Tag: naturalhaircare

Unice Kinky Straight Wig Review: It’s Giving NATURAL Hair!

Featured by Queen SueSue, posted in Fashion/Beauty, Modest Model Mondays

Winter does not end until March 20th. Snowy days are still upon us. With snow, the moisture from the air combined with your hair’s natural moisture can cause damage. It can also make kinky hair shrink. Deep conditioning treatments are a must during this season. Wrapping your hair and wearing protective styles such as a wig can prevent hair breakage.

UNice is a hair company that specializes in creating premium quality hair wigs that are natural and affordable. Their 5 core values are community, premium quality, diversity, craftsmanship, and innovation. They place value on the belief that there should be no boundaries when it comes to fashion. I’m a huge fan of theirs and love natural-looking wigs. Let’s review their popular Kinky Straight Wig.

Overview

UNice’s hair’s mission is to give people the confidence to feel beautiful. Once you feel beautiful on the outside, it lifts your self-esteem. Fashion is transformative. They aim to give their customers that transformation so they can become trendsetters and fearless leaders. You can save by using their coupons and many have praised their hair products.

The online store is set up with a simple design and layout. Different types of wigs/extensions are listed under their various categories. In celebration of their 7th year anniversary, they are offering an abundance of discount codes.

Advantages Of UNice Kinky Straight Hair

Image Credit: Youtube

The packaging is very appealing. It comes in a luxurious box with the wig wrapped individually. Delivery time is short. Online ordering is easy to use.

UNice Kinky Straight Wig comes in different styles. You can get the “Feel Air Flow”, “4C Curly Edge”, “Glueless New U-Part”, “Super Fine HD Invisible Glueless Lace”, “Air Wig 4×4 Closure”, “Beginner Friendly V Part”, “Air Wig Adjustable Breathable And Open Cap”, and “13×4 Lace Front”. You can also choose between the color black, or reddish-brown. The discounts range from 15-20% off. Some wigs are “buy one, get one free“.

Hair Quality

All of UNice Kinky Straight Wigs are made of 100% human hair. If you decide to buy a V Part, it will perfectly blend with your hair. The density is 150%.  

Since it is human hair you can choose to color it if you desire. From looking at the hair strands, you can tell that they are healthy and moisturized.

Hairline

Image Credit: Beauty And Braids

You can choose to have a leave-out, closure, or lace. You can protect your hair by moisturizing your scalp before application. Make sure to take your wig off before bed and shampoo your hair regularly. Leaving your baby hairs out will lead to less irritation on your natural hair.

Density

Image Credit: Youtube

The density for all of their kinky straight wigs is 150%-180%. This means that the hair exceeds in fullness and volume. 150% is a nice density for ladies who want a classy, voluminous look. This style will give you a lot of bounce, body, and movement. The highest density a wig can have is 250%. 

Cap Size

The cap size of their wigs varies. It ranges from 4×4 to 13×4. You can use a measuring tape to measure your head before buying so that you can buy the right fit. Gusty winds can blow your hair all around so securing it under a wig cap is a great option.

Reviews

Image Credit: Monet Dior Couture

Here are what some of UNice customers have to say about their Kinky Straight Wigs:

“It’s giving natural hair! Very beautiful texture. This is not transparent lace but it has a brownish tint to it which I can appreciate. This wig is definitely big-head friendly. You can style this hair however you want to.”- Tesha Marie, Beauty Vlogger

“Most realistic kinky straight hair wig. It’s definitely giving! UNice hair has been coming through with the pre-plucked units.”- Hypnotic Laadyy, Beauty Vlogger

FAQs

Is UNice a legit company?

Yes, UNice is a legitimate company. In addition to their online store, they have physical stores in Culver City, CA, and Brooklyn, NY. 

Can the hair be flat ironed?

For long-term use, it is not advised that you frequently flat iron the hair. Using high-temperature steam can damage the pattern. 

Are payment plans offered?

Yes, you can use Klarna, Afterpay, Zip, or Sezzle to pay in 4 interest-free payments if you can’t afford the full price. 

Overall, UNice Kinky Straight Wig is a great quality wig for a low price. Its simple and easy application makes it perfect for beginners. 

With 4c hair, finding a wig that matches your hair texture can be difficult. Many customers have verified that their kinky wigs seamlessly blend in with their curly hair texture.

