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Natural Hair on The Corner- Anu Essentials Products

So the other day I woke up with a massive fro that was both dry and brittle. I had worn my hair out for a few days but my true mishap was going to bed without covering my hair the night before. I was exhausted and figured it needed to be washed anyway so what the heck. I stood tugging at my strands and looking in my hair closet like what we gone do now Craig?

I like to switch up my products so my hair wouldn’t get immune to their ingredients and don’t work. So instead of reaching for that other conditioner I’ve been using for the past month or so, I grabbed Anu Essentials Moisture Rich Conditioner. It was still in the gift bag that I got from the product’s launch event. I put a little on my dry and tired tresses. My hair immediately became soft. I mean super soft. I kept the conditioner in for almost an hour then washed with the Nourishing Cleansing Gel Shampoo. I must say this shampoo works wonders. It cleans but don’t strip the hair leaving it feeling dry. Also, a little goes a long way. Just a small amount lathered my entire head. I then used some of the herbal oil on my strands before I blew them out and flat ironed for my cut.

The best part of using these products is the smell. Infused with natural oils and containing no parabens or sulfates, these products are excellent for your hair. After all they are made by Anu Prestonia, owner of Khamit Kinks salon in Brooklyn NY. She has decades in the hair game and is well versed in health and wellness. I was told your hair looks and smells delicious by a friend a few nights ago. I can get with that.

A few days ago I posted a few picks of me right after I cut my hair. Click through the pics above to see the pic of me that was posted to Anu Essentials Instagram account. I’m very flattered. Having healthy hair is very important to me and using products like this maintains its health. It has never felt or looked better. Team natural everything all day.

Log onto http://anuessentials.com for more products and visit Khamit Kinks in Brooklyn to get your coif did. They’ve mastered natural hair styling. Trust!

xo Brandis 

PS- I used a little of the soft set gel to do a straw set in a transitioner’s hair and it worked great. Cop some of that too.

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Fashion and Beauty Met Natural Hair- Eden BodyWorks’ Style With Eden Event

When I think about Eden BodyWorks, I can hear Biggie Smalls singing “and another one” as in another fab event. About a year ago, Eden BodyWorks launched its new Jojoba Monoi line with a Brunch with Eden series. This year, Eden BodyWorks kicked off its Style with Eden series to announce its new Coconut Oil and Shea Butter infused products at Pranna in NYC. 

The event was attended by NYC’s stylistas and natural hair lovers. Bloggers, beauty, fashion and media mavens mingled and gagged over each others hair and accessories while enjoying delicious bites and cocktails. There was also an informational panel in true Eden fashion (always educating on the importance of natural, healthy, beauty practices) that included Felicia Leatherwood, Natural Hair Stylist and Founder of Loving Your Hair with Natural Care, Kela Walker, Style Contributor to Black Enterprise and Founder of Kela’s Kloset, Latisha Daring, Owner and Designer of Asytyn LLC, and Milly Almodovar, Beauty Editor for Cosmo Latina and Founder of Beauty Logic Blog. 

The event took place on the first day of Spring but the weather didn’t get the memo. Because it was so cold out, I opted for my trusty black wrap dress, black and gold Cesare Pacoitti boots, bright necklace and a bright lip. I tried to throw spring in there with the lip and necklace although it was clearly winter outside. (rolls eyes extra hard)

Overall, the night was amazing as everyone networked and connected. Click through the pics to see how everything shaped up. As soon as I try the new Coconut Shea products I will do a review. There were new additions like curly puddings in soft and medium hold as well as a co wash, leave in conditioner, and shampoo. The products are slated to hit Walmart stores in the beginning of April. 

Check out Eden BodyWorks’ facebook page to see when Style with Eden will hit a city near you. Attending one of their events is so worth it. Until next time lovelies.

