Thursday, May 27, 2010

Curls By Sisters Smith

CURLS BY SISTERS SMITH


A reader recently suggested I check out the company Curls by Sisters Smith I check out the site and became very interested in their products.

Curls By SisterS smith...don't forget the s ;)

"Curls By Sisters Smith offers a natural line of hair care products for people with curly, coily, nappy, knotty and all other matters of boingy hair."


Curls by Sisters Smith has natural products for curly hair and dry cracked skin. Their Body Butters are made with cocoa and shea butters and fortified with Vitamin E, to help put an end to dry skin!

This is what Curls by Sisters Smith has to say:


"I chopped off the last of my relaxer 5 years ago. Immediately, I noticed a lack of commercially available ‎products for naturally curly hair. The few products I did manage to find were WAY to expensive for my ‎budget. So, I spent months researching the needs for natural curly hair and good hair care in general and ‎put my biology and chemistry background to good use to create my own products. I take great pride in ‎my products – each one is handmade"


For questions about what products are right for you send a consultation request e-mail to the Sisters Smith. Click on the link at the bottom right hand side of the page. Be sure to describe your hair's physical texture and your hair's needs

Now on Facebook!



Visit the Curls By Sisters Smith Facebook Fan Page for special offers and announcements.

 
 
 
Curls by Sisters Smith would like to offer one lucky reader a trial of their products:

Winner will receive:

Quick Fix Spritz

Another top seller. Use on wet hair as a leave-in conditioner, or on dry hair has a refresher for "2nd day hair". Many customers enjoy the Quick Fix Spritz as a finishing spray. This formula combats frizz and adds a beautiful shine to your hair. Most importantly, hair stays soft and moisturized all day long! Comes in a reusable 8oz spray bottle.

Ingredients: Quick Fix Spritz: water, glycerin, aloe, almond-infused castor oil, cetyl alcohol, cetrimonium bromide, hydrolyzed keratin, polymethocy bicyclic oxadolidine, methylparaben, propylparaben, citric acid





The Rx Hot Oil Treatment is a mixture of almond, olive and coconut oil with a hint of lavender, created to give a "911" treatment to dry, stressed hair. Some customers use the Rx as a finishing product, smoothed over their hair or on the ends of hair before or after styling to lock in moisture and prevent frizz. 1oz




To Enter: Visit the Curls By Sisters Smith Shop

Leave a comment below stating which product (besides those mentioned above) that you would like to try.

(Optional) Additonal entries: For additional entries into this giveaway, complete any of the following and make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry

  • Follow Curls by Sisters Smith on Facebook
  • Follow Hair with Purpose on Facebook
  • Follow Hair with Purpose on twitter
  • Follow this blog
  • Tweet about this giveaway on twitter (1 entry per day)
  • Blog about this giveaway and include this giveaway link.
Giveaway ends June 7 at 12pm.
 One winner will be selected at random (using random.org)
please note:You have 72 hours after winner is posted to send your contact info. to life.w.purpose@gmail.com. If this is not received in that time period a new winner will be selected.

Please direct any giveaway questions to life.w.purpose@gmail.com


Thanks so much to Curls by Sisters Smith for the generous giveaway!!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Beija Flor Naturals "Creme Brulee" review




Creme Brulee for kinks, curls and coils




What Beija Flor has to say:

This product is for the happy and nappy, cute and coily, wild and wavy, kinky, curly...well you get the picture! No matter what your ethnic background, if the hair that sits on top of your head can be described as such you know that highly textured hair in all its glory tends to be dry, brittle and prone to breakage.


Our Creme Brulee is an everyday leave-in moisturizer with ingredients hand selected for beautiful healthy hair. The formula starts with an infusion of healing herbs such as rosemary, burdock and Marshmallow root. Murumuru Butter, Aloe butter, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and Grapeseed oil add shine, moisture and protection.
In total, an infusion of 13 premium natural ingredients create a light cream texture that is perfect for all natural hair types. When used on wet or dry hair, the Creme Brulee can actually change the texture of your hair from straw to silk making it soft and manageable.

The Creme Brulee for Kinks, Curls and Coils is...

Not heavy, Non-sticky, greasy
65% organic, 100% Natural, 100% Vegan
Good for afros, wash and gos, twists, braids and children styles
Curls, Waves and Coils of all textures
Those transitioning to natural hair
Dry, damaged, color treated hair



Suggested Usage: Apply in sections to clean damp hair. This is a stand alone product that acts as both a light styler and moisturizer. It could also be used under another styler or gel.

