Tip 31 Throw Away Those Brushes

The first thing I did when I decided to grow my hair out was throw away all of my boar bristle brushes. Why? Because they rip your hair out. They are not your friends! I had dozens of them in all different shapes and sizes and I just cut them off cold turkey. If you feel bad about throwing them away give them to your dad, brother, husband or homie-lover-friend. Some of you are reading this and thinking you won't be able to part with your brushes, I was like that too. You're probably using them to smooth the edges of your hair and when you're doing an updo or ponytail, right? Well, you don't need to do that anymore. When you want to wear an updo or you want to slick your hair down just apply water, a conditioner and perhaps even a gel and slick your hair down with a wide tooth comb. Next, tie a scarf over the area and allow it to dry for at least 15 minutes before taking it off. If you're in a rush, use a blow dryer to help the area dry quicker (with the scarf on).

Worked: Look 30 Cream Shaboogiebop (Last Look)

This is the last look of the monthlong 'Worked: Wardrobe Building" feature. I had a blast sharing it with you. It's something I wanted to do for a long time. I was testing the waters to see how you would respond. It was an interesting experiment and I appreciate all of the positive feedback. Thanks!

I'm wearing (click links for details):

White button-down sleeveless blouse by Spense, $15-ish at TJMaxx

Leopard and Lace bra, $12 from TJMaxx; 

Stripe Skater Skirt, $47.35"Primavera" Leather Platform Court Shoes, $109.91 on Asos 

Accessorize it (click links for details):

Cream belt; Extra Large Cream Hair Bow; Pig Ring; Gold Bead Bracelet; Cream Handbag

Tip 30 Lighting Split Ends

Do a Google image search for "split end charts" and you will find an exhaustive list of images featuring the amazing chart you see below.  Now that you know what to look for, find a sharp pair of hair shears and begin trimming them away. My favorite way to find these annoying ends is to do it outside in the sun, in front of a bright window or in front of a bright computer screen. Sometimes when you look at your hair in normal light it's hard to see the ends, but once you're in the right lighting situation and holding your hair at the right angle, they will stick out like a sore thumb.

Worked: Look 29 Minkoff Moment

I'm wearing:Tailored Leopard Print Pencil Dress, $64.25 on AsosDiesel Jersey Biker Gilet, $134.76Wide Elastic Belt, $13.53"Davis" Wedge Bootie, $83.95 at Endless 
Accessorize it: Pale Grey Rebecca Minkoff Main Squeeze Foldover Crossbody, $395 at Muse TenWhite Rebecca Minkoff Beloved Mini Cross-Body, $435 at Endless.comPhython Rebecca Minkoff Mab Mini Strap, on sale for $242.99Pink Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini Satchel, $550 at CUSPOlive Wax Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend Crossbody, $295 at Muse Ten

Tip 29 Managing Your Stylist

Unfortunately, most women are all too familiar with the bad stylist horror stories. What makes women so submissive when it comes to stylists? Why do we sit there and not speak up when we aren't comfortable or if we feel that something is wrong? Listen, you're the client. Don't be afraid to speak up! That being said, you don't want to come off as disrespectful or annoying. Explain to them that you are very particular about your hair and make sure that you have that understanding before they put their hands near your head. If you don't see eye to eye on something that's important to you, then it's time to find another stylist. Stylists don't know everything. It's perfectly ok to question them and voice your concerns in a respectful manner.

Tip 28 Retention Not Growth

A lot of marketing is focused on trying to get you to buy products because they will grow your hair. Stop wasting your time looking for a miracle product that's going to grow your hair quicker. Hair growth phases are based on genetics. Why focus on something you can't control?  Instead, focus on length retention. Practice low manipulation, deep conditioning and make sure your hair is well-moisturized. Take care of your ends and the hair that you already have on your head so that you can see longer lengths quicker. Our ends are the oldest and most fragile area of our hair, babying them will ensure less split ends, less hair that has to come off when you trim and more length retention.