xo Brandis 

In the pictures- 

1. Moi dressed in all black with a few pops of color.

2. Style with Eden banner that featured designs by Ashaka Givens.

3. Eden BodyWorks Founder Jasmine and Kela Walker.

4. Event Coordinator and PR Powerhouse behind the night, Renae Bluitt and guest.

5. Eden BodyWorks social media maven Elisa gives a big grin.

6. Guests dined on delectables like firecracker shrimp, beef sliders, chicken wraps and sweet potato fries. 

7. Product shot

Natural Hair on The Corner- My Hair’s Current State This winter came with its chilled temps and brisk winds and caused all types of dryness for my tresses. Even in protective styles my hair became very dry. I rationalized the dryness with the fact that I was constantly going from one extreme to the next. Indoors where it was warm, especially in my apartment, then outside to freeze.  However, I’ve had a few saving graces. Miss Jessies Curly Buttercreme and Super Sweetback Treatment, Karen’s Body Beautiful Naturally Chic Leave-in Conditioner, and my whipped shea butter (raw shea butter, jamaican black castor oil, virgin olive oil and water). My biggest discovery, my hair loves water. Water makes it super soft and it absorbs moisturizers better when wet. After growing out a dye job that was done in June of 2010, my hair now reaches my armpit when you stretch the back down and to under my chin where I once had bangs. It took about 5 cuts (like inches not just clipping my ends) and some protective styling to grow it out. Its doing great but its been a learning experience.  I grew up in a salon. Its a family trade. Although I’ve never gone to beauty school, I know a lot about how to take care of hair and how to style it. My natural hair started to flourish when I blocked out the majority of info that was on blogs and you tube and simply asked myself how did you get mid-back length hair before. There’s so much info online that its crazy. Everyone is an expert. It bothers me because with all the info out there new naturals can’t decide what advice they should take. Here’s my bottom line. Natural hair is not stressful but it does require patience. It shouldn’t take 500 products and 14 hours to wash and style your hair. I don’t believe in co-washing, I know its necessary to have a clean scalp. I use peppermint soap and clarify once a month with apple cider vinegar. Deep conditioning is a must. I do it every week. I use heat and my hair is not heat damaged at all. I blow dry with a comb attachment on a low setting. This was a big deal because everywhere I looked said do not use heat. My hair was cut a lot over the years because of tangles and knots. When I started to blow dry, I got way fewer knots and my hair was able to retain length. Leave in conditioners are also mandatory. Lastly, you should clip your ends every few months and clip knots whenever you find them. Moral of this hair story is, my hair is doing well. I want everyone’s hair to do well. I went natural before it was trendy. Its actually a trend that I appreciate because it promotes hair health. I only ask that you seek information from a credible source. Don’t follow the girl with mixed heritage regimen because that won’t work for your kinks and coils. Like everything else in life you have to do you. If you have questions, feel free to ask but the bottom line is you have to find what works for you. I’m working on having a big, disrespectful, taking up people’s personal space fro this spring/summer. I hope you’ll join me. Lol xo Brandis 

Natural Hair on The Corner- My Hair’s Current State

This winter came with its chilled temps and brisk winds and caused all types of dryness for my tresses. Even in protective styles my hair became very dry. I rationalized the dryness with the fact that I was constantly going from one extreme to the next. Indoors where it was warm, especially in my apartment, then outside to freeze. 

However, I’ve had a few saving graces. Miss Jessies Curly Buttercreme and Super Sweetback Treatment, Karen’s Body Beautiful Naturally Chic Leave-in Conditioner, and my whipped shea butter (raw shea butter, jamaican black castor oil, virgin olive oil and water). My biggest discovery, my hair loves water. Water makes it super soft and it absorbs moisturizers better when wet.

After growing out a dye job that was done in June of 2010, my hair now reaches my armpit when you stretch the back down and to under my chin where I once had bangs. It took about 5 cuts (like inches not just clipping my ends) and some protective styling to grow it out. Its doing great but its been a learning experience. 

I grew up in a salon. Its a family trade. Although I’ve never gone to beauty school, I know a lot about how to take care of hair and how to style it. My natural hair started to flourish when I blocked out the majority of info that was on blogs and you tube and simply asked myself how did you get mid-back length hair before. There’s so much info online that its crazy. Everyone is an expert. It bothers me because with all the info out there new naturals can’t decide what advice they should take. Here’s my bottom line.

Natural hair is not stressful but it does require patience. It shouldn’t take 500 products and 14 hours to wash and style your hair. I don’t believe in co-washing, I know its necessary to have a clean scalp. I use peppermint soap and clarify once a month with apple cider vinegar. Deep conditioning is a must. I do it every week. I use heat and my hair is not heat damaged at all. I blow dry with a comb attachment on a low setting. This was a big deal because everywhere I looked said do not use heat. My hair was cut a lot over the years because of tangles and knots. When I started to blow dry, I got way fewer knots and my hair was able to retain length. Leave in conditioners are also mandatory. Lastly, you should clip your ends every few months and clip knots whenever you find them.

Moral of this hair story is, my hair is doing well. I want everyone’s hair to do well. I went natural before it was trendy. Its actually a trend that I appreciate because it promotes hair health. I only ask that you seek information from a credible source. Don’t follow the girl with mixed heritage regimen because that won’t work for your kinks and coils. Like everything else in life you have to do you.

