Mischo Beauty: natural hair

Showing posts with label natural hair. Show all posts

Kinky Curly to the Coil Rescue!

Ladies, I think I've found what I've been waiting for - a hair system that does not freeze dry, overslick or weigh down the natural bounce and beauty of my curls, while giving them pretty amazing definition. A seriously rambunctious Woo Hoo! goes out to the folks over at Kinky Curly for that. Remarkably, I hadn't tried their products before now, though I had heard lots about them. After being regaled with tales of overly-crunchy tresses and unfortunate white residue on hair, I made sure to consult the styling tips section of the brand's website before diving into my test drive.

I stuck to the magical triumvirate of Come Clean Shampoo, Knot Today Leave-In Detangler and Conditioner, and Curling Custard. Time after time, the results have left me very, very pleased. Experiment with the ratio of Knot Today and Curling Custard as different proportions yield different results, and that can be a very good (read 'versatile') thing. I found that my hair texture loves more Knot Today and a small amount of the Custard (which is concentrated).

On those days when I have to have my fix of Big Hair, I use the Knot Today, allow it to air dry to slightly damp overnight, and then add a bit more in the morning followed by a scrunch through of a couple healthy dabs of the Curling Custard. Refreshing was easy with a water assist, either with wet hands or the spray bottle.

Fan-tab-u-LOUS!

What do you think of Kinky Curly's products? -Zee

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?

MIZANI True Textures

Girls with curls, it's time to bid adieu to generic "curly hair" products. Forget nonspecific creams, gels, and puddings that pay little attention to your particular type of curl. Like all hair, curly hair comes in various lengths, shapes, and textures. I love a brand that cares about my curls' personality (and mood swings). If I don't finger it out, my hair typically falls into small ringlets. Lately, I've been feeling a bit more adventurous, so I've been going for a looser, bigger coif. Whether you prefer the later, or like your mane more tame, or anything in between, I recommend Mizani's True Textures Collection. Since I've been using the line, I have more versatility and styling options.

If you want a tighter curl, try their True Textures Perfect Curl Defining Cream Gel. It defines the curl while adding shine, without making the hair hard like gel can. It's a cream and gel in one, which moisturizes and separates the curls.

Nowadays, I am less keen on structure, so I love their Moisture Stretch Curl Extending Cream. The cream is smooth and light, and is ideal for those who want to release an already defined natural curl. Again, my hair is a natural spiral (Type 3), and I use this when I want to let loose!

Even better, True Textures is a complete line with shampoos and conditioners specific to curly hair with a variety of cleansing and conditioning options. Mizani's True Textures Curl Balance Color Safe Sulfate-Free Shampoo gives a deep down clean, without the grassy feeling of the hair being stripped of moisture. And since I've gone lighter for the summer (as many of us do), a color safe shampoo is important.

Their Cleansing Cream Conditioning Curl Wash is my favorite! It's a shampoo and conditioner in one, for those in-between days when you need a cleansing to remove product build-up, but are not yet ready for a proper, time-consuming shampoo-conditioner-deep conditioner-production. Or really, if you're like me and you wet your hair often, it's a great refresh.

The True Textures Curl Replenish Intense Moisturizing Masque is a nice, light, but effective conditioner that provides moisture and a really great shine.

I'd say that this line is ideal for any curly look, whatever your hair feels like. Thank goodness, cause my hair is one moody gal!

Be beautiful, and be well. -Ayanna Shamese

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Mischo Beauty Pick: MIZANI Moisturfusion

As much as I loved Mizani products back in the day, I'll have to admit that it's been years since I've used them. And so my reintroduction to them has been with the Moisturfusion regimen of products which includes the Milk Bath (which contains milk of almond and silk proteins) and the Silk Cream Conditioner (which also contains milk of almond and coconut oil). I LOVED the scent of both the shampoo and conditioner, but it was the fact that I found both to be very moisturizing that sealed the deal. I recently relaxed my type 4 hair, and so I'm finding that I need all the moisture I can get!

And because my hair is naturally on the drier side, I chose to use the Butter Rich Deep Nourishing Hairdress followed by a light spritzing of the Gloss Veil Shine Spray as my "blow dry treatment". My personal preference is to us products such as these when my hair is wet and the cuticle is open. This way I'm able to ensure that the products are infused into multiple layers of my hair, as opposed to just the first and possibly second layer.

My end result- well, nothing less then soft, shiny hair! This is perfect for those with drier hair types/issues and works with both natural and relaxed hair (I know because I used them on my hair- both natural and relaxed!).

I'd love to know what your Mizani favorites are and why!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Rene Furterer’s Acanthe Perfect Curls

There is no such thing as bad hair. And with the right products, all hair is good hair. The key is identifying your hair type and determining what your hair likes by observing its reaction to different products. Pay attention to what your hair needs, and it will give you what you want.

My hair is curly (Type 3) and fairly low-maintenance. I've mostly used inexpensive shampoos and conditioners and generic gels for many years. After researching, I decided to take better care of my hair, to make it as healthy as possible.

I experimented with many, and found that Rene Furterer's Acanthe Perfect Curls line delivers all that my hair likes, needs, and wants. The Curl Enhancing shampoo thoroughly cleanses away the residue of days worth of product. The conditioner detangles and moisturizes without leaving that heavy, overly conditioned feeling. The Curl Enhancing leave-in fluid is the icing on the cake. With only a few drops, it smoothes out your strands, defining your natural curl pattern, allowing you to style your hair with or without a comb. (I use my fingers!) No hard gel-like finish and no stiff, over-processed residue!

As with all things, you get only as much as you give. Love your hair, and it will love you back.

Be beautiful, and be well. -Ayanna Shamese

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Mischo Beautyliciousness...

If you browse the Mischo Beauty archives, then you know we're huge Tracee Ellis Ross fans- yes, we've been blogging about her since just about day 1! When I saw this photo of her with the fabulous red coat, ring and her signature nude heels, I had to share. But really, it's all about her curls- always healthy, effortless and oh so very chic!

Don't you agree?!

Mischo Beauty Alert: The Jane Carter Solution Target Launch

You all already know how much I HEART the Jane Carter Solution, and in case you haven't heard, they're launching in Target soon (I hope the formulations don't change!). And to celebrate this exciting news, there's a party tonight (details above). Unfortunately I'm unable to attend, but if you're able, please be sure to stop back by and let us all know how it was! Enjoy!

Mischo Beauty Pick: Sebastian Professional Drench Shampoo & Conditioner

Recently, I've received a few emails with regards to product suggestions for relaxed hair. And in response to those emails, I've decided to revisit Sebastian's Drench Shampoo & Conditioner. I mentioned having used both in the salon on clients and I've also used them on myself.

The products are recommended for dry/frizzy hair and, based on my experience with them, are great on both relaxed, natural, color-treated hair- and on extensions and weaves. Now if "dry/frizzy" isn't your hair type/issue, then visit www.sebastianprofessional.com for additional product offerings.