Worked: Look 28 Hello Goodbye

I'm wearing:
White button-down sleeveless blouse by Spense, $15-ish at TJMaxx
Distressed Denim Jackets, $34.50 on sale for $16.47 at Old Navy
Lime Power Shoulder Pleat Detail Pencil Dress, $67.64 on Asos
Buckle Wrap Waist Belt, $25.36 – Asos
Pelle Moda Platform Sandal in "Chocco Vintage, $159 on Endless


Accessorize it:
Tory Burch Round Oversized Sunglasses, $195 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Alex and Ani Lennon Expandable Wire Ring Set, $38 by Max & Chloe
Leather and Chain Half Drop earrings, $28 from Topshop
Red Or Dead Ethnic Satchel With Buckle Detail, $58.96 at Asos

Worked: Look 27 What You See Is What You Get

I'm wearing:
Urban Renewal Fleece Puff Sleeve Top, $32 from Urban Outfitters; Tailored Leopard Print Pencil Dress, $64.25 on Asos;  Buckle Wrap Waist Belt, $25.36 – Asos;  Sam Edelman Women's Falken Clog, $200 from Endless.com
Accessorize it:
Tory Burch Round Oversized Sunglasses, $195 at Saks Fifth Avenue; Red Or Dead Ethnic Satchel With Buckle Detail, $58.96 at Asos

Worked: Look 26 Fly High

I'm wearing: 
Diesel Jersey Biker Gilet, $134.76, Cobalt Pocket Tank, $15-ish from Forever 21Scarf, $24 at Urban Outfitters, Buckle Wrap Waist Belt, $25.36 – Asos, Light gray denim legging by BDG, $39 at Urban Outfitters, "Davis" Wedge Bootie, $83.95 at Endless 


Accessorized it:
Ring, Bracelet, Warehouse Fringed Flap Across-Body Bag, Feather Earrings

Tip 27 Product Reviews

MakeUpAlley.com is one of my favorite sites for product reviews. If I am at a store and get an impulse to buy a beauty or hair product, I always pull out my handy iPhone and pull up MakeUpAlley.com to read the reviews before I buy. It is one of my favorite sites for product reviews. I love it there because most of the women are very articulate and specific in their product reviews. I am working towards writing 20 reviews so that I can create new reviews for products not already on the site. It's different from reading the reviews at Sephora or other beauty sites because you can be sure they aren't moderating the comments to increase sales. Well, you can't be sure of anything these days, but I feel very confident in making purchases on items I've read about on MakeUpAlley. I pay close attention to how many reviews the product has and if the reviewers would purchase that product again. I think we all have purchased something on an impulse and it didn't work. Many of us have shelves full of stuff that just didn't work. If you use this website to your advantage, you will save lots of money. I hope that all of you will join and rave about your favorite products and rant about the horribly expensive products that you regret purchasing.

Tip 26 Be Cautious of Hair Advice

It seems like every time you look up there is a new hair blog or new bandwagon in the hair care forums. Be very cautious of who and where you're getting your hair care advice. I've seen some scary stuff out there. I've even seen people steal my pictures from this blog and try to pass them off as their own, giving hair advice. Can you believe that? Now, I admit that when I first decided I wanted to grow out my hair, I tried every trick in the book and hopped on any bandwagon that seemed plausible. Luckily, I never suffered  any adverse effects, but I sure lost a lot of time and money. Be especially careful of mixing ingredients, just because it's in your kitchen and it's edible doesn't mean it can't cause an adverse chemical reaction when mixed with a hair product or another ingredient in your kitchen. If you don't know what you're doing or if you have any doubts, just don't do it.

Kinky-Curly Contest

Congrats to Dee for Tip 20 Dee's End Tuck and Erin for Tip 23 Erin's Banana Clip Tip. The readers voted and your tips were the most popular. You win the Kinky-Curly gift set.

That's a wrap for the contest. Thanks to everybody that submitted tips for the month-long Kinky-Curly contest.

Worked: Look 25 Lime Girl Blue

I'm wearing: Lime Power Shoulder Pleat Detail Pencil Dress, $67.64 on Asos; Wide Elastic Belt, $13.53Cream Boyfriend Blazer, $93 on Asos; "Keep Up" blue suede pump, $75-ish on Endless

Accessorize it: Black and White Grizzly Feathers earrings, $72 on Etsy; Fabric Dandelion Ring, $28 at Topshop; Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend Crossbody, $295 at Muse Ten

Worked: Look 24 Leopard and Lace

I'm wearing...
Ruffle blouse in black, Multi Wrap Waist Belt in black, $13.53;  Tailored Leopard Print Pencil Dress, $64.25 on Asos; "Primavera" Leather Platform Court Shoes, $109.91 on Asos

Accessorize it...
Lace Clutch Bag, $39 from Spiegel; Two Finger Snake Ring, $48 by Rachel Roy; Monique Pean Natu Canvasite Ring , $4,430 at Barney's New York; Aurélie Bidermann Blackened Lace Cuff, £1,125 from Net-a-Porter

