New Year New You

Happy New Year!!!

New Year means new beginning for everyone in a different vibe, time to make some serious promises with the person on the mirror. How it plays out by the end of the year, only time will tell. Ours is priceless information. We set you on a high the easy step, how to ditch the ugly past and make it a distant dream. Others you can do on your own; Risk taking a bold step into a new carrier, or swapping your old crew with a new entourage. A relaxing beauty treatment can set the tone to a great year. Get your fire on before anything this year with a hair style change. Go blonde or platinum and crown it by chopping off your length to an edgy bob. Whatever change you got up your sleeve a short cut can up your game a notch.

Short hair is trending this year, we mirror A- listers with guts to chop it off. superstars are going scissor happy, looking fresh and sassy. Borrow some eye candy hairstyles from leading ladies like:

Jennifer Lawrence

Charlize Theron

Tony Braxton too, shows timeless beauty in her signature cropped cut that leaves men and women begging Hollywood for more of her roles.

Scarlett Johansson has dropped her sultry girly curls for a youthful chopped flair.

Anything goes this year but we sure are crazy having a moment with short hair. Not that long is so last year, only shorter is taking the lead with the fashion forward movement and is more commanding with those with it.

Get a clue from the season hairdo and make it your own. The cropped cut like Miley Cyrus, need no hi-tech concentration, tapered low around the hairline and graduated at the crown, a little too easy, it sound, try wrapping to tame the layers for five to ten minutes when getting ready for the day.

Short is more about elegance than just shedding years as purported. Less is easy and real. A perm every three months gives Smoother tresses for glossy roots.

A spiced up drama with a few tracks will set the mood for party, go nuts with full volume and red pepper hot highlights for a rock star attitude.

A clipper cut is always precise and fast, if meticulous guidelines are applied. Rihanna is the goddess of this phenomenon do. We love her ever sweet short pixy, and we follow her versatile never boring new hair styles, but she is still well known for the almost dark blue black shortest bob. She flips it from blunt to hippy and back to basics.

The queen trendsetter, Miss Jennifer Hudson is winning our hearts with her off the hook cut wavy short bob, shaping her new petite hourglass figure.

Other good reasons why you need the smooth transition to short be giving your hairline a break from the box braids some of us can’t seem to shake off. It helps to swap the wig to a sweet brush through foxy cut, to cope with the hot January weather.

Wedding Ready Hair

Every bride dreams of an epic wedding. No problem going through thick and thin sourcing for funds. And for the most talked about event, there is need to go the extra mile. A definite profound moment on every bride’s calendar, clearly no stone is left unturned. For an episode to shine and leave a lasting impression, perfection tops the list of a dreamy fairytale wedding. A white gown and a simple up do, completes a radiant picture perfect bride.

In deed all those who’ve been down this road, know too well of the tedious details associated with organizing a memorable occasion, short listing the entourage not to mention the backbreaking task of having to put up with organizers and the likes. With all the rigorous affair, the main focus is the bride, and it all boils down to how well put together she is on her wedding day. Hair neatly tucked, pinned and polished.

Excellent for the photo session, and a magnificent display for the invited guest, always armed with something tasteful to rant about many days after the event. Planning a good show is always a task better left for the experts, a detailed eye will give everything thorough scrutiny. And without a doubt, the icing on the cake is the flawless showstopper. This is where hair and makeup is given much consideration. Here are some ideas to bring out the celebrity in every happy bride to be.

First on the agenda is to source for a stylist with good credentials, one patient and accommodative to your needs. Discuss the designs and methods suitable for you. Settle on a look perfect with the wedding theme. Like Soft easy curls, sleek ponytails or bouncy bangs. Portray a youthful Freshness, and untapped innocence, keeping the design of the dress in check with accessories.

• A youthful fresh, less cluttered do, works perfect. Adding elegance with a sleek glossy ponytail is easy for any stylist.

• Create a sweet transformation with little teased tendrils on the crown, a deep side sweep, slightly flipped bangs, taming the roots with a fine tooth comb, letting go at the crown, crunch the wavy curls to the middle, and secure with bobby pins. A final sheen spray to keep curls on check.

