Hello my curlies!

I want to share with you ladies one of my best kept hairstyling secrets. It lasts for up to a week at a time (for me, longer for some), quick and easy, has tons of style potential..and its low maintenance.

It’s the Braidout!!!

My Braid Out Routine...

1. I usually co-wash first, I apply my conditioner, wait 10 minutes, then comb through with wide tooth comb only after finger combing out all tangles or kinks.
2. Then I apply a deep conditioner and let it sit 30 minutes to an hour with a shower cap on so my body heat assists in the conditioning. ( I don’t always deep condition before a braid outn  but I do recommend doing this at least twice a month).
3. Find your most reliable leave in and holding agent. I usually opt for the Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. Before applying this, I ALWAYS add pure Coconut oil to my damp hair. Then I separate my hair into 4 big sections.
4. Before braiding each sections I re-comb out the section applying Eco Styler gel in either the Argan oil or Olive oil kind.
5. Then BRAID away!! You can part out different patterns or braid in different styles.
6. I usually do this at night so that It can dry over night, I then unbraid in the morning and apply coconut oil while unbraiding,
7. To refresh weekly, I use the Shea Moisture coconut and hibiscus hold & shine moisture mist.

Those are my seven easy steps. I know it seems like a lot but as you get a routine going, it gets easier. The style options are limitless. I can do a faux hawk, toss it all to one side, a quick updo or wear a nice curly fro with this style. It usually lasts me 4 to 5 days as long as I sleep with a protective bonnet nightly. I prefer the pattern of a braid out over the normal twist out because I find the curls to be more defined. They have a nicer pop to them.

RESULTS......

Products Used... (click the image to purchase directly from blog)

Shea Moisture Organic Curl Enhancing Smoothie Coconut & Hibiscus

$9.99

Nutrient rich vegetable butters condition hair, restoring moisture, body and shine. Enhances curls, minimizes frizz and provides curl control. For thick, curly hair. Sulfate-free and color-safe.

• Coconut oil: Hydrates and protects hair from heat and chemical damage
• Silk protein: Reduces breakage, strengthens hair, adds smoothness and silkiness
• Neem oil: An age-old ayurvedic oil that strengthens hair and provides brilliant shine
• No parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, PABA, synthetic color, DEA, or animal ingredients

Natural product, color and aroma may vary. Made in USA Apply to damp or styled hair..

eco styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

$2.99

Made with 100% pure olive oil. Olive oil helps your scalp naturally regulate its own moisturizing system. Olive oil helps attract moisture to the scalp, and holds it in. Like all our styling gels, it is weightless and will leave your hair with a healthy shine and superior hold.

Nature's Way EfaGold Coconut Oil

$14.99 by Nature's Way

The products I listed are just my personal preference but you don’t have to live by the products I have provided. All you need is: your favorite leave-in, a good holding agent, and also a refresher for the styling later in the week. One product I do recommend to everyone is pure coconut oil. You can find in it your local grocery store or order online (by clicking the product images in this post). I say this because it is such a univeral moisturizer year round (and is also one of the only oils that actually penetrated the hair shaft.) There will be a post done just on the benefits of coconut oil at some point.

Thanks so much for taking the time out to read (this is my first post as a writer for Luxe Glam..YAY!!). I hope this is helpful to you all. Post your results/comments below. You can reach me via Facebook : Cindy Eleasha Hill Newbern or Twitter: @cocoloveaquari . I can’t  wait to see your results my curlies as well as get your feedback about what you want posts on next!

Toodles!!

~Cindy N.

Hello Dolls!! :)

I have put together a list of my favorite blog posts from the past as well as posts that readers really seemed to enjoy or find useful.

The articles are broken up in to categories to make for easy exploring.

ENJOY!! And be sure to comment, subscribe and spread the word by liking or sharing via Twitter or FB!

