Design Essentials Naturals Review

The fine people at Design Essentials gave me their Natural line of products to try. I used them exclusively for a month as asked so I could provide a true review. I was also given an instruction booklet that had style instructions.

Natural Curl Cleanser (8 oz bottle)
This is a rich sulfate free shampoo. I liked the fruity scent, it cleaned my hair. I wasn't overly impressed however, I can say all steps following shampooing went well. I take the success later in styling as proof that the shampoo did not strip, un-balance the ph or other wise detrimentally effect my hair.

Natural Moisturizing Conditioner (8 oz bottle)
I really liked this product. It is very thick, rich and moisturizing, it smells fruity like the shampoo. I used it following shampoo twice and once ( thinned with water) to co-wash. My only suggestion is that the packaging be changed because the conditioner is so thick that squeezing it from the small opening is a little challenging. Following the shampoo and conditioner, my hair was soft, moisturized and smelling sweet.

Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion (8oz bottle)
At first touch I was surprised, I thought I had grabbed the wrong product. The Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a little viscous (slimy), the scent matches that of the rest of the line. This product works great. My hair felt moisturized, it had a beautiful shine and the thing I like best was it seems engineered to help create second day hair. If you re-wet your hair after using it thoroughly it becomes very soft and pliable again without losing any moisture.

Natural Defining Crème Gel (16 oz jar)
This is exactly what it says a cream gel. I used it in conjunction with the Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion as directed. I shingled my hair it dried with good curl definition and no dryness. I was able to wear the style easily for a week. I misted my hair with water and shook it to refresh the stye daily. I think this is a great wash-no-go product but I very seldom wear wash-n-go's.

Wash-n-Go with Defining Crème Gel- day 2 or 3

Natural Curl Stretching Cream (16 oz jar)
This is a very rich moisturizing cream with the same light fruity scent as the others. I accidentally used it instead if the Natural Defining Crème Gel for a wash-n-go. This was not the recommended product for curl definition but I got compliments. I shingled it in my hair following the Daily Moisturizing Lotion.

Wash-n-Go with Curl Stretching Cream

The second time I used the Curl Stretching Cream as directed for a set of two strand twists. I added the cream to each section as I twisted and kept my hair wet with a spray bottle. I attended a family gathering where I was again complimented on the shine and softness of my twists. I am still wearing the twists but all signs point to a beautiful twist-out.

Twists with Curls Stretching Cream

My overall impression is a good one. I would definitely purchase the Moisturizing Lotion, Defining Gel and Stretching Cream.

I give the whole line 4 of 5 Knaps. I deduct one Knap for cost (because I'm cheap).
The products are on sale until the end of the month on their website here. All products and either the Defining Gel for $51 (package pictured above) OR Stretching Cream for $52.

Pampered Nail & Body Spa

GoodGirlPR and HAUTE hosted a three city beauty Tweet-Up. The Atlanta host for the event was Pampered Nail and Body Spa. The beautiful salon/spa is located in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood. The spa features: massages, facials, threading, waxing, manicures/pedicures and hair services (for natural hair)

The staff was friendly, professional and courteous. My companion, Leah (Naturally Fierce founder) enjoyed wine during her manicure.

Pedicure area

Waiting Area

My pedicure

My pedicure and Leah's pedicure

We both had pedicures and very much enjoyed the experience. I would recommended this lovely and reasonably priced spa to anyone and look forward to returning for any of their services. Each lady left the event with a gift bag that included samples from Pooks Pure and Simple, The Queen Collection and a gift certificate for a pole dancing class.

Qhemet Biologics Summer Sale

Qhemet Biologics


OUR
END OF SUMMER AUGUST SALE
IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!


DETAILS

DATE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 26!
TIME: 12 NOON EST, 11 AM CST, 10 AM MST, 9 AM PST
PLACE: QHEMET BIOLOGICS
DISCOUNT: 20% OFF orders over 27.00 (subtotal) + FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING on orders over 70.00 (subtotal).
COUPON CODE: supple
SPAN: The sale will last as long as supplies last so place your orders early!
We are currently closed to prepare for the sale. All products appear as out of stock until we reopen at noon on 8/26.

