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Sunday, March 18, 2012
Natural Hair Terms
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GLOSSARY OF NATURAL HAIR CARE TERMS
Accordion Technique
A Wash n' Go styling technique that produces well- formed, highly-defined coils/curls. (Best if performed in the shower because it involves significant dripping.) .Hair is first cleansed and conditioned. While soaking wet, a styling curl cream or curl gel is applied... (Some ladies use only an application of conditioner instead of styling products.) As the head is titled in various angles, the hair now weighted with water and styling product, is lowered into an open palm and gently pressed to the scalp repeatedly. Hair is typically air dried afterward.
ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar)
Typically used in a diluted form as a final rinse after shampooing and before conditioning. Seals and tightens the cuticle layer for improved shine and smoothness.
APL
Arm Pit Length (Reference to length of hair)
BAA
Big _ _ _ Afro! Opposite of a TWA, (Teeny Weeny Afro)
Baggy
The practice of covering the hair at night with a plastic shower cap for the purpose of enhancing moisture. This method is thought to help reduce breakage, split ends and dryness.
Banding
A styling technique used to inhibit hair shrinkage and thereby display more of the hair's actual length. .Gathering the hair into one ponytail or several smaller ones, covered elastic bands are affixed snugly from the scalp area, one after the other, all the way down to the ends, (or near the ends) of the hair. Several bands may be needed for each section, depending upon hair length. May be done on wet, damp or dry hair. Bands are left in for a period of time or until the hair is dry (if banded while damp or wet.)
Bantu Knots
A hairstyle created by carefully and precisely parting hair in small-to-medium sections, and then twisting the sections in one direction until they wrap into neat knots. The knots are often secured near the scalp with bobby or hair pins.
Bantu Knot Out
A style, with a highly defined curly or wavy texture, created by releasing Bantu Knots after they are dry.
BC (Big Chop)
Cutting off all relaxed or chemically-treated portions of the hair, leaving only natural-textured new growth.
BKT (Brazilian Keratin Treatment)
A chemical blow-out treatment used to temporarily smooth and straighten natural textured hair. Many systems incorporate formaldehyde. Not recommended for those who wish to retain their natural coil/curl pattern because such systems often cause permanent relaxation of the hair.
BNC (Braid-n-Curl)
A style created by plaiting or braiding the hair while wet, and then curling the ends with rollers or flexi rods. After the hair is dry, the braids and rollers are removed to reveal a wavy and curly hair texture.
BSL
Bra Strap Length (Reference to length of hair)
BSS
Beauty Supply Store
CBL
Collar Bone Length (Reference to length of hair)
CG (Curly Girl)
CG is an abbreviation for "Curly Girl," a book written by Lorraine Massey and Michele Bender. It also describes a routine set forth in the book that helps natural "coilies" and "curlies" achieve healthy, manageable waves, curls or coils. Key is the "no poo" method of cleansing, (i.e. cowashing). Several other techniques of hair care and styling are also recommended.
Clarifying
The process of cleansing and removing a build-up of oils, styling products, tap water minerals and/or medications from the hair. Typically performed with specialty shampoos or baking soda rinses.
Coils
A hairstyle achieved by taking small sections of wet or very damp hair and smoothing, while rotating the sections, one-by-one, from root to tip. Tiny styling combs have been used for coils, as well as a finger. Typically, a gel is applied prior to coiling for longer-lasting hold and shine.
Coily
A term used to reference the texture characteristic of natural Type 4 hair, whereby the configuration of the strand resembles a small-diameter ink pen spring. The coil is most evident when the hair is wet and/or defined with a curling custard/ gel. It usually remains evident when the hair is allowed to dry undisturbed from a soaking wet stage.
Condish
Conditioner
Cones (Silicone)
Silicones of various types are incorporated into many hair care product formulations because of their ability to impart shine, enhance flexibility, reduce frizz, protect hair from heat, form a water-resistant barrier around the hair shaft and seal the cuticle layer. Many women with natural-textured hair reject products that contain silicones due to the belief that "cones" are difficult to remove and prevent the hair from receiving moisture.