Changing your hair is a breeze with a wig that is thick and full of density. With rain and snow on the horizon, you won’t regret purchasing a UNice Kinky Straight Wig.

What has been your experience with UNice Wigs? Feel free to comment below!

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Business Spotlight! | Nadula

Featured by Queen SueSue, posted in Thrifty Thursdays

The Fall season is here. The autumn leaves are sprinkling the ground with vibrant colors. With the cold weather upon us, it can take time to bundle up. But not only does your body need protection. Your natural hair does as well.

Too much cold hair can make your hair dry and brittle. Sometimes you need to give your natural hair a break and let it grow under a weave. Nadula is a top-brand hair seller that can get you styled and dolled up for this time of year.

Luxury Hair At A Discount

You deserve to slay at an affordable price. Nadula prides itself on durable hair that is trendy and always at a discount. From October 19-21st you can even get up to $30 off. They have wig products in 12 categories and have been sold in more than 50 countries on every continent of the world. When you sign up, they even offer a “Spin To Win” advantage, where you can get a $10 off coupon or a 10% off coupon. If you want a coupon package, simply go to their website, scan the code, and contact them on Whatsapp. By doing that you can receive up to an $80 coupon package. 

Stylish Wigs

Wigs are a rad way to try something new without having to spend hours to install. It is exciting to know that Nadula Hair has innovated the TL412 lace frontal wig. Many wig brands have tried to adopt their style and match up to their authenticity, but they are the first to have a unique wig that looks real, natural, smooth, soft, and dynamic. 

It is no surprise that they would have such a huge following because they are so versatile when it comes to wigs. Whether you need a glueless wig, a lace wig, a half wig, or different highlighted wigs, Nadula has you covered.  Click here to get a glueless wig of top quality. 

Bundles Galore

I know so many Queens that already have a beautiful crown of hair. But maybe you have a special event coming up in your life. Your wedding anniversary with your longtime boo or a recent job promotion. Why not celebrate by adding some razzle dazzle to your hair?

Nadula can come to your rescue with kinky straight lace wig extensions, Brazilian curly hair, Indian mink hair, etc. Adequately moisturize your natural hair before sewing in any weave.  

What’s Trending Now

On their site what’s hot right now is the autumn colors. You know how the leaves change to a reddish, orange hue? This season’s colors are selling like hotcakes right now. 

Give your natural hair a vacation. It needs some downtime to revive itself from excessive wind and wear and tear. Weaves are a form of enhancement that accentuates our beauty. Give Nadula a try. Their motto is “Be Confident, Be Bold, Be You”. In 2017, Queen Naija signed as a Brand Ambassador. Since 2020, they have had over 1 million happy members. Judging from the endless amount of good reviews that they get online, their hair is worth the purchase.

My Loc Journey

Featured by Queen SueSue, posted in Fashion/Beauty, Lifestyle, Woman Hair Crush Wednesdays

By: Queen SueSue

I have been natural for 7 years now. WOW. It definitely has been an uphill battle, but I would not change a thing. I have learned a lot about 4c hair, maintenance, what not to use, and loc repair. I also feel closer to my African roots and conscious of my ancestor’s findings. 

Many have jumped on the bandwagon simply because locs now is a trending hairstyle. I chose it because it aligned with my free spirit and gives me more free time. I want to extend some seeds of wisdom so others can learn from my milestones and mistakes. 

Don’t Be a Product Junkie

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

It is relatable that hair products have a special type of allure. The sweet smell. The moisturizing texture. The model with picture-perfect hair posing on the front of the bottle. Don’t binge on tests/trials with too many hair products. The buildup will be hard to get out of your locs. 

You don’t want to overspend on hair products when you know that the natural route was meant for simplicity. Think of oils that you love to use for your food. Olive oil, jojoba oil, and black seed oil are all perfect ingredients to add to a bottle of water. Lightly spritz your hair to retain moisture and then let it be. Too much manipulation can be detrimental. 

Self-Love Your Roots

Photo by Joshua Mcknight on Pexels.com

To each his own, but I often get perplexed by those who claim they love their hair but perm their baby edges! Like what? You can’t nourish one part of your hair while chemically frying the outline. That sounds like an oxymoron to me.

