black women Archives

Hair

Revisited: How to Remove Hair Dye Stains From Skin

Arianne SuggsUpdated on August 14, 2015August 14, 2015Leave a Comment

We received a lot of response in regards to a previous post that delved into how to remove dye once it’s come into contact with skin. If you have ever experienced or encountered this situation you already know that it is not any fun. You can rinse yourself silly and the hair dye will remain right where it’s landed.

Last time, we had mentioned that using toothpaste can help to resolve this hair color issue. If you do decide to take the toothpaste route make sure that you are using a non-gel form. Nevertheless, we mentioned that this topic is being revisited, so what new light can be shed on this topic?

Recently, we did a little testing with the baking soda method. We had heard about it through a hair care professional but was still skeptical. Therefore, we decided to do a quick experiment to put our skepticism to rest once and for all.

During our experiment we focused on removing hair color stains that had attached themselves around the hairline as if you had forgot to apply Vaseline in order to stop the dye from running. We combined baking soda and dish detergent and stirred until the two ingredients formed a paste. The paste was then vigorously brushed onto the hair color skin stains using a toothbrush.

What was the results of the baking soda method? The hair color stains were removed proving that this hair fix truly is effective. The skin was left clean appearing as though no stain had been there before. Now we will say that we had to seriously put some elbow into it but the baking soda & dish detergent did their jobs.

Thoughts? Talk hair with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Hair

Hair of the Week: Alicia Keys “Halo” Crown Braid

Arianne SuggsUpdated on August 13, 2015August 13, 2015Leave a Comment

We love a stylish braid because this hair look is so great for black hair. It serves as one of the protective hairstyles which means your strands will be protected from harm while fashioned in this style. For instance, your ends are safely tucked in keeping them from rubbing against something or the elements so that they do not fray or split.

Moreover, besides being deemed safe for tresses it is also versatile for day and nighttime wear. Hairstyles that can be worn day or night will save you time and much needed energy! Plus, if taken care of this particular style should last at least a few days before needing to be refreshed or restyled. Sweet!

We spotted Alicia Keys with her own version of the Halo aka crown braid. Alicia chose to have her crown braided and wrapped around down into a single braid. A great version in order to look like a laid back goddess.

So then, how do you make this style your own? Here are two great tutorials that will help you get the look!

Do you prefer to braid than twist to achieve this hair look? Then you will want to check out this one:

Okay, but what if you are horrible at twisting and braiding is like well, don’t even think about it LOL. There is an even EASIER way to get this look by using a braid extension. If you have two left hands so to speak then here is the simple way to create the crown dutch braid:

Thoughts? Talk hair with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

Accessories Report: Giambattista Valli Fall/Winter 2015 Oversized Shades

Arianne Suggs August 12, 2015August 12, 2015Leave a Comment

Just in case you missed some of our Fashion Week posts earlier in the year we will be recapping a few things over the course of the next few weeks to get you in diva form for the upcoming seasons. Do you love accessories as much as bees love their honey? Girl so do we and we loved what we spotted coming down the catwalk during the fall/winter Giambattista Valli 2015-2016 runway show.

The stunner shades models wore gave a brand new meaning to the expression, “Go big or go home.” Models were adorned with sunglasses that seemed to take up 70% of their faces. We didn’t mind the ginormous size because some of the fashions modeled had a floral theme. So then, to us it was like the bumble bee meeting up with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Photo: Pascal Le Segretain

Think big when when shopping, here are a few of our favorite oversized shades:

Valentino Oversized Round Acetate Sunglasses $360

Balmain Oversized Round Plastic Sunglasses/Black $89.99

Emilio Pucci EP0030 015 Black Oversized Round Sunglasses $255

Valentino Oversized aviator-style sunglasses $361

All styles are available now at shopstyle.com

Thoughts? Join the discussion on our Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram or tweet us @1966magazine.

Beauty

Beauty Question: Is Mineral Makeup Safe?

Arianne Suggs August 11, 2015August 11, 2015Leave a Comment

Beauty Answer: This is a very wise question to ask because it involves making sure that our biggest organ on our body remains well-protected… our skin. More and more organic and “healthy” beauty products are on the rise because of recent discoveries of harmful ingredients in major products. Nevertheless, never assume that just because a product totes itself as being safe that it really is; always do your research before purchasing.