Our Experience:

The first thing I noticed was the awesome scent of Creme Brulee... J could not help herself this time, she actually tasted it!! So mommies if you're using this on a little one make sure they keep it out of their mouths!! lol

J co-washed her hair and removed excess water. I applied Creme Brulee to her damp hair and I finger combed it through. I did not need a separate detangler.





Here you can see where I have applied the Creme Brulee and finger-combed it through and where I have not yet applied it. Quite a difference, right?





Creme Brulee has a thick texture but does not weigh hair down at all. In fact if you like your curls weighed down I would recommend using a separate styling product. We did not use a separate styler because I had planned to braid J's hair the same day.




Now Normally I would use a styling product when braiding J's hair but I did not need to add anything but the Beija Flor Creme Brulee. It gave her a bit of hold for her braids and a really nice shine!! Her hair wasn't greasy or weighed down. HER HAIR SMELLED AWESOME!!!






The scent stayed in her hair, prompting all her little friends to smell her hair and request that I make their hair smell like that... lol. They said is smelled like Cinnamon Pie :) It was really cute.

I really like this product. I really like the scent and would use it when braiding J's hair or under a styling product. Creme Brulee is meant for moisturizing so if I was doing a "Wash & Go" style on J I would add another product that gives her curls more weight and definition.  For J's hair this product could not stand alone for a "wash and go".

All in all we REALLY like this product!!
MMM Treat yourself to the awesome scent of Creme Brulee!

Thanks so much to Beija Flor Naturals for allowing me to review their product!!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

More on "Dread" Locs

History of Dread Locs by Aayen:

a brief history of dread locs...

dread locs began in Jamaica amongst a very socially aware and conscious people who shared the same spiritual views (Rastafari). These people lived on the outskirts of society, partly because they were outcast, partly because they didn't believe in the corrupt and unfair ways of society in general. Locs were a statement of separatism, especially for Black people. Because for Black people to function and live in mainstream society and to be accepted by their white counterparts, it was...and is, required that the men cut their hair short and women perm their hair straight. Basically, it has never been acceptable for Black people to reveal anything of their culture, and in essence, who they are. Locs, in part, was a statement of non conformity, a way to give the white man, his laws, and his acceptance the finger. Now there is more to locs that this because there is a spirituality connected to them, and for many it is not necessarily to be rasta. However, it began in Jamaica, by Rastas, who also believe in living simply, naturally, and are vegetarians. Also ways of living and believing that do not coexist with mainstream society. Now, today, locs are different things to different people. They are not so taboo as they once were, and you may even find people with locs working as professionals at major corporations.

I think that today, for many black people who have locs, women in particular, are just coming to terms with accepting themselves for who they are and are finally embracing their beauty. I say such a thing because for generations black women have been mentally oppressed in to thinking that they are not beautiful and made to feel inferior compared to white women


"There is nothing dreadful
about dreadlocks,
except to those who despise them."

-- Prema


History of the term "Dreads" by Melissa


As far as the history of the origin of the term "dreads", its really a short story but I'm sure could be fuller with the right research. I've heard this story told by mouth and read it on a couple of sites in passing so I'm passing it along to you:


Basically when the Europeans saw the matted hair of those who wore that style that claimed that they "dreaded" the sight of the hair. They were called the "dreaded" locks b/c they "dreaded" seeing them. The slaves adopted the term and then came the term dreadlocks. I was looking back to try to give you an exact site and came across another that said the Rastafarian's coined the term for themselves b/c they wanted people to dread them because of their warrior skills.



Monday, May 24, 2010

Question from a HWP reader...Alexis

Question for you...my 14 month old daughter has my EXACT same hair type: 3b in the front, sides and nape and 3c (almost 4a) in the crown. Like most babies she is still very thin across the back of her head (but thank God it's growing in) and I was wondering if you know of anything I can do to protect that section of hair while it continues to catch up with the rest of her hair? Also, what products to use?

I've been moisturizing and styling each morning with Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner and Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion. I am wondering if Jane Carter Solution would work better on her hair as it works wonders on mine. I try to use almost all natural products on her hair but I'm afraid if I don't really nurture this section of hair it will be all the way 4a.


WHAT WOULD YOU ALL ADVISE????

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Darcy's Botanicals Review




Darcy's Botanicals
Natural & Organic Care for Naturally Curly Hair & Skin



Natural Coils Curling Jelly




* Definition
* Softness
* Sheen
* Hold
* Healthy Conditioning
* No Frizzies
* Easy Detangling
* Affordable Price


WHAT'S IN IT?
Distilled Water, Organic Aloe Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Coconut Cream, Organic Brown Rice Extract, Castor Oil, Xanthan Gum (Thickeners), Hydrolyzed Oats, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Fragrance & Sea Moss Extract.