Investing in self-love can save you from financial ruin in the future. If you want to retire comfortably or even early, you have to start teaching yourself how to budget. Love the natural beauty you were born with. Be self-aware of the educational expenses you can cover when less is spent on outward appearance. 

Learn Loc Lingo

Image Credit: achievement.org

You can’t just rely solely on a loctician. Do needed research so you can find which type of locs you prefer. So far there are:

  • Two Stand Twists
  • Comb Coils
  • Braids
  • Interlocking
  • Semi-free form
  • Free-form

I started my locs with comb coils, then transitioned to interlocking. And now I’m maintaining a semi-freeform look. It’s giving Lauryn Hill vibes. More of thick bushy curls, versus a manicured scalpy look.

Concluding Thoughts

When I think of the pain my ancestors went through, I often wonder as a descendant why add more? Wigs are ok from time to time, but the constant pain of pulling, weaving, perming, or ironing 4c hair is a road I’d rather not travel on ever again. Next up on my loc journey is a much-needed trimming and loc repair. An enriching protein treatment. Possible dark coloring to cover up lint/buildup. But nothing major. 

Ultimately, I want all of my Queens to have healthy hair. Rock styles that stay true and authentic to you. Live your best natural life.

Would you like to start a loc journey yourself? If you have, how is it going?

The Chinese Exploitation of Black Beauty

Featured by Queen SueSue, posted in Fashion/Beauty
Image Credit: Radii China

Just this Monday, June 20th was World Refugee Day. The United Nations created an international day to celebrate and honor refugees from around the world. While African countries welcome European and Middle Eastern refugees with open hands, migrants from the motherland routinely receive the cold shoulder. To the woke eye, this is very disheartening.

I am an avid watcher of World News. My journalistic mindset never wavers even when I go through writer’s block. I keenly view snippets of BBC News Africa online. One series that delves deep is called “BBC Africa Eye”. In a recent episode, I watched in horror as Chinese filmmaker Lu Ke casually exploited village kids in Malawi. Children that were clearly supposed to be in school were being taught to say insults in Chinese such as “My IQ is low” and “I am a black monster”. He was exposed by an undercover journalist and later arrested.

Image of Lu Ke Credit: BBC Africa Eye

Incidents of the Chinese race exploiting the Black race are not new. I see that almost every time I walk into a beauty/hair supply store. As a Grand Rapids resident, I can think of 5 local beauty/hair supply stores that cater to the black race, with black hair care products filling the shelves. I frequently shop at all of them, and it is obvious that they are mostly owned by Chinese people. When you are “shopping while black”, assumptions are made. Being profiled as a potential shoplifter is to be expected. That is why online stores have become a safe space for women of color. No one wants to feel like they are being watched while searching for their favorite hairspray.

Photo by Godisable Jacob

While black women in the U.S worry about racial profiling, black women within the African diaspora face even bigger issues. The market for human hair is booming. The African hair care business is a multi-billion dollar industry, with an estimated $1.1 billion being spent on shampoos, relaxers, and hair lotions in South Africa, Nigeria, and Cameroon alone.

China owns 70% of human hair factories. Black salons make 80% of their income from human hair products. While the Black community spends a lot of their earnings on human hair extensions, most of that money goes back into the hands of the Asian community.

The Asian Advantage

Image Credit: SupChina

Any black beauty enthusiast would feel puzzled at the harsh reality of where most of our shopping revenue goes. From the surface level, it would appear that we do support each other. I have attended many pop-up business events where black-owned businesses received consumers from the black community in an abundance. So what is giving so many Chinese beauty shop owners the upper hand?

Because China is universally the epicenter of where a lot of products are made, Chinese people can get products for extremely cheap based on their connections. 

The average black woman’s path to entrepreneurship is not peaches and cream. You don’t automatically have connections. To succeed in a short amount of time you would need to have ample start-up funds. And even then, to get a low price you would have to either form partnerships overseas or with a Chinese vendor.

This has created a low percentage of black women who own small beauty supply stores. Less than 10 percent to be exact. It is as if our Queens are fighting for a piece of pie that we never really had fair access to, to begin with.