Cowash
The practice of cleansing the hair using an appropriate conditioner in place of a conventional shampoo. Preferred by many naturalistas as the predominant method of cleansing because of its ability to help hair retain moisture.
Creamy Crack
A reference to chemical relaxers. The term was coined with the thought that the use of relaxers is addictive for those women who strive for a permanently straight hair texture.
DT or DC
Deep treatment or deep conditioner. A moisturizing, strengthening and/or damage-repair product that is applied right after cleansing, and often allowed to penetrate for 15 – 30 minutes with the use of a mild heat source. Also used to enhance shine and manageability.
Dusting
Trimming of the hair, typically ¼ inch or less. The amount of hair trimmed is usually so small that it appears as dust.
EO (Essential Oils)
Aromatic oils are extracted from flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, or trees, and maintain the odors and tastes, and thus the essence, of the plants from which they are extracted. Among many applications, they are sometimes used to nourish the hair and scalp.
EVCO
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil; Used as a natural hair care product for shine and to seal in moisture. It is one of the few oils with a proven ability to penetrate the skin and hair. Loved for its emollient and sheen-producing properties.
EVOO
Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Used as a natural hair care product for shine. Also used as a pre-shampoo treatment. EVOO is considered by some to be a natural sealant that locks moisture inside the hairshaft that was provided by a previously-applied hydrating product.
Flat Twists
A technique whereby the hair is two-strand twisted flat to the scalp, in cornrow fashion.
Fluff
The use of fingers or a pick to add volume and shape to natural hair.
'Fro
Afro
'Frohawk
A hairstyle where the sides of an afro are flattened to the scalp, either by smoothing & pinning or by shaving. The center hair is left high and free, in the shape of the distinctive Mohawk.
Hair Types: 1/2a/2b/2c/ 3a/3b/3c/4a/4b/4c
Hair typing refers to the amount of texture hair has. Naturally straight hair isType 1, loose-wavy hair is type 2, curly hair is type 3 and coily hair is type 4. In the case of types 3 and 4, the sub-classifications from a - c, are based upon the diameter of the curl or coil. For instance a type 3a curl may have the diameter of a nickel, a 3b, like a dime. Type 4, which is the most common for people of African descent, ranges from the diameter of a pencil eraser (4a), to the diameter of an ink pen spring (4b), and even smaller than that, (type 4c). In some cases, hair may even have a tight z zigzag pattern and no coil at all. This hair type classification system was created by renowned hairstylist and entrepreneur, Andre Walker.
Henna
A plant-derived powder, when mixed with water to make a paste, is applied to hair, processed and rinsed out. It is used as a natural hair color-enhancer, strengthener and conditioner.
HG (Holy Grail)
Products that one has tried, achieved good results with and remains loyal to
HIH (Hand in Hair)
By some, jokingly called a disease, this is a condition whereby one continually touches or manipulates her hair. It is considered to be a compulsion and a habit that, if extreme, causes the hair to frizz or even break.
Locks/Locs
A hairstyle whereby small sections of hair are twisted and over time, the strands become permanently secured. As locks/locs grow, they can become quite long.
MBL
Mid Back Length (Reference to hair length)
Nappyversary/Nattyversary
The anniversary of the day one decided to "go natural" and to refrain from applying chemical straighteners (relaxers) to the hair.
No-poo
A non-foaming, non-detergent cleanser, typically a conditioner, used to remove dirt, oils and styling products from the hair and scalp. Used to help hair retain moisture and softness.
Pineappleing
Pulling hair into one or several pony puffs, (depending on hair length), using covered or ouch less bands. The balance of the hair remains free. The puff(s) are positioned at the top or at several sites across the head. This procedure helps preserve the coil/curl definition of the style overnight, and also provides some stretch to the hair. When using this technique, it's best to sleep on a satin pillowcase. In the morning, the bands are removed and the sections are gently shaken or fluffed.
