Sunday, November 4, 2012

The Real Housewives of Atlanta- Who, What, Hair!1

Tonight, I watched the Real Housewives of Atlanta that debuted on the Bravo Network . The show was off to such a great start. First, there was the debut of Kenya Moore at the Bailey Agency Jet Beauty Search; in which I was happy to see that Cynthia's agency was gaining momentum contrary to what you read in the blogs. I also loved that the hairstyles on the season opener were so beautiful and stunning.  My favorite hairstyles came from Cynthia Bailey and Kenya Moore. Clearly from look of that pic (cut left) that Kenya Moore (Miss USA) and new "housewife" made quite the impression. (Tee hee)


Cynthia came on the scene talking about her beautiful daughter Noelle's academic future at her and Peter's home rocking this lovely roller set look. I just love how plush her curls looked.
 
Cynthia then showed off her hair at the Bailey Agency Jet Beauty search in this sultry bone straight Cher style accompanied with a mega-watt smile.
 
And in her confessional scene- she completely worked it with her wavy malaysian style. Ms. Kenya can't try Cynthia with this style. (snaps fingers)
 
Just a side note, Cynthia launched her own hair line called Hair Couture by Cynthia Bailey in the late summer and I am so sure that she is rocking the hair from her own line. Her brand is awesome.
 
 
Kenya on the other hand worked the reverse ombre hair. I fell in love with her hair. I truly had hair envy when I saw her. In the pic below, she was rocking the style made famous by Kim Kardashian. I just loved it on her and I loved how radiant her color was and how it translated on camera.

Kenya also worked it with this side swooped rendition of the famous "Kim K" coif. Just stunning.
 
Check out the Real Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo and stay tuned for more commentary regarding their hairstyles through out the season.

Ciao!

Ony

Styling your Senegalese Braids: Look 1 - the Cross Bun Roll

 
Hello readers, I know that it has been so long, but I have been on hiatus from MHMB due to developing MHMB's sister blog Fashion Honey (www.fashionhoney.blogspot.com). Now that I got that out of the way, I am back to show you different styles that I love to do with my hair whether its braids or just my natural hair. This post is for my ladies that have senegalese twists or locks. I don't believe that the twisting effect will appear as vividly as it has been done on me.
 
Ok so on how to how to recreate this look!
Style: Cross Bun Roll
Hair Type: Braids or Locks
Difficulty: Moderate
 
1.  Take braided/locked hair and split braids into 4 sections.
2. This look is achieved by having the pompadour effect occur on the left  frontal quadrant of your head. Take Section 1 (Frontal/Rightsided section) and split into one half and twist braids/locks into two large braids.
3. Twist section 1 into Section 2 and wrap Section 2 towards the center and drop collected section into Quadrant 3 (left neck based section.).
4. Finally, take the collected portion of Section 3 and twist it into section 4 ( right neck based section). Take section 4 and twist it upward towards Section 1 and finally pinning it into Section 2.
 
Your look should appear as pictured below.


Check out my other posts showcasing other styles to do with twists.
 
See you soon!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Breaking the Braid Virginity and not losing your sides

Low maintenance, yet high style!!

MHMB readers, It's bad enough that you have to sit down for like 6-9 hrs waiting for your hair to be accomplished by your coveted hair braider. Some people may have 2 hairbraiders working simultaneously, but I have one. She is awesome and she does not pull on my hair. When I get my braids put in, Rule #1: I take a set of motrin, I get my hair washed with peppermint shampoo, conditioned with Shea and deep conditioned with a special concoction of my own. It is such a long process. Haircare is very imperative when applying braids or extensions. For my senegalese twist box braid style, my hair braider make sure that my hair is not being pulled and I also ensure that I do not lose my sides. When braids are being added to my hair, I do not like grease being added to my scalp (your deep conditioner should've nourished your scalp to the point where your hair should be fully moisturized) and secondly I hold on to each braid from the root until it is it braided to the tip. As obsessive compulsive as that sounds, I believe that the way your first phase of hair braiding is accomplished will be the determination of how long and beautifully maintained your hair will be. This attributes to at least an inch to an inch and a half of new growth within your style process.

When your hair is now fully braided, it is good to let your hair rest closely to your scalp in the direction that it was braided to alleviate stress to your roots and the nape of your neck. Some people experience a pounding headache post braiding because they've managed not to follow the rule that I listed above and they try to style their hair too soon in the process. My senegalese twists have lasted already 2 months as of Saturday August 24th and I can still keep them for another 3 as long as I continue to maintain them.

One style that is really cool to do within the first week is the half up, half down style illustrated above. It doesn't cause stress to your hair. The style trains your hair to relax and it lays flat against the surface of your scalp. One thing to note is that you shouldn't put GREASE on your scalp as it may cause your braids to slip out and it also causes a smell to emanate from your scalp. Many critics will comment and certain hair care companies will state the otherwise, but as a self taught hair care expert and a coined natural haired woman, the least product added to your braids the better. Product causes build up and the inability to wash your hair will cause breakage let alone from the buildup and we all agree on this blog that we want our hair to grow and stay healthy. Some naysayers will state that you can use dry shampoo or I have even heard the most ridiculous "use alcohol" to clean your scalp. These products will dry out your scalp and make it very itchy. There is only one time to add product on your scalp during the braid style process and it is at the last phase- when you are planning to take it out.

Please check out my next blog piece for other styles to do, once your have broken your first week of the braid style process. Good luck and keep your hair tight!

Your friend in hair,

Onyinye