An Easier Alternative

A lower-cost alternative to trying to start a beauty supply store is buying a hair vending machine. These machines cost as low as $9,995 and can be leased for as little as $249 a month (with good credit of course). That is less than half of what it would cost you to start a beauty supply store. Place it in a popular high-traffic area and you are looking at making $500 up to $2,000 a month.

Also, the cool thing about vending machines is that you can put whatever product you want. It can be handmade products or popular name brand products. And there are chains of vending machines like Tress Obsessed Beauty Vending that specifically stock beauty products for WOC. 

Where there is a will, there is a way. Many WOC are creating unique hair products from the kitchen of their own homes. We are constantly inventing new effective methods to treat and care for natural hair. And we are here for it. We are here for diversity, inclusivity, and profiting from our black beauty. 

Y’all my African Beauty And Braids blog has organically gained 1,000 followers and over 900 likes on Facebook! Woot, woot! Feel free to comment below and let me know what topics in the realm of African Beauty And Braids you want to get addressed. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” ― Maya Angelou

Business Spotlight: Curls Queen

by Queen SueSue, posted in Fashion/Beauty, Modest Model Mondays

During these hot summer months, sometimes we need a break from wearing our hair out. Extensions offer the unique advantage of versatility and protection. Finding extensions that match a tight coily hair texture can be a task. Curls Queen online hair store provides textured human hair extensions, wigs, and ponytails. They offer high-grade human hair with at least a 6-month lifespan. Our lives can get hectic, and styling natural hair does take time. With Curls Queen extensions, you’ll be out the door in no time!

Vlogger Ms. Naturally Mary Rocking Curls Queen Extensions

Advantages of Yaki Clip-Ins

When worn properly, clip-ins are a great way to add volume and length to your natural hair. You can use them as a reference as to how long your natural hair can grow with added time and correct maintenance. They won’t feel too heated or add too much weight to your scalp. Do you have commitment issues? Yaki clip-ins can give you the chance to experiment with the type of hairstyles you want to try.

Vlogger Porsche Lua Showing Off Her Curls Queen Clip-Ins

Flexible. Growth stages while embarking on this natural hair journey can vary from person to person. Some women of color can grow long hair naturally in a matter of months, while others’ growth can take years. Yaki hair matches 4c curls while giving you a “wow” factor that you want during date night or special events.

Confidence builder. Your hair can reach lengths that you haven’t reached before if you regularly keep it covered in a protective style. Curly hair can quickly get tangled, dry, and overwhelming. Yaki-clip-ins can cover your natural hair, giving it a shield from the sun and other natural elements. The added length is also a confidence booster. Clip-ins can enhance your natural beauty. Have you ever had a bad hair day and no amount of frizz control could contain your hair? Try clip-ins. It is worth the purchase.

No heat is needed. A lot of naturalists will admit that in the past the constant use of curling irons did cause burns to their scalp and breakage to their strands. Curling irons when not used in moderation can fry your hair. Clip-ins don’t require any heated devices. Once you know what your hair type is, you will see that Curls Queen has hair extensions that blend in with kinky hair. No hassle, no pain.

Drawstring Ponytails Are Beneficial

Beginner-friendly options are all the rage since many are jumping on the self-care bandwagon. With a Curls Queen Convert-Cap Wig, you have the benefit of an easy hairstyle that can be done in a few minutes. You can cornrow your hair and add a ponytail. Using the rubber band or threading option also works. Or french twist your hair into a drawstring ponytail. The styling options are limitless. 

Image Credit: Curls Queen

Custom-made design. Be authentically you with a style that brings out your face the most. With drawstring ponytails, you can sleek your hair back and wear your hair up. This is a perfect look for professional business settings. And you don’t have to worry about it feeling too tight. Curls Queen has a breathable and flexible cap that you can simply place over your natural ponytail. It comes in different lengths and colors, so you can order one that best suits you.

Versatility. With an updo comes the use of headbands, scarves, and hair accessories. Almost anything you can think of. It can adapt to many looks. Curls Queen Converti-Cap Wig has many uses. Its adjustable drawstring can stretch or shrink to fit your hair. It is made with human hair, so you can rest assured that it is high-quality. 