PJ (Product Junky)
A person who buys a lot of different products and brands in the quest of finding the "perfect" ones for her hair.
Plopping
Hair is carefully lowered and loosely wrapped in a clean t-shirt or soft cotton material, while bending from the waist. Performed after cleansing, conditioning and/or applying a liberal amount of styling gel or cream, it helps to absorb excess moisture from the hair. It's thought to decrease drying time, reduce frizz, and enhance natural curls.
Pony Puff
A hairstyle whereby the hair is pulled back at the crown, sides and nape, using headbands, hair pins, scarves, etc. The remaining hair extends freely.
Poo
Shampoo
Pre-Poo
Oils, conditioners and other substances applied to the hair prior to shampooing to enhance moisturization and conditioning during cleansing.
Protective Styling
A hairstyle that helps protect the ends of hair from dehydration and damage, by eliminating the need for mechanical manipulation, (combing, brushing, picking, etc.) and shielding against environmental exposure, (i.e. sun, heat, cold, wind). Some examples are buns, braids, twists, ponytails and various head coverings.
S&D (Search and Destroy)
Identifying frayed, damaged ends for the purpose of trimming them. Such trimming is thought to optimize hair health, encourage the curls to "pop", and improve the look and feel of hair.
Sealing
Applying a product or single ingredient, such as a natural oil, to the hair to help lock in moisture. May be applied along the entire hair strand or just to the ends, following cleansing and/or the application of a cream or conditioner containing water. Sealing is often achieved with the use of natural oils and butters or products formulated with them.
Second Day Hair
The state of one's hair on the day after it is cleansed, conditioned and styled. For some, it is a less-than-desirable look, often referring to frizz, loss of definition, shine or overall shape. For others, it's a positive description of hair that is fuller, freer, showing fewer partings, etc.
Shingling
A form of Wash n' Go styling whereby a styling curl cream or curl gel is liberally applied section-by section to clean, very wet hair. As the styling product is applied to each relatively small section of hair, the section is smoothed between the thumb and forefinger, in a downward motion from root to tip. The smoothing action, in combination with the styling product immediately makes the coil/curl/wave pattern evident. The hair is then either air-dried or dried with the use of a hood dryer. Once dry, the hair can be gently fluffed for style.
Shrinkage
A term used to describe the reduction of the visual length of hair. It is a process that occurs as wet hair dries and re-coils into its natural texture pattern.
Slip
A state produced by a product whereby the palms of the hands, the fingers and/or a detangling comb are able to easily and smoothly glide along the hairshaft, from root to tip. For the sake of manageability and feel, it is desirable that hair care products such as shampoos, leave-in conditioners and deep conditioners provide this attribute, without leaving behind a tacky or dulling residue.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
A synthetic detergent associated with hair dehydration, and semi-permanent and permanent hair color fading. Commonly found in conventional shampoos.
Stretch
Refers to the inhibition of hair shrinkage which is characteristic of tightly coily/curly hair. Via specific stretching techniques, more of the hair's actual length is revealed in the finished style. Some products are also thought to minimize shrinkage, thereby helping to stretch the hair.
Texturizer
A chemical treatment used to partially relax or loosen the natural curl pattern of highly textured hair. Provides greater stretch/elongation/length, and helps the hair to trail in a downward direction, (as opposed to an "up on out" direction, like an afro.) Texturizers are usually a form of relaxers, just milder in formulation or allowed to process using a different technique or timeframe. Texturizers alter the natural coil/curl pattern permanently and hair processed with them must be cut off in order to return one's hair to its natural state.
TNC (Twist-n-Curl)
A styling technique whereby wet or damp hair is two-strand twisted and then rolled on rods or rollers. Once dry, the curlers are removed and the hair untwisted.