• Motioning the strands up above the eyebrows for a smooth coiled bun down the nape of the neck, creates an effortless laid back natural cuteness.

• Length for elegance and volume; adding a few tracks for loose bouncy curls and leave hair free for a garden wedding. Accessorize with flowers for a crisp timeless classic tresses.

• Important note: A pre trial of your style should be done a week before the wedding. This will get you psychologically ready for what to expect. Some people prefer two different hairstyles for day, and evening. Try both looks and go over the styling arrangements with the expert. Only when satisfied with the design, securing a permanent appointment with a hairstylist. One booking for the eve of the wedding to prep you for the following day. The next important appointment is for the day of the wedding.
• It’s best to go for a style easy to groom on your own after the wedding. Honeymooning means fun and games. Tracks are easy to brush out and held with hair bands. Braids are hustle free and need less tips on maintenance.

• No fuss with cornrows, they are ideal for a long playful vacation far from modernization.

GET IT RIGHT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

          

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, which means travelling, vacationing and feasting. Everyone likes merry making looking great. There will be plenty of Party invites. Whatever goodies Santa has packed in his gift bag; wish yours come in form of hair and nail care tips for the long holiday. And if that will not work, don’t wait till Christmas Eve to open you package or biting your nails off with worry, hoping someone read your thoughts. Still, whether naughty or nice, you can look your party best this season.

What are the ideal fancy hair and nail hacks for the holiday? Are we all subjected to braids alone? Are there other magic dos to make the season hustle free from worrying about the next appointment? Whether it’s prepping the turkey for thanks giving or marinating that delicious lamb that bears you family secret recipe. You don’t have to look plain while doing any Christmas duty to your loved ones.

Forget gloves and use your flexing hands without leaving chipped nail polish mixed all over the salad bowl. The best option for active hands will be- gel polish. They take a shorter process and stay on longer than two weeks without chipping or losing gloss.  Choose bright glossy colors that bring out the holiday spirit. Reds, glimmers and glitter are in twined with the Christmas mood. Add cuticle oil to your travel bad and apply on the nails and cuticle area after any rigorous task.

Outdoor activities are popular with kids and active adults. The sun’s rays are best for that dreamy skin tan, and when sunbathing or taking a stroll down by the beach; the essential beauty bag must have- not only includes lotion. Grab a straw hut to protect hair from the scorching sun. The salty sea water leaves the hair brittle with unhealthy bleach; moisturize the hair before taking the dive. Always remember to rinse off after the days exposure.

Assuming you already have cornrows on. A helpful tip on humid weather worthy cornrows is to avoid adding hairpiece. Because sand and debris hide underneath sockets of plaits that may cause itch and store dirt. Bush camping is another fun way to enjoy the season and getting in touch with nature, assuming there will be fire to warm up on the cold night. A simple do like cornrows require no grooming. There will be lots of splashing and water activities too. Kids are more active and hair is their last worry. Simply braids are good to go. Include a rinse off moisturizer in their beauty bags, cleansing off the chlorine immediately after swimming, to protect hair from the chemical.

For the diehard weave fanatics; there are no sacrifices for hotness. You might think of sitting by the pool with that in season two piece bathing suit, hair and nails did to the nine, passing for a fashion icon, sipping on lemonade without coming into contact with water. Well it doesn’t have to be so. That’s why swimming caps come in handy. Coil hair into a ban before wearing the cap. And party hard throughout the season.

The wig is another awesome trend for the high fashioned babe with little time for long salon hours. With clips and pins attached on the extension, it secures it from shifting or hanging precariously, it spells as an easy hack for on and off DYI process.

The head wrap is a good option for those bad hair days. Blending it doesn’t need much of an expert hand. Practice on your own the simple techniques. Whatever is underneath it, the results are undoubtedly stunning and uploads elegance for anyone who gets it right.

Legendary Braids

Vision the pride of Africa and picture safari, drumbeats that tell stories of a rich culture, indigenous wildlife. The African woman is the epitome of beauty and elegance. What defines her exotic beauty is in her identity, evident in her looks, adorned in her colorful traditional attire and complemented with beads and braids.

