Whether you wear your hair bone-straight or natural it is essential to invest in a great shampoo. Keeping the scalp as well as your tresses clean and well-moisturized goes a long way in maintaining a healthy head of hair. However, at times finding the right shampoo can be more easily said than done.
Why is finding the right shampoo for natural hair care so difficult? Many women who choose to wear their hair natural turn to “sulfate-free” shampoos to protect strands from harmful ingredients. Nevertheless, some naturals find such options to be just as drying or not as cleansing as those that do contain sulfates. Still, what about women who choose to co-wash their hair? In some cases, those who do experiment with co-washing come to dislike the eventual buildup that may occur. Therefore, it is safe to say a non-drying, hydrating shampoo is a hair treasure.
Well ladies we have done all the digging for you and have found three golden shampoos to add to your natural hair care treasure chest. These products will not only cleanse tresses but leave hair soft, extra-moisturized and manageable. So then, if you are looking to strengthen your locks remember it begins by purchasing the correct shampoo.
Shampoo List:
1. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo
2. Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo
3. Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo
They say love is war, but hair can be just as much of a battle. When it comes to getting great results when straightening your hair you have to turn up the heat. Salon quality results can be achieved in the comfort of your very own home. What’s most important is having the right tools and weapons to make it all happen.
A heat-styling tool you most likely have in your hair arsenal is a hair straightener. This article’s focus will be specifically on flat irons. Most women think there is only one type of flat iron and that you simply plug it in, allow it to heat up, then get busy. However, there are so many other factors that need to be taken into consideration in order to gain silky, shiny and smooth hair.
Choosing the right flat iron begins by developing a knowledge of the various types available and how they operate. There are four different types of flat irons: Ceramic, Tourmaline, Titanium and Ionic. So then, what exactly does each one do or accomplish? Before we break it down keep this one fact in mind, all flat irons use the help of negative ions in order to give your mane a sleek and smooth finish. Moreover, this is true regardless of what brand or make that you purchase.
With that being said, let’s take a closer look at ceramic and tourmaline flat irons. Ceramic irons are manufactured more than any other type of flat iron; therefore, making them very accessible to the public. Flat irons that are ceramic when in use transfer heat evenly. It is best to look for one that is pure ceramic because unfortunately some companies make their product with only a coating of ceramic. This is a problem because with use the coating may chip exposing your hair to the metal underneath. If hair comes in contact with the hot metal it could lead to damage, which is something all women wish to avoid.
Tourmaline flat irons are made from a gemstone, tourmaline, which is pressed into a powder and used as a coating on the plates of the flat iron. Tourmaline is an excellent source of negative ions making it a damage-free option in the straightening process. Nevertheless, how do titanium and ionic irons weigh in?
Titanium tends to be on the more expensive side but still has its benefits. Titanium is not only a great source of negative ions but is also known for being a more speedy option. This type of iron conducts heat faster than ceramic and users will experience little temperature variation during usage. This means hair will receive an even amount of heat during treatment.
Lastly, tresses may be smoothed by the use of ionic flat irons. Ionic irons infuse the cuticle to maintain and extend the life of straight tresses for a longer period of time. Ionic technology helps users obtain glossy locks, lessens the risk of heat damage, conditions strands and provides a softer finish. How is all of this possible? Hair has a positive bond of hydrogen which is destroyed when it comes in contact with the negative charge of the flat iron, rendering it straight. In other words, the negative ions neutralize the positive ones to eliminate the static and make your mane much shinier and moisturized. Nonetheless, Ionic irons heat up quickly allowing you to get started styling sooner. A win-win situation when you’re in a time pinch.
Hip hop artist Lil Mama is back with new music and she has a brand new look to go with it! Lil Mama is no stranger to hair color for the daring diva has even rocked strands brighter than the Emerald City. Nevertheless, Mama’s new recent photoshoot shows her going all granny style and we love it on her.
The gray hair look took the the hair world by storm and is still making believers out of many women the world over. However, as any hair color enthusiast knows that going gray is not exactly simple. Hair that is a naturally a darker tint can literally be fried trying to make the gray dream a reality. This is has not slowed stylists down at all because where there is a wig there is a way!