***J'adore's Faves***

**Are Your Beauty and Hair Products Killing You??! - A very informative, important post on the hazards and dangers of some ingredients commonly used on hair and beauty products. many of them are simply not good for your hair...others ar detrimental to your health. A definite must read and must pass along. 

**Skin Care No No's- a fun, informative post that dispels many of the myths and misconceptions about black skin and how to care for it. Full of great tips to replace the bad habits with.

**Tips to Transform Your Hair  -  Tips that helped me during my journey. Many useful and simple tidbits that will help aid in growth as well as a more pleasant relationship with your tresses.

Natural Hair Tips 

  (great starting point for newbies, transitioners or those considering going natural)

Ask J'adore: Newly Natural Q & A - A great post that addresses many common issues with newbies like finding the right conditioners, co-washing, greasing scalp, dryness issues, heat damage and caring for color treated hair.

Tips to Transform Your Hair  -  Tips that helped me during my journey. Many useful and simple tidbits that will help aid in growth as well as a more pleasant relationship with your tresses.

Soothing Sundays - Pamper your hair, skin and body...tips on how to spoil yourself with decadent skin and hair treatments that promote glowing skin and beautiful growth.

 Natural/Ayurvedic Ingredients and Treatments

Henna: My New Hair Boo - my enthusiastic account of the beginning of my henna experience. It was love at first try!

Soothing Sundays: Bentonite Clay for Natural Hair and Skin - introduction to Bentonight Clay, a naturl clay that is great for cleansing hair, skin and creating spa like treatments (ie bodywraps) at home. Includes recipes to get you started.

Ingredient Spotlight : Mother Nature's Glam - Natural ingredients to add to your arsenal.

 Skin/Nail Care

Skin Care No No's- a fun, informative post that dispels many of the myths and misconceptions about black skin and how to care for it. Full of great tips to replace the bad habits with.

Our Skin: Going below the surface of Black Skin with Dr. Mona Gohara- A very, very indepth article about that addresses common issues with darker skin, the "black dont crack" myth, and ingredients to avoid from Dr. Mona Gohara, assistant clinical professor at the Yale University School of Medicine Department of Dermatology.

Red Carpet Fail: Simple Remedies for Puffy Eyes aka Bag Lady Syndrome 

Minx Up Your Nails - a look into the oh-so-popular Minx nail craze that took over entertainment and nail fashion in 2010.

Thanks so much to all of my loyal readers that constantly remind me why I started this blog in the first place. And BIIGGG welcome to all of my new readers! Be sure to comment, subscribe and SHARE!

*BLOG SALE*BLOG SALE*BLOG SALE*BLOG SALE*BLOG SALE*BLOG SALE*BLOG SALE*BLOG SALE*BLOG SALE*

As you all know, I am a self-proclaimed product junkie. I hear products calling my name everytime I enter a store with a beauty or hair aisle. Recently, I moved into a new condo and realized that my closets had way too many products in them. So, I decided to do a little spring cleaning so I can make room for my future splurges. Most of the products are unopened or barely used. Products range from ayurvedic powders to styling products.

Items for sale are:

**BAQ Jamila Henna

 **Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding

 **Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist Gel

**Amla Powder

**Tulsi Powder

**Kinky Curly Knot Today

**CHI Volume Booster

**Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Oil

Since I love my Luxe Glam divas so much, I decided to give you all the opportunity to snatch up these great products. Though I already sell many of these things via the Glam Shop, I am selling them at a discount since they are from my personal stash.

TO PURCHASE, PLEASE COMMENT AND CLAIM THE PRODUCT(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUY AND A NUMBER BETWEEN 1-100 FOR A CHANCE TO WIN FREE SWAG!

HAVE FUN WITH IT!