Braids have been associated with the African culture since time immemorial. Today, we preserve that culture of Braids as the ideal afro beauty for black women and now the best in taming the super tight curly hair and are definitely commanding a lot of admiration as a style factor. Its unique influence is breathing a fresh meaning in the fashion industry, as a preferred choice in blending with the African theme, putting African designers and stylists alike, on the world map. Its simplicity is also preferred by majority as an ideal everyday wear and pocket friendly affair.

Styling and designing has evolved through the years, while the traditional technique remains the same, like twisting, plaiting or weaving. New materials of different fibers keep emerging to complement the legendary look. As the beauty and fashion industry compete to remain afloat with the demand of maintaining the African culture, by blending with the modern.

It’s good to know when it’s good to braid, for whom, how and what to avoid.

• Braiding for children: A child scalp is tender and the hair gets tougher as they grow. Prepping is always a daunting task. If this can be avoided the better, but if insisting of child’s image is what one is all about, then consider conditioning and moisturize the hair before putting on pigtails. It’s advisable to minimize the time for doing a child’s hair and the size of braids. A simple technique saves the day – children get bored and restless very quickly.
• Size and tightness is damaging on the hair line. Avoid heavy braids or too much material on the head. The hair cannot maintain the pressure. Tightly done braids cause sebum. The yellow like discharge is never pretty and stay sore for long, leaving the scalp vulnerable. Whether the braids are kept on for a short period, the damage is usually irreversible or too expensive to restore.
• The scalp tends to get dry and flakey with braids. Condition and moisturize twice a week or when the dryness is evident.
• If washing is a must, it’s advisable to minimize the number of how many times it’s done, condition the hair before washing and moisturize for softness and to nourish the scalp.
• Keep braids for one month maximum. Longer duration will develop knots and moulds accumulated with products used for maintenance. Undoing always become hard and leads to hair breakage and weakness.
• After the undoing, the hair and scalp must be treated and let to rest for one month before the next affair.
• There are many fibers to choose from and most are highly flammable. Before settling for preferred choices read the instruction and learn more about the product. There are directions and warning on the label that can be helpful.
• Visit the salon for tips on styling, accessorizing and maintenance.
• Protect hair from chlorine with a moisturizer before swimming and rinse off after.
• Tightly done braids can cause painful bumps

 

Hair Extensions Making Sense

Be ready for wow facts on adding length to that slow growing mane, or body to thin strands.

Folks dwelling a lot on the amount women spend purchasing hair extension is damaging, always armed with Vicious, verbal attacks. Ladies are harassed for their personal choice in hair accessories. Often criticized and constantly tormented and looked down on for chasing after glamor. Hair extensions taking much hype on exaggerated pricing. Even with all this, there are many samples in the market to consider when looking at cost.

The market is vast in styles and designs. Information is made available on new and old techniques of applying what is best for who, depending on one’s spending habits. No need of digging too deep, if the pockets do not allow. Young ladies go through basic sacrifices to look the part. Some skip lunch, and use all their allowance when pocket money isn’t enough, to save for that glamorous do. And after purchasing extensions, choosing a style is vital for personality and career. Then is the task of fixing, styling, and the obvious advice on self maintaining. The after care is where the cost becomes a headache. Products are needed for maintaining the sheen and keeping the bounce, there are at least twice or three times a week salon visits for styling. Normal washing duration for hair, is normally once after every two weeks.

For extensions, cleaning should be different, given an individual’s lifestyle. Gym enthusiasts must think twice before considering extensions. Sweating occur when working out and is accumulated throughout the week when working out daily. That means more cleaning or rinsing off the sweat, at least twice or three times a week.