Washable. Keeping extensions clean is imperative to your hairstyles lasting long. It is not recommended that you do not blow-dry extensions, because it can cause major hair fallout. Just wet the clip-ins thoroughly. Purchase sulfate-free shampoo to rinse your clip-ins with. After washing with shampoo, allow your extensions to sit in a conditioner for at least 10-15 minutes. Rinse out and gently comb your hair. Then hang it up for air dry. It is advised to only wash hair extensions every 4 to 6 weeks. Hair extensions do not receive natural oils as natural hair does. They also are more liable to breakage. So using a wide-tooth comb when styling is best.

Curls Queen has many positive reviews and ideal textures for African hair. Whether you have 3a or 4b hair, need light yaki to coarse yaki, or a coarse kinky blowout, you can use them as a one-stop-shop for hair extensions. 

Have you tried out clip-in extensions for your natural hair before? Sound off below!

Edge Naturale: Trust It Or Trash it?

by Queen SueSue, posted in Fashion/Beauty, Thrifty Thursdays

Your edges, commonly referred to as baby hairs, are the most delicate strands on your head. They grow along your hairline. You have to keep them protected to prevent losing them because your edges help to frame your face. 

When your protective style is too tight your edges will be damaged. I have had thinning edges from wearing protective wigs that were too tight for my head. Using Edge Naturale follicle enhancer was a great choice. It has helped me to grow not only my edges but also other problem areas.

How Do Edges Get Damaged?

So many factors can affect the healthiness of your edges. Hair loss can be caused by alopecia, which is a condition that results in your hair falling out in small patches. Tension from tight overprotective hairstyles can suffocate your follicles. Hormonal changes and chemical damage like perms can create hair breakage. Nutritional deficiencies can attack the immune system, which can lead to hair loss as well.

Visible hair loss can cause you to be stressed, have low self-esteem, and feel anxious. Trying to cover and hide your edges can cause more harm than good. It is best to look for a solution that is affordable and safe. 

What Makes Edge Naturale Trustworthy?

So many expensive hair product companies make products that don’t deliver. You can end up becoming a hair product junkie, spending way too much on products that are full of chemicals, and fail your expectations. Edge Naturale Follicle Enhancer is easy to use, isn’t costly, and has natural ingredients. Essential oils can keep your hairline moisturized. Edge Naturale contains Argan and Jojoba oils. Argan oil is full of antioxidants and vitamin E. It can help to soothe a dry and itchy scalp. Jojoba oil contains vitamin B, vitamin C, copper, and zinc. It strengthens your hair. Edge Naturale has a unique blend of cruelty-free, naturally sourced elements that promote hair growth.

Easy To Use

Edge Naturale can be easily added to your hair regimen. Simply:

  1. Cleanse your edges and your problem areas with a warm, damp cloth. 
  2. Apply a thin layer of the follicle enhancer to your hair.
  3. Gently massage it in.

And that’s it! In only 30 days you should see results.

My Personal Results

I tried Edge Naturale with a skeptical mindset. I am always trying and testing hair products to see what will work for my locs and some products have not given many results. They just left me with a buildup and a headache. While using Edge Naturale I immediately felt a soothing sensation. It smells great. I applied it every day and I could see a difference after about a month of usage. My edges have grown back and my problem areas, mainly around the middle of my head have grown back. And the new growth is thick and soft.

I would personally recommend Edge Naturale Follicle Enhancer to anyone who needs help with hair growth, especially around their edges. It’s an amazing follicle stimulant cream that delivers results. 

Do you like what you see? Then try out this edge reviving formula: https://edgenaturale.com/products/follicle-enhancer

What Everyone Must Know About Coronavirus And Hair

by Queen SueSue, posted in Around The World Saturdays, Fashion/Beauty, Lifestyle

Coronavirus. A deadly virus that is being compared to the Spanish flu. With the worldwide death toll surging past 11,000, many are heeding government commands. Social distancing is being practiced. Schools are closing down for weeks. Millions are without work. Within the service industry hairstylists are having to deal with their businesses slowing down. What exactly is coronavirus? How can we protect our hair and still support our hairstylists?

Coronavirus – A New Deadly Disease

man in isolation holding a placard with coronavirus text
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

The World Health Organization has declared that the coronavirus disease is a new strain that has never existed in humans before 2019. It is classified as a zoonotic, meaning that the transmission began between animals and people. Researchers have concluded that it started in Asia, and got transmitted from civet cats/ dromedary camels to humans.