 (: One lucky shopper will recieve a free gift :)

FOR SALE:

Body Art Quality Jamila Henna Super Sift (Summer Crop 2010) -  $5 a piece

- ayurvedic powder made from the Henna (Lawsonia Inermis) plant that naturally contains a red-orange dye. When made into a paste and applied to hair, it  leaves an auburn or red rinse-like glossy cast and has amazing conditioning qualities. Benefits include less shrinkage, added strength,  blinging shine, faster drying time, heavier/thicker strands and stretched, defined, popping curls. Some also experience curl loss but another ayurvedic powder, Amla can be mixed in to combat that.

Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding 16 oz (opened but only used once)- $27

Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist Gel (unopened) - $2

- a premixed gel that adds both moisture and hold without build-up or flaking. Perfect for locks and twists.

Amla Powder (100g) - $3

 - is a natural astringent and skin toner that works on both hair and skin. It controls hair fall, cures scalp infection, and controls premature graying of hair. The paste of this powder helps promote luxuriant hair.
- Soak Amla powder with adequate amount of hot water preferably in an iron vessel. Leave it overnight, and wash your hair in the morning with this extract. Leave the paste on for hour allowing the nutrients to absorb and rinse the hair properly afterwards. Repeat every 3rd or 4th day for best results.
- Regular usage of Amla powder gives nourishment to the hair. It may also remove mild dandruff from hair scalp while giving body to the hair.

Hesh Tulsi Leaves powder (100g) - $3

- Antibacterial

-Cures Dandruff, protects your skin

Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-in Co./Detangler - $7

 *One of my personal favorites*

-creamy herbal conditioner and detangler designed to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls and tangles from thick curly textured hair.

 **Late (But Still GREAT) News**

In March 2010, Luxe Glam was included in an article by Angela Smith of the Natural Hair section of the Columbus Examiner about the top 50 Natural hair blogs. I didn't find out about it until a long time later. But nevertheless, I was very excited to see that my little labor of love was ranked #18 out of a list of 50 blogs. YAYY!!! Blogs were chosen and ranked based on popularity and reader subscription.

Thanks sooo much to my loyal readers and subscribers!! I never expected my blog to be anything special to anyone but ME. I probably would have stopped blogging altogether if I didn't have such a wonderful community of fellow bloggers and avid readers.

You all keep me going! Thanks again and again loves!!

 *Kisses Kisses Kisses*

~J'adore~

**Sarah B. (a friend and mother of the beautiful, curly little girl, pictured left), a Mortician that resides on Detroit, MI  has been exploring styles for her daughter's natural hair. I have heard from many mothers of little curly glammettes that it is difficult finding natural styles that are easy and age appropriate so I just had to share this effortless style with you all. I can't stand to see a little girl already suffering from the creamy crack so I have to keep you natural mammas encouraged.- J'adore **

How To Style: Baby Glam Twists

Cleansing- I started this process by washing my daughter’s hair with Aussie Moist shampoo (I don’t think the type of shampoo used will affect the results) . After a few washes I conditioned with a generous mixture of Herbal Essence Hello Hydration and Aussie Moist Conditioner.

Prep- Once the conditioner was evenly disturbed throughout the hair I used a wide tooth comb to comb through the hair. Since the combing process is somewhat lengthy on an impatient 3 year-old I promptly followed with a rinse. Next, I dried the hair and added a small amount of the two conditioner mixture. I also liberally worked in Kinky - Curly Knot Today leave in detangler.

Styling- After washing, conditioning, and detangling the hair I began making two strand-twists in small sections of the back of the hair. As I moved to the front of the hair with the twists I began twisting a bit of Ecostyler Olive Oil styling gel at the root of the strands while twisting to get a neater and more defined twist. I found the gel to help quite a bit since I slightly increased the size of the twists as I moved closer to the front of the head. This was done to give a fuller look at the top of the head once the twists dried and set. It took approximately 40+ minutes to twist her entire head and the results are below. : )

Isn't she just the cutest??!! Thanks Sarah B.

Try this on your curly babies and post the results or comment with your favorite Baby Glam styles for you little ones.

