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.

Wigging Out: Grammy Awards

There was so much to say about the hair at last night's show, but these two wigs deserved their own post. Never one to disappoint, Lady GaGa hit the red carpet in a sparkly space-aged bodysuit dress combo...with the wig attached!! I know for some of you it may be too "out there," but this Hairnista was totally impressed. The platinum and golden blonde wig was styled with big, lush waves...a look I love.

My next standout wig of the night was Grammy's Golden Girl Beyonce'. Wearing a lacefront wig in her signature blonde, Bey went from the red carpet, to the stage for her performance, and back to her seat with ease. I would also like to give kudos to her stylist for the flawless application. Lacefront wigs are the saving grace for many female performers. Can you imagine the amount of heat and product it would take to style your hair for the red carpet, then redo it after a full-out stage performance? Do that a few times in a row to your own hair and there won't be much left! I love that Celeb Hairnistas like Bey, Tyra, and Wendy Williams have brought lacefront wigs to the mainstream. However I will leave you with this Hairnistas: Get your wig professionally applied!!! I don't want to see anymore of you walking around with visible glue or tape on your edges. Unacceptable!

Ok off my wig soapbox :)

What were your fave looks of Grammy night?


images via Bossip

Product Spotlight: Sofn'free GroHealthy Milk Protien & Olive Oil Line

I've been enjoying this new line for the past month and I'm so glad to introduce it to my fellow Hairnistas! Sofn' free's new Milk Protein & Olive Oil line is a welcome addition to my product stash. Geared to strengthen and repair your hair, all of the products in this line contain the following:

"

Milk Protein to soothe the scalp, and strengthen and add shine to your hair
Olive Oil to promote a healthy scalp, repair damage and add even MORE shine
Omega 3 to rebuild, strengthen & protect your hair from within

"

The full line includes a Strengthening Creme, Daily Growth Lotion, Three-Layer Growth Oil, Deep Conditioning Treatment, and a Leave-In Treatment. I'm forever deep conditioning my hair, so I was happy to see that a DC was a part of this line. My scalp tingled when I applied it and after steaming my hair along with the Three Layer Growth Oil I was very happy with the results. The 3 Layer Growth Oil is also great as a pre-poo. Visually it is also pretty cool...the three oils are separated (milk protein, olive, omega-3) and you shake the bottle to activate them (I'm a nerd and love interactive things lol). My standout favorite of the line is the Leave-In Treatment. It comes in a spray bottle and it works well for those of us that wear sew-ins. You can lift your tracks and mist your braids after washing your hair. It will make your hair soft and very easy to detangle.

I do love to splurge from time to time but I'm always happy to find reasonably priced products that actually work. This line starts at around $4.99...you can't beat that ladies! In these uncertain economic times we have to find a happy medium between our splurges and necessities. I definitely recommend this line for all my Hairnistas. Your hair can thank me later :)

Fab Friday - My Inspirations

I wanted to take a minute today to pay homage to some of my Hairnista inspirations. Each of these women have shaped my approach to hair and fashion in so many ways. As 2010 gets into full swing I challenge each of embrace your inner Hairnista and truly develop your "look." Let this be the year you try a different hair color or experiment with hair extensions. There is a true "Diva" inside each of us...let her out!

Hairnistas who are your style inspirations?

Exotic Delight: Neil George Indian Gooseberry Treatment Oil

I'm so excited to be carrying the entire Neil George Salon product line in my OpenSky Shop! I've tried the entire line and am in hair heaven. My favorite product from the line is the Indian Gooseberry Treatment Oil ($41.59)(you guys know I'm a sucker for a great oil!). Over the past year I've been incorporating Ayurvedic oils and products into my regimen and this is a welcome addition. Per Neil George's salon:

"The Indian Gooseberry, (Phyllanthus emblica), found primarily in India and Nepal, contains nearly 20 times as much Vitamin C as the orange making it the most concentrated form of this Vitamin in the plant kingdom. One of the world’s most powerful antioxidants, the fruit and its oil (Amla or Amalaki) have played an important role in traditional hair and skin formulations and direct use on the body and hair for thousands of years on the Indian subcontinent. It is thought the benefits include promoting healthier hair, stimulating hair growth, nourishing and moisturizing the hair and scalp, supporting and strengthening hair follicles resulting in less thinning of the hair, maintaining youthful and lustrous hair color, and preventing premature graying.
Ripening in autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits, followed by a meticulous 21-step process at low heat to maintain potency of the vitamins and minerals as well as the biological intelligence of this remarkable plant. The traditional ayurvedic processing prepares the fruit for use in formulas for ingestion, folk medicine and daily life."

My favorite way to use this oil is to add to the Neil George Intense Repair Mask and then steam my hair. For highly textured hair like mine it is a godsend. No tangles!! (My Natural Hairnistas can relate) :)

Your Hair Extension's New Best Friend: Neil George Refresh Dry Shampoo

This is your Hair Extension's new best friend! For my Hairnistas that wear pre-tipped extensions you know that limiting the frequency of your shampoo/conditioning routine is key to extending the life of your hairstyle. Constant washing and conditioning can break down your bonds, and after making that kind of investment I know you want your extensions to last! Neil George's Refresh Dry Shampoo ($17.89) is great for cleaning your hair in between regular washes. If you're a Hairnista that loves sew-ins (like me!) then you will love this product as well. The shampoo is in a pressurized aerosol form...almost like a deodorant spray...so you'll be able to lift your tracks and spray your scalp underneath.

Now if you're not an extension wearer don't despair, this is still a goodie you need in your arsenal. After a night of partying, use the Dry Shampoo to remove the smoky reminder of the night before :) This is also a must for traveling, camping, or any activity where you'll need to clean your hair but may not have access to water or not much time.

I'll be posting more items from the Neil George Salon line in the coming days (i'm kind of obsessed if you can't tell lol). It has given me a reason to start cleaning out all of my old product stash under my sink :)

Celebrity Hairnistas: The Golden Globe Edition

Award season has officially begun! Even though rain was pouring, my Celebrity Hairnistas didn't disappoint. From Monique's award winning chignon to Penelope and Zoe's soft waves I was in hair heaven. I can't wait to see how some of my favorite ladies step it up for the ultimate big night...the Oscars.

Hairnistas, what were some of your favorite looks last night?