RoseBOX Launch

The Launch of RoseBOX 

Finally RoseBOX is launching on the 8th of November! What is RoseBOX you say? RoseBOX is a new premium subscription service catering to British women with Kinky, Curly, Wavy and Multi-textured hair.

Nearly three quarter's of the world's population has textured hair. Most people tend to believe this is only true for those from an ethnic minority group. However, this not the case as the three quarter's considers all races.

Some women of colour have been known to chemically alter their hair aka relax their hair to "fit in" with society's definition of "good hair. Women of other races have also been known to put their hair through intense heat treatments to achieve a straighter look e.g. Brazilian Blow outs. Straighter hair = Attractive for some.

It is one thing finding out how to look after curly hair and another thing finding the right products that will help you work with your curls. Products may either be difficult to find, not accessible in brick and mortar stores or pricey including shipping charges. There are many new brands that have hit the shelves and more established brands have responded by bringing out their solutions for women with natural curly hair after seeing a demand for this.

Winter Healthy Hair Care

It is time for a change in my hair care regimen as it is seriously cold outside. I was unfortunate enough to be caught in the snow early Saturday morning last week. :( There and then I knew I could not prolong my protective styling.

Around the time that it becomes increasingly colder for me, an increase in moisture, yet maintaining a balance of protein is necessary. I achieve this by steam treatments. Now I only got a steamer this year so if you do not own a steamer yet, don't fret. So why the steamer then? Well it came with a facial steamer too, but mostly because I love the increased steam and moisture going into my hair. I used my trusty carrier bag and hand dryer method for 3 yrs and it worked well for my hair. I apply the direct heat over the bag and move it round in a circular motion for 30 mins. Instant steam treatment and a saving of £20 per "salon steam treatment". 

• Moisturise and seal (M&S)- Have a spritz to hand even if it is just water (purified is better). You can also use your moisturiser (water based). Do this more often and with a heavier butter. I have Qhemet Biologics  Amla Olive Heavy Cream which is really thick and this is great for sealing in the moisture. I can also use my Shea Butter mix too. As I do the L.O.C method, I will only put a small coin size amount of coconut oil no more than that. 

                                

Keziah Connections Nurture and Network evening Part 3!

In the third part of the Keziah Connections Nurture and Network evening, we will be looking at Public Relations and Communications (Part 1).


Speakers include Deborah Johnson, Senior Account executive at Pure Public Relations Pure Public Relations  ,  speakers from Monty PR Monty PR whose clients include Mandara Spa, Bliss etc and Mandara Spa. They will giving us valuable, expert help as well as sharing their experience.

 This evening will definitely be something special and it is located at the Mandara Spa at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. It is the first Mandara Spa in the UK and the only one in Europe. The Mandara Spa Brand product line is the exclusive premium spa product line carried by Sainsbury’s.

 

Photo Source : Mandara Spa Website

The decor is stunning and I love the colour scheme. I know I need to have some treatments done there hehe. I cannot wait for the event later on! This is a great opportunity to network with like minded individuals and industry professionals. This event is not to be missed. If you have got your ticket already see you there! If not, there is still time to purchase your ticket here  Buy your tickets 

Stay beautifully and naturally made.

Dee x

Keziah Connections Nurture and Network evening part 2

Hello all I  hope you are well and you enjoyed your weekend like I did? I went to a friends wedding but I may post about that later.

This was my first Keziah Connections Nurture and Network evening event and I was impressed on the presentation of the event, the venue and its speakers.

It took place at Illuminium Perfume Lounge and I arrived late unfortunately so I missed the first part which was covered by Christine Benson, the CEO of Unique Brand Partners. They oversea the Illuminium Fragrance brand.











I arrived in time to hear  Dr Yana Johnson MBE, the creator and Director of Yana Cosmetics.

Source: Beautypulselondon.com via Pinetrest

Here were some tips I picked up.