HOW DO I USE IT?
Apply a small amount throughout wet or dry hair for hold or for an easy wash n' go style.

*Use to gently soften and detangle your natural hair .
*Use to help hold your coils & waves.
*Use to enhance & define your coils & waves
*Can use to do comb coils.
*Can also use to tame frizzies


OUR EXPERIENCE:



Natural Coils Curling Jelly is like no other product I have tried. It gives you the curl definition you want without ANY stickiness, flaking, hardness (that many gels have). My pictures really do not do it justice. J's curls were so pretty and the thing I found MOST amazing was how soft her hair felt! I have never had any type of gel dry completely and leave her hair feeling product free and sooo soft!



Natural Coils Curling Jelly has a very thin almost applesauce like texture. It has a light pleasant scent that I just can't put my finger on...it's nice though! It does spill kind of easily so be careful when opening!!



Best for curly styles and wash and go styles!!



I really can't believe the price... Darcy's Botanicals are a great value... $12.00 for a 8 oz. jar is awesome for such a great product!




Avocado & Honey Twisting Cream




Avocado & Honey Twisting Cream is excellent for braiding, twisting and adding much needed moisture to dry, coarse curls:)

This is a very thick and concentrated cream that is highly moisturizing and softening for type 3-4 coarse hair types




HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Use to moisturize and soften dry, coarse coils. Best used on type 3-4 hair types due to heavy concentration.

INGREDIENTS:
Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Distilled Water, Avocado Oil, Organic Sustainable Palm Oil, Vegetable Emulsifying Wax, Vegetable Glycerin, Panthenol, Botanical Oil Complex, Wildflower Honey, phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol, Ylang Ylang, and Lemon Essential Oils.

HOW DO I USE IT?
*Use it as a hair moisturizer to naturally condition dry curls, locs & waves.
*Use as a styling butter for twists, braids, afros, and locs.
*Use to promote healthy hair growth

OUR EXPERIENCE:

If you want a product with a little more hold for braids and twists Avocado & Honey Twisting Cream is what you need.


OK, look at these twists! They are not frizzy, they are holding together nicely (Notice no snaps or rubber bands!!!) This product is great for protective styles where you don't want to use rubber bands that can be damaging to the hair!

Avocado & Honey Twisting Cream moisturizes while adding a great hold and manageability to the hair. Ylang Ylang and Lemon adds a nice light scent! I'm Loving it!

Don't worry, this product is very thick and you won't spill a drop :)

Also, very affordable at $12.00 for an 8 oz. jar!!




I really like Darcy's Botanicals.



I love the fact that you can do something good for your hair while trying to achieve the styles you want!





Would you like to try Darcy's Botanicals??



Visit the Darcy's Botanicals Website


Leave me a comment below stating what product(s) you would like to try


I will select ONE winner at Random on June 6th, 2010 to win a Darcy's Botanicals; Curly Coils Sample pack





Curly Coils Sample Pack is an excellent way to experiment and test Darcy's Botanical products to see how they will work for you.

These are an array of products that customers have found to work well together to enhance curl definition. This one is excellent for curlies and naturals who like wash n' go styles.

Curly Coils Sample Pack includes:

2 oz Natural Coils Curling Jelly
1 oz. NEW Daily Leave-In Conditioner
1 oz. Organic Palm Fruit & Cherry Kernel Butter
1 oz. Herbal Leave-In Conditioning Spritz

(Value $25.00)


ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

After your original entry you can submit extra entries by:

  • Follow this blog and leave a comment stating that you do so.
  • Follow Hair With Purpose on Twitter and comment below
  • Follow Hair With Purpose Natural Haircare on FACEBOOK and comment below.
  • Tweet about this giveaway linking to the giveaway and leave tweet link below
  • Blog about this giveaway (with review/giveaway link) and leave your blog link below.

Please direct any questions to Life.w.purpose@gmail.com

Monday, May 17, 2010

Style Share





~*~Diva's Twists~*~
Thanks for sharing Andrea!!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

CURLY HAWK

This is basically the same mohawk I did a few blogs back but instead of picking it out I wrapped her curls around my finger for a curly look.





For this style J Co-washed her hair; After washing I detangled with Original Sprout Miracle Detangler. I then used "Butter Me Up" from Blended Beauty...smoothing it through her curls. I parted her hair down the middle and simply braided the sides towards the middle and secured with a small elastic. After braiding I used some "Down & Out Styles" from Blended Beauty and twisted her curls around my finger.














