Giveaway!!!!!!

Hi beauties!

Sorry for being M.I.A. these past few weeks! But I am redeeming myself with my first Giveway Extravagenza!

ULTIMATE PRIZE:

Up for grabs is:
-An Organix Starter Kit
-An Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk
-A hair sample from Luvin Hair
-An Hask Macadamia Oil Hydrating Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment
And
-An Hask Argan Oil from Morocco Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

!!Ultimate Prize!!

There are 3 ways to win:

1) You can subscribe to my YouTube page and leave a comment detailing your hair journey, or,

2) You can subscribe to this blog and comment on your hair journey, or,

3) You can send me an email detailing your hair journey .

You do not have to be a natural beauty to win, you can be a relaxed or weaved up beauty :) Each subscription/follow will earn you one entry, and each comment/email will earn you another (A maximum of 5 entries can be earned).

One winner will be chosen randomly. International beauties are eligible too. (International shipping fees will be payed by moi)

This giveaway is my way to thank you for helping me reach over TWO thousand views, and wish the Beauty Moms a Happy Mother's Day!

Contest ends Sunday May 12, 2013 at 6 PM EST. Winner will be announced Monday May 13, 2013 at 8 PM EST.

Good luck to you all beauties!!
Xo

Giveaway Update - Thank you Amy from Luvin Hair & Studio Nana

Hello beauties!!

I just wanted to thank Amy from Luvin Hair for her contribution to the Mother's day Giveaway!!

She graciously donated a 16 inch 100% Brazilian human hair body wave bundle!!

I also wanted to thank Amy for the beautiful bracelet she sent me!!

Thank you Amy, I love it!!!

Also, Studio Nana will take part of our Mother's day Giveaway by donating products! Thank you so much Studio Nana!! Keep your eyes peeled beauties, loads of good stuff to come!!!


-Stay Beautiful xo

Mother's day Giveaway coming soon!

Hello beauties!!

To thank you all for being a part of this wonderful blog experience, I decided to do a giveaway to celebrate Mother's Day. There will be three ways to enter, via blog, YouTube or email.

More details coming soon :)

Stay beautiful xo

-Lexi

Luvin Hair - Wedding curls

Hello beauties!

Here is a hair update on my FABULOUS weave! I decided to curl the hair for my friend's wedding, which FYI was absolutely beautiful! I used a curling wand and a heat protector to create luscious curls. I will do a how-to video very soon to show you the whole process. In the meantime, here is a little something showing you my final look along with a few pictures :)

I'm very excited about the hair, if you want to know more about where I purchased it and who installed it, please send me an email or leave a comment below!

Stay beautiful xo

Hair Tip # 9 - Hair Wrap Tutorial Video

Hello beauties,

A friend asked me post a tutorial on how to make the perfect hair wrap. Below you will find my version :).

To wrap your hair, you will need:

-A brush
-Some bobby pins
-Wrapping material - silk or satin
-Sleeping bonnet or sleeping cap (preferably satin or silk)

My hair has been blow dried and flat ironed.
(I will be attending a wedding in a few weeks and wanted to see the length of my hair to figure out my look.)

Pardon my voice, it's a bit different, especially in the beginning - I've been sick for the last week and my voice has been affected.

Hopefully you guys enjoy the video!

Stay beautiful xo

Hair Update/Tip - Weave!!

Happy New Year beauties!!!

I just want to take a few seconds to wish you all health, happiness, joy, love and beautiful luscious hair for 2013!

Now, a little hair talk! Winters are very rough here in Montreal, so weaves are a practical way to rock a beautiful hairdo and protect my natural. Also, I'm a person who loves to change my look but would never purposely damage my hair, so a weave is sometimes the perfect solution!!

4 weeks ago, I decided to go for a more edgy look, so I decided to have my girl Diana hook me up with a fully weave with a bang! And it came out AMAZING!!

Below are a few pictures of her work. For her contact information go to the 'Go To Hair Places' section. If you are in the Montreal area, give her a call, she's really good and VERY reasonable!!