With that said not all mineral makeup products are good for you. There are some that contain a powdered form of titanium dioxide which can be quite dangerous to the body if inhaled. Now when titanium dioxide is in a cream based formed it is much safer because the solid form helps to prevent it from being inhaled. However, when titanium dioxide is inhaled as a powder the effects can be compared to those exposed to asbestos. Yikes!

Many exposed to asbestos for a short period of time are normally okay. Nevertheless, frequent exposure and after some time usually decades later the harmful effects become apparent and some even develop lung cancer. Now let’s that apply that to the using of mineral products with unsafe ingredients. A little exposure may not harm you, but most women apply makeup daily and reapply throughout the day. That is a lot of exposure which could do a lot of damage down the road. So then, always read the ingredients list carefully so that no matter what type of makeup you are purchasing you are protecting yourself and your health.

Thoughts? Talk beauty with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Beauty

Do You Really Burn More Calories With Strength Training?

Arianne SuggsUpdated on August 11, 2015August 11, 2015Leave a Comment

If you really want to maximize your burn you will want to begin a strength training program if you have not already added it to your fitness routine. Women tend to shy away from picking up weights out of fear of becoming or looking too bulky. It is true that exercise alone has numerous benefits that the body is sure to appreciate. These being:

lower cholesterol
decreased stress levels
lower blood pressure

Photo: John-Francis Bourke/Corbis

Moreover, getting moving period helps to boost metabolism and allow the body to begin building and producing lean body mass or muscle. Nevertheless, if you really want to send your metabolism through the roof strength training is your go-to option. Why is this the case?

Researchers have discovered that the more muscle mass that an individual has the faster their metabolism will be. Just how much of a difference will having more muscle make? Studies have shown that twenty to thirty percent of the calories we burn daily is determined solely on muscle mass. Therefore, more muscle gained through strength training which focuses on building muscle will mean a bigger burn.

Thoughts? Talk fitness with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

Summer Fashion That Works For Fall: Off The Shoulder Top

Arianne Suggs August 11, 2015August 11, 2015Leave a Comment

Buying essentials that can last more than one season will not only make your wallet fatter, but will make styling much simpler. One piece that will still be good to go come fall is the off the shoulder blouse. Right now this top is most likely being paired with short-shorts or a mini due to the heat. Nevertheless, once the temperature starts to fall some only a few tweaks will be necessary to transform the look for autumn.

Denim will never fail you when it comes to rocking this top. Jeans are the perfect vehicle to make your off shoulder tops fall ready. Keep things causal yet sexy thanks to the hints of skin.

If you want to make your look a little more dressy try pairing your off shoulder top with a pencil skirt. Curves will be instantly noticeable driving the sassy appeal meter upwards. Add a side split for even more head turning appeal.

As it it gets colder most feel its impossible to display curves like they once did in the summer heat. Combat this by wearing your top with high-waisted pants which will give a sexier illusion without being too exposed.

Whoever said you couldn’t wear white after Labor Day didn’t know how to have some fashion fun! Yes, even after the holiday ends white pants and an off shoulder top is oh tres’ chic!

Growing up in California you quickly learn that there is no such thing as fall LOL it’s still hot! So for those of us you leave in warmer climates continue to wear those shorts by try wearing a pair with embellishment. Also, if you want to infuse some Cali flair into your ensemble, tie a side knot in your off the shoulder top and you will fit right in.

Thoughts? Join the discussion on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fashion

Fall 2015 Shoe Trend: Pointed Toe Heels

Arianne Suggs August 11, 2015August 11, 2015Leave a Comment

There were a few choice words that came to mind that we are unable to repeat when we noticed a particular shoe trend coming on the horizon. Oh it is not that we do not absolutely love the style of this particular shoe it is just that our cute little manicured toes loathe them. If you guessed pointed toe shoes then you have scored 10 points in the shoe game department.

Pointed toe heels are a trend that is rolling over from spring on into the fall and winter seasons. Givenchy, Christain Louboutin and Coach all have designs with the pointy flair. To survive this shoe trend without experiencing too much pain aim for pointed toe heels where the point does not stop right where your toes will be resting.

Moreover, you may even consider going up just a half a size. This small change can also afford you and your toes a little more wiggle room giving you more comfort. Therefore, enjoy rocking this trend later this year and without needing crutches.

