Hey guys –

You’ve asked and now I’ve answered! I regularly get lots of questions on the blog, twitter, YouTube, and facebook about my hair care routine….so I finally sat down and did a little video for you guys..

Here’s my hair inspiration:

I will also share with you, pictures of my hair at various stages of “getting did”…LOL! Perhaps this will give you a better feel for my hair type, products, etc.

Please comment and let me know if this kind of video is helpful. I get lots of daily inquiries so i REALLY want to hear your thoughts in the comment section. Let me know what’s on your mind…c’mon guys!

xo Felicia

Basically, I call this picture: East Coast/ West Coast. — a nod to the old school east coast west coast rap battles. I say that because my crinkly roots and straight ends (from last relaxer touch up) create a rather interesting dynamic…one that I somehow manage to manage rather well.

Here’s my hair partially blow dried:

Here’s my hair one flat ironed…a luxury I indulge in about once every two weeks:

And here’s my step by step video on the products I use:

Remember, please leave me your thoughts. This post is a direct response to Y’ALL’s request…you know who “Y’ALL” are

Love you all!

Felicia

I recently started going back to the gym and when I’m in the gym 4 to 5 times per week, I have to shampoo my hair at least twice per week.  I have chemically straightened, dry hair and scalp so twice a week shampoos are a real pain.  A few weeks ago I started using three Anthony Morrison products: the HYDRAclense sulfate free shampoo, HYDRAnourish daily conditioner, and HYDRAtame blow dry créme. The HYDRAcleanse sulfate-free shampoo has a great botanical aroma. The shampoo is pearlized and moisturizing and I only need one lather to get my hair clean. HYDRAnourish daily conditioner didn’t do much to soften or detangle my hair. However, this conditioner may work for someone with fine hair. The HYDRAtame blow dry créme was the hero of this trio. Besides smelling great, the blow dry créme has detangling power and once I apply it and blow out my hair, I immediately feel the difference. My hair is light and a bit straighter than usual after a blow dry with HYDRAtame blow dry créme.

Anthony Morrison’s line of products  are formulated to “recharge your hair with the unique combination of Hibiscus Protein and natural Floral Hydrasols of Jasmine, Orange Blossom and Ylang Ylang.” This explains why I recently found myself looking forward to my twice weekly shampoos and my once a week blow out. For a full list of Anthony Morrison products, please visit the product website. The collection is also available via ShopNBC

This post is written by ThisThatBeauty Contributor, Christene Carr. For more: @CNicholaC,  www.christenecarr.com, and www.hairandskinjunc.com

This post is written by ThisThatBeauty Contributor, Christene Carr. For more from Christene visit her blog www.christenecarr.com or her business website www.hairandskinjunc.com

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I have coarse textured hair that I have been chemically relaxing for about 20 years. A few years ago I gave up trying to get my hair silky smooth and straight. I have tried expensive and inexpensive flat irons combined with a myriad of styling products. In addition to at-home styling, I have also tried professional stylists…no luck. To date, I have been unable to achieve bone straight silky looking hair.

When I picked up the Remington Extra-Long Ceramic Straightener, I wasn’t expecting much. I figured it would perform like the other drugstore straighteners that I have tried in the past (believe me, I have tried several). I was blown away and surprised to discover that this $24.99 styling tool performed better than my current straightener, which costs over $100.00.

The Remington has 5 inch long floating plates, which is about 50% longer than any flat iron than I’ve used in the past. Parts of my hair are thicker than others and the 30 heat settings offered by the straightener allow me to find the right heat setting for all sections of my hair. There is even a setting for my recently purchased synthetic “London Girl” wig.

Before I straightened my hair I washed and conditioned. I also used a leave-in hair treatment and moisturizer (my hair is very dry.) While straightening, I sectioned my hair into thin wide portions and was able to finish the process quicker than I would with a traditional sized straightener. Other features include, anti-static technology that helps to reduce the static charges that cause flyaways and frizz. It also has a swivel cord, travel lock and for the jet-setters it has variable voltage capabilities…so you’re good to go wherever you land on the globe. The 60 minute auto shut-off feature is great for the absent minded (present company included). The tip of the straightener remains relatively cool, so, the amateur user will have an easier time working the tool. The Remington Extra-Long Ceramic Straightener helped me achieve results that were the closest I’ve ever been to bone straight silky hair.