Hair from the back

Hair from the front

I'm wearing Milky Way 100% Human Hair 14 inches in colours 1 and 27 (one pack of each). There is also some blonde under my bang :)

Hair again :)

Weave :)

Here is a small hair tip to manage straight weaves. Do not wash it with conditioner. We need to remember that these human hair come from straight haired people who, as opposed to us curly folks, secrete oil through their hair follicles. Our hair is dried, theirs is oily. That's how it goes! So to keep the hair looking shiny, and weightless wash it with a good shampoo. Once your hair is fully dried and flat ironed, it will look as good as new!!

Also, wearing a weave is NO EXCUSE for not oiling your hair. Get that pointy tip oil bottle and oil that scalp! Since you won't be able to wash your hair with conditioner, you need to make sure scalp stays moisturized.

Furthermore, wrap your weave like you do your natural locks and you will be good to go...to dreamland that is!!

One last weave/braid piece of advice: remove your braids/weave within 6 weeks of installation. Once you pass the 6 weeks mark, your hair starts to knot and fuse together, which can result in serious breakage and hair damage. Since following this tip, I've seen a HUMONGOUS improvement in the quality and quantity of my hair growth!

Tomorrow night, I will post a makeup review on one of my favorite brands...keep an eye out for it!!!

Good night beauties,

-xoxo

Hair Tip #7 - Sleep Time

Hello beauties!

Sorry for the delay on this post. Holiday parties left and right have been keeping me a tad busy. However, I could not leave y'all hanging like that...so here is another hair tip.

I got this idea from a friend who was complaining that her hair lost all its moisture when she woke up in the morning (yes, you know who you are guuurrrlll).

After moisturizing and sealing your hair, it's a shame to be back at square one overnight. Most of us have used stockings, bandanas, or random articles of clothing to wrap our hair. The problem with these materials is that they absorb moisture. When you look at your bandana (or any other wrapping article) the next morning, all we tend to see are oil spots. No wonder your hair is completely dried in the morning!!

To prevent hair dryness, you need a material that will keep the moisture locked in. The best types of caps, bonnets and/or wraps for that purpose is satin and silk. Below are some examples of different sleeping wear options.

Satin Sleeping Cap

Satin Hair Wrap

Silk Hair Cap

From previous experience, these caps tend to range anywhere from $2 to $15.

I personally use a satin cap when my hair is curly, and use a satin wrap and cap when my hair is flat ironed. Using the silk wrap helps keep my hair together.

Hopefully this will help you ladies keep your hair smooth and/or bouncy and fully moisturized!!

Hugs and kisses ladies (and gents),

-Stay beautiful! Xoxo

P.S. Special shoutout to some of my beauties that I've seen last weekend: Bibi and Magalie. Love you guys and thank you for your support it means a lot ;)

Thank you!!!

Thank you all for reading my blog! It means a lot to me!!

Much love to all my beauties!!

Stay beautiful xo

Hair Tip #6 - Untangling your hair

Happy Friday beauties,

Here is another hair tip for you ladies tonight. It's short, but hopefully it will tide you over until my next post!

Let's talk about an important topic: untangling those beautiful locks of yours. As some of you may not know, untangling your hair properly makes a major difference in the growth and quality of your hair. Using the proper tools (i.e. combs and brushes) and using the proper technique makes all the difference, in my opinion.

Here are a few things that have worked for me with both my natural and relaxed hair:

To untangle my hair, I tend to you a wide tooth plastic comb. It's soft on the scalp and soft on the curls. I normally use this type of comb while untangling wet hair to blow drying it.

When my hair is straight, I tend to opt for my handy soft bristle paddle brush. The tips are rounded as to not irritate the scalp, so it feels like heaven (especially when you have an itch, y'all know what I'm talking about). Again, with the bristle being soft, no damage is caused to the hair.

Now, onto the technique. It's always best to untangle the hair from tip to root. I know we were all conditioned to start from the top, but think of it this way: if you have knots in the middle of your  hair and you start untangling from the root, all you are doing is pulling your hair down, ultimately pulling good and knotted hair out. That's when you start seeing clumps of hair on your comb or brush. When you start from the ends, you are working out the knots all the way to your roots. By the time you reach the top of the hair section, no more knots! As simple as that.