Signs of infection include:

  • respiratory symptoms
  • fever
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • breathing difficulties

Getting an infection can cause:

  • pneumonia
  • severe acute respiratory syndrome
  • kidney failure
  • death

Worldwide it is being advised that extra precautions be taken to prevent this infection from spreading. These are the safety measures that we must take:

  • Regularly washing hands
  • Social distancing
  • Covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze
  • Thoroughly cooking your meat/eggs
  • Staying indoors as much as possible
  • Avoiding contact with anyone that is coughing or sneezing.

If you are coughing and sneezing, you should contact your doctor immediately. It can be a sign of respiratory illness which is associated with coronavirus.

Can Coronavirus Live On My Hair?

Experts have found out that the virus can last for hours, even days, on certain surfaces. For example, the coronavirus can live on steel and plastic for days. These are considered smooth surfaces. Hair is a porous surface, which means liquid can easily wash through it. So its more likely that the virus will not live on hair as long as other surfaces. But there is still a possibility. If someone sneezed on your hair and tested positive for Corona, you could catch it through involuntary contact. That is why many hairstylist salons are temporarily shutting down.

How Can I Still Keep My Hair Styled?

woman in white shirt beautifying herself despite the outbreak
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

It is advised that we avoid contact from others for the time being, and that includes hair salons. Salons and barbershops attract large groups of people. But that does not mean that we should let our hair become wild. Many hairstylists are doing house calls. So we can invite our beautician over. Double-check to make sure their equipment is properly sanitized. Also, make sure that you wash your hair daily.

Practice washing your hands as much as possible. Learn how to do simple hairstyles while staying at home. Spread the word and encourage others to carry a hand sanitizer.

Another way you can still support your hairstylist is by pre-booking in advance. Do you really need to dye your hair right away? Can you wear a protective hairstyle in the meantime? If we do not help small businesses out, service industries could take a big hit. Keeping businesses from slowing down, while being careful when it comes to our health, will do wonders for the community.

Sources:

Featured Image Credit- Getty

https://www.today.com/style/can-coronavirus-live-hair-here-s-what-experts-want-you-t176524

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/coronavirus-skin-hair-nails_l_5e73ce08c5b6eab77944be05

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2020/03/20/coronavirus-hairstylists-making-house-calls-what-you-need-know/2870480001/

 

Fabulous Natural Hairstyles That Are Trending In 2020

by Queen SueSue, posted in Fashion/Beauty, Woman Hair Crush Wednesdays

The year 2020 has ushered in new fads and crowd-pleasing hairdos. So hold your applause while we go over the top hairstyles that many Queens will be rocking in 2020.

The Braided Bob

back view photo of woman in denim outfit leaning against metal fence
Photo by Christine Cerdan on Pexels.com

Many braiders will be busy this winter season because the braided bob will be a must-have protected hairstyle. Are you feeling like the Egyptian ruler Cleopatra? Then throw in some gold beads to make your hair pop. Embellished braids are also a hot look. Adding color and/or hair ornaments will make you stand out as unique. Don’t forget to keep your moisturizer close by. If you do not moisturize your hair while they are in braids your natural hair will break off. Shorter braids mean less time sitting at the salon. That is why the braided bob is in high demand.

Textured Bang

shallow focus photo of woman wearing denim top
Photo by Marlon Schmeiski on Pexels.com

Bangs don’t only have to be worn with straight hair. Many who have curly textured hair are cutting the front section of their hair to create bangs. To add some flair, you can put your hair in cornrows and let your forehead be covered with beautiful curls. And if your hair is already short then there is no need to get scissors.

microlocs
Image Credit: Youtube

Micro Locs

Micro braids used to be a popular option for women of color. It gives off a professional vibe and can be styled in many ways. But now with the natural hair movement in full effect, many are opting for micro locs. Women of color are the leading demographic in the United States to own a small business. We do not have the time to spend hours in a chair installing micro braids. We want faster alternatives. Micro locs look neater than traditional locs and have more versatility. They can be started by creating tiny braids, twists, or interlocking.