Want to road test the Remington Extra-Long Ceramic Straightener for yourself? Try Target or Walmart.

Here is my before picture after blowdrying:

Here are two pictures after using Remington Extra-Long Ceramic Straightener:

]]> http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2010/07/thisthatbeauty-reviews-remington-extra-long-ceramic-straightener/feed/ 7 http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2010/04/fridays-with-felicia/ http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2010/04/fridays-with-felicia/#comments Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:45:38 +0000 Felicia http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/?p=4866

I am starting a new column on ThisThatBeauty, lets call her “Fridays with Felicia“.

Do you know why I started ThisThatBeauty nearly two years ago? Well the stock response has always been that I had this intense urge to purge the style/beauty ramblings and insights taking up residence in my head. This response, while still holds true, is only half of the story. In addition to the need to purge the beauty babble that lives within, I started ThisThatBeauty to share and connect on a personal level. Sharing my passion for style/beauty has always been an integral part of writing for TTB. It was core to the TTB brand when MommaTTB and I were the only ones reading…and it remains core to TTB today as the site gets over 8,000 daily pageviews.

In keeping with the core philosophy that established the TTB brand, I am introducing “Fridays with Felicia“, a regularly occurring column that features rave worthy highlights from the previous week. Its sort of like a re-cap of my week..including note-worthy beauty discoveries, style observations, events, etc.

A mention in “Fridays with Felicia” is indeed an honor…it means the brands and products that make the cut are truly worth your attention. Certainly the rest of ThisThatBeauty will remain chock full of beauty goodness, but “Fridays with Felicia” will give you a week by week peek into my world. Its my little way of toting you around with me and filling you in on the latest and greatest of the prior week.

So without further back-story, I give you the inaugural post for “Fridays with Felicia” (The inaugural post of “Fridays with Felicia” will recap the last few weeks of ThisThatBeauty happenings and favs…upcoming posts for “Fridays with Felicia” will be current and include only the prior week)

FRIDAYS WITH FELICIA

After much research, hemming, and hawing, I finally took the plunge and switched to Phytospecific Phytorelaxer – an egg and soy based formula that does not contain lye. I highly recommend the complete relaxer system for individuals with textured hair in search of a more polished look without going uber straight. Phytospecific Phytorelaxer incorporates a unique blend of ingredients designed to gently relax hair’s texture: Egg extract is used to relax and release the tension in hair’s texture. Shitake Mushroom Salt is incorporated to boost the efficacy of the egg extract. Soybean extract is used to restructure the hair shaft. Lastly wheat proteins strengthen and repair the condition of the hair.

Since converting to Phytospecific Phytorelaxer I have been a happy camper. I was initially concerned about converting from one relaxer system to another…but my worries were all in vain! If you’re considering the switch, perhaps a visit to Phyto Universe will help address your concerns. Ask for Ron…he’s the Phytospecific Phytorelaxer specialist on staff. He is extremely knowledgeable and really knows hair!

If you haven’t tried DailyMakeover‘s kick a$$ makeover application, you’re really missing out on something great. I recently attended a DailyMakeover sponsored event at DEX New York and was made over…the end result was casual-chic, fresh, modern, and embodied Spring. <===This is my makeup makeover!

What I love most about DailyMakeover’s app is that it is easy breezy to navigate. I am thoroughly impressed with the ga-zillion options to choose from to design a new look. I went from short bangs, to choppy, to blunt….it was such fun to experiment with various degrees of “bangs”. I highly recommend DailyMakeover’s online makeover application for anyone considering a new hair do. Its also great for experimenting with trendy new shades of makeup before committing to the actual purchase. Not sure orange cheeks or dark lips are for you, give DailyMakeover a whirl first!

