A Note to My Readers...

To all of my beautiful readers - Thank you so much for your ongoing support. This blog was started back in 2008 as a way to have an outlet and post my thoughts on many things. The blog posts have changed since then, and the blog name has changed 3 times. Thank you for sticking with me, I appreciate it. I want to take this time to wish you ALL a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. During this holiday season, it is so easy to get overwhelmed with demands of work, family, friends, and life. For many, it can also be a time of sadness due to the loss of a loved one, or a previous unhappy holiday experience. I just want to let you know, YOU are loved (whether you believe it or not), and this holiday time doesn't have to be any of those negative things previously listed. Take this time to enjoy your friends, family, and your life. YOU CAN! There is always a way, and we as people make time for things we want to make time for. Life is so short, we are losing people every single day. Let's not wait until another person(s) is lost to be loving toward one another. Do it now, because we NEVER know.

God bless you, and I love you much!! Take care,
Keeta

BLOG SALE! (Hair Products)

Yeah, so I am having a Blog Sale because... OK. I admit, I am a product junky. I buy tons of products but can't possibly use them all. I have to get rid of things, though I don't want to throw anything out. As of now, I'm going to stick with my staples and "release" the newer additions in my hair collection.

That's where this post comes in -- I'm selling 3 hair care "sets". All products (except the Cantu Shea Butter Curling Cream) have been used 1-2 times. I'd basically just be charging to ship the products to you. That being said, let's get on with what I have here:

Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Milk Shine & Hold Mist/Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream - $10 to ship

Curls Goddess Curls Curling Gel/Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream/KeraCare Defining Custard - $12 to ship

Kinky Curly Spiral Spritz/African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Bouncy Curls Pudding - $10 to ship

**If you'd like to order any of the above products, please email me at keetaray@allthingskeetaray.com and I will invoice you for the above stated amount. I can only ship within the U.S. at this time. (NO International Shipping) Products will be shipped within 2 business days of your payment.

A New Favorite Thing...

I have come to love the talents of many via social networks, and one of those people is the lovely Elizabeth Antoinette. I love her spirit and healthy lifestyle (she is vegan as well as teaches and practices yoga) - if you follow her, you know what I mean. From what I can see, a beautiful person, so of course I wanted to support her business. She crochets!!! I love crochet. I recently purchased a Pumpkin and Teal Tube Scarf from her, and I LOVE it. Infinity and tube scarves have been my thing as of late. Hop on over to her Etsy store to take a look at her items and support her business. Also, if you'd like to follow her online, she is on Facebook and Instagram.

Pumpkin & Teal Tube Scarf

Marley Twists - Reloaded!

Hey, y'all!

Unfortunately, I was unable to leave my last set of Marley Twists in for the full 2 weeks I was aiming for because my scalp was itching way too badly. I had to take them out and wash my hair with my prescription shampoo (I have dermatitis. Bleh). I deep conditioned and got ready to style them again. This time, on my own. :-o

So, I had already watched tons of videos and felt confident I could do this. I already had my packs of hair ready (this time I used Modu brand "Marley Braid" hair in 1B which is a very dark brown. I used a total of 4 packs). After I detangled my wet hair with Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In, I blow-dried my hair in sections after applying a dime-sized amount of Grapeseed Oil (used as a heat protectant) to each section. I then separated my blow-dried hair into 4 sections (2 in the back, 2 in the front).

I used a rat-tail comb to make neater parts around the perimeter of my head, but didn't use a comb to part at the top and middle. The reason for this was that I wanted the parts to look neat when I pull my hair into a high bun, but didn't want super defined parts when wearing it down.

Protective Style | Marley Twists

Every so often, I like to take breaks as far as styling my hair goes. Also, my schedule is getting more hectic and I needed a style that would allow me 2-3 weeks "off" from styling my hair. My sis Alex's protective style challenge couldn't have come at a better time. (To read about the challenge and/or to participate, please click HERE.) Alex (of thegoodhairblog.com) had recently installed Marley Twists in her own hair, and I LOVED them. I was going to wait for her to take hers out to try it myself (Lol) but she wanted to practice, sooo... I let her! And she did a GREAT job, I LOVE them! With the exception of my urban twists from the Damn Salon a few months ago, I hadn't worn extensions in my natural hair since going natural in 2008. I really like the Marley Twists b/c they are chunkier and will be super easy to take out. It only took approximately 2 hours to install.

