Tangled: Detangling Natural Hair

Hi Gorgeous!

Did you know that detangling your hair properly is one of the most important steps to growing long, healthy natural hair? That's right! Next to cleansing and conditioning/moisture, the way you detangle could mean the difference between hair on your head, and hair in the sink.

Whether you detangle dry, with oil, or wet, with conditioner, damage is being done with that much aggitation to the strands. Your job is to minimize that damage. That is why whatever your method, you must take your time and do this step with patience. Never handle your hair roughly to get done quickly. It takes a lot less time to detangle than it does to grow back hair you have ripped out.

Now, you can use your fingers, a wide tooth comb, or whatever works best for you. You can even enlist the aid of products to help. Some conditioners have excellent "slip" that helps guide you through the tangles. In All Things Curly, this would be any of the Darcy's Botanicals leave-in conditioners. They are FABULOUS for detangling. You may also find that some conditoner instantly softens your hair, making it easier for you to detangle. Darcy's Pumpkin Seed Conditoner is EXCELLENT for that. As a final step only, you may even find some styling products that will make your hair smooth enough to take the comb through. I wouldn't use a styler for the purpose of detangling, but it is a good quality to have while twisting, braiding, or otherwise molding your hair into styles and shapes. May I recommend Pura Body Naturals Cupuacu Hair Butter? Melts on your hair.

So how do you choose to detangle? I've been detangling in the shower with wet hair covered in conditioner. I used my fingers because I can fee when there is a knot and coax it apart, as opposed to a comb ripping it out. But I've been reading Chicoro's book "Grow It!" And so now I think I may try dry detangling with my fingers prior to washing. We'll see how that works out! If you've got some tried and true awesome detangling methods, let us know here so that we can all experience the love, and longer lengths. Because longer hair is about retaining length.

Until next time!

Stay Gorgeous :)



Winter vs. Summer Hair Care Products

Hi Gorgeous!



It is so hot! The temps this week will reach 104 degrees.

If we are not careful, this can wreek havoc on our precious strands. So again, with the changing seasons, we must take a look at our hair product choices.

What is the difference between a summer hair product and a winter hair product? Well the obvious answer would be that one is lighter than the other. But what does that mean?

In the winter time, we reach for more emollient, moisture- rich conditioners and styling products that contain oils. These oils are our heavier oils such as olive, castor, and mango seed oils. Utilizing these types of ingredients keeps our hair moisturized longer, and makes our hair feel heavier and weighted down.

This is the opposite of what we want to feel in the Spring and Summer months. In these months, you want something light and airy. These would be your whipped butters, good leave-n conditioners with only a light rinse-out conditioner. If we use oils, they would be your coconut, hibiscus, almond, alma type oils that thinly coat your hair. They smell uber nice! And lend a nice sheen more than anything. We also tend to utilize gels, and do more wash and go's in these seasons. This also means that you may wash (or just wet) your hair more in this season. But it's so dern hot, you'll probably end up doing that anyway! Lol.

So I want to give you a side-by-side comparison of products All Things Curly carries, and which season to best utilize them.....

                                      Summer                                 Winter                              Either

Shampoo                       Bee Mine Botanical                 Darcy's Cleansing             Darcy's Cleansing

Condish                         Bee Lovely/ Avocado             Pumpkin Seed                   Pumpkin Seed

Leave-in condish            Bee Mine Juicy Spritz              Darcy's Daily LI               Peach Kernal Milk
                                                                                                                           Coco Bean Smooth

Deep Condish                PBN Chocolate Smoothie       Pumpkin Seed

Stylers                           DB Natural Coils Jelly             Madagascar  Styling          Cupuacu Hair Butter
                                     Avocado & Honey                  Cupuacu Hair Butter
                                     Luscious Moisture Bal             Luscious Moisture Bal       Luscious Moisture B
                                     Bee Hold Curly Butter
                                     Coco Curls Styling Cm            Coco Curls Stying Cm     
                                                                                                               Anything Pura Body Naturals

Oils                                DB Coconut & Hibiscus         PBN Organic Sapote         PBN Loc Oil


These are not all-inclusive of the products we carry, but will give you a great start to go on! In case you had a hard time following, the acronyms are as such:

DB= Darcy's Botanicals
PBN= Pura Body Naturals
Cm= Cream
LI= Leave- in Conditioner


So what are your favorite summer hair products? Can we provide you with some new summer favorites? Contact us today!