Click here for the complete deets on my makeover…and check out the makeovers for beauty blogging bellas Eileen (MissWhoEverYouAre), Dina (Eye4Style), and Kristin (FashionStyleBeauty).

Speaking of makeovers/ makeup…I recently published an article for LVCMag.com. If you’re wondering how to make a dark lip wearable, check out my piece. I feature Three Custom Color Specialist’s latest launch, Noir — a “a seductive almost-black shade with hints of burgundy and plum”. Here’s my LVCMag.com article.

Confession time: I’m not sure if its the impact of the recession or pure laziness but I have pretty much done away with salon manicures. If it’s not a “press perk” at an event, forget about it. For some strange reason I actually prefer to spend my time at home tending to my own nails vs. dealing with the hassle of going to a nail salon, fighting for parking (I live in Jersey), waiting to get a mani, waiting for the polish to dry, and messing up my polish while fiddling around with my iPhone. I now prefer the comfort of home over the aforementioned salon experience…which is why I’m all giddy to fill you in on the latest from Sally Hansen (who, by the way, was a real person….yep, Sally Hansen [God rest her soul] began her nail empire over 50 years ago with a single product — Hard As Nails).

I recently attended a press event for the launch of Sally Hansen’s latest innovations. Savvy Frugalistas, perk up! This bud’s for you!

Color Chrome Quick Pens offer the look of MINX without the $50+ price tag. These nifty little pens come in 8 different shades. So you’ve got your classic gold and silver, but you also have your choice of trend inspired shades like Green Chrome and Fuchsia Chrome. The fast dry formula and convenient pen-like applicator delivers a perfect mani in a flash! Get acquainted!

High Definition is not just for your foundation. At Sally Hansen, high def nails are all the rage! HD High Definition Nail Color is for the customer who craves color. The line is available in eight bold shades.

Another stroke of genius from the Sally Hansen camp is this — Complete Salon Manicure! Multitaskers, prepare for impact! This little gift from the lacquer Gods combines five steps in one: Base Coat, Strengthener, Growth Treatment, Color, Top Coat. Complete Salon Manicure totally takes your at home mani/pedi game to a whole new level!

Suddenly I’m feeling blue..no its not seasonal depression, its blue/black highlights. This bold move was inspired by Jeannie Mai of How Do I Look . After watching a recent episode I became obsessed with Jeannie’s rich black and purple locks.

While Jeannie’s highlights appear to be the result of lightening then added color, my highlights are clip in extensions. So I can alternate between purple, blue, and rich auburn as much as I like with out the commitment or maintenance of hair color.

Wella is getting in on the bold hair color trend. Colorist and beauty expert, Eva Scrivo has the recipe for the perfect match of natural color and dip-dyed tones. Eva created the bold tone palette for the Cynthia Rowley Fall ’10 runway, using Koleston Perfect Special Mix colors. They were such a hit, she has now started selling colored clip-in extensions customized at her salon.

Crazy hair color is not necessarily new. Ashley Olsen sported icy blue streaks in her blond hair last November. In Yohji Yamamoto’s autumn/winter 2010/11 show models rocked blue sprayed crowns and plaited turquoise streaks into long black locks. Katy Perry recently wore a vivid peacock blue glossy wig to the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Is this trend for you?

Are you in need of a miracle worker? philosophy, the personal care brand best known for cult favorites like hope in a jar and purity, recently launched miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads — a cutting edge retinoid based product that multi-tasks to dramatically diminish the appearance of wrinkles and skin discoloration. in clinical trials conducted by philosopy, after one week of using miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads, participants saw improved smoothness and clarity. After four weeks, participants saw visible improvement of discoloration and dullness. Those of you following my ongoing Hyperpigmentation Series might want to further investigate miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads. The powerful combination of high-performance retinoid and antioxidant Vitamin C help increase cell turnover and promote even skin-tone. While attending a press event for miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads I learned that philosophy will launch a companion product in June — a super charged anti-aging concentrate. Deets soon!

While recently attending the Essence Magazine/Johnson’s Beauty Luncheon, I met the lovely Tia Dantzler (Johnson’s Beauty Consultant and Celebrity Makeup Artist). Aren’t we cuteness?

