Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Special Promo: Neil George Perfect Hold Hairspray for only $7!


If you love big barrel curls like I do, then this Perfect Hold Hairspray is for you! Whenever I'm wearing hair extensions I love to set them on hot rollers for lush voluminous hair. After taking the rollers down all I need is a dash of hairspray to set my style and I'm ready to turn heads for the night and you will too :)

Today and tomorrow only I'm offering a special promotion at my OpenSky Shop. The first 12 Hairnistas that purchase the Neil George Perfect Hold Hairspray will get it for only $7!! Now that is a steal ladies :) The deal gets even better...if 12 of you purchase it for $7 then all of you will be able to purchase the hairspray for $7 just until midnight on Thursday, March 11th. So hurry up and take advantage of this great deal because it won't last long...spread the word!

To purchase the Neil George Perfect Hold Hairspray click here.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Fab Friday Giveaway: Pink 1" Hana Professional Ceramic Flat Iron from Misikko.com!





When I was approached by Misikko.com to review their Hana Professional Flat Iron I was immediately intrigued. I'm always on the hunt for the next great flat iron to use not only on my hair but my hair extensions. After a little internet research, I was happy to find that Misikko has great customer service reviews and an array of really great products. If you're a Hairnista like me that only likes quality tools to touch your tresses, then you will be a kid in a candy store! In addition to the Hana line, they carry an array of hair straighteners from CHI to FHI as well as professional hair dryers and other goodies you need to never have a bad hair day.

I was so excited when my Hana Iron arrived. I'm a sucker for presentation and it was adorably packaged:


So on to the true business...does it work? YES! I did a test run on some of my Indian hair and it was like silk. I also had one of my Hairnista stylists give it a go and she loved it! She loved that the temperature is adjustable and that she didn't have to do numerous passes over the hair to straighten it. I definitely recommend this iron for all textures: natural, relaxed, fine, curly, wavy, you name it. As an added bonus, Misikko sent me a sample of their Hana Shine Shield...OMG love it! Not many things can rival FHI's Hot Sauce for me, but this product does. A good heat protectant is so important when using heat tools on your hair. I cannot stress this enough Hairnistas. This product is also is also infused with jojoba oil (one of my fave oils!).


So to win this great iron you can do one of the following to be entered into the contest:

1. Follow Hairnista on Twitter and RT this blog post
2. Follow Misikko on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/misikko
3. Blog about this giveaway on your personal website.
4. Join Misikko's Newsletter by commenting on this post with your email address
5. Join The Hairnista Chronicle's network on Facebook here

Good luck Hairnistas!!!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Just Say NO To Sulfates - sFree Moisture Shampoo




We've all seen the hair commercials growing up: the model with a head full of luscious hair washes her hair in the shower with suds galore. At home we follow suit scrubbing our hair within a inch of its life to get that "squeaky clean" feeling. Well little did I know I've been putting my hair through the ringer for all these years :( The culprit? Sulfates..primarily Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Laureth Sulfate. These ingredients are unfortunately harsh cleaning agents that give us the "suds" and "squeaky clean" feeling we've all been told equals properly shampooed hair. After doing a little research I found that SLS is also found in cleaning products used to clean flooring and even car engines (www.hairlossbuddy.com). Car engines?! This is what we've been using to clean our hair and scalps Hairnistas. Well I am done! My new go-to cleanser is sFree Moisture Shampoo. This product is sulfate and paraben free and you will tell the difference on your first wash. It has a creamy consistency closer to that of conditioner and smells divine. For those Hairnistas that use color sFree is great because it won't strip your color and also gives added moisture. My hair always felt like straw after using regular shampoos...even when I would dilute them. I accepted it because I thought this was just how it was supposed to be. Well I am officially on the no sulfate bandwagon and I hope that my fellow Hairnistas join me. sFree retails for a little under $20 for a 16oz bottle...a great deal. So say "YES" to healthy hair and toss all of your harsh SLS shampoo out with last year's wigs :)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

DIY Diva: Clairol Beautiful Collection Moisturizing Color


I've been in a little bit of a hair rut and needed a pick me up...color! I've rinsed my hair jet black in the past and figured now is as good a time as any to give it a go again. Now you all know by now how anal I am about the health of my hair, so I didn't want to use anything that would damage and undo all my hard work. So nothing permanent here :) I've heard great reviews of Clairol's Beautiful Collection and decided to give it a go. I headed down to Sally's and was happy to see that it only cost $5.99...I was sold. At the recommendation of the salesperson I purchased 2 bottles(she looked at the curly pouf on top of my head and handed me the 2nd bottle lol). So all in all the process was pretty simple. Washed my hair (w/ sulfate free shampoo), applied the color, put on plastic cap and sat under the dryer for 10 minutes, puttered around the house for the next 20 mins, and then rinsed it out. This is a semi-permanent color with no ammonia or peroxide so it is safe to use on natural or relaxed hair. Also, no drippies! I was so nervous that I was going to destroy my bathroom but no worries. So ladies if you're looking for a quick and inexpensive pick me up try a rinse or semi-permanent color. Be a DIY Diva!

