Straightening Your Natural Hair the Right Way

   So many naturals are afraid to straighten their hair with thermal irons.  I know it can be extremely challenging and intimidating.  For most the fear comes from believing their hair cannot be reverted back to their natural curl/kinky pattern.  When that occurs it is because the hair has been heat damaged.  There is no way to revive that hair than to cut it off.  The bonds are broken down in the hair shaft causing it to appear as if you have chemically relaxed your hair even when you wet it.  Here are some key points that you need to consider when straightening your natural mane.

1. Always use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.  Clean moisture-balanced hair is the key to healthy hair.       

   

   "Motions" for natural hair. Shampoo,
   Conditioner, Hair masque (deep treatment)

2. Use a deep conditioning and protein treatment to strengthen and moisturize your hair strands before getting it straightened. 
3. Always use a heat protectant and leave-in conditioner on your wet strands prior to blow drying.
4. When blowdrying try to use to warmest setting on the blowdryer.  That will make your shaft's cuticles lay down and it will be easier to flatiron.
5. Take the blowdryer and dry your roots first, it makes the process easier.
6. Purchase a ceramic flatiron, I use the BabyBliss and I love it!
7. Use a heat protectant prior to flat ironing or curling your natural mane.
8. Section your hair off in four parts.
9. Do not flat iron your hair everyday. You will damage your hair.
10. Seek a licensed professional who is proficient in natural haircare.        

    

    It's a 10!
    (leave-in product that
    cuts down on drying time, heat protectant,
    gives a healthy shine, and more)

*About 97% of my clients are naturalistas. Here are some before and after pictures of them.  LIKE me on Facebook for more The Glamour BOX

Hair by me, Raina
All natural silk press!

Hair by me,  RaiNa
Deep conditioner, precision cut, wrap & curled with marcels.

Hair by me, Deep conditioner,  trim and silk press.

Can You Really Over-Condition Your Hair?

        We all want healthy hair. Time and time again we have been told to make sure and keep your

"MANE" hydrated. So what do some of us do? We condition our hair, sometimes too often and too long which only results in "Over-conditioning." The signs that you are over-conditioning your hair are:

•  Limp hair when dry or wet
• Rubbery feeling when dry
• Mushy feeling when wet
• Loss of curl definition in naturally curly hair
• Overly stretchy hair

To prevent over-conditioning the hair  follow the instructions on the conditioner's bottle.  Deep condition once a week or perhaps twice a month depending on the condition of your hair (chemically treated, damage) or your hair's texture.  Do NOT exceed the time allotted for efficient conditioning. The cure for over-conditioned hair is to use a clarifying shampoo and a protein treatment at the first signs of over-conditioning.  I highly recommend getting this done by a professional as to not cause further damage.

Date NIGHT!!: Hair and Makeup

   So you got asked out on a date, and you're becoming frantic about what to do with that hair and makeup.  You're saying, "Oh my goodness, what should I do with my hair, how about my makeup... I really want to make a great first impression without looking desperate."  Well look no further, I am here to guide you.  And who better to guide you than me, a licensed cosmetologist, hairstylist, makeup artist and overall beauty consultant.  I just don't do this for a job, I live and breath this thing.   I really enjoy making women feel absolutely beautiful.
    First I would like to say that when it comes to a first date simple is better. While I am all for do what makes you happy first I also have to be completely honest, men love the simple things about a woman. A clean fresh face of makeup is pretty much the look  you should be going for. When it comes to your hair men love it to be simple as well, whether you are natural, relaxed, blonde or a brunette. You may want to add some of your own personality to it, it will give him an idea of what kind of woman you really are.  Play with some curls and play with your femininity, add a splash of  color and make sure your hair has a healthy shine and your skin a natural glow!  The thing is to look like YOU, just a polished version.  Here are some examples of looks that I absolutely love and I am sure that “he” will too. Here is a preview of some in-salon hairstyles that I’ve done and some makeup I’ve done on location as a freelance makeup-artist. Check them out. (click on pictures to enlarge)

One of my clients from the salon that I work at. Check out my

Facebook business page The Glamour BOX and my business

INSTAGRAM

(picture courtesy of Wire Image)
Solange Knowles's hair is always on point!
Naturalistas UNITE! (I'm natural too by the way)
Keep it moisturized and funky!

This is me, Raina. I did an ombrè in
two beautiful shades of purple by Adore (Violet gem
& Purple Rage)on
my Brazilian extensions.  One side of my
head is shaved to show my personality &
individuality.

A clean face of makeup & simple
hairdo  done by me on some
models at a photo shoot.  Remember to keep it simple.
A little foundation, blush on the apples of your cheeks, red lips
(or any other bright color of your choice)* accompanied
by  a sleek bun.  LIKE my business page The Glamour BOX

Spring/Summer 2013 Hair CoLor InsPiraTioNs

   I'm on the east coast in New York City and I am dying for Spring to get here.  I already have my spring hair and it's purple.  Pastels, teals, blues, pinks and purple are the trend for the season.  This trend is for the bold fashionista who is not afraid to literally let her hair down.  Anytime you color your hair you have to give it a little TLC.  Remember that color is a commitment. So if you choose to do this consider the cost to upkeep it and the wear and tear it can possibly have on your mane.  To achieve these colors the hair must be pre-lightened first for the intensity.  Choose a stylist/colorist that truly understands YOUR hair and one that will be honest in telling you as to whether your hair can withstand the color process, not just one that wants to take your money.  I will NEVER recommend you doing this at home. You will need to purchase PROFESSIONAL products to maintain the integrity of your strands.  Cheap shampoo/conditioner will ruin the hair and your color. There are always alternatives to applying color all over like extensions and wigs.  Here are a couple of looks that I know you will absolutely love.

*(CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO ENLARGE) The Olsen Twins are pastel pink & lavendar. Rapper Azaelia Banks
wears teal inspired extensions. Then there is me holding the iPhone with my naturally curly hair in Adore's Purple Rage.  A model with hot pink highlights, a blonde with ombre pink hair, an icy pink haired
model and the tral and purple bowl cut model. I love it! Get into it!