Kristin Booker of FashionStyleBeauty was in the house, too.

Aly Walansky and Lianne Farbes (smile Lianne:)) also attended the luncheon:

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Need more beauty in your life? The current Bergdorf Goodman beauty book promises to stimulate uncontrollable drooling. You’ve been warned!

Until next Friday….

xo, Felicia

Somewhere around 1989 I abandoned the pre-shampoo treatment concept. Bye-bye V05 Hot Oil Treatment. But like all things 80′s it’s baaaaack! And just like certain things from the 80′s that never really left (Egad, like your auntie who still wears heavily contoured blush)….if you google the term “pre-poo” (which is short for “pre-shampoo”), you will stumble upon numerous hair bloggers and vloggers singing the praises of the pre-poo. So clearly, pre-poo has been around for quite some time. I however, have not included the pre-shampoo step in my routine for many years.

After a little chat with my hair homie, Kitiya of MischoBeauty, I decided to revive the ol’ pre-poo. Kitiya recommended many different oils. I decided to save myself a few bucks and go with a blended cocktail of oils currently taking up space under my sink…Jojoba and Coconut. In a rather unscientific manner, I applied generous portions of both to dry hair, massaged from root to ends, and then covered with a hot towel and plastic cap for an hour.

After one hour, I rinsed my hair then followed up with shampoo (Creme of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo) and conditioner (Pantene Time Renewal Conditioning Mask). From there I applied PhytoSpecific PhytoGrowth Serum to my scalp, Macadamia Hair Treatment Oil and Nourishing Treatment Cream to my hair, and styled as usual.

The end result was shiny and more manageable. My hair appeared healthier and had lots of body. The finish was sleek yet not weighed down. In a nut shell, my hair was PERFECT! See for yourself:

So yea, the pre-poo is my new BFF!

Not one to leave well enough alone, I decided to investigate current pre-poo’s on the market and share the deets with you:

PhytoSpecific Revitalizing Oil is a light yet rich pre-shampoo treatment that hydrates both hair and scalp. The key ingredients include:

• Castor, Peanut, and Soybean oil to hydrate, nourish and fortify
• Vitamin E to protect hair against external stress (Antioxidant alert)
• Keratin Derivative to restructure and strengthen weak hair

PhytoSpecific Revitalizing Oil is recommended for hair that is dry due to chemical processes. It is also recommended for individuals with scalp irritation and/or flaky scalp.

In May Ojon will introduce its latest product, Restorative Pre-Cleansing Treatment. Featuring the brand’s signature Ojon oil, the treatment is designed to cater to dry, damaged hair types. The pre-poo contains a combination of ingredients rich in amino and essential fatty acids. Key ingredients include: passion fruit, babassu, macadamia, and crambe seed.

Do you pre-poo? If so, please share your recommendstions. I’d love to hear about the products YOU use. C’mon!…everyday I share with you…now share with me:)

Hey ladies -

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The intoxicating aromatic blend of turkey, sage, and giblet stuffing is upon us. I’ll be whipping up Sweet Potato pies before I know it (Note to self: Call my big bro for the recipe!)

Immediately following Thanksgiving, the official Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, Kwanzaa, etc. shopping season begins! Fret not, pretty lady. ThisThatBeauty’s got you covered. Don’t dare go holiday shopping without taking ThisThatBeauty with you. Starting today, I will publish regular holiday gift guides designed to help you plan your holiday spend. Whether shopping for your best girls or your baby boo…if your budget is a Frugalista $10 or if you’re ballin’ outta control ===> ThisThatBeauty’s got you covered.

So without further ado –

ThisThatBeauty Approved Holiday Gift Guide: The Hair Diva

This guide is for the girly girl on your gift list who’s as serious as a heart attack about her coif. You know her, right? She’s the one who doesn’t mess around when it comes to her weekly blow out or roller set appointment. She religiously reads haircare blogs and nothing gets between her and her holy grail products. Yea, she’s a Hair Diva…and here’s ThisThatBeauty’s approved list of goodies for Miss Thing!