Got my Bentonite Clay in the mail the other day! Yay!! I'm excited. I've been hearing about it for a long time from curly friends, blog sites and hair forums but always overlooked it (just as I did Henna which is now the love of my hair life). I recently decided to try it and see if I'll fall in love with it as well. I typically pamper my hair and body on Sunday so its perfect that I try it out today.

In case you are like, "What is she talking about?" Bentonite Clay is packed with over 70 naturally occurring trace minerals that when mixed with water, swells and draws out dirt, oils, toxins and any other impurities like a sponge.

Mineral Content:
Silica- 61.4% - (required for strong healthy hair growth and skin tissue regeneration)
Aluminum- 18.1%
Iron- 3.5%
Sodium- 2.3%
Magnesium- 1.7%
Calcium- 0.04%
Titanium- 0.02%
Potassium- 0.01%
Moisture- 7.8%
pH - 8.3 - 9.1

• Bentonite can be applied topically to skin and wounds or taken orally to draw toxins and impurities out of the body quickly. Bentonite Clay removes poisons (bacterial poisoning, salmonella, etc.) and intestinal parasites out of the intestinal tract while alkalizing the body.
• Bentonite Clay is excellent to rejuvenate and cleanse the skin. Topical applications are helpful for acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, wound healing, and help draw poison from ant, bee, wasp, and similar bug stings and bites. It draws excess oils and debris to the surface, boosts circulation to tighten the skin and stimulate blood flow, and whisks away dead skin cells that can clog pores.
• Bentonite is a swelling clay. When it is mixed with water, it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge. From here the toxins are drawn into the sponge through electrical attraction and once there, they are bound.
• Bentonite Clay may also be used like a shampoo trapping and removing dirt, debris, build up and other particles from your hair and scalp.

I'm sure now you can see how this stuff may just end up being a glam girl's dream. I plan on using it for my skin as well as as a shampoo/treatment for my hair. I'll be making the mixture and applying as a hair mask tonight but won't do a full review until I have tried it a few times and so I can be sure that it really works or doesn't work consistently. I purchased a 1 lb container of the Now Foods brand clay from SwansonVitamins.com for $8.81.

Here are a few recipes for beauty treatments using BC <via Anita Grant>

" If you feel like pampering yourself here's a recipe for an Organic Watermelon & Bentonite Clay Body Wrap:

Prep time: 20 mins
Total time required for treatment: 45 min to an hour

What you'll need:
Strips of clean thin towels or sheets
Big Mixing bowl
2 Spoons

Tips:
Body wraps are messy so the best place to take the wrap is in the bath tub.

Drink at least 2 litres of water to get rid of all the toxins in your body.

Suggestion:
Have a warm shower before applying the body wrap as this will open your pores.

Instructions:
1. Take 473ml (2 cups) of hot Spring or Distilled water or an infusion of Apple Cider Vinegar and Organic Chamomile Flowers.
2. Add 59ml (1/4 cup) of Dead Sea Salt (Skin  tonic, detoxifying, nutrient enriched) and stir until the salt is dissolved.  
3. Add 236 grams (1 cup) of Bentonite clay
4. To this add 29ml (2 tbsp) of Organic Watermelon
(absorbed into the skin, rich in Vitamin C and Omega 6 & 9 essential fatty acids (EFAs))
5. Stir to form a warm, wet paste.

Application:
Dip your strips of clean thin towels or sheets into the mix one by one making sure your mixture stays warm.
You may need to re-heat it if it cools down too quickly. Soak each strip in the mix then wrap it around your body start at your ankles and work your way up. It's important to keep warm, if your bathroom is a little chilly wrap yourself in a washable blanket lay in an empty bath and relax for at least 60 minutes.
After 60 minutes - rinse off in a warm shower. Your who body will tingle with delightful softness.

Treat yourself once a month to help keep your skin detoxified and smooth.