Structured Cuts

shallow focus photo of man wearing green sweater
Photo by Daniel Adesina on Pexels.com

When marches for fair equality were in full effect, both male and female African Americans would proudly wear full afros. To end Jim Crow laws blacks would march the busiest streets in the country to slow traffic and business revenue. Their afros could be seen from far away. Now with hair color being more advanced, structured cuts are being used on afros. The same way a gardener would trim a bush is the same way our afros are being worn with individuality.

Wet N’ Wavy Hair

wetwavy
Image Credit: Youtube

The “I just got out of the shower and don’t have time to blow dry my hair” look will continue to trend in 2020. You can slick it back with a Cantu styling product. Pairing it with feline eyeshadow will surely make heads turn. It is a very easy look to maintain and it does not require that your hair is drenched in water. After your hair is washed as you go about your day, the H2O will eventually dry up. So you have to use a product like Super Wet Gel that will give your hair a long-lasting wet look. To find a product that works for you will take some trial and error. But it’s worth the research.

Did you like what you just read? Then get in touch! Shoot me an email if you need content for your blog.

Sources:

https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curls/the-top-8-natural-hair-trends-expect-to-see-everywhere-in-2020

The Runway Has Spoken and 2020 Natural Hair Trends Are Seriously Stunning

https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/afro-hair-trends-2020

 

Ten Affordable Products You Can Use On 4C Hair

by Queen SueSue, posted in Fashion/Beauty, Thrifty Thursdays

Are you just entering the world of natural hair? Are you worried about wearing your curls because of the maintenance involved? Once you have a clear understanding of what 4c hair is and know what products you can buy at a low cost, navigating the world of natural hair will become easier. You will learn to love your 4c hair.

Understanding 4C Hair

In the beauty world, hair types are put into categories. The sections range from Type 2 to 4. Hair type 2 is relatively straight hair. Hair type 3 consists of wavy curl patterns.Hair type 4 curls are more profound. Their distinct curls can be compared to a Z.

Within each hair type, there are subcategories. Type 4 subcategories are 4A, 4B, and 4C. Tightly coiled type 4 curls are harder to take care of because of how fragile tight curls can be. Type 4c hair is the most challenging type of hair because it is coarse, needs constant moisture, swiftly can get dry, can shrink quickly from humidity, and does not have many definitions. In this context, the term definition means varied forms of change. When you wash other types of hair with no products added, the hair might be easier to manage. When it comes to 4c hair though, hair washes alone will not take the kinks out. This type of hair also has a shrinkage of more than 75 percent. So even if your hair has grown three inches, it may only look like 1 inch of growth unless you use a stretching technique.

Hair Products That You Can Afford For Natural Hair

It is universally known that 4C hair is the most fragile so it can easily damage or break. It can be compared to a delicate vase or fine china. When you are moving and packing glass, you make sure that the glass is covered with large amounts of newspaper or tissue so that the glass does not shatter. Likewise, those of us with 4c hair that is constantly on the go must protect our delicate strands with hydration and moisture.

  1. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With The Mother 

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    Image Credit: Amazon

    Apple Cider Vinegar is a big savior that is praised by many natural hair care bloggers. What makes it ideal is the fact that it is a safer alternative to traditional shampoos. It has no harsh chemicals and does not strip the hair of its natural curls. You have to dilute it with water before rinsing it through your hair. You can buy it from Amazon for only $8.16.

  2. Indian Healing Clay 100% Natural Bentonite Clay

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    Image Credit : Revelist

    Bentonite Clay has been raved about because it effectively removes build-up from your hair. It adds definition to your coils and can leave your hair feeling soft. It can be brought from Amazon for $10.95.

  3. Africa’s Best Hair Mayonnaise

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    Image Credit: Africa’s Best Hair

    This product sells at many beauty supply stores for about $4. It is a deep conditioner full of olive oil and egg protein. It is designed to seal in moisture and strengthen your hair.

  4. Mega Moist Conditioner

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    Image Credit : Amazon

    Priced at 4.94 at Walmart, this conditioner will protect your strands from extreme humidity. With ingredients like Australian aloe, sea kelp, and jojoba oil, detangling will be easy.

  5. African Shea Butter 100% Natural

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    Image Credit: Amazon

    Shea Butter is a great sealant for kinky hair. Some say that it is most effective when used in its raw form. If you apply it from the root to the tip while your hair is still wet it will lock in moisture. You can buy it on Amazon for $5.39.

