My view on extensions(weaves)+ Interview with Bella Dream Hair

I remember back in the day when wearing hair extensions(weave) was confusing for most. It was seen as a "black" thing and often looked down upon. Sewing, gluing or clipping in hair was too odd for some to grasp. I remember hearing words like "does that hurt" or "will it fall out" by individuals who clearly didn't get the concept. Fast forward to 2011 where in my opinion wearing extensions is the norm because of Hollywood.

 Source: google imagesKourney Kardashian getting some tracks of hair sewn in at her local Salon.

FYI: This is her real hair length.

 Source: google images

A lot of women are interested in gaining length quickly but don't understand that a cheap $20.00 pack from the local beauty store is not the key for long term. I got low down on 100% Human Hair Extensions from Bella Dream Hair.

"The difference between Bella Dream Hair and your local Beauty Supply Store is quality. The grade of hair is completely different" says Constance from Bella Dream Hair. "BDH offers pure virgin hair from donors. The hair is pure virgin human hair that can be dyed and styled as desired. Our hair will last you over a year if taken care of properly".

A year is a long time but I wanted to know more about how to maintain & treat the hair. Since it was my first time inquiring about this blend! "The hair life will honestly depends on the care the customer takes with their hair. If you apply heat and chemicals to your extensions it will damage it quicker. If you over treat your hair it will damage. This hair is no different then the hair on your scalp you MUST take care of it. If you don't deep condition your extensions then yes your hair will start to shed and fall out become dry and brittle just like your own would. A lot of women don't realize that just because you are wearing a weave does not mean you shouldn't care for your hair." says Constance.

 Source: google images

Those are some powerful words.

Honestly my skin cringes when I see Britney Spears. She needs some BDH love!

 Britney is the best segue into extension application. She is wearing fusions hair extensions. "Fusion is not for everyone again if done right it's great, a way you can wear your hair in versatile fashions but if done wrong it can damage your hair." Constance

 NOBODY wants the "Britney" look. So I asked about other methods!

"Bonding glue is nothing to be afraid of. If used properly it will not damage your hair at all. The problem is people that do not apply bonding glue in the appropriate spots. Glue is actually a Hollywood beauty secret and one of the best ways to use for extensions, but again that's if it's done properly. I have found that women wearing sewn in methods will cause more damage to your hair and scalp due to the tension braiding and sewing creates on your head. Again, braiding extensions on is another well done technique that can benefit a woman's hair growth as well as harm her hair if not done right. There are many methods available for women of every ethnicities."Constance

One of my favorites from her site was the Brazilian Curly.

"I've bleached it and dyed it a honey blonde. My curls bounce right back if I flat iron it straight. It curls beautifully and I must admit it is one of my all time faves."

Gorgeous!

I hope this helped anyone who is skeptic or curious about hair extensions.

Ladies,

I'd HONESTLY like to know what you think below.  So, please leave a comment :)

Spiced Beauty Blog: ebeauty Canadian Giveaway Day 4: Hair

Here is the fourth giveaway from ebeauty.ca. This one is a big one: Kronos Hydrating Cleansing & Conditioning Duo. Perfect for anyone who is feeling the effects of the cold weather right now.

Don't forget to sign up for the trip to Vegas, shop with my 15% off code(save15) & get free shipping for the month of November!

But I wanted Ombre Hair!!!

Last week Sunday (Thanksgiving) after ogling over ombre hair for hours I made the decision to visit my local Beauty Supply Store. I knew exactly what I wanted BLOND!

One thing to know about me is that I'm usually a NOT risk taker. Basically I'm the "analyzer" of my friends. The one who over thinks and gives out rationale advice...*Raises hand*

So, buying a lightener was a HUGE thing. I went back and forth with myself for hours after buying the dye. My biggest fear was what if It came out hideous!!

As usual my BF assured me that everything would be ok. I'm not sure if he really agreed or was just being comforting! LOL

My goal was the copper not the super bleached ends. 

I felt like that would look best on my skin tone.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Its crazy how a little copper can look so great!

 Different lighting

I kept the bleach in for 45 mins. 

I really should have keep it in longer but I was scared LOL

Next time I'll go MUCH lighter :D

Corioliss Wand Ceramic Curling Iron (18mm) from Missiko.com + Pictures of my curls

Missiko.com is the place to go to get Hair Straighteners,Curling Irons & professional salon styling tools. With several brands at your finger tips, you can select anything from their Corioliss Hair Straighteners to a dryer from Elchim for a low price.

I remember the first time I tried a Corioliss Wand Ceramic Curling Iron back in early 2010. I loved the look and hated the price. I could never justify spending over $250.00 on it, even if I was in love. Missiko.com offers the same curler for $99.99 plus FREE Shipping!