Worked: Look 23 Tomorrow, The World

I'm wearing: Diesel Jersey Biker Gilet, $134.76 from Asos; Urban Renewal Fleece Puff Sleeve Top, $32 from Urban Outfitters; Stripe Skater Skirt, $26.95 from Asos; Sam Edelman Women's Falken Clog, $200 from Endless.com

Accessorize it: Destination Charm Necklace, $24 from Urban Outfitters; Multi Bracelet Pack, $25 from Topshop; Low Luv X Erin Wasson Aztec Finger Ring, $38 from Shopbop.com; Pouchy Canvas Mix Duffle Bag, $42.11 from Asos

Tip 23 Erin's Banana Clip Tip

This tip was submitted by Erin.

"Banana clips" are an excellent and safe way to create a pretty ponytail on natural hair. This is especially true for naturals who want to put their hair up in a ponytail but don't have quite enough hair to secure a ponytail with an ouchless hair band. The teeth on the banana clip help to keep your hair in place without creating tension. The banana clip can also give the appearance of a longer, fuller ponytail because the hair is distributed along the length of the clip. It allowed me to pull my natural hair into a ponytail during the winter months so that my hair wouldn't touch my coat or my scarf. Ponytails are sometimes a controversial protective style because the ends are still exposed. I've had no problem with this, but you can always tuck those ends under to create a stylish bun. For those who are worried that this is a dated hair accessory, I found that it hardly showed in my hair. I arranged the banana clip vertically on the back of my head, and the only visible part was the top joint of the barrette.

Will you be using Erin's banana clip tip?
	Yes
	No
	Maybe

Worked: Look 22 Pocket Full of Rocket Fuel

I'm wearing: Boyfriend Blazer, $92.65 from AsosViolet & Claire sleveless top in rose gold, $15-ish at TJ Maxx; Sparkle & Fade Lightning Pant, $38 fromUrban Outfitters; Primavera Leather Platform Court Shoes, $109.49 from Asos

Accessorize it: Leather Slot Through Satchel, $109.49 from Asos; Disaya Gunmetal And Black Faceted Stone Bolts Ring, $126.34 from Asos; Erica Anenberg Pewter Double Finger Ring Silver, $101 from CoutureCandy; Karen Millen Open Zip Logo Detail Bangle, $63.17

Tip 22 Cece's Weather-Proofing For Hair

This tip was submitted by Cece.

Decipher Hair Weather Patterns!

Be weather savvy and prepared. Check out your forecast and beauty forecast the night before. Some styles such as braid-outs and twist-outs will shrink up into fuzzy nothingness at the hint of humidity. There are some ingredients to look for that will help you survive humidity.

There is a classification of ingredient called humectants which draw moisture from the atmosphere and adds it to your hair. Some of those ingredients include glycerin, aloe vera, honey and more. These are not good for keeping your hair from frizzing and puffing, seeing as they take moisture from the air and insert it to your strands. However, there are ingredients such as silicones which help keep the hair strands smooth and block moisture from entering the hair strands. for those of you who are doing the Curly Girl method, Hydrolyzed wheat protein is a semi silicone which is water soluble, but should protect hair and work as a sort of anti humidity entity. Another type of ingredient is panthenol, this penetrates hair efficiently and thickens, moisturizes, and smooths hair strands. Finally, ingredients such as paraffinum liquidum and hydrolyzed silk protein help smooth hair and give it a silky, smooth feel and protect moisture from the atmosphere from frizzing up your tresses. Be sure when applying the products to your hair, that you smooth them into your strands so that it fully coats your hair!

Here are some anti humidity products I've used:
Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream, Biosilk Silk Therapy Serum, Chi Silk Infusion, Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding, Garnier Fructis Anti-Humidity Milk, Ecostyler Gel (Olive Oil), Urban Therapy Twisted Sista Curl Activator and Urban Therapy Different Strokes Serum.

*Note: Paraffinum liquidum is a form of mineral oil. The key about using paraffinum and silicones is that they keep mositure out of your hair. People become weary of using it, but if you use is properly and are aware of what it does and what you are using it for, it can be your friend. It works wonders against humidity and if you moisturize under it and use it as a sealant, you and your hair will both be happy! Knowledge is power and this is how you can learn to use even the most taboo of ingredients to your advantage! How's that for fighting back against humidity!!