Celebrity hair stylist, Cynthia Alvarez, worked Lil Mama’s hair magic during the shoot using Pravana hair color. Pravana has gorgeous silver and ash tones available in order to create a stunning gray hair look. Lil Mama’s hairstyle included super dark roots with the rest of the strands being given the pastel touch. What do you think of Lil Mama’s new look, are you feeling it?
Photoshoot Details:
Makeup: Deney Adam
Styling: Sharif Jackson
Creative Director: Derek Auguste aka Derek FKA Jamel Prodigy
Cool Factor: Lil Mama’s Take Me Back Mixtape is set to drop December 18th.
If you are an avid user of conditioner it may seem quite pointless to use a deep conditioning treatment. Isn’t conditioning your hair after shampooing or using a daily leave-in conditioner enough? Many gals do not use a daily conditioner or if they do they may not be utilizing it correctly. For this reason, it is a good idea to add a deep conditioning treatment to your hair routine in order to compensate for any missed opportunities of keeping hair healthy and strong.
What exactly will a deep conditioning treatment do for the hair? Such treatments help to fill in any gaps or holes in other words it will repair your hair. If you were to look under a magnifying glass you would notice that every strand of hair is built similarly to a tiled rooftop. Hair strands are made up of overlapping cuticles and when these become damaged they lift up or can even break completely off. Kind of how like tiles of roofs are ripped away during a major storm. This results in hair looking dull, beyond frizzy with noticeable damage.
Deep conditioning treatments are like hair strand repairmen that fix up any rough patches found along strands thus making them smooth, shiny, soft and more manageable. So yes, it is not written on any hair stone that thou must use a deep conditioner. However, it will not hurt one bit to use one if your goal is maintain a head full of lush, healthy hair.
The friends that chignon together, stay best buds forever. Case in point this week at the 2015 American Music Awards Karreuche Tran and her gal pal Christina Milian hit the red carpet and it is clear that they both got the memo before show-time. Besides the pair both wearing sexy LBDs Karreuche and Christina hit the AMAs with matching top knots. Of course, each lady mixed hers up a tad bit in order to incorporate personal style.
Ninja Buns or top knots are a simple style that can be edgy and sophisticated at the same time. Christina opted to keep her hairstyle simple and sleek with a basic pull back, while Karreuche added a tad more drama with the aid of a fringed bang.
(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Close Up of Karreuche’s Fringed Bang and Top knot
Closer View Of Christina’s Sleekly Pulled Back Updo
Okay ladies so now it is class time in order to make this style your very own! Take good notes and you will be a ninja bun/ top knot creating G-baby. Her cuteness herself, Karreuche shows us the way:
That was real cool, but here is another way to achieve this hot look using a teasing method to add volume first before creating the look. Check this one out:
Now you might be saying but 1966 what about if I need a little more length? That is no problem our sistas! All you need is a ponytail extension that retails for about $20. Here’s how to do it:
Alright, class dismissed y’all now get in those bathrooms and let the magic happen! Moreover, don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more tips!
Thoughts? Talk hair with us by dropping a comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram or tweet us @1966magazine.
If the above question comes to mind you may really need to ask yourself, how much do I really love my hair? Heat protectant does exactly as its name suggests by protecting strands from heat emitted from heat styling tools such as blow dryers, curlers as well as flat irons. Many ladies feel that skipping the process of applying a heat protectant is okay because of the long held thought that black hair is coarser than other textures; therefore, there is no need use one.
However, is that really wise thinking when it comes to haircare? Just because out of all the textures found throughout the world black hair seems to be the “toughest” this does not mean our hair is super-powered to withstand any damage. Black hair is susceptible and vulnerable to damage if not properly protected.
So then, in order to avoid heat styling damage that occurs when hair is exposed to heat always apply a heat protectant product. Not only do these products give protection, but they also optimize the performance of your heat styling tools! This means faster styling that is safe and will not affect the health of your hair.
Hair Quickie: The songs Burn Baby Burn or Hot In Herre shouldn’t come to mind when its time to dry your locks. A major cause of blow dryer hair damage is simply because many women dry their while it is too wet. Straight out the shower or sink hair needs to go from sopping wet to more manageable if damage control is what you are after. Therefore, how dry should tresses be before you whip out the dryer to do battle?
Hair should be around 60 percent dry before going in with a heated styling tool. Super wet hair takes longer to dry and prolonged exposure to heat ups the chances of damage likely occurring. Always protect strands by aiming to absorb as much moisture as possible with soft towel (cotton t-shirt if available) and by applying a heat protectant product.