Keep in mind that separating your hair in sections (four to eight on average) is always best. It minimizes the risk of creating additional knots.

Hope you enjoyed this short but sweet post!

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all my American readers, and to everyone else, enjoy your weekend!

-Stay beautiful xo!

Hair Tip #5 - Hair Products - Styling

Hello beauties!!

Sorry for the delay!! As promised, here is the third part of my hair routine series.

Once I have washed and conditioned my hair, I use curl activators or gel to bring out my curls.

My gel of choice is the EcoStyler Olive Oil Styling Gel extra hold. To prevent flakiness, I tend to mix this gel with some oil (usually my Doo-Gro) or some grease. Also, adding these to the gel keeps my hair from becoming too hard.  I tend to use gel when I want to get a 'wet', just got out of the shower look.

For everyday use, I tend to opt for curl activators. My ABSOLUTE favorite has to be the Softee Aloe Vera Activator Gel: For Extra Dry Hair. The difference between a curl activator and a gel is the softness of your curls after using the product. It also dries a lot quicker, in my opinion. Plus, since it's not a gel, the curls stay really bouncy.

Another curl activator that I have used in the passed is the Blue Magic Curl Activator. In all honesty, it's not my first choice, but if the store is out of Softee and gel, it does the trick. Though it says that there will be no flaking, I tend to find flakes the morning following the application, and I don't need anyone telling me that I have dandruff when I don't. I find that adding some hair lotion, grease or oil to the Blue Magic Curl Activator lowers the risks of flakes.

My method to apply the gel and curl activators is the same:

1. I start by making sure that my hair is still damp (I keep a full spray water bottle near me at all time).

2. I separate my hair in small sections, using professional hair clips.

3. I apply a generous amount of gel/activator on the section I'm working on.

4. I then pull out my curls with my fingers. From root to tip, I pull out the curls, and they will bounce back all defined.

5. Repeat the same thing for the rest of the sections.

When I'm done applying the product, I like to do a little shake and see where the curls fall. You can part your hair down the middle, or leave it messy, it's all up to you.

The next morning, to refresh your curls, you can simply spray your locks with water from your handy dandy water bottle. Just a few squirts and a little pulling of the curls and voila! Ready for day 2 :)

It used to take me 30 minutes to style my hair, now I'm done in less than 15 minutes.

Also, remember the smaller the sections the curlier the hair. So have fun with it!

Hope this helps beauties!!

Stay beautiful! Xo

Hair Update November 2012

Happy Movember beauties!!

As promised here is another hair update :) Winter can be pretty harsh season on natural hair, which is why I tend to wear braids or weaves (extensions) from September to March. People have different views on using extensions. Some say they promote hair growth, some say they don't. My point of view is that if they are done properly and not too tight, why not? Another thing that I noticed, is that keeping your braids or weave for 6 weeks or less reduces/eliminates breakage. Thankfully, my hairdresser is a natural beauty too, meaning she knows how to manage my locks with tender love and care! If any of you Montreal ladies need a referral  let me know, I would be happy to share her contact info. I will soon post pictures of different braid styles that she has done for me in a later blog. In the meantime, here are some pics of my hair taken yesterday evening :D

1. This picture was taken right after I removed my braids and untangled my hair with a wide tooth comb.

2. This picture was taken after one shampoo, a deep conditioner and two conditioners (some conditioner left over, of course).

3. This is my hair after using my hair gel to activate my curl.

4. This is my hair the day after (forgot to sleep with a cap on, but it still looks good). Keep in mind that my curls were not refreshed with water.

To obtain a lengthier look the following morning, I spray my hair with water and pull my curls down. But I also love my shrunken look :) 

I hope you enjoyed these pictures and they will inspire you on your ongoing hair journey!!