Click here to go to weather.com to see your beauty forecast.

Sources:
Panthenol: sci-toys.com/ingredients/panthenol.html
For humectants: dermatology.about.com/od/glossaryh/g/humectant.htm
For hydrolyzed silk protein: www.ingredientstodiefor.com/item.php?item_id=503
For paraffinum: environment.uk.msn.com/green-living/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=9846072&imageindex=3
For hydrolyzed wheat protein: www.lotioncrafter.com/hydrolyzed-wheat_protein.html

Will you use Cece's tip for weather proofing your hair?
	Yes
	No
	Maybe

Worked: Look 21 Inspector Trench It

I'm wearing: Pleat Shoulder Mac Coat, $109.49 on Asos; Tailored Leopard Print Pencil Dress, $64.25 on Asos; "Keep Up" blue suede pump, $75-ish on Endless
Accessorize it: Enamelled Ring With Metal Surround, $8.42 on Asos; Leather Cobalt Blue Twist Lock Satchel, $117.92 on Asos; Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium leather satchel, $1,595 at Net-A-Porter; Fabric and Chain Tassel Drops earrings, $25 from Topshop

Tip 21 Erica's 3 Strand Twists

This tip was submitted by Erica.


A lot of people do two-strand twist, but I have found that with my type 4 hair three strand twist look ten times better. It does take longer but it is well worth it in the long run. Three strand twist look fuller and more defined.


To do three strand twist you start with a small section of hair and separate it into three sections as if you were starting a braid. But, instead of braiding your hair twist it. It is kind of hard to explain without a visual. But, basically you are wrapping one strand over the other two. So, each time you switch strands that strand goes over the other two.


Here is a great instructional video for how to do three strand twist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjwWanR65Pg. She does them a lot bigger than I do for my twist out, and I have done mine that big but it is not as defined and does not last as long as the small ones in my experience. To do the twist make sure to apply shea butter to your damp hair and then actually twist with QP Mango Butter, or your go to twist product.


Here is a link to some pics of my three strand twist (they were about a week old and I was preparing to take them out for my signature twist out): http://uncnatural.blogspot.com/2010/04/three-strand-twist.html.


I would have to say the three strand twist-out is more PHENOMENAL than the twist themselves! After keeping your small to medium three strand twist in for at least a day, massage about a dime-size amount of Giovanni's Weightless leave-in conditioner into your hair making sure to get the ends. The amount of leave-in you use depends on the length of your hair. Next, spritz your hair with your glycerin and water mix and let it sit for about 30 minutes before taking the twist out. Coat your hands with coconut oil and proceed to take your twist out carefully. This leaves you with a defined and full twist out. Usually, I do not get a full looking twist out without separating the twist more, but this allows me to cut out that extra step. To preserve this look just cover your hair with a satin bonnet and when you wake up fluff it with your hands and coconut oil and go! If you want to make it last even longer at night put your hair in bigger three strand twist and untwist it the next morning. It can last for about a week or more depending on how long you can go without washing your hair.


Here is a link to some pics of the three strand twist out: http://uncnatural.blogspot.com/2010/05/three-strand-twist-out-results.html.


Overall, three strand twist really work better than two strand twist and braids for me. Two strand twist and braids do not provide the definition that three strand twist do. With two strand twist I have never liked a twist out on my hair because there is no cohesiveness to it. By that I mean sometimes there is no continuous coil/curl, which I do get with the three strand twist. And with the braid out it does not even last a day on my hair. I do not think my hair type works well with the crinkle look. If I put my bonnet cap on at night, the next morning my hair is basically straight. It is as if I never braided it. Also, I can wear my three strand twist in the twist state for about a week and love every bit of it, but I cannot do the same for two strand twist and braids. When I did do two strand twist and braids I would do them at night and take them out the next morning, because they were just not wearable outside the house. I like styles that provide me more options and last with my busy schedule and three strand twist are my saving grace.


The only negative about three strand twist is the amount of time it takes to do them. But, at the end of the day I would rather take my time doing a style that is going to last.

Will you be using Erica's tips for 3 strand twists?
	Yes
	No
	Maybe

Third Chance to win the Kinky-Curly Prize

If you've been reading then you know that there is a month long contest going on being sponsored by Kinky-Curly. See the prize above? Well, there were four up for grabs. One was won by a twitter contest, another for the "Why Don't You Show Your Face" contest. There are two more up for grabs. Here's your third chance to win the Kinky-Curly giveaway. The deadline for this is midnight Central time on Thursday, July 22.