Until next time,

Stay Gorgeous!
                             

Restocked! Part dos!!

Hi Gorgeous!

I just had to come back and show you the new packaging of the Bee Mine Products I got in this weekend!

The owner at Bee Mine had told me that they were repackaging their products. They want YOU, the consumer, to know that these products are for ADULTS; even though many people have had much success using these products on their childrens hair.

I take my hat off to the new design! I love it. The only other significant change is the type of jars they are using. It has a sleeker design, but holds the same amount of product. I want you to see for yourself the difference.

Now obviously, the jar on the left is the new design, while the jar on the right is the old. The old is significantly taller than the new. But the new is wider than the old. Here is a shot at a different angle to demonstrate this.

Once again, the new is on the left and the old is on the right. You can see the difference in size. So rest assure! You get the same amount of product for the same price :). Again. I love the new design. Don't you?


Until next time!

Stay Gorgeous!



Restocked! Bee Mine Products (limited)

Hi Gorgeous!

Bee Mine Products



I am happy to announce that we are RESTOCKED in your curly Bee Mine Products favorites, limited supply. That's right! We have the #1 best selling Luscious Balanced Moisturizer, along with:

• Bee Hold Curly Butter
• Deja's Hair Milk
• Bee Lovely shampoo and conditioners

And don't forget that we have the Juicy Spritz (great for this hot summer weather), and the Strawberry Mango Hair Growth Serum! These goodies are just too good to pass up! Contact us today for your product consultation/ appointment at allthingscurly@live.com.

Stay Gorgeous!



Giveaway Time!!!

Happy Friday Gorgeous!



100 Facebook Subscibers! Yay!

Well, at least it will be Friday by the time you read this!

A little while ago, I stated on Facebook that once we reached 100 "likes", I would hold another giveaway.  I'm so excited about this milestone that I'm thinking of giving away between 1 and 3 products, depending on participation!

Here are the prizes:

--- Coco Curls Moisturizing Styling Cream

--- Bee Mine Hair Milk

--- Pura Body Naturals Chocolate Smoothie

Here are the rules:

1. You must "Like" the All Things Curly Facebook page. (Current subscribers are automatically entered.) Leave a comment under the reference to this post stating which of the 3 prizes you want to receive.  
2. You must be a follower of THIS website in order to do the next and final step. To do this, you  click the "Join this site " button on the right- hand side of the screen.  
3. THE FOLLOWING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT. THIS IS HOW YOU WIN.....

          You must leave a comment on any post from the months of April thru June. The more comments

          you leave, the better your chances of being selected to win! Comments will be randomly selected

          using random.org. The chosen comment(s) will then be matched to your Facebook post so i can

          see what I'm sending you!

So that's it! You're basically just leaving two comments. One on facebook (which product you want), and one here (comment on any post between April and June)! Easy Peasy!

Contest begins now and ends June 30th end of day. On the 4th of July, I will post the winner(s)!

READY, SET, WIN!!!!!

Entwine Couture Review

Hi Gorgeous!

Entwine Couture



Ok, so first- no, I am not carrying this line! Lol. I told someone that I had plans to purchase these products when I went to the World Natural Hair Show. And that person wanted me to review them. So here we are, long overdue.

Entwine Couture

Naturalle Couture for natural transitioning hair

This line is Salon inspired couture products for natural and transitioning curlies. There are four products in this line. The following is my impression of them. More information, including where to purchase, can be found at http://www.entwinecouture.com/.

