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.

New Year, New Beauty Care Commandments: 2014

    Hi everyone and happy new year.  I am so excited about what 2014 has in store for The Glamour BOX.  This is the year that you promise yourself and work on taking better care of your overall health, skin, hair and nails. Up the volume on all things beauty.  Remember that it starts from the inside.  Here is a list that I compiled before the end of 2013 to guide you along the way.  Feel free to add to it as you please.

Beauty Routine Commandments:

• Thou shalt commit to a skincare regimen 7 days a week and incorporate a skincare system into it.
• Thou shalt not pick thine blemishes (acne, blackheads, etc).  Consult a dermatologist for severe cases of them.
• Thou shalt use essential oils to moisturize your skin. Do not forget to apply it directly to damp skin after a shower for better absorption.
• Thou shalt commit to a nail salon at least once a month or a spa treatment (body massage, facial) at least every 3 months. Treat yourself, you deserve it.
• Thou shalt NOT use box color , perms or box relaxers and apply them at home.
• Thou shalt commit to a haircare regimen and seek professional counsel via a licensed cosmetologist with whom you are comfortable with. (trims/deep conditioning, etc)
• Thou shalt NOT purchase $10 hair to be installed.  You spend good money on the installment and purchasing cheap hair will be a waste of your money. Hair extensions are an INVESTMENT. You do want your hair to look right.
• Thou shalt consume salts and sugars sparingly as they have a direct effect on your skin and hair.  Too much can age you significantly.
• Thou shalt drink 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water daily.  Try lemon water, your skin and hair will be grateful.
• Thou shalt find time for SELF.  Workout, read a good book, turn off the electronics and unwind.        
  

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RaiNa's Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Review

  I attended "The Makeup Holiday Pop-Up Show" in New York City on Sunday, December 8,2013.  It was my first makeup show as a professional makeup artist.  This show was open to the public as well.  I stumbled across some products that I thought were pretty cool.  Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is the name of the lipsticks and eyeshadows I purchased.  They are 100% vegan and are actually called "Lip Tars" .  They come in a matte, metallic and stained lip gloss and smell so yummy because they are made with real peppermint oil, soy based vitamin E and organic hemp oil.  The metallic shines so bright! I purchased one in Black Metal Dahlia.  You should apply it with a lipstick brush for an even distribution. The eyeshadows are simply gorgeous and very true to color! I have zero complaints about them.  Always use an eyeshadow base before applying any eyeshadow. Here are some pictures of the products I purchased and the look I created with them.

Black Metal Dahlia Lip Tar, eyeshadows in Twirls & Authentic

The completed look I did on myself. All products can be
purchased online at Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
or online at Sephora

On my hand from top to bottom
eyeshadow: 1) Twirl
                                   2) Authentic
Lip Tar: Black Metal Dahlia
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Keratin Perfect: KERATIN SLEEK FLATIRON REVIEW

Are you looking for the perfect flatiron? I'm so excited to tell you about the Keratin Perfect: Keratin Sleek flat iron.  Being that I am a licensed cosmetologist of 13 years this review is from a very professional perspective.  I will tell you exactly what I love about it.

• It goes up to 450 degrees.
• No matter what temperature setting you set it on it gets there quickly, in about 30 seconds.
• It's digital and you can set it to the temperature you desire.

  

  Digital setting up to 450 degrees

• The titanium plates glide through the hair smoothly.
• It works great on all textures, kinky, curly, wavy, straight and on commercial hair (Virgin hair and store bought extensions.      

Minus (-) and plus (+) button, along with the Power button.
Hold down to power on and off. 

I love you Keratin Sleek!
*(I was not given any compensation for this review)*

 


















I am usually not impressed by many flat irons on the market today. I can honestly say that this one takes the cake, and I am thoroughly impressed.  That says a lot, because when it comes to hair tools it takes a lot to impress me. I give the Keratin Sleek flatiron a 5 out of 5. The company also sells a wide variety of at-home haircare products.  Click on the name to order yours today and enjoy FREE shipping on all orders over $100.
--> Keratin Perfect: Keratin Sleek Flat Iron.     