The Mielle Organics mission to Empower, Excite and Educate was woven through the event. Africa Miranda engaged the crowd with social media trivia and giveaways and Sister Scientist presented a segment describing how chemicals affect African American hair and the importance of the ‘LCO’ method (liquid, cream, oil) to retain moisture and length. Smith, who made a grand entrance created a fan and media frenzy taking pictures and greeting several of the guests.
Mielle Organics Founder & CEO Monique Rodriguez and Yandy Smith.
Smith attended the event with her daughter Skylar and husband Mendeeces and spoke to the audience describing her natural hair journey including battles with chemical relaxers and hair dyes. Showing off her natural hair free of extensions, Smith encouraged the guest to ‘Take the Challenge’ with Mielle Organics by committing to using natural hair products and being more conscious of lifestyle choices. Smith also spoke passionately about the importance of supporting women and African American owned business saying, “It’s so empowering for me to do business with and support someone who looks like me”.
Mielle Organics launched the ‘Take the Challenge’ initiative in 2014 and has gained a tremendous following of eager and savvy natural hair product consumers. Since then, the company has grown to being sold in over 217 countries and has amassed over 175,000 customers worldwide. The event concluded with Co-founders Monique and Melvin Rodriguez announcing that Mielle Organics products would be sold in
Mielle Organics (M.O.) is a new all natural and organic hair products line for adults and children. After mere months in the natural hair care industry and achieving over $1.5 Million dollars in sales, Mielle Organics is widely recognized for its results-driven products and excellent customer service.
The company wholeheartedly believes that what is consumed by the body is displayed in outward appearances. They promote natural, organic ingredients, and are proud to exclusively use natural products derived from rooted plant oils and natural herbs. The products are paraben free, no harsh chemicals and no harmful preservatives; everything is made from love and nature and is not tested on animals.
Africa Miranda gives prize to winner of social media contest
From Left to Right: Sister Scientist, Bravo Tv’s Africa Miranda, Monique and Melvin Rodriguez with their daughters, Vh1’s Yandy Smith and Remy V Fab Style Ambassador Chris Curse
Style demos by Remy V Fab Style Ambassador Chris Curse
Sister Scientist describing the importance of LCO method to retain moisture and length.
Natural Hair Bloggers From Left to Right: Donedo, Nae2Curly, Takeya Monique and Michelle Thames
Yandy Smith and daughter Skylar Harris
Thoughts? Talk all things hair with us by dropping us a comment or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Hair Quickie: All hair is not created equal therefore you can not expect a particular hair technique to fit all either. For instance, just like texture black women have varying levels of thickness when it comes to their strands. Women with what is considered “thin” hair have often been told to only condition the ends of their tresses. This being because it was believed that ends tend to be drier thus needing more attention. Moreover, another reason is because the weight of the conditioner was thought to be too heavy and could weigh down the hair.
Nevertheless, the truth is that fine locks are very fragile and need the support of conditioner in order to avoid damage. Water only makes thinner hair more prone to breakage because hair can stretch up to 30% in length. Applying conditioner not just on the ends of strands but at the roots will help add moisture and give limp hair extra strength. If you are still afraid of product weighing your thin hair down too much stick to a light conditioner inside of a thicker cream or formula.
Laura Govan always sets the standard when it comes to rocking a mean haircut. Govan once again does not disappoint in the hair department as she takes short hair up a level…literally. If you are worried about hair diversity when it comes to shorter lengths do not be dismayed from living out your hair dream. Whether long or short there numerous options for when you are feeling a little more creative.
If you follow Laura on Instagram (her profile can found by searching for @lauragovan) you will notice that she keeps her tresses seriously looped off. Moreover, we love pixie and cropped cuts on her because when you have such a beautiful face why hide behind it will loads of hair anyway? In a recent photoshoot lensed by photographer Erick Robinson (he’s on the gram as well as @imerickrobinson) Laura displays her fierce super high pompadour with sides fashioned in gorgeous finger waves.
Her hair is a beautiful mix of vintage as well as modern hair design. As a side note we loved that her couture and makeup were more streamlined so that the focus could radiate off her lovely mane. Therefore, if you are a daring gal who likes to walk on the wild side with elegant flair then this style will suit you to a “T!”
Thoughts? Talk hair with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