First the scent. They really do smell like salon hair care products. Not like the fruity, floral, or natural scents of most handmade products. These products smell manufactured, which is not a bad thing.

The Manipulator- creme jelle styler

Cream- gels are interesting in that they give you the control and moisture of a butter, but the hold and consistency of a gel. So I never know how much to use when applying. You can tell it has hold because its not sticky, but almost stringy between your fingers. But it did its job, and I liked this product. Something in it prevents your hair from swelling in humidity. My hair literally looked the same at the end of the day as it did in the beginning

Exotic Butter Creme Hydrator

This butter is VERY moisturizing. It is a whipped consistency, but it packs a punch! So much so that I believe I could have gotten a better hold had I not used so much of this underneath The Manipulator. Or maybe it was this that kept my hair from frizzing. The website indicates that this is ahumidity and anti-frizz product. Good Stuff.

Creme De La Molding Mudd

A strong holding product that is quoted to be good for locs! I have barely used this product enough to truly attest to it. But I've seen styling videos by Chary J, and she uses this quite frequently for her twist and braided updos.

Total Perfection Raw Vegan Argon Oil

This is just what it says, Argon oil. I've heard there are great benefits to this oil. My experience is that it definately gives a nice sheen. You feel moisturized and protected when you use this as your first step before stying, and your final step during take down. Non-greasy. Yeah, this will work.

Now let me tell you; these products (with the exception of the Argon Oil) are not 100% natural in their ingredients. Some contain Dimethicone, which I tend to stay away from, along with other "questionable" ingredients. But they also contain some very unique natural and raw ingredients that I have not found in other products. For this reason, I will continue to use these. And I feel good about promoting it. Will I ever carry them in All Things Curly? I don't know. Definately no time soon. But I'm not hater. I think these are good inspite of a few ingredients.

So check them out if wish. They have the products marked down on the website. I didn't provide that information because I wasn't sure of the original prices or how long they would be at the price they are at now. They also sell it in a set for $49.99. And they have a couture cash card worth $5 off if you use the coupon code couturelove6 now through the end of June.

So here are a couple of pics of my results in my tried and true signature hairstyle.

Till Next time beauties!

Stay Gorgeous!



The Trim......

Hi Gorgeous!

Trim, Cut, or Forget about it!



Recently, I got my scheduled trim that included a wash, blow-out, flat-iron and then trim; which I get done every 3-4 months. Coincidentally, one of my sisters- who is also natural, got her trim as well. However, it had been close to a year since her last visit.

The subject of natural hair and getting ends trim come up pretty periodically in conversation on the net and in real life. Professional hair stylist will tell you to come every 6-8 weeks. DIY'ers will tell you that you can do it yourself by simply clipping off the ends of your twists, or the infamous "search and destroy" method. And yet still, many people adopt their own regimens regarding this area or simply stay away from it all together. After all, my hair is curly, no one sees my ends. Or, I use all natural products and heat never touches my hair. My hair is fine.

Well, you see, there's this little thing called "wear and tear" that happens when you comb, brush, or manually manipulate your hair into various twists and braided hairstyles that ultimate thins out your ends. Not to mention each individual hair strand is on its own life-cycle and may "fall" at any given moment on any given day.

Simply put.....you need to get your ends trimmed. Not because it will make your hair grow faster. It won't. Not because it will make your hair longer. Hair grows from the scalp, not the ends. But because it will make your hair healthier and less prone to breakage and damage. This allows you to hold on to more hair.

Example: Remember I said my sister and I got our ends trimmed around the same time. She had gone almost a year without one and her stylist had to cut a considerable amount of hair. She got a CUT not a TRIM. I've been there. It happened to me one good time, and I swore it would never happen again! So like clock work, every 3-4 months I go. Despite the fact that I'm not fond of having heat added to my hair for a blow-out AND flat iron. I'm usually impressed with the results, and equally impressed by the length.