Hair Models Wanted for World Natural Hair Show

HAIR MODEL CALL

We are looking for women and men between the ages 18 and up who want to go natural to participate in the First annual Big Chop or Not. We will help you on your journey to healthy, natural hair.

Here is how we can do it:
The Big Chop Is for those that have a relaxer and want to cut it off down to the length of your new growth. We will have a professional stylist cut the relaxed hair off and style your new head of natural, healthy hair. You will also receive a free consultation from a Taliah Wajid Styling Team Professional along with a complete package of Taliah Waajid Natural Hair care products.

What better way to go natural?

Or Not is for those that want to go natural but do not want to cut their hair. We will have a professional stylist perform just the right style for you to transition into natural without cutting your hair. You will also receive a free consultation to help you through your journey of healthy natural hair. You will also receive a package of the NEW Jamaican Mango & Lime Transition Natural No More Relaxer.

In addition, we are looking for hair product models for the Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products

booth. Requirements: You must have natural hair that is chemical free. You will get a free

hairstyle by one of the Taliah Waajid top platform artists, as well as the latest line of

Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Care products.

WHEN: Sunday, August 21, 2011
4:30 pm to 5:30 pm

WHERE: Courtyard Marriott Atlanta Airport South
2050 Sullivan Road
College Park, GA 30337

For more information, please contact Ayo at ayokeisha@gmail.com or 678-760-5303.

Little Miss Happy Headed

How wonderful is this! A pageant for little natural girls.
Information on entry and sponsorship can be found here.

Nekesa's Natural Hair Loft

Nekesa styling my hair

I was honored to have Nekesa Smith, master stylist of Nekesa's Natural Hair Loft use me as a hair model. She is an experienced stylist with a beautiful shop in College Park, Ga. The shop offers a range of services including fitness classes and parties. Nekesa enjoys educating her clients about their hair and haircare and also has line of hair products, Natural Radiance.

My hair was lightly blown out the Natural Radiance Hair Nourisher was applied and then as each section was twisted the Moisture Mousse was applied. Medium to large two strand twists were left in for a day and then styled before the audience. The Moisture Mousse was amazing, it had a nice hold but not hard and is completely alcohol free.

Before & After

Each model showed their starting style and each style was then transformed before the audience.The ladies of Naturally Fierce-ATL were featured as models. Guests were treated to a hors d'ouveres buffet, several local vendors were in attendance thanks to People Unite and free hair consultations were available.














left: Tiffany, Leah and their stylist Theron right: Natalie, Lolita and their stylist Ianthy

Guest receiving consultations

Nekesa and Tifany of People Unite

Bronner Bros. & Clariol Professionals Art of Fabulous - Color Competition

Dwight Eubanks and Judge & Colorist Oliver Adams of Too Groovy Salon


I was honored to be invited as part of the press to this competition. It took place in a beautiful art gallery in downtown Atlanta. It was catered by Lush Life catering who offered a delicious array of hors d'oeuvres and trays complimented by the bar offering two delicious citrus based champagne cocktails. The cocktail hour was marked by models showing fantasy styles by James Harris.





The competition opened with introductions by Dwight Eubanks of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame. Specials awards were given to members of the Atlanta stylist community then the models were brought out covered. The stylist were given a short time to finish their looks and answer question before judging.

The judges

The most pleasant part of the experience (outside of the food) was speaking with Oliver. He has a head full of glorious locs and showed a great knowledge and appreciation for natural hair. He spoke with passion about coloring without damaging the hairs integrity, using as many natural ingredient as possible and how most color damage is because hair is being processed twice, relaxing and coloring. Oliver feels that "natural hair is like a blank canvas" for colorist and enjoys coloring it.

Mahogany Boisseau of Naptural Roots magazine & Oliver Adams of Too Groovy Salon