Couple of tips:
Pay attn to your hair's moisture levels...color can tend to be drying for some textures.
Use an old throwaway towel to protect your clothing when applying the color.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Fab Find: The Wrapadoo





As any Hairnista worth her salt knows, bath towels are for your body, NOT your hair! While there are a lot of great microfiber towels on the market, they are well...just pretty blah. Granted they do the job, but as we all know I love a little fabulousness w/ my haircare and the "Wrapadoo" fits the bill. Thanks to the power of Twitter I found out about this great item and I think you all will love it as much as I do. The Wrapadoo takes the old fashioned towel turban and throws it out the window.

From Wrapadoo.com:
"Wrapadoo™ is a Plush, Ultra-Luxurious hair wrap for women and girls of all hair types. Those chills from a wet head of hair? Gone! The towel flopping over and unraveling? A fuzzy memory. Wrapadoo is the first Great Looking, Serene Feeling, Practical answer to managing wet hair. Place it on your head, Stick the Velcro, Twist the tail twice, pull it up and Loop it over the little “jewel” to secure it. Voila! Retro Glamour. The Snug and Cozy fit sets you free for multi-tasking (or decadent lounging) as well as all those little girly things we need to do. Women Love the Wrapadoo™ experience because it:

Goes On Straight, no need to flip upside-down!
Prevents Tangles, Stress and Breakage
Preserves and Promotes our Natural Shine and Bounce
Custom fit stays Secure with Adjustable Velcro closure
Adds Warmth to a hair masque, conditioning treatment or just those cold Winter mornings
Protects our hair from humidity and moisture when we’re relaxing in the tub or jumping “in and out” of the shower quickly.
Can be worn down to capture and protect our long, fragile or curly hair
Preserves our expensive extensions and weaves.
Packs easy and light (only 7oz) for Anytime, Anywhere Pampering
Gives us complete mobility for multi-tasking
Creates Premium moisture balance for enhanced, consistent product application
Looks Glamorous, Feels Fabulous!"



I have to say Hairnistas, the above is true and then some. I always have a hard time wrapping my hair in a towel and getting to stay while taking care of things around the house...not with the Wrapadoo. The large rhinestone is fab as well as functional :) There are even girl sizes for your Little Hairnista...this is definitely going on my gift list for my Hairnista circle. Starting at $60 this is a must have for your hair arsenal.

p.s. i have the pink leopard...so eartha kitt i luv it!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

My Weapon of Mass Destruction: Ouidad Double Detangler



If you're a Curly Hairnista like me then you are always on the hunt for the "miracle" tool to help keep you hair tangle free. Well ladies I have found something that is going to change your life: the Ouidad Double Detangler. This mammoth comb has two rows of teeth that will glide through the coarsest, tightly curled hair with ease. At first when I saw the price tag ($24) I was a little wary. Had my obsession with my hair gotten out of control? Well I justified the purchase in the name of "research" and ordered it from Sephora.com (another bonus here--free product samples with your order!). I will forewarn you, this comb is heavy...knock someone out heavy lol. But thankfully I've been working faithfully with my trainer the last few months so I was up to the challenge. I co-washed my hair and used the Double Detangler to distribute the conditioner through my hair. It was so easy I was flabbergasted. I know I sound dramatic, but that is how amazing it was. I was able to go through my entire head root to tip and afterwards my hair was detangled so well that I was able to run my fingers through it with no problem. This NEVER happens. The longer I continue to grow out my hair the more of a chore it had started to become. Thanks to this comb I'm continuing my hair journey with renewed excitement.

I recommend you use the Double Detangler on wet hair, preferably in the shower. If you're a thick 4a (like me), or 4b, or simply someone with curly hair that is prone to tangles or knots, this tool will change your life. For a super one two punch, pair the comb with Neil George's Detangle Nourishment Spray.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Legendary Hairnista: Madame C.J. Walker


In honor of Black History Month I wanted to pay homage to a true Hairnista if there ever was one, the fabulous Madame C.J. Walker. Widely recognized as America's first self-made millionaire, Madame Walker is "the" name in African-American haircare. Due to the lack of products available for women of color at that time, Madame Walker started a product line that revolutionized the industry and changed the face of Black haircare as we know it. One interesting tidbit I found today is that while it is often said that she invented the pressing comb, according to www.madamecjwalker.com that isn't the case. So while she didn't invent it, she is responsible for it becoming the "go to" straightening method for African-American hair.

How much do I love that she called herself "Madame?" So fabulous...Happy Friday Hairnistas! Have a great hair day in honor of this legendary trailblazer.