  6. Hollywood Beauty Olive Oilolive oil A hair product that can be found in many beauty supply stores, this oil is a great scalp treatment that will not clog your pores. It can be purchased on Amazon for $9.93.
  7. Jamaican Black Castor Oil Jamaicanblack This is a must-have for 4c hair types. The texture is very dense which guarantees that your moisture will be locked in. Rubbing it regularly into your scalp promotes hair growth. You can find it on Amazon for $12.34.
  8. Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizerkeratin This product is sold at Sally Beauty for $6.69. The keratin protein stops breakage, builds body, and protects color.
  9. Creamy Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion

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    Image Credit : Amazon

    If you want to use heat styling on your hair, this lotion can protect against the high amount of heat. It also won’t leave any sticky buildup in your hair. It can be brought from Amazon.com for only $6.37.

  10. Wild Growth Hair Oil

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    Image Credit : Facebook

    A personal favorite for many, this rich plant-based formula conditions and softens hard to manage hair. It promotes strong, thick hair growth and has many great reviews. It only costs $7.82 at Walmart.

” A black woman without her kinks is like a leopard without spots.”- Island Naturals

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The Master Loctician: Jewel Richardson

by Queen SueSue, posted in Fashion/Beauty, Woman Hair Crush Wednesdays

West Michigan is a melting pot full of many different cultures, ethnicities, and personalities. But what really makes Michiganders stand out from the rest is the amount of creative professionals we have. Look on the tag of any product and you will see the “Made In Michigan” sign . The natural hairstyle movement is producing many unique creative hairstylists in the Grand Rapids area. Very frequently you can see an event created that shows off our local Queens rocking their afros, coils, and locs. In this interview, light is shed on Ms. Jewel Richardson, my loctician, who is an amazing master loctician.

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How long have you been natural? Why did you choose to go natural?

I have been natural for 30 years. Freedom is why I choose to be natural. I want to love myself the way I was born. If you are choosing chemicals then you are choosing not to be the way you were born.

How did your family and friends feel about you going natural?

My mother was happy. My family was raised that way so it was not seen as a huge deal. I went natural after I left Grand Rapids and went to Atlanta. My friends were not really fond of it, so it was when I changed my environment that I changed my viewpoint.

What products do you use for your hair?

Light oils for my scalp. I only shampoo my hair twice a year. I clean it once in a while because the oil and grease buildup is a protection to my hair. Aloe. And oils. Water contains acid and dries your hair. Oils will seal in and moisturise your hair. Mousse. Daily hair and scalp rejuvenating spray if I want to twist and wrap it. Styling: bobby pins, headwraps, and cloths. I flat iron my locs because you can do everything with locs beside comb it.

What accessories do you like to use on your locs?

Cowry shells, pony beads.

What must have products should every natural hair Queen have?

Must have products is Aloe. Chocolate indie b mask, chocolate conditioner. Shea butter is a product that you can use in many ways. You can press and twist natural hair with shea butter.

What is your mission as a hairstylist?

Being an example of loving myself the way I was made. Having the opportunity to educate and encourage. When I am talking about natural hair, I am more specific to Type 2- Type 8. It is the people who have a Curl, or an S or a 2 to their hair. Straight hair has different needs and desires. Most people of color can not look at their hair in the mirror for 30 minutes without having a hatred for their hair. Embrace your natural hair.

Her website and information about her salon can be found here : http://msjewelsnaturalhaircare.com

Some of her work:

 

Not only is Ms. Jewel a hairstylist, she is also a activist, a poet, a mother, and a dancer. She founded West Michigan Jewels of Africa, a traditional African dance and drum Troop. Her love for people, natural hair, and our community is very commendable.

African Beauty And Braids blog has been featured on blog.feedspot.com as one of the Top 50 Natural Hair Blogs and Websites For Black Women in 2019 !!!  It ranked at number 45. (https://blog.feedspot.com/natural_hair_blogs/) Thanks for all of the likes and shares. It is my dream to get it to be a part of the top 10 natural hair blogs in the world in 5 years or less. Through more content, adding a subscription, creating ebooks, a newsletter, getting it monetized, and increasing my viewership/readers, this can be attainable. Much love to all of my supporters. Much love to all of my Queens around the world. Always remember: you are beautiful, you are smart, and you are important.