REVIEW| Hekalu Naturals

I was given the great opportunity to review some all-natural haircare products by a local entrepreneur recently, and I'm so excited to share with you all! The company name is Hekalu Naturals and the owner is SaMonna. When I received her email asking that I try and share these products, I was more than happy to do so. I LOVE LOVE LOVE homemade products AND I love QUALITY. The products I have been given to try were of great quality and I can't wait to make my first purchase soon.

Curlucopia: A Harvest for Curls

Come out and join CurlyNuGrowth, Crystal of Kinky Hair Affair, and Jess of Hair Gets Kinky When Wet, for an event in DC on November 17, 2012 from 3-5PM at Busboys & Poets 5th and K.

There will be vendors, hair style demonstrations, makeup advice (I am the featured makeup artist doing a demo & giving skincare advice), a product swap, lots of giveaways, gift bags, and more! Tickets for the event are $10 and can be purchased at Curlucopia.Eventbrite.com. We are also asking that guests also bring at least 1 canned good item for the Canned Food Drive. 

Please see the flier below. Hope to see you there!!

The Benefits of Oil Cleansing

I'd heard about oil cleansing for the skin some time ago, and even tried it once or twice but wasn't impressed, at the time (I think I had the wrong oil-ratio). I decided to do more research about it and try it again using this new information, and I must say, my skin has already improved significantly.

First, let's talk about what oil cleansing is and its benefits. Oil cleansing is just what it sounds like: cleansing your face with oil(s) instead of using a typical cleanser. Why would you want to do that? There are many reasons why our skin can benefit from oil-cleansing. It dissolves oil (oil dissolves oil); it naturally keeps your skin supple and moisturized; easily removes make up; much more cost-efficient than buying facial products/cleansers; it's a cleanser, make up remover, and moisturizer all in one; will help to even out your skin tone; and it's 100% natural. Even those with oily skin (ESPECIALLY those with oily skin) can benefit from this. I have oily skin and have only been consistently trying this for 1 week, but I will report back in 2-3 weeks from now with an update. However, I have already seen a difference in the amount of oil my skin produces, which has been less than the usual on a daily basis. Which means less face blotting and dusting powder on my face throughout the day.

My Warby Parker Experience

While on Instagram a few months ago, I saw someone post about Warby Parker glasses and the frames were CUTE! Being that I hadn't had eyeglasses in a LONG time initially due to the expense and then laziness in finding frames I liked once I could afford my prescription (Lol My eyes are BADDD - LASIK may be in my future) - I was super excited to hear that Warby Parker had frames for only $95 that were funky/cute/retro, that which included my expensive-behind Rx.

October Natural Hair Giveaway!

Hi, Lovelies!! I'm excited to be giving away another great product I've discovered. Which product, you ask? It's Cantu Shea Butter's NEW Coconut Milk Shine and Hold Mist for Natural Hair!!  I've tried it and loved it and am happy to share with one of my lucky readers.

Don't mind my chipped nail, gonna fix that after this post. Lol

Before I get into the rules, let me share some of the benefits and my experience with the product.
- This Coconut Milk Shine and Hold Mist adds moisture and shine to your hair. It rehydrates and refreshes curls and can be used on wet or dry hair (I used it on my dry hair last night prior to retwisting for a twist out).
- This product contains no mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicone, pthalates, gluten, paraffin, propylene glycol, PABA or DEA.
- Formulated without harsh chemicals or harsh ingredients.

After retwisting my hair with this Coconut Milk spritzed on each section, these were my results.

OK, so here are the rules:

1. You must follow this blog.

2. You must "Like" my Facebook page "AllThingsKeetaRay".

3. On the Facebook fan page that you "Liked", under my post for this giveaway, entitled "October Natural Hair Giveaway", post your email address in the comments section.

That's it! This contest will end on Saturday, Oct. 27th at 8am, and the winner will be randomly selected and  notified via email by 12Noon.

**Note: This contest is only open to those in the U.S. No International shipping at this time.

GOOD LUCK!!

Your Help is Needed...

Hi, Everyone.