Bentonite Clay - Naturally Curly and Afro Curly Popping Hair Care Treatment:
This recipe depends on the length and thickness of your naturally curly hair.

Prep time: 10 mins

Instructions:
Mix 1 to 2 parts Bentonite clay 
Slowly add *water to the clay until you achieve a pancake mix texture.
Apply to your hair (dry or wet)
Allow to set for between 15 - 20 minutes
Rinse thoroughly until it's all out of your curls, kinks and coils.

*water can be replaced with your choice of liquid for example:
Organic Coconut Milk
Herbal infusion
or anything you like...

Hair Care Benefits:
After you Shampoo
One single treatment of Bentonite Clay will remove build-up from your scalp leaving naturally curly and Afro hair clean and clear.

As a shampoo replacement
Bentonite Clay may also be used like a shampoo trapping and removing dirt, debris, build up and other particles from your hair and scalp.

Shaving tip:
Lightly dusting with Bentonite clay after shaving does soothe the area(s) & helps prevent the itchy after-rash some women (and blokes) have to contend with."

If you ladies try or already include these into your regimen, please gush about your results and experiences in the comments below. Thanks! Smooches :)

**Spotlight on one of my fave super glam readers and her journey to beautiful tresses..We go way back to middle school and her hair is always fab so I had to share her with you all :)**

Hello Curly Girls of the world!

My name is Cindy and I would like to tell you all about my journey to accepting my natural self.

So I guess, I can start by telling you that I was started on perms at the tender age of about 7. From there my hair was always an issue of combing, breaking off, heated styles, and then..oh yes, came the high school years of color experimentation. I always appreciated that I didn’t “need” a perm, but I guess at the time, I felt it was the thing to do. I never gave my hair a chance to grow because there was always a different chemical or color causing it to be weak. I have only been natural about 2 and a half years. So, I am fairly a newbie in the natural world. I became interested in becoming natural by first seeing a friend go through the process. I also became interested in African and Indian cultures and the use of natural products while in college. This was part of wanting to grow and learn to accept my natural beauty and the amazing power or natural products.

Journey to Natural

I transitioned for a fairly long time. I trimmed my ends about once every 2 months until the perm was all gone. It was a drastic change to not have straight hair for me. It was a huge self confidence adjustment. I had to learn to accept myself and not hide behind a hairstyle. Learning new styles other than the wash and go surprisingly did not come until about after a year of being natural. My staple was a wash and do, always with a good moisturizer (coconut oil) and leave in (garnier fructis). I was so excited to begin to see my hair grow, curl, and gain strength. My hair has never been stronger and has never grown as long.

Biggest Reward

So my biggest reward as a African American female was gaining back the strength and beauty in the perception of my hair in its natural state.

Biggest Challenge

My biggest challenge was learning how to accept and handle my own hair. I had to become used to its texture, what it needed, how to care for it properly with no expectations and without hair envy or trying to achieve someone else’s look.

Regimen

My current regimen is kind of all over the place. I basically don’t have a set routine. I give my hair what it craves or needs when it needs it.

My everyday style is Wash and Go with a scarf. I use Olive Oil Ecostyler gel for my edges to style my wash and go.  I also use the gel in combination with the Vatika oil for my occasional braid or twist outs.

I deep condition about 3 times a month whenever I have time.

I usually change my hair monthly, meaning twist outs for a month, braid outs the next month, and then back to my good old wash and go.
I have recently learned that the more expensive a product is, does not mean that it works better.

Staple Products

Garnier Fructis (any products), the Dove intense moisture therapy line, the Suave Humectants line, Black soap for the occasional shampoo, and of course the Olive oil eco styler gel. All of which can be found at Dollar General, Wal-Mart or Target (or right here on Luxe Glam by clicking the picture of the product you are interested in or visiting the Hair Glam Shop)

My staple for life is pure (virgin, concentrated, and organic) coconut oil. My hair also loves Vatika oil, it is a mixture of coconut, lemon, amla, and henna. It has a very distinct smell, but it works wonders for my hair.