T3 Featherweight Tourmaline Ionic Dryer

The secret to flawless hair is T3′s tourmaline technology. The T3 Featherweight Dryer is top of the line, state of the art professional technology for hair. The T3 is made with genuine tourmaline-infused components. Its incredibly lightweight and delivers noticeably superior performance. Its soothing blast of ionic infrared heat dries your hair with 60% less drying time, leaving your hair feeling more vibrant, thicker, smoother, shinier and easier to style than ever before. The Hair Diva will thank you!

Tresemme Color Protection Shampoo and Conditioner

The Tresemme Color Protection line is great gift for your BFF who loves coloring her hair but struggles to maintain the color in between salon visits.

Tresemme’s color protection products block color treated hair from fading by going deep into the hair shaft and depositing a protective layer around the dye molecules. This helps to lock in the color from and protect it from running during shampoos.

Morrocan Oil

This stuff saves lives! Seriously! Well, it saves the life of one’s hair. On many occasions Moroccan Oil has revived my lack luster locks. Its particularly effective at restoring the sleek finish of my blow out after I’ve been caught in the rain.

Moroccan Oil is an alcohol-free weightless formula which contains a unique formula of Argan oil that strengthens brittle hair while promoting healing to the hair with no build up. Moroccan Oil can be used on all hair types. The formula softens thick unmanageable hair and restores shine and softness. It is instantly absorbed into the hair and eliminates frizz. Moroccan Oil also nourishes the scalp and can be used as an oil treatment.

LiQWd

The LiQWd line blends scientific advancement and beauty. The exclusive Nano-Hydrasphere deliver y system optimizes nano technology to infuse hair’s cortex layer with essential moisture, vital nutrients, and intensive volumizers. LiQWd offers an extensive line of shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and intensive hair repair treatments. The hydrating conditioner works exceptionally well for dry, parched winter hair. ThisThatBeauty is particularly fond of the hydration line of products!

Remington Airwave

This ones for the curly girl on your gift list who wants gorgeous beach waves in an instant. The unique airwave attachment twirls hair into gorgeous loose waves. This is a must try for your wavy haired BFF’s

]]> http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2009/11/thisthatbeauty-approved-holiday-gift-guide-the-hair-diva/feed/ 0 http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2009/08/chris-rocks-good-hair/ http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2009/08/chris-rocks-good-hair/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:00:00 +0000 Felicia http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2009/08/chris-rocks-good-hair/

I cant wait to check out (HINT – would love a premiere invite:)) Chris Rock’s highly anticipated documentary, Good Hair. The movie explores the world of black haircare and the concept of “good hair”. The idea to do the film stemmed from a question posed to Chris Rock. His daughter, Lola, came to him in tears asking “Daddy, how come I don’t have good hair?”. Shocked and bewildered by his daughter’s question, Rock set out on a quest into the depths of black hair culture to understand the perception of “good hair”.

Hey darlings - 

(click to enlarge)

NEW YORK (July 9, 2009) – In New York City, the global epicenter of cultural and ethnic cross-pollination, there’s never been an A-list salon catering to the collective – yet  individual –  needs of a multi-textural world.  Introducing Hair Rules New York, the first salon where ALLtextures can co-exist under one, welcoming roof and receive unparalleled service from an elite team of stylists and colorists. 

 

Getting to the root of the problem

 

“From the first day of cosmetology school, stylists are taught to process hair without regard to natural texture,” explains A. Dickey, celebrity stylist and creative director of Hair Rules hair care and styling solutions for a multi-textural world, a brand he co-founded with his best friend and business partner, 1990’s supermodel, Kara Young.  “What that means to women with highly textured hair is that their hair is a problem that needs fixing.”

 

Generations of women with kinks, curls and waves have spent a lifetime battling their unrulybends into submission – in spite of the downsides (ie dry, brittle, thinning and lost hair, and a flaky, unsightly scalp).  In Dickey’s opinion, the hair industry has been slow to evolve its thinking about texture – evidenced by short-sighted products, a divided aisle, aggressive salon processes, inadequate technical training, and marketing campaigns that prey on women’s self-esteem – the result of which is not only damaged hair, but divisive notions of beauty about what’s socially, professionally and fashionably acceptable.