This is a special post for a young woman many of us came to know in the natural hair community, Dawnyele Partee. Many of you may have been informed that she passed away on October 19th. She was able to deliver her baby boy. She was a wife, mother, and friend to many. Although I have never had the honor of being able to meet her in person, she had such positive energy and I learned a ton from her via her YouTube videos and posts, and was able to have a few conversations with her online via Facebook. My heart goes out to her family and friends and I am praying for them everyday.

I received an email from Pam of Koils by Nature requesting help for Dawnyele's family. Below you will find a link to registries and a way to donate to her family directly, and I had to share this. Please pass this information on, as well.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Dawnyele

Skincare | Helpful Tips for the Winter Season

As the weather gets colder and we start using indoor heating systems, we may start to notice our skin getting itchy and dry. Heating systems provide very dry air which can lead to dryness, and, in some cases, even cracked skin. Yikes!

Below are some simple steps that can help to relieve dry and itchy skin and leave you with more moisturized and glowing skin:

1.       Limit baths and showers to only 5-6 minutes and only once a day. Make sure the water is not too hot. I know this may be difficult for some, but long periods under hot water will wreak havoc on our skin. It’s worth the sacrifice.

2.       Use a MILD soap or cleanser for your skin instead of a deodorant soap. Gentle body cleansers that work pretty well for me that you may want to try: Dove Beauty Bar (like Unscented or the Nourishing Care Shea Butter Body Bar) or Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash.

3.       MOISTURIZE! I cannot say this enough. Do this within the first few minutes of getting out of the bath or shower when skin is still damp to lock in moisture. PAT skin dry and then apply a light oil or body cream all over. Some of my faves: The Body Shop body butter; Vaseline Intensive Care Body Oil Gel; or my homemade whipped shea butter (60% raw shea butter, 20% coconut oil, 10% jojoba oil; 10% castor oil).

4.       Consider a humidifier to add moisture into the air in your home. This will make the air less dry and alleviate some dry skin issues.

5.       Protect your skin from the cold air when outside – where gloves, scarves, etc.

Last, but not least, another tip is to EXFOLIATE. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and allows products like moisturizers to penetrate the skin better, allowing you to get the most benefit from the product. It is best to exfoliate 1-2xs per week. You can do this using a body brush on dry skin, using an exfoliating glove while in the shower or bath, or you can use a body scrub. There are tons of exfoliating products out there from places like your local CVS or Walgreens, to supermarkets, to department stores. Or, you can make your own with ingredients from your kitchen (olive oil and brown sugar mixture is a great one!) Don’t overdo it – once or twice a week is perfect. You will notice a difference in the texture and overall health of your skin.

Natural Hair | FREE Big Chop TODAY!

Hey Hey Hey!! I know it's last minute but I need to share with you all a free event happening today from 3pm - 8pm in the DMV area at N Natural Hair Studio! 

If you or anyone that you know is considering going natural and fully embracing their natural texture, come out to N Natural Hair Studio and get a FREE shampoo, conditioning treatment & big chop! 

WHEN: Thursday, October 18, 2012

3PM - 8PM

WHERE: N Natural Hair Studio

11207B Lockwood Dr.

Silver Spring, MD

To RSVP for the event, visit the N Natural Hair Studio Facebook page [HERE]. Also, be sure to head over to their Youtube Channel and check out footage from their last Big Chop Event [HERE].

(Information above provided by CurlyNuGrowth)

God Blessed Me with Another Year :)

This past weekend, and the week prior, I got to spend my birthday with my closest friends and people I love. It was a great time and I'm so thankful. I just wanted to share some pics with you all :)

The weekend before my actual birthday (my birthday was on the 13th) I was surprised with a dinner by my friends Briney and Alex, and the bf. I had a really nice time, love them so much!!

Britney, me, and Alex

A little cut, color, and a twist out!

I've been saying for awhile that I need a change. Yesterday, I finally did it. I got layers cut in my hair (still keeping the length in the back) and some color (highlights) at the top. Now - before anyone asks, I am sad to say that I don't remember the name of the color I have :( I think it was by Soft Sheen Carson and I had my sister put the color in (she's a licensed Cosmetologist). She also cut the layers in my hair. Later this year, I MIGHT get my hair straightened and you'll be able to better see it then. I do like that my hair lays better with the cut and it just looks and feels healthier.

