled the treatment from their service menu? Do you rely on your hairstylist's product knowledge/expertise before considering a salon treatment? Or, do you do your own research?

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What would you like to see more of on Mischo Beauty?

Or, is there anything you'd like to see less of? I'm looking forward to your thoughts, ideas and suggestions, so please share. Thank you!

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Are you in favor of relaxing a child's hair?

My beauty editor, Ayanna and I were discussing this topic, along with the haircare of children in general after a friend on Facebook left a comment asking me for suggestions on caring for the hair of children who had different hair textures (oh, and I did NOT suggest a relaxer!).

Now I will tell you all that I wanted a relaxer as a child (blame it on the media, society, etc.), but my mother was not having it. She told me that I could not get a relaxer until I could pay for it and maintain/take care of it. And so, I didn't get my hair relaxed until I was a sophomore in high school and had a job...

So my question for you today is: Are you in favor of relaxing a child's hair?

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What's your current beauty obsession?

Last summer it was all about the fabulous extensions/weave I was wearing- and yes, I was in LOVE with it! LOL. I was obsessed with selecting hair to match my natural haircolor, styling it to fit my personality and of course, most importantly, the care and maintenance of it. I was even going to two stylists, in two different salons, in two different states! Just a little obsessed, but all in fun...

So my question for you today is: What's your current beauty obsession?

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What's your bedtime beauty regimen?

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend! Though I have a "to-do" list a mile long, I'm excited about the week and all of its possibilities. And so today's question has to do with "beauty sleep" and why it's so important to be consistent with your bedtime beauty regimen.

A consistent regimen is important because not only does getting enough sleep mean being well rested, stress free and hopefully productive for the next day- it also means that internally our cells (specifically hair, nail and skin cells) are repairing themselves and regenerating THE ABSOLUTE MOST while we're sleeping! The means younger looking and healthy skin, hair growth and strong nails! And so now you understand the importance of "beauty sleep"!!

It's also important to make sure you're consistent with your skincare regimen, removing makeup before bed, using products rich in antioxidants and are sleeping on our silk pillowcases!

So what I'd like to know from you is: What's your bedtime beauty regimen?

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What are your "hair plans" for the summer?

With summer quickly approaching (of course, not fast enough), I'd love to know what your plans are for your hair! Are you planning to cut, color or add extensions? Will you be wearing it curly or rocking a "no-fuss" style (if so, tell us what it is!). Whatever your plans might be, please share!

My new beauty editor, Ayanna, recently colored her hair (inspired by Queen Latifah's haircolor in the new CoverGirl Queen Collection ads! Click to see the before and after (click on her profile pic)!

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What are your thoughts on Essence Magazine’s Beauty Director & Cover Editor, Mikki Taylor’s recent departure from the magazine?

I'm sure you've all heard the news about her retirement, and according to a press release issued by Essence, she will move into the position of Editor-at-Large. I had no idea she'd been with the magazine for 30 years- amazing! Growing up, the magazine could easily be found in my mother's home, grandmother's home- it really was all black women had for so many years. Mikki's direction of and contributions to the magazine will definitely be missed!

So my question for you today is: What are your thoughts on Mikki's departure? Do you think the magazine will suffer because of it? Or, do you feel change is great, and this is just a move in a new/fresh direction?

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What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?

I've always been told that "less is more", which is straightforward, self-explanatory and requires no overthinking! LOL. Ok, so now it's your turn! Please share.

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What's one must-have beauty product you can't live without?

So, I'll start off by telling you mine! Well, I'm actually cheating, because I'm going to name two- Jolen Crème Bleach and Maybelline New York Expert Eyes Twin Brow & Eye Pencils. And this is why!

So my question for you today is: What's one must-have beauty product you can't live without?

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What's your least favorite spa treatment?

I had to ask this question after sharing with you all yesterday, the fact that I hate body scrub treatments at spas. So now it's your turn to share!

So my question for you today is: What's your least favorite spa treatment?

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What's your vitamin/supplement regimen?

As I mentioned in a post earlier today, I don't like to rely on supplements for all of my nutritional needs. But, my diet isn't perfect and I refuse to allow my hair, skin and nails to suffer because of it! I am constantly working to improve my diet, and I know I'll get there! But, in the meantime, I'm assisted with the regimen below:

- Multivitamin
- Flax Seed Oil
- Fish Oil
- Borage Oil
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B12
- Cod Liver Oil
- Veggie Greens
- Psyllium Husks

So my question for you today is: What's your vitamin/supplement regimen? What do you take and why?

*Mischo Beauty is a beauty blog for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are in doubt, please seek the advice of your physician. Mischo Beauty is in no way responsible for the effects of posted information. If you choose to try these products, you do so at your own risk.

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Do You "Pre-Poo" (Pre-Shampoo)?

I'm the queen of mixing up a "hair cocktail" and recently shared with you all what I'm currently using as my pre-poo treatment. After reading various hair forums on the internet, I'm amazed at the variety of products people are using...

So my question for you today is: Do you "pre-poo" (pre-shampoo)? And if so, what do you use and why?

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