Transitioning
This is the process, (also called "the journey" or "going natural") whereby one's natural-textured hair is allowed to grow in, while the previously chemically-treated hair is trimmed off in stages. The goal is to have a full head of all-natural hair, but to do so without abruptly cutting off (via the Big Chop) all of the processed hair. A degree of length is maintained by only gradually removing the relaxed or permed portions. Transitioning also involves managing the coily-textured new-growth as it increasingly co-exists with the remaining hair. The strategy for some is to wear textured styles (i.e., rod sets and braids) as the new hair grows in to minimize the texture differences, or to wear or wigs/weaves for a period of time.
TWA
Teeny Weeny Afro
Twist Out
A hairstyle created by first two-strand twisting the hair while wet or damp. After the hair is dry, the twists are carefully released and styled.
Two-Strand Twists
A hairstyle technique whereby sections of hair are divided into two smaller sections and then wound around each other. The last half-inch or so of each twist is left loose and twirled around the index finger into a coil. 2-Strand Twists can be worn as a hairstyle in and of itself or the twists can be carefully released when dry (Twist-Out) for a look that's fuller, yet with a well-defined coily/wavy texture.
Wash n' Go
A term referring to a relatively quick and easy styling session whereby a defined finished style is achieved without twisting, braiding, knotting, rodding, etc. Hair is first cleansed and conditioned. Coils/curls are then defined with gel or a styling cream and allowed to air dry or dried using a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer set to a low temperature.
May be abbreviated as WnG or W&
May be abbreviated as WnG or W&
Cutiepiecosmetics palette
Here is a new palette that just came out on cutie pie cosmetics look for a tutorial coming soon!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
OPI
fALL 2012 fASHION WEEK COLLECTION
Happy Fashion Week!
OPI has kicked off the Fall 2012 shows doing the nails for Lauren Moffatt’s presentation at The Old School (a Catholic school turned events space) this morning! The bright orange hue, A Good Man-darin Is Hard to Find (image attached) was used on models’ nails. Nails were made short and squoval (square and oval ) to give fall looks the right pop of bright color. Orange will continue to a big color for nails throughout the year!
OPI has kicked off the Fall 2012 shows doing the nails for Lauren Moffatt’s presentation at The Old School (a Catholic school turned events space) this morning! The bright orange hue, A Good Man-darin Is Hard to Find (image attached) was used on models’ nails. Nails were made short and squoval (square and oval ) to give fall looks the right pop of bright color. Orange will continue to a big color for nails throughout the year!
Please credit OPI for the show images attached.
Look for more info and images about OPI backstage at shows later this week and next!
Look for more info and images about OPI backstage at shows later this week and next!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
CutiePieCosmetics High Society Eyeshadow Quad Review
Check out this palette from www.cutiepiecosmetics.com
Price: on sale now $23.00
I found that the pigmentation on this palette was the bomb and you can create multiple different looks with these colors.
Inglot New Makeup Announcement (Pigments)
FEATURED PRODUCT
Monday, January 23, 2012
Nyx Round Lip Gloss Review
Nyx Round Lip Gloss
Price $1.99-$4.99
online venders, www.cherryculture.com
Grade: A-
So how have I lived without knowing about these lip glosses! By the graces of god somehow I found these and have fallen in love. I would love to own every color they have, but its very hard to find these at local beauty supply stores in my area.
I find these lipglosses to be very pigmented and not sticky at all. They go on smoothly and don't have a bad smell either. I find that they have a slight citrus aroma to them that does not effect me in any way. I will say that they are a little thin, and you will find that after you have a drink you may need to reapply a little. But for the low price that they are reapplying is not a problem for me at all. These have about 4g of product in them, that is a lot less than lets say a mac lipgloss but look at the price you are paying.
I would recommend these lipglosses to anyone that asks!