How to win: Submit a hair tip and follow all of the rules below, the most helpful tip (as judged by Mane and Chic readers will be the winner).

Rules/Requirements:

• The tip must be grammatical. Read it a few times before you send it.
• The hair tip must be at least 5 sentences long.
• Mail TEXT ONLY, NO ATTACHMENTS to info@maneandchic.com, using the SUBJECT "HAIR TIP CONTEST". If you want to use a picture, send a link. NO ATTACHMENTS!
• It must be a tip not already featured on Mane and Chic. Perhaps it's a secret trick you stumbled upon when you were experimenting. If it's a concept we already know about, add your own little twist to make it original and different.
• Be sure to include at least your first name in the e-mail so that I can add a byline if you're tip is chosen to be a finalist.

If you don't follow these exact directions, your submission WILL NOT be read. 


The tips that I find the most helpful and original will be posted on the blog where other readers will choose 1 winner.

Good Luck!

July Yum Yum Candle Contest

I have four candles up for grabs from Yum Yum Candle in Pineapple Punch, Mango Colada, Lavender Vanilla and Ambrosia. There will be four winners. Start thinking about your favorite hair products and why they are so yummy. Gather your thoughts and stay tuned for details. This contest is only opened to US residents.

Yum Yum Candle, LLC is a small candle company owned and operated by 3 high school friends (2 are sisters). Their mission is to create chic, incredibly-scented products that are less harmful to our living environment, our planet and our bodies.

I'm a Serial Slapper

If you've been reading then you know readers have been submitting and voting on reasons as to why I don't show my face. There's only one winner and you decided the funniest reason why I don't show my face is because ...

I am a serial slapper and I like to run up on people (randomly) and just slap the hell out of them. If you show your face they'll be able to identify you and the fun will stop.

Why was this so funny to you? Can you relate? Do you secretly want to be a serial slapper? Did you visualize it as you were reading it? Does it have some truth to it?

Thank you all for your entries! I had a really hard time deciding on just one. It was really fun.

Worked Look 20: All The Way Turned Up

I'm wearing...Scarf, $24Diesel Jersey Biker Gilet, $134.76Lime Power Shoulder Pleat Detail Pencil Dress, $67.64 on AsosSam Edelman "Falken" Clog, $200 on Endless Accessorize it... 

Tip 20 Dee's End Tuck

Submitted by Dee, a transitioner.

I’m 7 months post relaxer and one thing that enabled me to retain length is what I call “end tucking”. It has helped me get past bra strap length – even with my weak relaxed ends. I do it whenever I feel like my hair needs a break from styling. Here’s how it works:

• Co-wash hair and apply leave-in.
• Slick back into a ponytail.
• Slather more leave-in on your ends.
• Gently twist hair.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa128/princessivelisse08/Profile%20Pics/Hurrrr/5.jpg

• Wrap it around your ponytail as if you are going to bun. Stop when you have about 2 inches of hair left.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa128/princessivelisse08/Profile%20Pics/Hurrrr/4.jpg

• Tuck the last 2 inches of hair directly into the middle of the bun. Your ends should not be exposed.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa128/princessivelisse08/Profile%20Pics/Hurrrr/3.jpg

• Bobby pin your bun in place. The end result should look like this...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa128/princessivelisse08/Profile%20Pics/Hurrrr/2.jpg

At the end of the day, my ends are still damp and very moisturized. This is what my hair looked like before I started bunning this way (picture taken January 30, 2010)...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa128/princessivelisse08/Profile%20Pics/Hurrrr/SANY3671-1.jpg

I trimmed it to arm pit length right after that picture. Four months later, my hair grew to bra strap length and this is what my ends looked like without trimming:

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa128/princessivelisse08/Profile%20Pics/Hurrrr/SANY3678-1-1.jpg

Today, my hair is at mid-back length with super healthy ends. It’s a simple change that anyone can add to their routine. Try it out! The proof is in the pudding.

Will you be trying Dee's End Tucking Technique?
	Yes
	No
	Maybe

Worked: Look 19 Join The Wave

This is the last look for this sweat dress. You can go crazy with accessories to re-create this but customize it by adding your favorite: scarves, rings, bracelets, a cool handbag, vest, necklaces. This dress lends itself to infinite outfit options. Gray is a neutral, so you can mix it with almost any color under the sun and it will look amazing. It just depends on what you're going for. Here I wanted to keep it very basic, feminine and dichromatic by just using shades of gray and brown. I'd add pops of color in the accessories or I'd just add a caramel bag if I wanted to be understated.