Corioliss Wand Curling Iron Features:

• Tourmaline infused ceramic barrel emits far infrared heat technology to lock in moisture.
• Heat Proof Glove Included in Package
• Fast heat up time and high temperature performance.
• Negative ion technology eliminates static resulting in hair that is soft, silky and shiny.
• Professional 360 degrees swivel cord
• Clipless design. 

This is NOT your typical curling iron. I love the fact that it's possible to control the curl pattern. With my past curling irons there was only one option- tight Shirley Temple curls. Not 2011 friendly at all.

In this picture I held the curl for five seconds. It ended up looking very beachy:

I repeated the process all around my head. I also combed out the back curls with my fingers.

 The finished look with my EXTREME baby face:

If you have been debating whether or not to get a Curling wand, I'd definitely recommend the Ceramic Wand Curling Iron!

I'm loving fish tail braids!

You would think after growing up with braids, I would hate them. Yes, in certain cases they may look elementary but it's the easiest way to glam up a look.

I became fascinated with Fish Tail Braids earlier this year when I seen Rihanna wear it on stage. This picture is actually from earlier this week... She wore a white Dolce & Gabbana dress which probably cost over $1,000!!! When you think about it she could have done a head full of curls,  intricate updo or fun beach waves... but she chose a fish tail braid.

What to learn how to do a Fish Tail Braid?? Follow these directions from MTV Style:

STEP 1: Divide the hair you want to braid into two equal sections.

STEP 2: Start the fishtail braid by holding the right section with your right hand. Then, using your left hand, pick up a small chunk of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the inside of the right section.

STEP 3: Repeat on the other side: Hold the left section in your left hand. Use your right hand to pick up a small chunk of hair from the outer right section and cross it over to the inside of the left section.

STEP 4: Continue picking up small sections and crossing them over until you reach the ends of your hair.

STEP 5: Secure with an elastic (like Sephora's Snag-Free Hair Elastics, $3.50), and spray the braid with a little shine spray like Smooth N' Shine Scalp & Breakage Miracle's Root to Tip Oil Sheen Spray ($3.99, drugstore.com) to seal in moisture and boost shine. And you're all set!

Do you like fish tail braids?

Wooo good skin week and no bangs

This is in no way shape or form a vain blog post.. If you follow me on twitter you will hear me ranting about my random acne which ruins my confidence from time to time.

Lately I have been noticing that my acne isn't as severe it was before... I think a good percentage has to do with my Microdermabrasion and Cold Laser treatment I got from fresh.beautiful in January. That is another blog post that I explain with pictures I got from my photographer.

African Black Soap 

My new skincare regime is African Black Soap, Body Shop Tea Tree Oil  & Moisturizer. Also I use Queen Helene Oatmeal mask to exfoliate. Please let me know if you want a review or even pictures of the products for reference.

My girls with skin issues know how epic it is to have a good skin day..so I had to capture it. As for the hair.. I`m trying out a middle part. Right now I am hating it. I`m use to my comfort blanket of bangs.

Me in February 2011

Maybe Ill cut them back in time for summer!
Before I forget Hello to my new & old followers! 

Thank you for all your support!

*I'm wearing BOBBI BOSS INDI REMI NATURAL YAKI

High Buns for Spring/Summer - Hot or Not?

High buns were in last Spring/Summer but I feel like they will make a come back this Spring/Summer. High buns are appropriate for every occasion! It all depends upon how the bun is situated on your head. Here are some great examples of cute high buns:

Vanessa: High Messy Bun

Kim: Sleek Bun

Beyonce: High Floppy Bun

Jessica: High Messy Bun

If I ever do a high bun I would incorporate the head band look into it:

 Envisioning the bun on my head. I feel like I can go higher LOL

What do you think of high buns? Hot or Not?

Update: Growing out the bangs, Pinky Nude lips + Week long blog series :D

These pics were taken at 12 am! LOL.. I went to the salon today for some hair TLC. I got a deep steam treatment...which my hair need badly. 

This time I didn't cut my bangs..I think I'm going to grow them out.

I havent blogged since Wednesday! I apoligize but I wanted to gear up for my week long blog series which starts tomorrow :D

Yay!! These blog post will lead up to valentines day. Whether you celebrate it or not.. these post can just be an inspiration to try something new. I know someone is wondering what the hell I am talking about! You will just have to wait and see until tomorrow :)

I know someone will ask, my top was only $10 from H&M. I love it..reminds me of a vintage piece. In other words my grandma probably had one just like it LOL! I know you cant see the whole thing so I'll do an OOTD with it soon :)

The Pinky nude lip I'm wearing is the Sally Hansen Natural Butter Lip shine. I got it at Dollar Tree for a dollar of course. I could kick myself for not buying a few back ups! The color is gorgeous and the price is RIGHT!

