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.

HAIRCARE: 10 Steps to Split End Prevention

     I have always said that healthy hair is the foundation to a flawless hairstyle.  There is nothing attractive about split ends.  It can and will ruin the most beautiful of styles.  Not only will it ruin a style but it will prevent your hair from curling and cause major hair breakage.  The more it goes untreated, the more the split will go up your hair strands causing your hair to break and thin out.   Here are some preventive methods and solutions to the split end problem.

• Trim your hair every 4-6 weeks or stretch it out to the 8th week depending on the condition of your hair.
• Give your hair a break from constant heat styling. If you must, make sure to use a heat guard such as CHI Iron Guard
• Make sure your hair is 70% dry before you throw a round brush in your hair to blowdry style it.  This will help preserve your mane's elasticity as well.  And always use a nozzle for direct air flow to your strands. 
• Apply a leave in conditioner to your wet strands. My favorite is "It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Product
• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner on your mane.  Make sure they are the same brand, remember it's a system.
• Even if you have fine hair please do NOT shampoo your hair everyday. When you do so you are stripping the natural oils from your hair.  If your hair is oily use a dry shampoo in between shampooing. 
• Deep condition your hair at least twice a month and seal your mane with cool water when you rinse it out. 
• Towel blot your hair as to not cause cuticles to fray and tangle, which leads to frizzy hair which then leads to breakage when trying to comb.
• NEVER apply hot water to your hair when you are shampooing because it will dry your hair out causing it to split and cause dry scalp as well. 

"And please... NO cheap brands for your STRANDS!" ~RaiNa  

My 360 Magazine Shoot

      If you've followed my blog you know that I've been working my way closer and closer to my dream.  So, about a month and a half ago I did a photo shoot as a make-up artist with 360 Magazine .  The shoot took place in Brooklyn, New York. It was my first time doing a shoot where I had to groom male models.  I don't think I was nervous, but it was definitely new to me.  I was the ONLY female there amongst the models, photographer and the stylist.  I truly had a blast, made some new professional connections and I was definitely in my glee.  High fashion is my first love.  Although I have been published in magazines before as a hairstylist, I was never published as a make-up artist nor was it ever for a high-fashion editorial magazine.  E-V-E (rapper/actress Eve) is on the cover.  The name of the fashion spread is called "Tale of Two Cities" Check it out for yourself!

Download the PDF to view about 6 pages of my work "TALE OF TWO CITIES."

Hair Trend Alert: Summer 2013

   Summers are all about simplicity from long walks on the beach to sipping sweet lemonade on grandmas porch and enjoying a free concert in New York City's Central Park.  Now is the time to embrace the ideal of simplicity for your hair.  Ladies embrace your natural waves, kinks and curls.  Rock a bohemian braid with waves or a long fishtail braid via a weave installation or your natural locks.  Enjoy a high-bun that's messy, play up your femininity. Put down the blowdryer and give your hair a little TLC. Here are a few trends to watch this season.

Check out my professional instagram CLICK on
this link->> TheGlamourBOXinc on Instagram

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

RaiNa's Pedicure Safety Tips: Your Life, Your Health

    Spring is here and the nail salons are becoming filled to capacity all day everyday.  Although I am an advocate of getting a pedicure all year round many women choose to bombard the nail salons because this weather calls for sandals and an array of open toe sexy shoes.  And you know what, I highly recommend that you get with the program. Please do not wear open toe shoes without getting a pedicure.  Ladies and gentlemen always practice precaution when choosing a nail salon.  Make sure they have a high rating for sanitation and make sure they practice it.

• Make sure that all of the nail technicians are licensed by the state.
• All nail technicians should wash their hands before they work on a new client.
• Never be afraid to ask them to sanitize their utensils and clean out the pedicure bowl, and the jets before you place your feet in.  (The jets hold bacteria and dead skin from other customers)*
• Make sure that they sanitize their tools before they place them on your feet.  All tools (nail clippers/cuticle nippers, etc should be rinsed in soapy water first and then placed in a wet sanitizer or autoclave to kill all microorganisms)
• A brand new nail file should be  used on each client. 
• Do not shave your legs before you get your pedicure.  The microscopic nicks that a razor causes are canals for bacteria/viruses to enter.  Shave AFTER you've received a pedicure.
• If at anytime the technician gives you an attitude about sanitizing their tools then it is your job is to walk out of that establishment and NEVER go back.

Remember ladies and gents that it is very imperative that you take charge of you... this is your Life, and your Safety and Health comes first.

~RaiNa  

RaiNa's Review: Mizani & Cantu's NEW Natural Hair Product Review

This is my with my new PURPLE color by Adore. It's
a mix of Purple Rage & Violet Gem.

        I recently uploaded a new video to my youtube channel.  It was motivated by my new hair color and the challenges that it may bring.  I usually do not participate in product reviews on natural hair products because I honestly have not been pleased with many of them that are on the market.  Many of the ingredients do not fair well with natural afro/curly hair in my opinion. So in my case I have always opted to use simple oils such as Vegetable Glycerin and butters like Shea Butter to keep my hair groomed.  This new hair color had me trying new things.  Check out my video and rate it then comment to let me know your thoughts on the product.  Are you willing to try something new? Check it out & become a "TheGlamourBOXinc" youtube subscriber.