Flaxseed Gel and Natural Hair

I've been wanting to try flaxseed gel for quite awhile now. Almost 4 years into my natural hair journey, I finally decided to try it. I looked at several YouTube tutorials and posts on blogs, and probably the most informative for me was the YouTube tutorial from Naptural85.

What is flaxseed gel?
-Flaxseed gel is derived from Flaxseeds. There are 2 types of Flaxseed (linseed), a light golden yellow and brown. The brown flaxseeds are slightly higher in omega 3 fatty acids. (I purchased the brown ones from Wegman's, but you can get them at most supermarkets). It can be used on your hair to give a light hold and define your curls.

What are the benefits of the gel when used on your hair?
-Leaves your hair soft, shiny, and moisturized
-Promotes hair growth
-You can reuse the flax seeds
-Cost effective (more for your money)
-Nourishing for the hair rich in omega 3
-Gives great curl definition
-Gives hold with no crunch/non flaking/not drying to the hair/doesn’t cause breakage/or shedding
-Fast drying
-All natural..organic.
-Great for all hair types

Today's Hair: The Puff

Since taking my braids out (Urban Twists), I've pretty much been wearing my hair in a bun. I wore it out ONCE, it was cute THAT DAY, but outside of that day I hadn't been feeling it. I've been experimenting a lot because it seems my hair is not responding to some of my staple hair products and it has been beyond frustrating. After a failed flat-twist-out attempt (I actually did a good job with flat twisting but my hair just didn't hold and got frizzy soon after taking them out), I decided to try my regular twist out with a product I hadn't used in awhile. I was pleasantly surprised with my hair this morning and the fullness of it.

Wanna know what I used? Click "Read More" for details!

EVENT| Natural is Not a Fad - Coverage

Today I had a GREAT time at the "Natural is Not a Fad" event hosted by Koils of Nature. There were so many vendors and so much great information was shared. Seminars for natural hair care, finances, so many bloggers and artists. I had a ball. If you missed it this year, MAKE SURE you are here next year. To name a few of the vendors/participants at the event, there was Koils by Nature (owner, Pam) - of course!, The Damn Salon, Eden Bodyworks, Bloggers like NaturalChica (Mae), Veronica, and Cassidy. Dr. Phoenyx and Dr. Nina Hervey-Ellis aka "BeautifulBrwnBabyDoll" -- and in addition to meeting some new people I got to see some familiar faces and old friends.

Make sure you visit the Koils by Nature website for Pam's excellent products and get on her mailing list to stay informed of events in the future.

Click "Read More" for photos from the event.

Natural Hair|Twist Out on Wet Hair

After many attempts since having my braids out the past week or so, I'm finally satisfied with today's twist-out and, therefore, will be wearing my hair out today. *giggles*

 

Read more for details...

All About Nails

I love so many things, and nails/nail art/nail polish is one of them. I've always loved painting my nails, but I'm getting more into it now. And since buying the Konad Nail Stamper, I've been having fun playing with designs. Here are a few nail looks I've had since June of this year. I alternate between square/oval/stiletto shapes to just give my nails/hands a different look. I get bored so fast.
(Read more for pics)

"Natural is Not a Fad" Event

Koils by Nature (Owner, Pam) is hosting their 2nd annual natural hair event, called "Natural is Not a Fad". If you are natural, transitioning to natural, or just thinking about it and live in the DMV area - You NEED to be there. Details are below on when/where/how to get tix. Hope to see you there!

When: Sunday, Sept. 17 11am - 7pm
Where: Westin Hotel
400 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314

Buy your tickets here.

CurlBox and Birchbox Reviews

Back with an update on 2 items I LOVE to get each month!! CurlBox (natural hair products for $20/month automatically shipped to your home) and Birchbox (beauty products for $10/month shipped to your home).

Please view the video for a quick recap of my August CurlBox and Birchbox contents :)
For information on how to get your own, please visit the following links: Curlbox www.curlbox.com, Birchbox www.birchbox.com.


If you have questions, please let me know! :) Enjoy your weekend.

Removing Gel Nail Polish at Home... YES, YOU CAN!