• Be bold with buyers
• Getting from the "conceptual idea> realisation" of the idea will take a lot of trial and error which you should learn from
• Something unique to Yana Cosmetics was their numbering system. That way customers could idea what the products were and what they had purchased previously
• Build on an original brand and quality must be at the forefront
• Let there be consistency in your message 

J'ouvert Boudoir Lounge presents the J'ouvert Cosmetics Launch at Browns Courtrooms Venue in London

J'ouvert Boudoir Lounge presents the launch of a new independent beauty brand J'ouvert Cosmetics. It is a collection of affordable yet luxurious make-up which aims to mix, match and combine to create the look that you want.

The founder of J'ouvert Cosmetics Meridith Hypolite is a fashion and colour analyst and she discovered that there was a need for a simple yet clear and coordinated make-up and advice. She states "Here at J'ouvert, our goal is to encourage every woman who comes into contact with our products to self-expressive, creative and confident in exploring new looks while at the same time keeping her own identity. We are all about letting go and having fun".

Meridith Hypolite




Amongst the exhibitors will be luxury emerging British womenswear label L.2Mae, the brainchild of Hull based designer Debbie Huntley who has previously worked for numerous established high end fashion
brands such as Paul Smith and Alice Temperley.

Detangling your hair be you natural, relaxed or texlaxed.

One of the most annoying yet important practices in healthy hair care is the detangling process. When I was relaxed, I ensured I took my time and always started combing from my ends upwards slowly. This was a must. This has not changed now that I am natural.

If you are having issues detangling your hair or you find it takes too much time, you must try Oil Rinsing.

What is Oil Rinsing and what are the benefits?

It is simply rinsing your hair with oil after the shampoo/ cowash process to soften up the hair and allow for easy detangling.

Oil rinsing is better than doing a regular hot oil treatment as the shampooing process is done before oil is applied thus preserving any loss oil natural oils while shampooing. Step 5 is done so that you do not have too much oil left on the strands.

How to Oil Rinse:

Step 1 : Wash with water, wet your hair and then shampoo.
Step 2: Rinse your hair 
Step 3: "Oil Rinse" your hair with your oil of choice 
Step 4: Rinse with warm water
Step 5: Apply conditioner
Step 6: Rinse well
Final step: Apply leave in conditioner or cream. 

At the last stage I do the L.O.C method. Liquid Oil Cream. I will do a post on this soon on how that has worked for me so stay tuned for that. 

Here is a YouTube video by Nappy Chronicles showing how to Oil Rinse.

I do mine in the shower in sections of four. If you hair is thicker and longer you can try it in six sections. TWA's etc this should be a breeze. If you relaxed or texlaxed follow the same rules.


WARNING! AS OILS CAN BE SLIPPERY IN THE BATH OR SHOWER TAKE EXTRA CARE. I have never slipped once because I am very careful and use my applicator bottle.

What oils to use: Emollient Oils

I have a large oil stash and switch up the emollient oils that I use. My three favourites are Castor oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO) and Avocado oil. I use this in moderate amounts so it is not too greasy.


You will see that with finger detangling or using your comb if you prefer that, it is much easier to detangle.I have been doing this for over a year and I cannot go back. My hair loves it.

I have cut my detangling time down to 10-15 mins max if that. I do this with every wash.


What Oils will you try?  Be sure to let me know if you have any questions and how Oil Rinsing has helped you.

Stay beautifully and naturally made. 

Dee x

Tommorow,tommorow it all starts tommorow, it's only a day away!!!

Tommorow Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) begins and I am extremely excited! All roads lead to  Spitalfields Market. Seeing as I  missed it last year I have been waiting patiently and finally it is here.

There will be a plethora of designs inspired from African culture. Designers are not restricted to Africa alone, so long as they have been  inspired by the African continent. I will be capturing on camera what will be their interpretations via their collections.

There will also be around 60 exhibitors. Rest assured I will visit as many as I can!



Two designers I am looking forward to seeing are Ella and Gabby and House of Nwocha.





Source: Africa Fashion Week London Website.