~*CURLY-HAWK~*

Friday, May 14, 2010

Natural J



Simple Pick-Out Using





J's traveling this summer....ADVICE????

So J and Z are going to be visiting family out of state for a few weeks this summer. One of my biggest concerns (besides missing my babies) is J's hair. Neither family has ever done J's hair, my family is white and has limited with black hair and my husbands family doesn't do natural hair.

I am ULTRA careful when detangling and handling J's hair. In the past months of correct handling and care her hair has improved soooo much! I stopped using sulfates, started deep conditioning, changed the way I detangle and just really started being so gentle on her natural hair. I would hate to see that go down the drain in a months time.

J herself is so rough on her hair. She always wants to help take out braids and twists but she yanks at her hair and I'm afraid she will cause damage. I usually have her do her dolls hair while I'm doing her hair and leave her own hair alone!! Until she learns better I don't want her caring for her own hair.

I have been searching the natural hair community and spoken to a couple of stylists and they have suggested kinky twists, using synthetic hair. I have never really dealt with synthetic hair, except to give my sister braids years ago....But I feel that if it's twisted in it will somehow cover and protect her hair while she is away. I am told it will last for a month which would be awesome.

Have any of you tried this? Had similar hair issues? Know about kinky twists?? Tell me something Ladies? lol

This is one of the videos I have watched and found inspirational from Naptural85

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Z's Rockin The Hawk

















ROCK ON!!!
ROCK THE HAWK!!!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Curly Cutie : Ivy


~*~ IVY ~*~





 These Braids are so cute!

Thanks to Andrea for sharing pics of her beautiful daughter, Ivy, and ALL Her Curly Cuties!!

Bee Mine Giveaway WINNER


Thanks to all who entered the Bee Mine Giveaway!!!

Congratulations to #22 Rashanda J !!!

Please send your contact info to life.w.purpose@gmail.com

Thanks so much to Bee Mine for this Generous Giveaway!!!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Kinky Curly "Tiny Twirls" Line for Curly Kids



Did you know the Kinky Curly Line you LOVE has a line for 
Curly Kiddos Called "Tiny Twirls"

TINY TWIRLS SHAMPOO

An all-natural organic formula for your toddler who has outgrown baby shampoo. Easy to apply foam gently cleanses without stripping. Rinses quickly with no residue and makes bath time fun.

Our Experience: I have never used a foaming shampoo before. Tiny Twirls Shampoo is a light foam that goes so far, a little goes a long way!! The foam makes the shampoo easier to control and helps avoid accidentally getting shampoo in your little one's eye. Tiny Twirls Shampoo cleans thoroughly without making the hair feel dry. I didn't really notice any fragrance which is great for people who are sensitive to scents. This shampoo is great.

TINY TWIRLS CONDITIONER

Watch tangles melt away and experience pain free comb outs. This fragrance free all-natural conditioner is a definite must have for any savvy mommy who struggles with knots and tangles. Apply the thick rich and creamy conditioner and detangle with a wide tooth comb. Rinse well or leave in a small amount to assist with styling.


Our Experience: Have you ever walked by the flower section of a store and that light, fresh floral scent drifted by? Well this is exactly how Tiny Twirls Conditioner smells!! It's such a light scent and smells oh so nice! I love it! Tiny Twirls Conditioner is very slippery and slides right through the hair, as the description says, melting away the tangles.



TINY TWIRLS STYLER

When wash and go is not an option for your toddler, TINY TWIRLS™ is the perfect product that will detangle, smooth and moisturize. Great for frizz-free ponytails, shiny braids, drop curls and twists. An excellent product for smoothing down frizzy hair line edges. Formulated with just a touch of hold factor to ensure that hair styles will last through nap-time.

Our Experience: After shampooing J's hair and Conditioning I detangled her hair with a detangling comb. I smoothed Tiny Twirls Styler through her hair. Tiny Twirls Styler is a bit like a gel but thinner and not sticky. It's just smooth and silky but has hold to it...it's difficult to explain.  The styler made her curls looks awesome, shiny and smooth. J wanted braids so I used the styler to help style her hair. I love the way the Tiny Twirls Styler made her braids look. We didn't use any rubber bands or holders in her braids and they stayed together nicely and curled a little on the ends. Her braids have a shine I have never seen before, frizz free and pretty!! Tiny Twirls Styler smells like yummy coconut cream...My daughter says is smells good enough to eat lol!!
I can't wait to try more styles with the Tiny Twirls Styler (yes I'll post pics!!!)




Check out Kinky Curly On Facebook!!!



Thanks so much to Kinky Curly for allowing us to review your products!