Over the summer, I have been enjoying getting manicures with gel nail polish. It started while in school earlier this year. Having to wash my hands constantly and always having my hands in product due to giving facials and spa treatments to clients, my regular nail polish mani's weren't holding up as well. I fell in love with gel nail polish because I literally did NOT have to do my nails for 2-3 weeks. (My nails grow FAST so usually 2 weeks was my limit, though.) However, anyone who knows me also knows that I LOVE doing my own nails. It's almost therapeutic for me and allows me to be creative in yet another way. So, after this last set of gel nails, I wanted them off but didn't feel like going to the salon and paying them to do it. PLUS, I am also very picky about how it is removed and how my nails are filed (OCD much? Lol) so I decided I'd attempt to do it myself and have them done to my liking.

Read more for deets!

Indigofera's Beauty Blog Contest

 

Win some natural hair products from Indigofera! If you aren't aware, Indigofera is a natural hair care line that uses plant-based ingredients. 

Here’s how to enter…

• Visit Indigofera and leave me a comment about your favorite product.

 {1 entry}

• To keep up with the newest selections and sales like Indigofera Beauty  on Facebook. {2 entries}

• Spread the word of this giveaway by Twitter, Facebook, or blog post.

{1 entry each}

• If you’re an Indigofera blog subscriber, Twitter  or Pinterest follower…we appreciate it! {1 entry each}

This giveaway ends when we reach 1000 Fans on Facebook.

( The winner has 72 hours to respond.  If we don’t hear from you,  the second winner will be selected)

 **Note: The above information on how to enter is directly from Indigofera's website and are not my own words.

It's Official

If you follow me on any of the MANY social networks I'm on (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr), then you already know I am OFFICIALLY a licensed Esthetician now. The experience in school was a great one - although I was super tired - but God gave me the strength to finish. I've worked so hard the last 10 months and today I took my last exam with the State Board for my license and PASSED! I'm so happy, this has been a dream of mine for YEARS. I've always been interested in skincare (to the point I once considered being a dermatologist) and makeup and hair removal, so it only made sense to do this.
I've started a new Twitter page (@KeetaEsthetics) that will give skincare and makeup tips, so if you're on Twitter, definitely follow! Feel free to ask questions, too :) I will answer the best I can.

~KeetaRay~

Brief Updates

A short video on where I've been and a little of what is going on... small hair update, etc. Take a look! :)

Round 2: Urban Twists

If you follow me on one of my many social networks (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram -- Links are on my "Contact Info" page) - then you already know I went back to The Damn Salon for more Urban Twists earlier in April. I'm addicted, what can I say :) I got dark brown hair instead of black this time, with a lighter brown in the front. Click the jump for some pics and the many styles I've done already.

Spring Collective in DC

If you will be in the DC/MD/VA area this Friday, I would love to see you at an event hosted by my friend Alex along with Mila and Fire! I will be there doing basic eye makeup looks and brows. You can buy tickets for $8 at thespringcollective.eventbrite.com.  There will be live music, painters, make up artistry and of course vendors! If you are feeling creative and want to come network, I encourage you to come out and have a good time with us!

Hope to see you there!

(via Alex of The Good Hair Blog)

National Natural Hair Meet-Up Day

If you have ever been to a Natural Hair Meet-Up, you know it's a fun event full of great people, excellent products, and tons of networking. I LOVE natural hair meet ups and try to participate when my schedule permits.

National Natural Hair Meet Up Day is an annual one-day event. This year it is May 19th. Its purpose is to allow the opportunity for women across the country to meet in their own communities while networking, sharing and meeting (virtually) other women across the country participating in meetups on the same day. Natural hair meetups are events designed to share information, techniques, inspiration and products to aid individuals in their natural hair journey.
Attendees of the natural hair meetup will be able to:

• Meet other naturals in their area
• Gain exposure to natural hair product lines and companies
• Learn the process of planning and executing a natural hair meetup (event hosts)
• Meet natural hair and beauty bloggers and Youtube vloggers
• Network with other natural hair meetup organizers (event hosts)
• Discover resources, techniques, products and people that can serve as inspiration and information for the natural hair care journey

(From nnhmd.com)

SHOP ALS

Surprisingly, as much as I've tweeted about it and put it on Facebook and Tumblr, I haven't BLOGGED about my sis Alex's ShopALS line! *GASP* So, I want to share with those of you who may not already know about her accessories. Alex from The Good Hair Blog makes phenomenal pieces and every time I wear something, I am asked where I got it from. She's super creative and it all started with her making beaded bracelets. Now there are necklaces, earrings, etc. The two items pictured below are of me trying some new stuff on for her line. They will be available later this week on her site, so be sure to check back!!

