Trial and Error: Updos

I love to play with hair just to try out new hairstyles. I usually never take pictures of it, but I decided that I'm going to start documenting my creativity. Last night I did a few styles on my friend and here are some pics.

Look #1

Look #2

Look #2 was my favorite! I didn't use any product in her hair because I was just playing around. If she was planning on going out I would have gotten her hair smoother and used a serum to get those fly aways!

I'm still obsessing over the highlights I did last week. Sometimes you gotta pat yourself on the back so...*pats self on back*

Indianhair.net Review Coming Soon!!

Stay tuned for my review of the signature curly hair from indianhair.net....

Braiding Pattern

As some of you all may know. The braiding pattern is one of the most important and crucial factors in whether a weave is amazing or not. I'm trying to get the perfect braiding pattern down, and here is an example of one I'm using in particular! The Beehive!

I still haven't tried this technique on myself because it is extremely difficult to do this on your own head. I'm going to have my sister braid this for me when it is time to do my next weave. However, I can say that clients have told me that it feels very flat and secure; which is the whole point of the braids. I'm still tweaking my techniques until I reach the perfect braiding pattern.

New Found Growth

I wanted to share some pictures of how much my hair has grown! In the last two months my hair has grown 2 whole inches! Check it out.



Just a Splash of Dimension

I thought I would try out new techniques with highlighting on my friend Martrelle.

What I used:

• 1 pack of Kaleidocolors lightener for warm neutrals
• 20 volume developer
• Foils
• Foiling comb.

The goal at the end was to give her subtle dimension. It is very common for people to hear the word "highlights" and they automatically think of Kelly Clarkson circa 2005. However, the weaving technique gives a subtle change and a provides a unique application and result.



Always Say Yes

W.I.N.G.S. Photo Shoot

Every Sunday, I have been working with a non-profit organization for young girls and boys called W.I.N.G.S. The summer portion of the program is coming to a close, and all the participants get the chance to participate in a photo shoot. I was originally put in charge of the shoot to make sure everything went smoothly. However, I ended up fixing the hair for the kids and staff members during their shoot. I loved it!

The woman pictured above is the CEO and Founder of the organization Vernee Stoddart. The photography was done by Max Sejour. To get in contact with either of them just post a comment. To find out more information about W.I.N.G.S. you can check out the website here.

I Want to Go to Fashion Week!

This is my second week of school at Paul Mitchell "The Temple" in Frederick, MD. I appreciate that my day consist of everything beauty related, especially since today everyone got a mani/pedi...However, my mind is still wandering elsewhere. I want to be in New York working the runways and doing hair! I keep seeing everyone tweet about all the behind the scenes action happening at the fashion shows, and I am so jealous! I will be there soon, so I need to just be patient. Anyways, in the spirit of fashion week, lets roll a few clips from it shall we!

DKNY Spring 2012 RTW at NYFW

Another Happy Client!

I'm really bad at remembering to take pictures of the whole weaving process when I do someones hair. I did my friends hair the other day and as soon as I started weaving I thought I should stop and snap a few photos.

Here is Megan's regular hair length:



The braiding pattern

                                                
 



I placed "highlights" at the top and the bottom




Finished Product





Top View





Side View





Back view



Growth Check! - August 3,2011

I bring good news! My hair is growing at a rapid pace and it is all because of one magic ingredient.......coconut oil! Whenever I take my weaves out I have to show my real hair a lot of TLC because it's been somewhat neglected for so long. This past weave and I went on a lot of adventures this go around. Swimming in chlorine, the ocean, sand, coloring, etc. So I really expected to have a hard time when it was time to take it out. Au contraire!!! I had put coconut oil in my hair and scalp before I installed my weave and the strength and the growth of my hair is unbelievable! I can't imagine using anything else on my hair now.

Curly/Wet: Before Trim



I wanted you all to see how serious my shrinkage is!!!



Blow dried: After Trim

Click here to see my other Growth Checks.

GoDiva!

I recently had the opportunity to interview the ladies of GoDiva Studio. I must say that these ladies are so encouraging! GoDiva is an exotic dance studio that specializes in pole, belly and erotic fitness dance classes. The main goal is to empower women to tap into their sexy and get fit while doing it.

1. What inspired/started this company?


Sonya: In the spring of 2009, Ty approached me to be a part of a female investment group that later transformed into launching a small business. After about a month of brainstorming we decided to open an exotic dance studio. Within 6 months, we opened the doors to GoDiva Studio.



Nikki: Our partner Ty began taking exotic dance classes in ATL and loved it. We wanted to give the ladies in the NJ/NY/PA area the same experience.





Ty: I had always known that I wanted to open a business. I just wasn’t sure what type of business I wanted to open until I began taking exotic dance classes for fitness. I grew a passion for this form of fitness and I knew it was something I wanted to bring to my home state of NJ.