On the contrary, women who embrace beauty, and love the natural aspect of dolling up, do not see all this as a chore, they put time and effort. And this is for them. Buy hair from and with the help of a reliable, trusted source:
(1. Get proper information on the longevity and texture of the product and if the value matches the quality. There are too many options in the market.
(2. If you’re satisfied with your product, source for good service by asking around for the best within your area.
(3. With the help of a stylist, it’s best to consult on the design suitable for any particular lifestyle. Just as there styles vary, so do the design and techniques.
(4. Inquire on the costs of fixing and the time it takes for the whole process.
(5. Book an appointment with your stylist and keep time.
(6. Beauty is nice but the hair and scalp should not suffer for a short term gain in glamor.
(7. A simple procedure will not damage hair.
(8. Important note to consider for healthy hair: Washing hair with extension tends to put pressure on hair. And because hair is much vulnerable when wet; this is when damage occur. Extensions are usually heavy and the strands much thicker compared to hair. It’s advisable to undo the extensions and treat hair separately and fix it back when assured. This process might be high maintaining but it’s the best strategy for healthy hair and scalp. It helps to learn the origin of the extensions for knowledge sake. But really not necessary to keep information on the long process and sarcasm surrounding how it evolves.
(9. Avoid misleading myths like: extensions are unhealthy and an attraction to bacteria. Always follow the grooming tips and practice hygiene at all times to avoid bacteria manifestation.
(10. Learn other revised new procedures of dry cleaning scalp and extensions from professionals without necessarily dipping hair in water.
(11. Wear a swimming cap when swimming.
(12. Wear fewer tracks and avoid too much hair on very hot weather.
(13. Extensions are not only for length and volume; they serve as a break for in between treatments or protect hair from everyday strains, such as heating and brushing.
(14. Duration should not exceed more than a month. It’s advisable to undo your mane, in case of itchiness or any reactions from the product.

Hand and Nail Grooming

Nail grooming is not limited to the glistening, nail polish or the technical beauty therapy of nail extensions and accessorizing. The basic nail maintenance is a vital process for all to practice, as an effective hygiene practice in bacteria eradication.

The recent news shaking the world according to Health officials on Ebola, transmission can be contained through simple hygiene measures. Sadly the disease has claimed many since the first report was made public. Either due to ignorance or stigma associated with it, there is proof that much needs to be done to educate the masses on prevention, as panic and grief is building bad judgment on the highly infectious disease. Some countries have not had any reported case of the deadly virus, including Kenya but are highly blamed for lack of preparedness. The government of Kenya is on high alert in combating the virus and has taken the campaign on educating its people on social media, championing the age old practice of; washing hands before and after handling food, visiting the toilet, minimizing handshakes and even random hugging and kissing is limited.

Food also proves to be a high source of contracting the bacteria, the government in its move to protecting people insists on consuming meat inspected by licensed health officials. Myths facing some rare animal species on harboring the infectious disease are a delicacy in some parts of the world experiencing the highest rate of deaths by Ebola.

Apart from basic washing hands, beauty therapists insist on sticking to the habit of excellent nail grooming. The nails carry more germs and a meticulous manicure helps keeps unwanted bacteria at bay. Steps include Sanitize hands and any object use for this process, such as, nail cutter.

Steps are as follows:
(1. Cut nails to desirable length.

(2. Soak both hands on warm soapy water for two minutes, this process will help softens and lifts any hanging or lose cuticles.

(2. Gently push the cuticles using a cotton bud, upwards from the nail bed, toward the edges of the cuticle area. Do not use force or sharp object meant for professionals only. This might cause injuries. Remember the skin is normally soft, after few minutes in the warm water. It is advisable to practice caution; any open wound is an attraction for germs and bacteria.

(3. Next step is to gently scrub of loose dirt for smooth hands, by using sea salt body scrub.

(4. Lastly use a moisturizing hand lotion to restore skin from dryness.

(5. It’s optional to protect your hands by wearing gloves. Mostly when driving or shaking hands with total strangers
Please note:
Hands are highly active and come in constant contact with many things apart from handshakes alone. There are door handles used by many other people. Use of shopping baskets, public transportation and so on.