Shop-ALS.com "Mama" Earrings

Shop-ALS.com "Spiked Dreams" Bracelets

Wearing My Natural Hair

Out to dinner with friends: Alex, Christina, and Safa

Hey Hey Hey!
Just a super QUICK post to share that I've taken out my Urban Twists from The Damn Salon. I got them done on Feb. 3 and took them out on Apr 6. I could have left them in longer (they still looked great), but I have an appointment with them on the 13th to get them done again and I wanted to let my hair breathe and give it some TLC beforehand. After taking them out I did a pre-poo (applied coconut oil throughout my entire head and let it sit for 10-15 min), then conditioned and detangled using Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Conditioner. After my hair was thoroughly detangled and and moisturized, I applied my fave leave-in and staple, Kinky Curly Knot Today, and set my hair in large two strand twists to allow it to air dry, sealing the ends with coconut oil. After it was dry, I put my hair into a high bun as pictured below. Let me add, when I initially took my Urban Twists out my hair did not feel dry at all, it was pretty soft. My hair didn't thin out and other than some growth, I don't see a difference in the way my hair was before the twists - which is GREAT. *thumbs up* I am likely to wear my hair in this bun (moisturizing at night) until my next appointment with them. And if you want to know how I did my high bun - I did it EXACTLY like "MsDanti" did in this tutorial:

Hair styled in a high bun 

HAPPY EASTER to all of you who celebrate!! God Bless <3

Baltimore Natural Hair Expo 2012

 

I had the awesome pleasure of being a Damn Girl for The Damn Salon at the Baltimore Natural Haircare Expo today. I worked with the lovely owner, Mushiya, and Dava, along with Amanda and Thara (Thara was the one who did my Urban Twists back on February 3rd). I had a great time and so much fun. I didn't get to take a lot of pics because we were working and promoting, but I did get a chance to snap a couple and take some short vids. 

I Want to Go Natural. Now What?

Taken first year natural

I get asked this question a lot, so I wanted to post a few tips that may be helpful if you've decided you wanted to go natural yet you have no clue what to do. 3 years ago, I had no clue what to do, either. I know the feeling!

Wear Bon Bon Vie!

A couple weeks ago, a few friends and I had the AWESOME pleasure of modeling for Shari Neal of Bon Bon Vie Apparel. Please check out Shari's website and buy some tees! I totally support "our" businesses and entrepreneurs. I also did the makeup for the shoot, fun times!!

My Beauty Product and Makeup Staples

I must love you all... because I'm about to share some of my secrets! People often ask me what products I use on my skin or what makeup I use... Below are some of my favorite items that I use daily, or close to it!

1. Aveeno Positively Radiant Facial Moisturizer: Has SPF 15 which is important! Also, if you deal with hyperpigmentation, sunscreen is a must. I use this every single day whether it's sunny out or not.

 2. Aveeno Positvely Radiant Cleansing Pads: One side is soft for regular cleansing and the other side is exfoliating. I use the exfoliating side twice a week. Tip: The pads are HUGE so I cut them in half to wash my face, and use the other half the next day. They last me twice as long :)

3. Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover: Shake it up and use a cotton ball for removing your eye makeup. Never EVER sleep with your makeup on, ladies. EVER.

4. L'oreal True Match Powder: My color alternates between W7 or W8. I'm an 8 in the summer, 7 in the winter. Sometimes I use "N" (neutral) if the store is out of "W" (warm). Don't know your undertone? Generally, golden undertones are Warms and cooler/blue undertones are Cool. What I love about these powders and foundations is that if you're unsure, neutral will work! :)

5. MAC Spiked Brow Pencil: I've tried many brow pencils. For YEARS. This is my fave. I guess because it's so thin and precise so I can give my brows more detail. I use this every day. Brows frame the face - there is nothing worse than a made up eye and fab lashes, and an eyebrow that isn't groomed or properly filled in. Here is a tutorial on how I do my brows.

That Awkward Moment When...