(You'll have to excuse the frizz as my hair instantly tries to revert back. RESPECT THE CURL :).)

I choose NOT to listen to the advice of stylist who say to trim every 6-8 weeks because quite frankly, that's too soon for me to be putting my hair through this kind of trauma. Also, I like to think that I take very good care of my hair. And lastly, those beautiful words my stylist always tells me when she does my hair....."Your ends don't look that bad".  :) :) :) :)

Just what I want to hear! If my ends don't look that bad, I must be doing something right. AND, I don't need to come more often that. So the conclusion of the story is, make this little act a part of your hair regimen. Your hair will thank you in the long run with health and length retention. In the short run, easier detangling and styling.

Since my hair was like this anyway. I always try to see what styles I can get out of it. Let me tell you, it wasn't easy. Straight hair, imo, is just not as fun as curly. It just won't hold a style or curl. But I tried.



I do like the volume. I don't like the tangling. It's all day everyday like a bad wig or weave. Pretty, but not realistic for my lifestyle. This is special occasion hair.


Alright beauties. That's all for now. Sorry, I've been away so long! But I do have things in store, so stay tuned! And as always, check us out on facebook where more interaction takes place. Leave me a message, and let me know if any of this is helping you. I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time,

Stay Gorgeous!

KLO- Heifer International Recap!

Hi Gorgeous!

Once again, I had the opportunity to meet and fellowship with some AMAZING people. This weekend was the perfect day for what felt like an old-fashion BBQ Cook-out! It was sunny and not too hot. Throw in the fact that it was for charity (Heifer International) and hosted by the ladies of Pink and Green, and you've got one successful event :).

Heifer International raises money for food to donate to the hungry. To help raise money, the AKA ladies hosted a BBQ Cook-off. And here were the competitors!

They had it looking and smelling really right out there! But in order to be a successful vendor, you've got to put your customers first, and your stomache second. (But oh don't worry, I ate!)

Notice anything new? I'm so happy about my new banner! It feels really good to have your own logo and print material that is uniquely you. This is a milestone because it was my first event with my designs.

~ Other vendors in attendance ~

Royalty Fashions Boutique

Leslie Speller- Henderson, Professor @ College of Agriculture, TSU

She wasn't really selling anything, but rather handing out good information on the new food pyramid.

I thought it was cool!

There were also performances by students from the Nashville School of the Arts playing Jazz music on Sax's and horns. Sorry no pics! And then there were a group of young men mime dancing for the Lord!

Some noteworthy FLY folks that stopped by my booth.

I was in love with her hair, NO JOKE. My bad for not having the flash on my camera since it was a little dark under the tent.

But I made up for it in this pic. GORGEOUS!

Too cool for school!

Good Morning Ms. President!

The President of the KLO Chapter of

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

So there you have it! Fun was had by all, stomaches were full, and money was made! The ladies of AKA are a cool bunch. But you guys know I bleed Crimson and Cream!

I hope to see you all at the next event! I'll keep you updated on what that is, and when and where it will be. For you new subscribers and customers I've met, send us a review of the products you purchased. Yay or nay. We'd love to hear from you! Just email allthingscurly@live.com.

Until next time!

Stay Gorgeous!

FYI on my hair- It was an updo using Pura Body Naturals Products. I got a TON of compliments all day and the next day on it. Though I couldn't quite capture the essence of it on camera. Here was my best attempt.

Event Alert!

Hi Gorgeous!

This is just a quick reminder that THIS SATURDAY, the ladies of the KLO Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is hosting a COOK-OFF.

All Things Curly has been invited to attend and have a booth of products to sell. So come on out and get answers to your curly questions, products for your hair, and food for your stomache! Bring the kiddies because "It's a Family Affair"!

See you there! Stay Gorgeous!