2. What was the biggest obstacle that you had to face in this business and what allowed you to conquer it?

Sonya: My educational and professional background is in Information Technology. I am not a dancer or an entrepreneur, so the biggest obstacle I’ve faced is offering a service that I cannot provide myself. Learning how to manage diverse personalities and work ethics has been a challenge. I am still learning so I haven’t quite conquered that obstacle, but my partners help me manage.

Nikki: When you own your own business there is never any “downtime”. You have to be ready for any and everything that comes your way. It involves organization, preparation, communication, teamwork and good problem-solving skills.



Ty: The biggest challenge for me really has been Marketing and finance. As a small business, the finances are not always there to market your company the way you would like.



3. What is the best thing about what you do?

All: THE LADIES!! Watching our clients enjoy the classes, get fit, and improve their self-esteem makes all the challenging days worth it.

4. If any of you did go to college, where did you attend and what was your major? Does your major have any relevance today?

Sonya: I graduated from DeVry University with an Applied Science Associates degree in Telecommunications Management and the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Engineering.  It has no direct relevance but needed; school taught me to be organized and consistent.

Nikki: I attended St. John’s University and I majored in Computer Science. My major is relevant today because I also work in IT.

Ty: I graduated from DeVry University with both an Applied Science Associates and Bachelors of Science in Marketing. I also received a Post Grad certification in Executive Management from Emory University. My degrees and certifications are very relevant as I handle all of GoDiva’s marketing and promotions.

5. What are three things that you will always have on you. (cell phone, lip gloss, nail file, etc.)

Sonya: That’s easy, Blackberry, wallet, and lip gloss.

Nikki: Phone, make-up bag and water

Ty: IPod, blackberry and Vaseline

6. If I could only take one class from your studio, which one would you recommend that I take?

Sonya: GoStripTease and GoPoleTease— these classes instruct you on the essence of femininity and sensuality, two traits women are naturally born with so you will connect easily to the moves.

Nikki: I would suggest Beginner Pole. It’s great for women who have never taken a pole dance class before and it’s an awesome workout.

Ty: I would suggest GoSexy Chair because it’s the perfect blend of fitness and sexy. You get great cardio while being sensual.

7. What advice do you have to other students and young women who want to take the road less traveled?

Sonya: Do it! Follow your passion and do it wisely. Sometimes you will have to work in a career that isn’t your passion to get to where you want to go. Learn from every experience whether it’s school, friends, family or work. Understand that where you are now is helping you to get to where you want to be. Enjoy your evolution to becoming a woman. It can hurt but is so worth it!

Nikki: Trust your gut instinct at all times and pursue your passion, not what you think you should be doing.

Ty: Pick something you are passionate about because those days when it all gets overwhelming it is your passion that will keep you from throwing in the towel. Additionally, do your research, be very knowledgeable about your industry and if at all possible, find yourself a mentor that you can learn from.

The Virtual Classroom- Ursula Stephans

Good to Know

I don't know if she was the first person to think of this, but she was the first person to tell me.

Mama Knows Best

To Invest or Not to Invest.....In My Future.

I was recently accepted to the Paul Mitchel Beauty Academy, and will be officially making huge strides towards my dream of being a professional hairstylist. But like everything in life, it seems like this place has a catch. I've always been really bothered when upscale salons have only one stylist that is the certified person who knows how to handle black hair (if they have that at all). How is it possible that there are salons that literally can't do African American hair? How could you call yourself a professional at hairstyling and you can't professional style my hair?

So here is my dilemma: I'm worried that when I start school in the fall, I will not be taught all the ins and outs of dealing with African American hair. I know that they will probably touch on it, but I'm not sure if they teach you how to professionally handle it. I'm investing so much money into my education ($20,000 to be exact), and now I'm coming to the realization that I might have to take more classes on how to weave, braid, treat and style A.A. hair elsewhere. Needless to say this isn't sitting to well with me.

The African American community has always had a rich history in hair. It is safe to say that us black folks will spend some serious money on our tresses. So why do so many salons and beauty schools neglect us? Time will only tell if I will need to seek outside help in my technique with A.A hair, but I sincerely hope I get my moneys worth this year. If not I will be spending a lot of money continuing my education...and to think that some people think that beauty school is the easy way out.

REVIEW TIME!!!

Hello everyone! I tried this new Tea Tree Conditioner by Tea and Honey Blends. I really recommend this conditioner if you need to boost your hair! I applied this to my hair, and someone else's. Since I have a weave in I wanted to see how it reacts on natural hair. When I applied it to the other person's hair I added coconut oil because their hair was very damaged, and I wanted to deep condition.

Benefits:
-Makes hair extremely soft
-Promotes shine
-Makes hair very manageable and strong
-You can see a difference in one use

Tea and Honey Blends is a company from two young African American chemist. I read their story and I'm so in love and impressed by them. You can read their story here. After I conditioned it I styled it in curls as you can see here. I can't wait to buy more products from them!