Nail Inc London - Special Effects 3D Nail Polish Review
Nail Inc London - Special Effects 3D Nail Polish Review
Price: $9.50
Purchased at Sephora
Grade: A++
I love these nail polishes and they are truly different and beautiful. Now as far nail polishes are concerned they are on the pricey side, but well worth the price. Unlike many of the so called 3D nail polishes on the market these are really 3D and change as you move your hand around. Basically these nail polishes are made with a clear tented nail polish and a ton of glitter all in different sizes. The different size nail polish is what really gives it that 3D effect. They are also not hard to remove, I find that with most nail polishes that have glitter they are a pain to remove (not these). Personally I wish they would have come out with a few more because I am so in love with these nail polishes. I have to force myself to use some of the other nail polishes in my collection and give these a break.
Nails 3-5 are color swatches of the 3D nail swatches.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadows by EYESTUDIO
Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadows
Can be purchased a walmart, cvs, walgreens and may other locations
Price range $6.00 - $9.00
Grade: A+
This is the first product that has made me really go crazy in a while. I literally jumped in my car and drove around until I found them. These products are very similar to mac paintpots and benefit creaseless eyeshadows, like I can honestly say that these are really on the same level as the mac and benefit. I was so hurt when mac did away with the bright colored paintpots, and now they only bring out different colors for limited edition collections. But now that I have these there is no need to worry.
Maybelline released these in 10 Different shades, I purchased 5 out of the 10. Mainly because half of the collection was brights and the other neutral and I have enough neutral bases to last me a life time.
Pigmentation: The COLOR TATTOOS come with wonderful color pay off. The matte has the best pigmentation out of them all. Maybelline only released one truly matte shade and that was Tough as taupe, personally I hope in the future they release more in the future of the finish. Maybelline also included some satin finish eyeshadows, the ones that I purchased were; fierce and tangy, edgy emerald, and painted purple. The satin finished eyeshadows still came out very pigmented but I did find that with the edgy emerald and painted purple I had to layer the color to make them bright. With the 2 eyeshadows I only needed to layer once to get the desired color payoff that I wanted from these shadows. The last finish that was in the collection was the shimmery I only purchased one because I am not a fan of the glittery stuff so I purchased Audacious asphalt. This eyeshadow had great payoff I just didn't like the glitter, and when applied it can sheer out quickly if you don't apply enough of the product. Overall I can say the quality of this product was great, and I was quit surprised by there pigmentation.
Packaging: Maybelline did a good job with the packaging. I find that it is similar to the mac paintpot packaging, but almost identical to the benefit creaseless eyeshadows. The COLOR TATTOOS have a glass bottom with a plastic screw on lid. Now the glass maybe a little tricky for those of you who like to travel with your makeup, but if you are traveling it would be wise to scoop a little out and put it in a smaller container to conserve space and to not damage the packaging. All of the logos and titles on these are stickers not engraved on the packaging, but this doesn't matter to me, I am more concerned with what is in the container than what is written on the outside.
Specifications:
The Maybelline COLOR TATTOOS contain 4 g of product (Mac contains 5g and benefit contains 4.5g of product), so you are getting a good amount of product for a fraction of the price.)
This is the product for me is a product that stands out at my drug store, and a must have in my collection. If you can get your hands on them, get them. Good luck ya'll
Maybelline released these in 10 Different shades, I purchased 5 out of the 10. Mainly because half of the collection was brights and the other neutral and I have enough neutral bases to last me a life time.
Pigmentation: The COLOR TATTOOS come with wonderful color pay off. The matte has the best pigmentation out of them all. Maybelline only released one truly matte shade and that was Tough as taupe, personally I hope in the future they release more in the future of the finish. Maybelline also included some satin finish eyeshadows, the ones that I purchased were; fierce and tangy, edgy emerald, and painted purple. The satin finished eyeshadows still came out very pigmented but I did find that with the edgy emerald and painted purple I had to layer the color to make them bright. With the 2 eyeshadows I only needed to layer once to get the desired color payoff that I wanted from these shadows. The last finish that was in the collection was the shimmery I only purchased one because I am not a fan of the glittery stuff so I purchased Audacious asphalt. This eyeshadow had great payoff I just didn't like the glitter, and when applied it can sheer out quickly if you don't apply enough of the product. Overall I can say the quality of this product was great, and I was quit surprised by there pigmentation.