If you have questions, feel free to ask but the bottom line is you have to find what works for you. I’m working on having a big, disrespectful, taking up people’s personal space fro this spring/summer. I hope you’ll join me. Lol

xo Brandis 

Natural Hair on The Corner- Karen’s Body Beautiful Naturally Chic Hair Nectar (Winter Hair Care)  So the weather in NYC has taken a turn for the frigid and I’m continuing to make sure my tresses remain in tip top shape with this awesome leave in conditioner. I always use a leave in conditioner especially since I wear my hair stretched via blow drying. The leave in gives it added protection from the heat, styling and whatever the weather is serving.  This leave in conditioner is made from all the good stuff. Its all natural with no harsh chemicals at all. The leave in contains some natural hair essential oils like coconut, jojoba, and grapeseed. It also contains vegetable glycerin which is another great moisturizer for dry hair and it is water based. I just discovered (I so wasn’t paying attention) my hair loves water. I must say as soon as I apply this product my hair is super soft and detangling is a breeze. Bonus, it can also be used during the week to refresh a twist or braid out.  Bottomline, we must prepare our hair to look fab for summer and this is definitely on the winter hair care list. Go get some. You’re detangling process will be cut in half and your hair will thank you. I know you’re thankful so, you’re welcome. lol  xo Brandis  PS- This is my first time using a Karen’s Body Beautiful product and I likey, so now I must explore the line. 

Natural Hair on The Corner- Karen’s Body Beautiful Naturally Chic Hair Nectar (Winter Hair Care) 

So the weather in NYC has taken a turn for the frigid and I’m continuing to make sure my tresses remain in tip top shape with this awesome leave in conditioner. I always use a leave in conditioner especially since I wear my hair stretched via blow drying. The leave in gives it added protection from the heat, styling and whatever the weather is serving. 

This leave in conditioner is made from all the good stuff. Its all natural with no harsh chemicals at all. The leave in contains some natural hair essential oils like coconut, jojoba, and grapeseed. It also contains vegetable glycerin which is another great moisturizer for dry hair and it is water based. I just discovered (I so wasn’t paying attention) my hair loves water. I must say as soon as I apply this product my hair is super soft and detangling is a breeze. Bonus, it can also be used during the week to refresh a twist or braid out. 

Bottomline, we must prepare our hair to look fab for summer and this is definitely on the winter hair care list. Go get some. You’re detangling process will be cut in half and your hair will thank you. I know you’re thankful so, you’re welcome. lol 

xo Brandis 

PS- This is my first time using a Karen’s Body Beautiful product and I likey, so now I must explore the line. 

Natural Hair on The Corner- Miss Jessies Super Sweetback Treatment (Winter Hair Care) So the lovely ladies over at Miss Jessies has done it again. I love the Super Sweetback Treatment. Its a deep conditioner that has my hair absolutely soft and smelling oh so sweet. No, like seriously, its been 3 days since I used it and I can still smell the fragrance in my hair. Its not a harsh or overbearing smell. Its a little yummy. Someone will want to snuggle close and its cold as hell in NYC right now so that may be a goal of yours. Anyway, the temperatures outside are harsh and you need to make sure your hair is as strong as possible. You want to combat dryness and make sure there’s no breakage from your winter accessories or just plain ole neglect. Go out and grab this. I think you’ll enjoy it. xo Brandis   

Natural Hair on The Corner- Miss Jessies Super Sweetback Treatment (Winter Hair Care)

So the lovely ladies over at Miss Jessies has done it again. I love the Super Sweetback Treatment. Its a deep conditioner that has my hair absolutely soft and smelling oh so sweet. No, like seriously, its been 3 days since I used it and I can still smell the fragrance in my hair. Its not a harsh or overbearing smell. Its a little yummy. Someone will want to snuggle close and its cold as hell in NYC right now so that may be a goal of yours.

Anyway, the temperatures outside are harsh and you need to make sure your hair is as strong as possible. You want to combat dryness and make sure there’s no breakage from your winter accessories or just plain ole neglect. Go out and grab this. I think you’ll enjoy it.