Season 4 of Love and Hip Hop:(TARA) TARANASHA WALLACE

Photo courtesy of VH1

photo courtesy of VH1

      I am pleased to announce my newest venture on this hair and makeup journey.  She is one of the new faces on season 4 of Love and Hip Hop, her name is Taranasha.  Taranasha is a McComb, Mississippi native who came to the Big Apple to pursue a career in acting.  She is a combination of "Brains and Beauty" with a degree in Dramatic Arts from well known HBCU, Jackson State University  and a MFA in acting from the world-reknown New York Actors Studio Drama School. She is also the longtime girlfriend of Peter Gunz and together they have two beautiful sons.  I have had and continue to have the pleasure of being her personal hairstylist working with her putting together different hairstyles for her appearances on the show.  I call her the "Queen of the BOB." And in my opinion she wears it well.  She is the true epitome of a southern belle, well spoken and extremely kind-hearted. The season premiere starts October 28th on VH1. Tune in to see the fashion, the glitz, glamour, the drama and your NEW favorite "it" girl, TARANASHA!
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THE SCENES PHOTOS of me doing Taranasha's hair, makeup and having a great time.(click on the two links)***
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It's Just HAIR!!: My New Look for Fall 2013

My hair this past summer. It was a
"wash & go" style, purple and pinned up in
the back. 

       Hi everybody! It's been a little while since I have done a blogpost.  I have so many beautiful things in store.  I cannot wait to share with you.  I did hair for  New York Fashion Week this past September and I got to meet thee "Ms. Jay" from America's Next Top Model, (check photo below) he was amazing and very tall.  I also attended the "Stevie Boi" show that same week and it was amazing. I am doing some wonderful things that I will reveal in due time.  In the mean time I want to share with you my new look for fall.  If you follow my blog you will know that I am a hairstylist and makeup artist and I am constantly changing my look. I am a naturalista who dons weaves and other protective styles to change up my look from time to time.  After all I like to keep up with what is current and sometimes boredom sets in, so I have to change my hair.   Here are a few styles I have done over the course of the year so far. Maybe I can give you some inspiration to take the leap and do something drastically different.

This is me this summer with my hair al the way out.

Myself at NYFW2013 with the hairstyling team & thee Ms. Jay
from "America's Next Top Model."

Myself at New York Fashion Week 2013
working for TAB NYC with a twisted updo natural hairstyle.
There's one more picture left, keep scrolling.

And TA-DA!! My new look for Fall 2013. It's a frohawk with a tail in the back
I LOVE MY NEW LOOK., it's NATURALLY DOPE! It's easy and stylish! Take the plunge and do something different.
BLONDE IS IN FOR FALL, ALL SHADES OF IT.
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Fall Hair Trends 2013: Get GLAMMED!

 

Photo courtesy of  muumuse.com The "Body Party" singer/actress
is rocking messy asymmetrical bob! I love IT!

           Yes this is a post about Fall.  And yes that means summer is coming to an end.  I don't know about you but Fall is my favorite season, from the crispness in the air,  the fall fashion and most of all we cant forget the "hair!"  This season we will be revisiting the BOB!  I'm already rocking mine with my signature undercut.   Short haircuts such as the "PIXIE"are also making a bold comeback and it is accompanied by fabulous color. Hair is also going to be beautiful and untamed, that's just the way I like it!

The pixie cut is here ladies! Pick one and go for it.

The asymmetrical bob is BACK and "In Living Color."
Beyonce is donning the blonde bob, the pixie in my opinion
was NOT working in her favor.  Mix it up this fall with a few highlights to
add dimension and flair,
big curls, wispy ends and even a Braided pompadour. 

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