Specifications:
The Maybelline COLOR TATTOOS contain 4 g of product (Mac contains 5g and benefit contains 4.5g of product), so you are getting a good amount of product for a fraction of the price.)
This is the product for me is a product that stands out at my drug store, and a must have in my collection. If you can get your hands on them, get them. Good luck ya'll
Makeup Organization: Is your Vanity and Makeup Bag A MESS?
Makeup Organization: Is your Vanity and Makeup Bag A MESS?
Does your makeup station or bag look like this?
Does it lack organization and functionality?
Do you find yourself constantly looking for a particular item, only to find it a week later?
Has makeup been broken and pushed to the bottom of your drawer, and sometimes your have to worry about getting dirty when you do your makeup?
Do you not even know what you have at times, because its all in a box?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions and you collection looks like the pictures above than it it most definitely time to update your storage setup.
Recently I have decided to reorganize my makeup station, reason being I like everything to be organized and functional. There are so many women that do not have any idea on how to organize their growing stash; so I have decided to share a few tips on how to make your space functional. And also so key points that can help with keeping your station clean and sanitary.
Tip #1:
Try not to store all of you makeup in a bag if you can help it. Its ok to put the items that you are using for a day or the ones that you use the most often in a carry around bag. But when you carry or stash your whole collection in a bag that just spells trouble. Most containers and products are meant not to be smacked or tapped around. When you have everything in a bag you are putting your items at risk of breaking, and making the mother of all messes for you. So its best to organize in a box (Caboodle or in a drawer). I personally use drawers; i find them functional and also easier to see my whole collection. Here is a look at the 3 places where I store my most used makeup
This unit comes from IKEA it is the MALM dressing table. It includes only the table with the glass top and the large drawer in the photo. Cost $130.00 and is only now sold in the color white.
The Lipstick holders come from: the CONTAINER STORE and cost $6.99 and they hold 24 lipsticks. They will fit any lipstick tube that you need.
The plastic bins inside the drawer all come from FAMILY DOLLAR. they are great for keeping all makeup divided up and also in the event of a mess the mess is contained. Cost #3 for $1.00
This drawer is so practical and lays out all of makeup for me keeping it neat and away from moisture, which can also damage your makeup.
Here is a solution for those of you looking for counter top organization. These little acrylic drawer units from the container stores are perfect, and a more cost efficient alternative to the clear cube or the muji makeup organization. I found these at the container store in the bathroom section for $11.99 ea. They are stackable as you can see and deeper then the muji cubes. You can clearly see all you makeup and it keeps it safe and organized. But when this gets dirty you can tell. I usually empty and wipe out once a month just to keep it looking fresh and clean.
This 3 drawer unit came from Micheal's craft store and cost $20.00 it can be found in the scrap book section of the store. Mine was purchased with a 40% of coupon so I really got a good savings on this and this is where I store all of my palettes.
I use this for storage off all of my beauty products.
Tip #2. Try to Keep Makeup Away From MOISTURE
It is very important to keep all products away from moisture. Moisture will cause it to grow bacteria and also effect the pigmentation and quality of your makeup. For this reason I do not recommend that you store you makeup in the bathroom or if you have steam heat next to the heat source.
Tip # 3 : Clean your makeup frequently as you can.
Do not allow build up and dust to cover you makeup. That is why its best to keep them in areas where there is not a lot of air flow to cut back on the dust and dirt collection on them.
Tip # 4: The More you See it the more you'll use it
The more of your makeup that is accessible to you, and that you see the more likely you will rotate it.
Here is just a quick look at my nail polish organization!
If you are interested email me for pricing.
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