xo Brandis   

Natural Hair on The Corner- Miss Jessies Curly Buttercreme Review (Winter Hair Care) Hey curl friends. The winter months are upon us and our hair tend to get drier during this time. I know, as if its not hard enough staying on your moisture came. During this time, it’s best to find products that can provide great moisture and not weigh your hair down. Enter Miss Jessies Curly Buttercreme.  Now I must say I left Miss Jessies products alone a few years back after realizing the curly puddings weren’t good for me but now I’ve had a change of heart. After receiving this moisturizer in a gift bag I must say I adore it. I use it on my son’s hair as well, right before I blow dry. It blows out so soft and silky. I also use it to dry twist out my hair. For the past six weeks I’ve been wearing braids. When I redid them this past week, I was surprised at how soft my hair was after taking out the extensions. I rubbed a small dab of the Curly Buttercreme on each section before braiding it.  Bottom line, put this in your winter hair arsenal. You won’t be sorry. I know they’re a little pricy but they’re having a BOGO sale until Dec. 15 with free shipping. Click here http://www.missjessies.com/shop to check it out. You will thank me! xo Brandis   PS- You know their products are known for strong fragrances. This one isn’t too strong, its like a peppermint undertone of some sort. 

Natural Hair on The Corner- Miss Jessies Curly Buttercreme Review (Winter Hair Care)

Hey curl friends. The winter months are upon us and our hair tend to get drier during this time. I know, as if its not hard enough staying on your moisture came. During this time, it’s best to find products that can provide great moisture and not weigh your hair down. Enter Miss Jessies Curly Buttercreme. 

Now I must say I left Miss Jessies products alone a few years back after realizing the curly puddings weren’t good for me but now I’ve had a change of heart. After receiving this moisturizer in a gift bag I must say I adore it. I use it on my son’s hair as well, right before I blow dry. It blows out so soft and silky. I also use it to dry twist out my hair. For the past six weeks I’ve been wearing braids. When I redid them this past week, I was surprised at how soft my hair was after taking out the extensions. I rubbed a small dab of the Curly Buttercreme on each section before braiding it. 

Bottom line, put this in your winter hair arsenal. You won’t be sorry. I know they’re a little pricy but they’re having a BOGO sale until Dec. 15 with free shipping. Click here http://www.missjessies.com/shop to check it out.

You will thank me!

xo Brandis  

PS- You know their products are known for strong fragrances. This one isn’t too strong, its like a peppermint undertone of some sort. 

Natural Hair on The Corner- Shop Eden BodyWorks and Receive 40% Off Hey natural hair lovers and beauty mavens. So I think I’ve mentioned on here before that I’m a contributing writer to In Her Shoes, a blog that features female entrepreneurs. Well the editor of that blog and CEO of Crush Media Renae Bluitt has teamed up with Eden BodyWorks to offer a 40 percent discount off her fav product between today and Nov. 6th. I thought you all should have access to the fun.  I absolutely love the JojOba Monoi deep conditioner. If softens your tresses upon contact. You can truly feel the difference after using it. With temperatures starting to drop, our natural hair will become dryer. This deep conditioner is like a winter must have. Deep conditioning is imperative to maintain your hair’s healthy and have length retention. Dry hair breaks off, point, blank, and a period. I use the deep conditioner once a week along with the JojOba Monoi hair oil.   You can view all of the Eden BodyWorks line at www.edenbodyworks.net and use the code BLOGGER12 for your 40% off the deep conditioner. I promise you’ll love it. Do know that the products are made all natural with no harsh sulfates, alcohol, or mineral oils. Excellent for our manes.  If you make a purchase do share your experience with me.  PS- This is not a sponsored post, I’ve used the products and love them. Gotta spread love it’s the Brooklyn way.  xo Brandis 

Natural Hair on The Corner- Shop Eden BodyWorks and Receive 40% Off

Hey natural hair lovers and beauty mavens. So I think I’ve mentioned on here before that I’m a contributing writer to In Her Shoes, a blog that features female entrepreneurs. Well the editor of that blog and CEO of Crush Media Renae Bluitt has teamed up with Eden BodyWorks to offer a 40 percent discount off her fav product between today and Nov. 6th. I thought you all should have access to the fun. 

I absolutely love the JojOba Monoi deep conditioner. If softens your tresses upon contact. You can truly feel the difference after using it. With temperatures starting to drop, our natural hair will become dryer. This deep conditioner is like a winter must have. Deep conditioning is imperative to maintain your hair’s healthy and have length retention. Dry hair breaks off, point, blank, and a period. I use the deep conditioner once a week along with the JojOba Monoi hair oil.  

You can view all of the Eden BodyWorks line at www.edenbodyworks.net and use the code BLOGGER12 for your 40% off the deep conditioner. I promise you’ll love it. Do know that the products are made all natural with no harsh sulfates, alcohol, or mineral oils. Excellent for our manes. 

If you make a purchase do share your experience with me. 

PS- This is not a sponsored post, I’ve used the products and love them. Gotta spread love it’s the Brooklyn way. 

xo Brandis