Stay beautiful!! xoxo

Delayed posts

Hello beauties!! Just wanted to let you guys know that I will be posting two new posts by the end of the weekend! I have been a little under the weather and that is the reason for the delay ;) so keep an eye out for my new hair journey post and my styling post :)

Thank you to all of you who are sharing my blog with your friends and family. It means a lot to me. Please continue to share, follow and comment!!

-Stay beautiful xoxo

Hair Tip # 4 - Hair Products - Moisturizing

Moisturizing

Ola beauties!! Welcome to another installment of the 3 part hair care series J!! Today, I will talk about the different products I use to moisturize my natural locks.

The first step to keeping my hair silky, healthy and shiny (after a good conditioner, of course) is a good oil! A few years back, you would have had to pay me an extreme amount of money to oil my scalp or grease my hair. But I quickly learned that spending an extra 5 minutes oiling my scalp and sealing my ends went a hell of a long way.

Oils

In the last two three years, I've discovered two oils that I swear by. I've used them both on my chemically straightened hair and on my natural hair. The first one is the CHI Silk Infusion oil. CHI, for those who know the brand, is not the cheapest of products, but it works. The product is lightweight and doesn't give you that weird greasy feel, especially when your hair is straight. I put a quarter size amount in the middle of my palm, dip my fingers in it and massage my scalp. That's all I needed to do the trick. I do this process daily or every other day, depending on how dry my scalp gets.

Another oil that I absolutely love is my Doo-Gro Mega Thick Growth Oil. Thanks to the pointy tip, I use this oil on a daily basis. I apply the oil moderately to the scalp and use the tips of my fingers to massage thoroughly. Unlike the CHI Silk Infusion, this oil is slightly heavy, so putting too much can give you that greasy look. Keep in mind that this oil is a lot cheaper than the CHI, ranging between $3-$6, depending on the store.

Another oil that I have to mention is the Soft Sheen-Carson Optimum Oil Therapy – Featherlight Hot Oil. The bottle says: ‘Transforms dry damaged hair, Guards against shedding & breakage, Restores softness and elasticity with no greasy build-up’, and they are not lying. I first used this product when I first started my transition. I found it online, and thought I would try it out. Honestly, I wasn't disappointed. Like the name says, this product is extremely light; you barely feel it (which caused me to overdo it from time to time…oops). After two uses, I noticed a difference in how my hair moved and felt. I haven’t been able to find this product in my area, so I purchase it online at www.haircloset.com.

Grease

Moisturizing your hair would be completely ineffective without a good grease to seal the ends. To do so, I use the Doo-Gro Medicated Hair Vitalizer. Compared to other hair grease or pomades, it’s not thick. The best way to describe it would be ‘solid oil’. It has an oily feel as opposed to a gelatin feel like Vaseline. I apply this grease to the ends of my hair after oiling and/or putting some hair lotion. I part my hair in sections and seal the ends section after section.

Lotion

And finally, my hair lotion of choice is the Doo-Gro Mega Thick Anti-Thinning Growth Lotion. I usually apply it after towel drying my hair, before applying oil. It keeps my curls moisturized and bouncy.

Another beloved hair lotion is the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil: Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion. It certainly does the trick when my Doo-Gro is running low.

I hope you will like these products as much as I do! If you have any questions about how to use these products or where I purchased them (especially if you are in the Montreal or Ottawa area) leave a comment or a message and I will gladly help you out.

The next post will be about styling your curls! Definitely the best part! So keep it locked ladies…

Until next time beauties! Xo

Hair Tip #3 - Hair Products - Washing

Time for some hair product talks ladies!!

I've been asked over the last year what I use in my hair on a daily basis. So to make it easier, I will break it down into 3 posts. This first will be 'Washing', the second would be 'Moisturizing' and the third will be 'Styling'.

Shampoo

I've used many shampoos and conditioners in the past year. As mentioned in an earlier post, I'm a big fan of the 'Conditioner Only' washing method. But a good shampoo doesn't hurt once in a while.

One of my favorite hair product brand has to be Doo-Gro, which explains why their shampoo is at the top of my list. One of the reasons is they have many types of regimen, depending on what you are looking for. For my own need, I use the 'Mega Thick' collection.