Look out for my Valentines Day inspired posts starting tomorrow! Please support it and leave a comment if you can <3

Also I want to say hi to my new followers *wave* I want to get to know you! Say hi and if you have a blog you can leave your URL in this post for me to check out!

*I'm wearing BOBBI BOSS INDI REMI NATURAL YAKI

FOTD: No Make up Make up look

As promised here are some  pictures with my bangs and FOTD. One of the first looks I learned in school was in "no make up make up look". I swear in class I always thought I would never use it.. but visit your favorite store and you will see a least one poster with a fresh faced model. My teacher told me that if you can prefect this look, you can build a whole career on it!

My essential no make up look included:
***You can also wear foundation if you want a flawless base, I chose not too"

Concealer- Cinema Secrets palette in foundation palette 11(Cover those under eye circles!)
Mascara- 2 coats of Cargo triple action
Brows- Brow Gel
Blush- Optional but it gives a warm glow. I used MUFE (not shown)
Lips- Annabelle espresso lipliner & MAC stealing kisses lipglass

 This lipglass is my favorite! Perfect for my No Make up Make up look :)

 I can also part the hair in the middle for a cute look... I look 17 in this pic LOL

How do you feel about the No Make up Make up look?

I got BANGS!!!!

I did it yesterday! I'm so happy I decided to try something new :) Also I think the cut makes my hair look much more shiny and healthy!

I didn't show my face because I did a no make up FOTD which I will post tomorrow.

Bangs Inspiration: I really want bangs!

I think I'm going to do it! Something different to end off 2010. Im going on the 21st of October, so I'll be sure to take pics!

CLOSED: Hana Professional Flat Iron Review + Giveaway from Missiko.com

I would like to thank the people at Missiko.com who gave me a chance to try out the HANA Professional Flat Iron 1'- Pink Edition.

Missiko.com is the place to go to get flat irons, hair straighteners & professional salon styling tools. You can select a straightener from their CHI Flat Iron Section, FHI Flat Iron Section or from any of their other flat iron brands to keep you looking good and feeling fabulous. From brands like Hana Salon and Chi Flat Iron they have assembled a product selection that appeals to the most discriminating stylists at low prices made possible by their immense volume. Our Best Flat Iron page is a great place to begin your search for the flat iron that best matches your hair texture and styling needs.

I love this Flat Iron!! I was unsure if this flat iron would work for my hair type, but it works and I am extremely impressed!

Let me start off my saying.. I have never had a proper flat iron before. Shocking.. I know. This flat iron came in a fab Tin with a Travel Pouch, Shine Shield, Heat proof pouch, Heat Proof Silicone Mat & alot of other great goodies!

Hana Features:

• Advanced Tourmaline Ceramic Plates for Accelerated Ion Generation and Maximum Frizz-Free, Conditioning Shine
• Ceramic is naturally hygienic, protects color & retards fading
• 1” Plates Auto-Adjust To Glide Over Any Hair Texture
• Curved Plate Edges For Versatile Styling - Curl, Flip or Straighten!
• Flash Heats in Seconds with Instant Compensation for Heat Loss
• Smooth Grooves Keep Hair Strands Separate and Snag-Free
• Convenient Hanging Loop
• Energy Efficient at 38 Watts
• Independent On/Off Switch
• Two Year Warranty

Adjustable Temperature Dial - 5 Settings from 140-450° F for All Hair Types

 Since I was able to set the temperature myself straightening my whole head didn't take long at all.

The ceramic plates didn't pull my hair while I was straightening or curling. Actually it was easier to curl using Hana than my regular curler because of the Tangle-Free Salon Quality Cord. It swivels 360°!!!

The Hana Shine Shield was amazing! Suitable for every hair type. ShineShield is a thermal serum that can be used as a leave-in conditioner - lightweight and never greasy, it protects and strengthens hair whether you use it with a flat iron, hair dryer or alone. ShineShield contains the natural magic of Jojoba oil for its superb qualities of deep moisturization, fast absorption into hair follicles and scalp, and unparalleled shimmer & shine. 6 oz.

This is my hair after it has been straightened/ curled:

 I love how shiny & healthy it looks!

 Missiko.com is giving away a HANA Professional Flat Iron 1' to one of my Spiced Beauty Followers!

 Question:

"Why do you need this flat iron?"

 

Rules:

• Must be a Spiced Beauty follower 
• You must live in Canada or the US
• You must be 17+

Answering the question is 1 entry.

For extra entries:

1. Follow Misikko & JennMUA on Twitter and tweet the following  "Win a HANA Professional Flat Iron 1" in Pink from @Misikko @JennMUA  www.spicedbeauty.com" Comment on this entry letting me know you tweeted <---LOL

2. Blog about the giveaway ( 2 entries)

3. Join Misikko Newsletter (3 entries )

 Contest ends: 

May 13 @ midnight