Thoughts? Join the discussion on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Fitness

Black Women Fitness: Serena Williams Splits Warm Up

Arianne SuggsUpdated on April 18, 2022August 10, 2015Leave a Comment

When we saw these photos our mouths literally dropped to the floor. Yes, we have fitness goals, but Serena shows how to really take things next level! In the pics Williams shows off her extreme flexibility which we are sure is one of the major reasons she dominates on the court. In a caption for the photos Serena even writes, “Proceed with caution.” Oh we will Serena, trust us we will LOL.

Flexibility is one of the most important yet often neglected aspects of fitness. Why is flexibility so important anyway when it comes to having a knockout physique? Here are three reasons why you should not ignore working on being more flexible:

1. Increases blood flow to the muscles.

2. Helps to improve performance in physical activities.

3. Decreases risk of injury since joints are encouraged to move their full range of motion.

So then, flexibility will protect you from needing a doctor after dance class and help you to be a better athlete. Nevertheless, being more limber is not always an easy task. We all have different ranges of flexibility which is why it is good not to compare ourselves to others. However, what are some ways that can help to improve the situation?

Warm Up– Never go straight into your workout, warm up first in order to prepare your body for more work. By the time you are done warming up you should be lightly sweating.
H20– Drink plenty of water because dehydrated muscles will not stretch to their full range of motion.
Be Still-Save static stretches for after your workout and remember not to stretch to the point of pain when holding positions.

There you have it girls some tips to help us all beast like Serena in the athletic department. None of us may win Wimbledon or a Grand Slam but who says we can’t look like we did! Keep up the good work Serena you inspire us to be more fit.

Thoughts? Join the discussion on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.

Hair

Make Your Hair Grow By Eating These Foods

Arianne Suggs August 8, 2015August 8, 2015Leave a Comment

By now most of us are aware that the products we use on our hair can promote hair growth. However, what we put in our bodies is equally important. Eating a healthy diet is the foundation to new hair, skin and nail growth. Keep in mind though that no matter what you eat, if you were born with thin, fine hair you will not suddenly start growing thick hair. Another note of caution is that taking dietary supplements that promise to thicken your hair or make it grow faster may go wrong. There have been cases where taking an excess of a supplement, such as vitamin A, has actually caused hair loss instead of growth.

Here are five foods you can eat to help your hair grow healthy and strong:

1. Salmon – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon contributes to good scalp health and prevents drying of the scalp which can cause dull looking hair.

2. Dark Green Vegetables – Broccoli, spinach and kale are good sources of vitamins A and C which help produce sebum. Sebum is the oily substance naturally produced by the hair follicles and acts like a hair conditioner.

3. Nuts – Walnuts, cashews, pecans and almonds are all great sources of zinc. You don’t want to have a deficiency of zinc because that can lead to hair shedding so be sure to include plenty of nuts in your diet.

4. Poultry – Chicken and turkey are rich sources of high quality protein. Having inadequate or low-quality protein can result in brittle hair and in extreme cases can even cause loss of hair color. Besure to give your hair plenty of protein through poultry.

5. Whole Grains – Hearty whole grains such as whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals are high in zinc, iron and B vitamins. As an added bonus, whole grains can give you a boost of energy when you are feeling drained in the afternoon and still need to make it through the rest of the work day.

Beauty

Get the Beauty Look: Keke Palmer’s Pink Lip Color

Arianne SuggsUpdated on August 7, 2015August 7, 2015Leave a Comment

Keke Palmer truly looked pretty in pink as she dazzled in the bright, rosy lip color. It can be a little intimadating to go so bright when it comes to lipstick, but the result can be so beautiful! Want to make Palmer’s lip look all your own?

MAC Cosmetics Candy Yum Yum Lipstick looks fabulous on brown and deeper toned skin

If the spirit is willing but the wallet is saying not till your next check, NYX is a great option.

Their Matte Lipstick in Sweet Pink is simply gorgeous.

Do your lips tend to feel like they have passed through the Sahara when wearing lipstick?

You are not alone, try Iman’s Moisturizing Lipstick in Flirtatious to get your pink fix without all the dryness.

Beauty Tips: Remember that bright lip color will not hide ANYTHING. Don’t skip out on any prep work in order to make your lips look absolutely divine. If your lips look lumpy due to dead skin it will be quite noticeable. Therefore, buff those lips smooth before any tint application to prevent this dreaded and often feared beauty issue.

Thoughts? Talk beauty with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.