I use the Doo-Gro Mega Thick Anti-Thinning Shampoo roughly once every three weeks, as well as the first wash after removing braids/weaves.

Compared to shampoos I've used in the past, this one doesn't leave my hair dried out. Keep in mind that I only do one shampoo instead of the suggested two.

Conditioners

Climate Control

Moisture Rich

As for my conditioners  my current obsession is my TRESemmé Climate Control Conditioner! Before my recent trip to Cuba, I went looking for a new, better conditioner than my old Doo-Gro one. Don't get me wrong, the Doo-Gro works well, but my curls were not as bouncy as I wanted them to be. So the clerk recommended I try TRESemmé! I fell head over heels in love ladies. I was in the sun all week long (and we all know what salt water and sun can do to your hair) and I did not have one problem. My hair remained bouncy, soft and silky. And for the price, you have enough for months!


Recently, I went to the store and they were out of the Climate Control :(, so I decided to try the TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner. So far I like it, but I find it lacks the instant softness that I found in the Climate Control. Just like Doo-Gro, TRESemmé has a wide selection of products for various tastes.

Deep Conditioner

Just like many of you, I've tried many deep conditioners in my day. I've tried various mayonnaise, heat therapy deep conditioners, etc. My favorite one so far comes from (SHOCKER) Doo-Gro. Their Mega Thick Intense Repair Rebuilding Thickening Treatment is absolutely amazing! Though the packaging says to leave it for 10 minutes, I leave mine on for approximately 30 minutes. I put a foil cap on and do chores around the house, and 30 minutes later, I wash it out thoroughly and do one more round of conditioner. (Yes, I love my conditioners!) I use the deep conditioner every 3 weeks or so, when I shampoo my hair usually.


Using these products regularly have contributed greatly to my hair growth. They are healthier, stronger, bouncier and shinier than they have ever been. Hopefully these will work for you too.

Keep an eye out for Part 2 where I will be tackling moisturizers!!

-Stay Beautiful xoxo

Hair Tip #2 - Flat Iron and Blow Dryer

Hello beauties!!

As promised, I will be giving you all the information on my flat iron and my blow dryer.

Flat Iron

I've been using my flat iron for about 5 years now and it hasn't failed me or any of my friends yet. Boy could this thing tell you stories!! The brand is Corioliss. I came upon it while on a trip to Boston. I was walking around in a shopping mall as they were testing the iron out on a 'Natural Beauty'. What is good about this piece of equipment is that it doesn't burn the hair. It uses your natural moisture to straighten the hair. I even tried spraying my hair with a little water before ironing and the results were incredible. No burning whatsover! Just smooth, and silky hair.

Some major shopping centres carry the Corioliss brand (in their flat iron stands). However, if you can't find one near around you, I left a link where you (or a loved one - it's almost the holidays after all!) can purchase one online. There are tons of different models and designs for every taste. If you are into bold prints, they carry multiple irons fit that Bold Beauty Queen in you! Keep in mind that it's not the least expensive flat iron on the market, however it's one of the best!!

http://corioliss.com/

Flat Iron Expert - Where you can purchase one of the Corioliss Irons

Corioliss Info as per Flat Iron Expert - All Rights Reserved FlatIronExperts.com

Blow Dryer

As for my blow dryer, I've been using the Vidal Sassoon 1875 Ionic. I purchased it at my local Wal-Mart about 4 years ago for around $30 and it works wonders. It came with the drying comb, which makes it easier to dry without breakage and extensions.

When my hair is natural, I tend to let it air dry. On cold winter days (and nights) however, I use the finger diffuser attachment to create bouncy curls with tons of volume.

Finger diffuser attachment

Soft Wide Tooth Drying Brush - The back is open so hot air just passes through. No burning at all.

This unstoppable duo has helped me go from Frumpy to Glam many times over, with both Relaxed and Natural hair!

Hope it will do wonders for you guys too!! ;)

Stay beautiful xoxo