A stranger reaches out and touches your hair! Here's how I feel about it:

My Hair - One Month Later

My Urban Twists are holding up QUITE nicely, if I do say so myself. The ladies at The Damn Salon know what they're doing! As mentioned before, I got these twists put in Feb. 3rd. It is now March 3rd and they look just as good as Day 1, if not better. I'm still getting tons of compliments and people think it's all my hair. I wish! Lol Here are some pics from the last week and today of the hair:

3.3.2012

3.3.2012

2.25.2012

Caring for Hair When in Protected Styles

Start of week 3 of Urban Twists

A lot of times people feel that when they get weaves or extensions, they can ignore their hair underneath until they take them out. FALSE. You have to care for your hair just as you would if the weave or extensions weren't in. Don't neglect your hair. Below, I'll share some tips on how I am caring for my hair while my extensions are in for the next few weeks.

- I still wash my hair. You must remove build-up, dirt, debris from your hair and scalp for it to be healthy. When I don't have extensions I wash my hair about every week. With the extensions I wash it every 10 days or so.
- I keep my scalp moisturized daily with an all-natural hair oil or hair butter that I purchased from the salon.
- I sleep with a satin bonnet or use a satin pillowcase every night. Friction with cotton pillowcases causes dryness and frizz. This will keep your style fresher and help it last longer.
- When washing my hair, I retwist is (twisting every 2 just like it was when I first left the salon) and thoroughly wet my hair. Using my shampoo, I concentrate on the scalp, lightly massaging it in. I use diluted shampoo (mixed with water) on my actual hair (note: this shampoo is sulfate free and made with natural ingredients to prevent drying). After rinsing thoroughly, I apply my conditioner and let it sit for 15-20 min with a plastic cap. Then, rinse out the conditioner, lightly towel blot and squeeze my hair dry, and let it air dry overnight. I leave my twists in for the next day and then unravel again.

Almost 3 weeks later after washing/conditioning extensions

Also, leaving extensions in for more than 2 months isn't recommended. Some people have done this and it may not have caused an issue, but in GENERAL it isn't a good idea. Your hair can start to lock or become matted so don't overdo it.

The goal of having protective styles is to give your hair a break without allowing it to dry out or become unhealthy, so keep it moisturized and clean and when you take it out, your hair should be happy! :)

New Info Added!

Hey, ladies and gents!

I added new links to my blog that will answer some questions you may have regarding my beauty routine, hair questions/my "hair story" and some makeup info, along with contact information. Please take a moment to check the links to the right ---> Hair Info, Contact Info, and FAQs. :-)

Thanks for reading, I appreciate you ALL. xo

KeetaRay

Your Bracelets are CUTE! What do they say??

Ever since I've been wearing my "Pinky Promise" and "No Randoms" bracelets, I've gotten this question. First, let me note that this post is Christianity-based -- I know all of my followers may not be Christians so you can stop here if that's an issue. I posted not too long ago about a married couple that I have been learning a lot from - Cornelius and Heather Lindsey. Well, Heather Lindsey has started a new "movement", so to speak, for "Pinky Promise". Basically, the bracelets that I purchased (Pinky Promise and No Randoms) symbolize honoring God with my body and choosing not to entertain men out of loneliness or boredom, or that ex that wants to come around for whatever reason. Remember I said I was making major changes in my life? I'm so tired of doing things my way and I've chosen to do it God's way. It's a personal decision and not a popular one, but I could care less. Lol I wasn't created to do what everyone else does. **Romans 12:2 states: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

To find out more details about Pinky Promise and the full meaning of the bracelets, be sure to check out Heather Lindsey's blog post. Join the movement! xo

Keeta

One day, I'll share my story...

Lioness Jewels

I love social networks because I meet so many entrepreneurs and it allows me to support young business owners that I may not have known about otherwise. Today, I want to share with you my latest purchase from a young lady who goes by the name "Creolelioness". I haven't met her personally (yet Lol) but I can tell she has a beautiful spirit and she is quite talented in what she does.

Urban Twists from "The Damn Salon"

You read it correctly. The name of the salon I went to is... The Damn Salon. They are based in Georgia, and from Feb. 2-12, they are here in DC for "A Taste of Damn DC". I missed them the last time they were here, but AS SOON AS I found out they were coming back this month I made my appointment - all the way back in October 2011.