We Love Her Style: Braided-fro

Happy Hairline

Is your hairline scaring you? Thinking of taking a break from weaving and braiding?  Fear not! Pay close attention to all of these tips.

GIVE THE PONYTAIL A REST

Your hairline will suffer if you stress it too much, too tight

WEAVE CAREFULLY
Don't incorporate synthetic hair into hairline braids.  Be careful/notice how your hair is being braided, make sure its loose

COLOR SMART
If your hair is colored make sure your hair is pre-treated and well conditioned prior adding the color.  Relaxed hair, too many relaxer treatments can cause breakage not the hair color

TIE YOUR HAIR DOWN AT NIGHT
This goes for natural and relaxed hair, minimize movement

TRY NEW STYLES FOR NEW GROWTH
Be versatile! If weaved prevent pulling on braids under and around hairline

ADD A LITTLE OIL
This will protect from daily stress of styling. Oil scalp periodically, oil is less prone to breakage but not daily to prevent clogged pores or oil on your skin.  Every 3-4 days is sufficient

PAY ATTENTION TO RELAXER DETAILS
It is very important you follow proper instructions.  Relax in downward motion when relaxing, go in the direction of hair growth when massaging the relaxer.  Do not use use a small comb around hairline, this will cause unnecessary stretching and pulling. Condition! Condition! Condition!

STARTS WITHIN
Take proper care of your body.  Eat well.  Get nutrients such as fish oil, B-complex, fiber, vegetables and a lot of water. The changes in your hair, nails and skin with reflect

AVOID GLUE
If you wear lace wigs, find another alternative of putting on the unit on.  Read this article on disadvantages of using glue.  Weave wearers, do not use glue either, try styles that can be done sewn in.  If you must, let it be an occasional basis and make sure the glue is washed out and your hair is treated properly

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
If your hairline is residing beyond the point of no return, book an appointment with your doctor

Passion by Shar & Dupri contest

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

WIN! WIN! WIN! 

2 packs of virgin Brazilian hair, any length and style of your choice! 

RULES

• Reblog this on Tumblr [click here] or
• Like the Facebook page or
• Follow on @PassionHairSD on Twitter 
• Entrants can enter through all of the above listed for a greater chance of winning ;-) 

TERMS & CONDITIONS
»»  Contest ends AUGUST 20, 2011
»»  Facebook, Twitter and the email address must be valid
»»  One entry entry per person
»»  Contest is open to anyone worldwide
»»  Must be over 18 years of age
»»  The winner will be announced within 48 hours of the deadline and contacted by email

For more information on Passion by Shar & Dupri, visit the website [click here]

Money Matters

I am enroute to becoming an young, fabulous self employed millionaire before the age of 30 :-) Passion by Shar & Dupri  (the name of my hair salon) is a dream I have carried with me for about a year now.  While God continues to sort things out for us, I am doing my research. 

MONEY MATTERS! 

There's no doubt about that, it is plain and simple; whether or not you're ok working 9 - 5 or starting out your own business.  I came across this article while sitting under the dryer as my hair treatment penetrated through my coils of my natural hair ;-) I decided I would share it with you.  
 
MEASURE OUT PRODUCT
Avoid squeezing and pumping product into yours hands or directly onto clients hair.  A lot of product is wasted in this manner. Use manufacturers instructions when determining the amount of product to use ans measure accordingly.

PRICE SERVICES ACCORDINGLY
Make sure your prices include the cost of the professional product to render the service not just what the operator gets paid.

DO YOUR RESEARCH Find distributors or manufacturers who will give you the best prices.  Research the best deals even if it means coming out of your comfort zone.

WANT TO LEARN MORE AS A STYLIST?
Cover your basics.  Business cards and a website are a must with examples of your work. The more you have, the better.  

BE ONLINE SAVVY
You can also create a Facebook business page or Twitter account.  Ask your clients to support you, remind them to "like" and "follow" you.  The great thing about it is self marketing and promotion + it's free so utilize it. Ask clients to give feedback on Yelp or City Search. 

PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICE
Great service keeps clients coming back. Take your time, be patient and friendly!

REWARD YOUR CUSTOMERS
Throw in perks such as a free deep conditioning or discounts. 

CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION
Always be open to learning new things and researching to keep your styling fresh.  Clients want to know that you are aware of the changes in your expertise.  Suggest a new style that would compliment their face or hair color.  Keep them at the edge of their seats with changes and ideas.

*****

It hope this helped.  It is not just directed to aspiring salon/spa owners, I am  sure at least one if not all will be helpful to you. If you know any entrepreneurs that can learn from this article, pass it on :-) 

Crown Chronicles Giveaway

CONTEST NOW CLOSED

Hello beauties! To make up for my brief hiatus, I wanted to reward a guest on this page with a gift.  I started yet another blog, Beautiful Afrique *_* Those who know me very well, know I have a passion for Africa and everything about it.  I will be relocating. . .soon!

The purpose of Beautiful Afrique is to showcase the POSITIVE things of Africa displayed in various ways. With that being said, I am always on my toes filled with excitement every time someone asks me WHY? Why do you want to move back?  I won't bore you with the details just yet :-) I decided since I can't move back yet, I can certainly GIVE back.

Beautiful Afrique Boutique (BAB) is an online store that sells unique t-shirts for men and women inspired by Africa.  Concepts and ideas are designed and/or hand made by me. The boutique will allow customers to express their passion for Africa through creative fashion appealing to people of all ages, worldwide.  

Passion for Africa was inspired by Milton Glaser's I ♥ love NY. This includes simple white cotton crew neck tees for men and women available in 2 designs.  The ♥ shape is a print of beautiful ankara material.  Proceeds will be donated to proceeds will be donated to SOS Children's Village Orphan Aids in Africa.

WOMEN

MEN

BAB was created…

»»  for the individual who left Africa and never looked back  
»» as a symbol of unity to the community who is working on rebuilding their nation
»»  to connect to someone who is trying to find their roots  
»» for ANYONE who would like to make a difference 

Contest rules are very simple!
»» Follow Beautiful Afrique on Twitter, tweet your favorite design @BeautiAfrique and
»» 'Like' the Facebook page Beautiful Afrique

»»  The deadline to enter is Wednesday July 13, 2011 (exactly one week from today)
»»  Facebook, Twitter and the email address must be valid
»» One entry entry per person
»» Contest is open to anyone worldwide 
»» Must be over 18 years of age
»»  The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline

GOOD LUCK!

SUPPORT!  Please spread the word, Beautiful Afrique Boutique is on BigCartel and Etsy. 

We Love Her Style - Colored Bantu

Tomato Head

Did you know tomatoes brings luster back to life by restoring pH balance in your hair?  I've got a do-it yourself recipe for you!


All you need is. . .
♥ 1 cup tomato juice
♥ 1 teaspoon cornstarch


♥ Mix ingredients
♥ Pour on top of clean, wet hair
♥ Wrap your head in an old towel (the juice will stain)
♥ Leave for 10 minutes 
♥ Rinse well 
♥ Shampoo again to make sure you're not feeling like a cup of Campbell soup ;-)  


VOULA!
Your hairs pH is now restored and you will see incredible shine and body.

Fresh color

Spring and summer is the time some women step outside of the box when it comes to their hairstyles. . .I know I do.  For those who try a new color for the first time or just for the season.  I've got simple instructions for you to keep your color looking fresh!

• Never shower in hot water - Just like how hot water dries out our skin, it will also fade the color
• Shampoo less - I know it can get quite hot in some countries, states or provinces depending on where you live.  Daily shampoo pulls color pigment out of hair.