Trending Afro Puff

If you happen to take a walk down the busy streets of Nairobi on any given day, chances are you will spot quite a handful of ladies wearing their very own natural hair, some bleached to high volumes of bright orange to screaming red or as bright as the yellow sun, but very natural meaning no perm or relaxer. Wearing natural hair should be easy and cheap, at least that’s what we all like to believe. We tend to put so much emphasis on what is simple and beautiful.
Ladies who opt to go natural for various reasons confess to have less fuss on every day maintenance, and we surely can’t ignore the buzz created around natural hair, sisters are now rocking and sharing their tips from what product to use, where to get it, and how to use it, more like a movement all around the world. Girls are giving convincing statements on the benefits of going natural, swearing on popular products suitable for thick fast growing hair. Bloggers commanding a huge following are promising tremendous results. The nappy hair is no longer looked down on as drab or less stylish. Models on high fashion shows, from Milan to New York are making a statement with the kinky on the runways, thanks to the world of fashion; the nappy afro is now considered a glamorous look.

This is nappy hair

African women are now taking a huge step in embracing their very own natural look. Not forgetting our Lupita Nyongo, voted most beautiful person of 2014 by People’s Magazine, has been killing it on the red carpet with her famous cropped cut, portraying a confident well groomed and top to toe glamorous star, a look so befitting to her, as the face of an African woman in an environment so consumed with hair extensions.

She still emerges fresh faced and undoubtedly a new inspiration to young talented women all over the world, struggling to appreciate their identity, and the demand of what fits with entertainment and fame.
Most of women transition to natural hair, for various reasons. Easy or not, there are steps to consider, with a hairdressers help. Some forced circumstances such as a client recovering from a perm and color procedure gone wrong, where all the hair gets weak and fall off eventually. In this case, the victim is advised to start fresh growth, giving the scalp a break from the harsh treatment and also to get rid of lifeless hair. Maintaining natural hair depends mostly on the texture. Some will confess how easy it is while others might not share the same sentiments. Identify with your hair type and settle for a simple routine best for your texture.

Styling natural hair has evolved from towel rubbing hair, to create chunky clumps, to rod sets, and now the much hyped about sister locking. Sister locks have very low maintenance and requires once a week salon visits, for a wash, condition. Relocking is done once a month or once after two weeks, given the nature of one’s hair texture. Dreadlocks have a similar grooming as sister locks, although there are much thicker in size compared to the wool like thin sister locks; if you thought having natural hair that did not need combing only associated with locks, it’s time to learn more. We are yet to get a whole new gist on the various options women are choosing for this now very interesting phenomenon. Sister lock is another popular natural look that, with a quick glance might fool you for very tinny braids or now a new version of advanced locks, just very thin, light, and thread like in comparison.

Grooming is effortless, a wide toothed comb, easily tames the fluffy streaks in a neat row. According to many ladies who have opted for this hair do, it takes three to six month before a permanent lock is maturely established. In this case, the locks have a luster, thickness and volume. So it is said, natural hair is too simple and will not break the bank, we suggest seek advice before taking the bold step.

Hairstyles for plus size women

Hairstyle is a statement that defines character and personality. Plus size women can be able to enjoy and rock any hairstyle there is in the book. The trick is in the cutting, the layering, length and color. Plus size women tend to have chubby faces, whether tall, short or medium height. Other factors to note are that voluptuous women do have different facial shape as well: Round, long, heart shaped. Height too, is a tricky affair and a crucial consideration when choosing a hair style that balances the features. The facial structure tends to take too much fuss, given that bigger women like the notion of concentrating on the face as a way of shifting focus from the rest of the body, totally missing the point that a well revised design can give an elegant balanced classic feature.
The following are tips on how and what not to go for when choosing a classic do for plus size women.
Shorter women need length; add height by adding volume on the crown while creating sleeker sides back behind the ears.

A high ponytail also adds a much needed height and creates an instant slimmer look.

Another look to suit this frame is the long bob – never goes out of fashion in the hair industry. Longer bangs, straight slightly layers that fall right below the chin will give a thinner look.

For tall plus size women; standardize height in shoulder length soft volumes or super straight above the chin bob, this hairstyle will make you appear trim and elegant by giving a less towering frame.

Styles to avoid and reasons why:

1. Hair that falls straight flat on the face. This look creates a much shorter frame.
2. Too much volume: Big hair tends to broaden an already heavy frame.
3. Heavy colored hair draws unwanted attention: High lights are cool but remember to stick to low toned hair color.