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 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.

*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.

Edited by: Iggi

It's about that time again...Glamarazzi time!! Once again the Glamarazzi ladies are bringing you the creme de la creme of the web's best beauty/fashion/glamour links. We are getting bigger and bigger and couldn't be happier about it. Also, Keedah and myself are always happy to consider new members so feel free to contact us in regards to joining the glamarazzi team. You can find the details HERE Let's get started...

Kurly Bella shares her secret to making money while shopping. Yes, I said while shopping.

Fabulous... The Style Aficionado wants your tips on how to wear the newest addition to her shoe collection. Help her out..

Krasey Beauty goes Up and Away with China Glaze for spring.

Make-up/Music/Money/Me has a way to increase your chances of getting a Valentine's Day gift... Enter her Valentine's Day Giveaway

Don't be another Valentines Day clichè! Do you really need another heart necklace? Obsession Isn't Just A Perfume has something a bit more luxe and modern.

Sucking it in for the beach is so 2009. Diary Of A Style Addict has a better way... Spanx isnt just bodyshapers, they recently launched a swimwear line so you can look nipped and tucked poolside.

Project Danielle has a $25 Sephora gift card up for grabs with the One World One Heart Giveaway. Also there's almost 1000 blogs giving away other prizes.

Blaq Vixen Beauty invites you to Rethink What Matters with Bare Escentuals!

Glamour Whore has begun her Valentine's Day countdown and Nars "Love Thrill" is on her wishlist...and I'm sure it will be on yours too.

Enjoy!! Have a great weekend!! The Glamarazzi xoxo

Edited by: Iggi

It's about that time again...Glamarazzi time!! Once again the Glamarazzi ladies are bringing you the creme de la creme of the web's best beauty/fashion/glamour links. We are getting bigger and bigger and couldn't be happier about it. Also, Keedah and myself are always happy to consider new members so feel free to contact us in regards to joining the glamarazzi team. You can find the details HERE Let's get started...

Kurly Bella shares her secret to making money while shopping. Yes, I said while shopping.

Fabulous... The Style Aficionado wants your tips on how to wear the newest addition to her shoe collection. Help her out..

Krasey Beauty goes Up and Away with China Glaze for spring.

Make-up/Music/Money/Me has a way to increase your chances of getting a Valentine's Day gift... Enter her Valentine's Day Giveaway

Don't be another Valentines Day clichè! Do you really need another heart necklace? Obsession Isn't Just A Perfume has something a bit more luxe and modern.

Sucking it in for the beach is so 2009. Diary Of A Style Addict has a better way... Spanx isnt just bodyshapers, they recently launched a swimwear line so you can look nipped and tucked poolside.

Project Danielle has a $25 Sephora gift card up for grabs with the One World One Heart Giveaway. Also there's almost 1000 blogs giving away other prizes.

Blaq Vixen Beauty invites you to Rethink What Matters with Bare Escentuals!

Glamour Whore has begun her Valentine's Day countdown and Nars "Love Thrill" is on her wishlist...and I'm sure it will be on yours too.

Enjoy!! Have a great weekend!! The Glamarazzi xoxo

I am the featured blogger and hair extraordinaire on the My Natural Me blog. My interview delved deep into my hair history and routine as well as my motivation for creating Luxe Glam. The glorious diva over at MNM is a HUGE fan and was amazing and thorough in her questioning.

Head On Over To My Natural Me and check me out!!

I asked my Twitter Tweeps and FB Fiends to submit beauty and hair questions that they would like me to answer. Most of the questions I got were asking what my top tips are or what can be done to achieve healthy hair. There are many small changes and additions that can completely transform your hair. The ones listed are the ones I implement therefore, I know it works.

1. Get to know your hair by skipping some salon visits and taking on the task of managing your own locks.

I've met some ladies that didn't even know they were curly because they never washed their hair at home.

2. Join hair care sites, forums or blogs *like mine : )*

They have a wealth of information and can teach you so much about your hair. Long Hair Care Forum and Black Hair Media are my faves. *waves at fellow LHCers and BHMers*.

3. Get a hair regimen and keep up with your progress via photos and/or a hair journal.

Learn what works best your hair and schedule and create a weekly and monthy plan for what products you will use, how often you will shampoo/condition/deep condition, your styling process as well as morning and night time maintenance. I know it sound tedious but it really isn't at all. For example:Once a month, I deep condition with a reconstructing/protein product. Once or twice a week, I pre-poo my hair with oils and honey, then shampoo or co-wash. I'll be posting my regimen in full detail soon so keep an eye out for it.

4. Experiment with different techniques and products.

You never know what will be the catalyst for your hair's improvement. For years, I avoided trying pure honey in my hair because I thought it was icky and messy. When I finally tried it a few months ago, I was sprung. I wish I had added it to my arsenal sooner. Which brings me to my next one....

5. Adopt at least one natural/organic item into your hair regimen.

Popular ones are eggs, milk, honey, mayonnaise, olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, coconut or shea butter oil, coconut milk, lemon and lime. These are just a few of your infinite choices so choose one or all and your hair (and your boo) will thank you for it.

~Pop The Top For The Rest~

I asked my Twitter Tweeps and FB Fiends to submit beauty and hair questions that they would like me to answer. Most of the questions I got were asking what my top tips are or what can be done to achieve healthy hair. There are many small changes and additions that can completely transform your hair. The ones listed are the ones I implement therefore, I know it works.

1. Get to know your hair by skipping some salon visits and taking on the task of managing your own locks.

I've met some ladies that didn't even know they were curly because they never washed their hair at home.

2. Join hair care sites, forums or blogs *like mine : )*

They have a wealth of information and can teach you so much about your hair. Long Hair Care Forum and Black Hair Media are my faves. *waves at fellow LHCers and BHMers*.

3. Get a hair regimen and keep up with your progress via photos and/or a hair journal.

Learn what works best your hair and schedule and create a weekly and monthy plan for what products you will use, how often you will shampoo/condition/deep condition, your styling process as well as morning and night time maintenance. I know it sound tedious but it really isn't at all. For example:Once a month, I deep condition with a reconstructing/protein product. Once or twice a week, I pre-poo my hair with oils and honey, then shampoo or co-wash. I'll be posting my regimen in full detail soon so keep an eye out for it.

4. Experiment with different techniques and products.

You never know what will be the catalyst for your hair's improvement. For years, I avoided trying pure honey in my hair because I thought it was icky and messy. When I finally tried it a few months ago, I was sprung. I wish I had added it to my arsenal sooner. Which brings me to my next one....

5. Adopt at least one natural/organic item into your hair regimen.

Popular ones are eggs, milk, honey, mayonnaise, olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, coconut or shea butter oil, coconut milk, lemon and lime. These are just a few of your infinite choices so choose one or all and your hair (and your boo) will thank you for it.

~Pop The Top For The Rest~