Advice For Newbies/Transitioners

A great tip is to always have a cover for your hair at night. I prefer the silk or satin bonnets. That helps your hair retain moisture and prevents breakage.

My biggest advice for anyone who is new to the natural world is to simple accept you! What works for someone else may not work for you. No one curl is the same as the next. Every texture has its own beauty and advantages.

Another tip is to have tons of patience, learn to deal with your hair on great days and horrible days, always have a scarf or two ready as well.

..........................................................................................................................

If you have any more questions or help, I am always more than happy to share any advice via my Facebook (Cindy Newbern) or email (cindy.newbern@gmail.com).

Love your Journey and it will Love you back!!!

More Pics Below..ENJOY!!

Wanna be a featured Naturally Glam Diva?? Send in your fabulous pics and tell me about your journey and how you get your hair so haute!

You all requested to get some good style ideas. Here are few cute styles that caught my eye and may inspire some transitioners, those of you that are getting bored with your hair or are thinking about resorting back to the dreaded creamy crack..

My style inspiration is Corinne Bailer Rae. I just love her length and styles. Would you rock one of these styles??

(Some Photos Courtesy of Essence, Lecoil)

**Took me forever to do this post because for some reason my blog isn't allowing me to upload pics..So I had to do it the hard way :(**
On top of other things that have changed, my hair has changed as well. I rocked my trusty wash and go for a while but eventually broke my own rule and started pressing my hair again.

<--(Jan 2010)

I got a few sew-ins to reduce manipulation of my hair and harness some growth, which worked out great for me.

Weavin' it up----->

My hair grew to the length that I set out for (bra strap length) yet I got a trim and cut off a couple inches for

a cleaner and more even look. My hair still is a nice length and has bounced back from most of the heat damage from last year.

(Before and after cut)

.

Currently, I have been rocking a Wash and Go again. I have made a few changes to my wash and go routine which I will probably do a video to illustrate. One of the biggest changes I made is adding heat to my W-N-G routine in order to reduce shrinkage by stretching out my curls and to keep me from getting pneumonia by leaving the house with wet hair in the winter. Also, the last few months of my life have been so hectic that I haven't been able to henna which has been driving me nuts. I ordered a few boxes the other day from hennasooq.com and I can't wait 'til it gets here. My hair needs so much more product and manipulation without henna in my life. Overall, my routine is pretty much the same.

There are a ton of very current pics of my hair in both sleek and curly styles.

How are you wearing your hair?

Comment and submit pics of your styles!!

Edited By: Iggi

Hello Glamettes!! This week has been a whirlwind of activity: Blizzards, Valentine's Day and NYFW etc... However the Glamarazzi roundup is still filled good and plenty with the best of the best glamour links on the web. Enjoy and remember, we are always happy to consider new members. You can find out more about that HERE

Her Goody Bag: Pastels Trend Alert: Get The Look: Chanel Iman

Make-up/Music/Money/Me: 10 nails, 2 colors, 6 days.

Obsession Isn't Just A Perfume: Is you iPhone too boring to be seen with? Turn it Fashionista!

I Heart Cosmetics: After I hunted down the Michael Kors collection for Estee Lauder on London's Oxford Street there was a Very Hollywood Haul

The Informed Makeup Maven hangs out with fellow Aussie, Napoleon Perdis Backstage at NYFW Fall 2010

The Style Aficionado has noticed a lot of bare faces at New York Fashion Week

LiAnn at Sparklecrack Central posts the first of four rainbow-eye looks, beginning with Qualities: Forgiveness

Hot Beauty Health has Current Fashion Trends

Kurly Bella Product Review: Pantene Relaxed and Natural Breakage Defense Deep Conditioning Mask

Glamour Whore takes you along on a MODELCHICK's journey from black to platinum blond.