Here is the show schedule for the two days:

SHOW SCHEDULE

Friday, 3 August 2012

12.30	14.30	16.30	18.30
Rachel Kirya ‘The Collection’Set Fashion FreeEldimaa Fashion TT Dalk Bull Doff Threadz Creations Monis April2nd Sally Intiego	Mademoiselle AglaiaRouch by RonkeElfrida House of Marie Ketere L’emiral Couture Rya-V Jewellery	TeeKay’sMIA By Mia NisbetSeverine House of Nwocha TY-TYS Kemunto Taye Taylor House of Jola	Ella & GabbyGreen Mamba Designafrofashion Rouge Vallari Wangu Jeans Asandia Hogan Keto Couture Patience Please

Press calls – 13.45, 15.45, 17.45,

Saturday, 4 August 2012

12.00	14.00	16.00 (Solo)	18.30
YuteesLilly AlfonsoKeve Afro Fanatic Über Africa Collective Glue Clothing Company JAMES BRENDAN The House of Adjeiwaah	OzoraBebegrafitiTrish O Couture Kiki Clothing Tee Threads ADAOR’S Lyze Hats Da Viva	House of Farrah	George AdesegunBrigitte MerkiHouse of Tayo Joansu House of Bunor Remi Lagos Berry’s Couture Jimiking MMD Design Adebayo Jones

There is an after party so be sure to book quickly as tickets are limited! Find out more information here AFWL After Party





What are some of your favourite designers and who do you look forward to seeing?

Stay beautifully and naturally made.

Dee x

Upcoming Summer Events

There are some exciting events coming up this summer that you should definitely take note of. I will try and attend most of them and report back on how they were.

June -August 2012

The Business of Natural hair

http://thebusinessofnaturalhair-es2.eventbrite.com/?srnk=5

14th of July 2012 

Uzima Expo

28th July 2012 

http://www.thecalabashhub.com/health-beauty/uzima-expo-2012/

Africa Fashion Week London 

http://africafashionweeklondon.com/africafashionweek/

3rd and 4th of August 2012

I missed this event last year due to my cousin's wedding so I am really excited to go to the event this year. This is a must attend! 

Black Exposure Live Birmingham featuring a live PA from Misha B from The X Factor.

http://www.blackexposurelive.co.uk/what-is-it

Beauty Within Me
Date: 25th & 26th August 2012
Venue: The School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS) Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG

http://beautywithinme2012.eventbrite.com/?ref=ecount

Make Up Show Live London 

http://www.makeupshowlive.com/exhibition.html

August 26th 2012

Which events will you be attending?

Stay beautifully and naturally made. 

xDeex

Welcome to my Blog!

Hi my name is Dee! I am a Christian and have been on my healthy hair journey for 3 yrs and 4 months. Where I started off with damaged relaxed hair thanks to "Dr. Miracles" and then I dispelled the myth that my hair could not grow to Shoulder Length (SL). Within 5 months I went from Neck Length (NL) to SL. I was shocked and surprised that I could do this. 

Damage due to over-processing from relaxers. I had no idea until I started to document my hair journey. This picture was taken in February 2009.


This is my progress from that below. May 2009.











My progress 5 month relaxer stretch (Stretching is foregoing your relaxer beyond the normal amount of recommend time) 


                 


Top: January 2009 Bottom: June 2009. 


I then did a corrective relaxer at Sandra Web's Salon in Clapham Junction, London in July it was much longer. I have to trim off the thin ends and it was more than I wanted to come off leading to a short cut. I was not really happy and this then lead to me toying with the idea of becoming natural. In October I finally decided yes I am going to consciously transition. 




I am now 2 yrs and nearly 2 months Natural and I am loving my natural hair journey. I have learnt what my hair loves and hates and how to take care of it. Within a year my hair went from TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro- SL). 




   


Top:April 2010       Bottom: April 2011




With this blog I will explore and document my healthy hair care practices, fashion, beauty, events etc. As a UK natural I want to share as much information that I can about my experiences with my hair.  


I will be putting up posts bit by bit. As I am a new blogger, do bare with me. This is just a very brief introduction. Any tips or constructive criticism is welcome. 




Stay blessed
Dee xoxo