 

Although the majority of salons believe they cater to a broad clientele, most stylists would admit they’re not entirely comfortable working with the truest classification of naturally kinky hair.  And for salons that do specialize in highly textured hair, the landscape is even more fractured, with some trafficking in excessive heat, others in weaves and relaxers, and others still promoting only natural styles such as braids, locks and twists. 

 

It’s time for a new set of rules

 

“Hair Rules takes everything we know about the hair industry and heads it in the right direction,” says Dickey, who authored a straight-talk guidebook called Hair Rules the UltimateHair Care Guide for Women with Kinky, Curly and Wavy Hair (Random House), now in its third printing.  Adds co-founder Kara Young, “Much more than a product line or a salon, Hair Rules is a mindset – a new way for women who have always struggled with their natural texture to learn to embrace it – and truly love it.”

 

Hair Rules New York will offer the healthiest approach to hair care and styling based on clients’ natural texture.  This translates to nothing short of the best talent in the business, providing an exceptional level of service for all hair types.  At Hair Rules New York, no texture is viewed as problematic; services are available from the truest classification of kinky hair to “won’t hold a curl” straight and every texture in between. 

 

“Our goal is to undo years of despair and disappointment by helping our clients re-discover their natural texture, embrace the versatility it offers, and wear it however they choose – but via healthy, responsible methods,” says Dickey, stylist to Minnie Driver, Kelis, Estelle and First Lady Michelle Obama.

 

About Hair Rules New York

 

The 2,160 square foot loft space, located in Manhattan’s diverse Clinton (aka Hell’s Kitchen) neighborhood, features eight cutting stations, four color stations, four drying stations and a comfortable living room where clients can relax and unwind between appointments.  The space itself, at once industrial yet cozy and welcoming, is designed to evoke the concept of texture, with an eclectic melding of colors, textures, surfaces and fabrics.  “I liken it to a groovy, elegant, multi-textural vibe,” says Dickey.

 

Hair Rules New York also embraces a modern, green aesthetic by using responsibly harvested bamboo, a renewable natural resource, woven throughout.  Other eco-friendly elements include the use of wind power, non-toxic paint and zone lighting, to conserve energy.  Additionally, the salon has partnered with the non-profit organization, Matter of Trust, to recycle hair that’s been cut in the production of hair mats, used for cleaning up oil spills.

Hair Rules New York is located  at 828 Ninth Avenue (between 54^th and 55^th Streets).  To book an appointment, please call 212.315.2929 or email salon@hairrules.com.  For more information, please visit www.hairrules.com.

Celebrity hairstylist Johnny Wright lent his talents to 3-time NAACP award winning actress and BET.com red carpet host Terri J. Vaughn at the recent BET Awards in Los Angeles. The star graced the red carpet with a chic and sassy side swept look. To get the look at home, follow these tips from Johnny Wright:

Condition with Roots of Nature Reconstructing Treatment.“Terri has been working out a lot so I wanted to reinforce the shine of her hair with a deep conditioner. The shea butter and green tea in the Roots of Nature Reconstructing Deep Treatment provide the moisture and shine she was looking for,” advised Johnny Wright.

Style hair the day after shampooing and conditioning. Wright says, “Hair looks best the day after shampooing.  When preparing for a special occasion, always plan to shampoo your hair the day prior.”

For women with exceptionally dry hair, applying a small amount of Roots of Nature Strengthening Oil Moisturizer prior to styling will help seal the cuticle and provide a smooth sleek look.

For Terri’s red carpet look Johnny went for a funky yet chic look that would complement her asymmetrical cut. He flat ironed her hair in quarter inch sections from top to bottom. ”The key to achieving Terri’s look is to have fun with it. When flat ironing, use the iron in random sections to add variety to the  texture,” commented Wright.

Have you tried Hana Professional Ceramic Flat Iron? 

Additional product info: