Hair Stories: Quench My Thirst

Tanika Ray, Yaya DaCosta and India.Arie show off their luscious natural hair - big earrings are optional!

1. Kizzi Stay-Put Hair Pomade, $9.50, www.carolsdaughter.com; 2. Curly Pudding, $38 for 16oz, www.missjessies.com; 3. Citrus Shea Butter Whip, $16.50 for 2oz, www.tuliaskincare.com; 4. Greg Juice - nourishing herbal leave-in, $9, www.oyinhandmade.com; 5. Whipped Butter, $5.75, www.anitagrant.com; 6. Amla & Olive Heavy Cream for 8 oz, $16, www.qhemetbiologics.com; 7. Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo, www.elucence.com; 8. Happy Nappy Styles, $19, www.blendedbeauty.com

Afro hair is a slave to dryness and with summer fast approaching you’d better stock up on heat defying products. The key is to add moisture, moisture, moisture to your hair (as well as good protein treatments for strength). Whether it’s a shampoo, conditioner or styling product make sure you pick at least one moisturizing version of your staple brand. Above are some of my favorites, most of which were produced by black-owned companies for black hair.

Products I’m Lovin’

Left to right: Monoi Body Glow II, $59, www.sephora.com; Miss Jessies Rapid Recovery Treatment, $48 for 12oz, www.missjessies.com; Elizabeth Arden Intervene Makeup SPF 15 in Soft Cocoa, $36, www.shop.elizabetharden.com; Yes to Volume by Bourjois Paris, $14, www.bourjoisusa.com

Blogging at the best of times ain’t easy, but once in a while the mailman will ring the doorbell and what he has in his hands reminds me why I love it so much. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been receiving some goodies from various beauty companies. So it’s that time again for another “Products I’m Lovin’” feature – these are the items I’ll continue buying long after the freebies run out! NARS has added the “Monoi Body Glow II” oil to their beauty line. Native to the South Pacific and France, Monoi de Tahiti oil is the result of macerating the native tiare flower (Tahitian gardenia) in refined coconut extract for at least ten days, slowly infusing the oil with nutrients as well as a delicate, natural fragrance. Available at Sephora.com for $59, this oil leaves my skin silky smooth and smelling so sweet. It’s great for skin that dries easily as it locks in the moisture from your shower/bath. Also use as a massage oil for post-Valentine’s day fun! ;)

My hair has found a new best friend in Miss Jessie’s “Rapid Recovery” treatment. I’ve been using it once every week for the last 3 weeks as a deep conditioner and my hair loves it! My hair is so soft and bouncy after each use and my hair seems shinier than ever. The 12oz tub costs $48 but if you’re weary about making such an expensive commitment, try the sample 2oz tub for just $9.

Elizabeth Arden has launched a new foundation. “Intervene Makeup SPF 15” is a new liquid makeup with Biodormin™ - helps prevent skin aging and evens skin tone. Though they don’t have this foundation in a variety of colors for black skin (the darkest they go is Soft Cocoa), I like how light it feels after application. At $36, this isn’t the cheapest foundation out there but is does offer excellent finish. Let the intervention begin!

Hands up all of you who are fed up of mascara that clumps together your eyelashes. This mascara by Bourjois Paris has been around for awhile but I’ve only just discovered it. Unlike typical mascaras that have brush applicators the “Yes to Volume,” has a comb applicator that does a good job of separating the lashes while it elongates. I use it to supplement my regular mascaras. It finishes up my lashes nicely! It costs $14, but I think it’s totally worth it.

Being Curly Ain't Easy!

Sisters, Titi and Miko, at their salon in Brooklyn

Miss Jessie's product line, from left to right, Curly Pudding, Curly Buttercreme, Curly Meringue and Baby Buttercreme

The quest for the perfect hair salon is endless. I no longer visit cousin Pookie's hair shop where they can fix me up on the cheap, but I have to be prepared to go there ASAP, only to arrive and find myself waiting for five hours as stylists chatter and saunter past me like it's friggin' Mardi Gras! Now don't get me wrong, I like to support my people, but sometimes you just want to be pampered in a place where you're confident they know exactly what they're doing to your hair! Rejoice! Miss Jessie's Salon (formerly known as Curve Salon) is such a place! Founded in 1997 by sisters Titi and Miko, the salon specializes in curly, kinky and wavy hair.

Born to a Japanese mother and African American father, the sisters recognized the demand for curly hair care specialists since they had grown up struggling to understand and style their own hair. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Miss Jessie's Salon also boasts a product range (also available online), but be forewarned their prices are not cheap!

Their stylists cater to all races so call the number below if you're interested in a consultation or visit their site @ www.missjessies.com for before and after hair pictures.

Appointments: 718 852 2600

Credit: www.oprah.com for the picture of the girls!