I'm wearing...Off Shoulder Raw Edge Sweat Dress, $37.20Skinny Leather Caramel Belt, $20 at Urban Outfitters "Primavera" Leather Platform Court Shoes, $109.91 on Asos
Accessorize it...

Tip 19 Tia's Money Savers

Submitted by Tia.

There are many products out there that we want to try to see if it could be the "one" for us. Consequently, trying and buying all those products could be a financial burden if you don't have the extra cash to spend on product after product. However, there are ways to save and still try that product that you have your eyes.


1. Don't jump on bandwagons! Seriously, a bandwagon almost ruined all the hard work I put into in maintaining healthy hair. I have learned (the hard way) to let others experiment and then wait for the results. You don't always have to be the guinea pig.

2. Request samples. There are so many companies out there that will provide samples to potential customers that there is no need to go out and purchase full sized full priced products just to "try" them. Some major chains have links on their websites that lets you request different samples through them each month.

3. Shop the travel aisle. If a company does not provide samples try the travel aisle in your local retail/discount store. Those items are constantly changing so keep your eye on them to see if the product you are curious about makes the shelf. (Example: I purchased a shampoo that I was interested in for 50¢ and it lasted for 3 shampoos.)

4. Use coupons. The funniest thing to me is to be line behind a person that just paid full price for a product and see their reaction as they hear my total being 50% less because I used a coupon (or two). Here is the trick: Purchase items only when on sale and use the coupon at the moment. Also, if the store has a VIP/MVP card, get one and use it.

5. Swap, Swap, Swap. When you RSVP "yes" to attend a meet-up or gathering, GO! Usually at those events there are product swaps and someone just might bring the product that you have been wanting to try.

Will you be using Tia's Money Savers?
	Yes
	No
	Maybe

Worked: Look 18 Ready For The World

Matching my blue suede shoes with my cobalt top tied this look together. This could have worked with a myriad of other colors. It doesn't matter that the colors aren't perfect matches. I added the skinny belt over the blazer to make it look a little more fitted a feminine. It's just another detail.



I'm wearing...Cobalt Pocket Tank, $15-ish from Forever 21Scarf, $24 at Urban Outfitters Cream Boyfriend Blazer, $93 on AsosSkinny Leather Caramel Belt, $20 at Urban Outfitters Stripe Skater Skirt, $47.35"Keep Up" blue suede pump, $75-ish on Endless

Tip 18 Eden's Edge Saver

This tip was submitted by Eden.


In order to minimize tension on your edges when doing a puff, you can opt for this neat trick I stumbled upon in route to styling my hair.  This method can be used for the entire perimeter of you hair if you like, but I only did the front.

• Part off a small section of hair along your hairline. It doesn't have to be perfect.
• Secure the rest of your hair into a puff.
• Slightly mist and/or moisturize the loose hair.
• Use your fingers or a brush to slick back the loose hair (a little at a time) and bobby pin it down close to the puff.
• Repeat until all the hair is secured.  Adjust any parts if necessary.
• Fluff the hair to cover any exposed bobby pins.

There you have it a puff with little tension to your edges.

Pictures of the Process:

http://public.fotki.com/jhippolyte/hair-tips-and-tricks-1/hair-tips-and-tricks/img-2250.html

http://public.fotki.com/jhippolyte/hair-tips-and-tricks-1/hair-tips-and-tricks/img-2248.html#media

http://public.fotki.com/jhippolyte/hair-tips-and-tricks-1/hair-tips-and-tricks/img-2247.html#media

http://public.fotki.com/jhippolyte/hair-tips-and-tricks-1/hair-tips-and-tricks/img-2246.html#media

Will you try Eden's Edge Saver?
	Yes
	No
	Maybe

Poll: Reasons I Don't Show My Face

Here are the final final finalist, but I need your help to choose a winner. Please choose the funniest reasons and vote. You can choose as many as you want, but there will only be one winner. This poll will close Sunday at midnight Central time.




Feed readers, click here to vote.

Worked: Look 17 Sparks Flying

I'm wearing...
Pleat Shoulder Mac Coat, $109.49 on Asos 
Multi Wrap Waist Belt in black, $13.53
Chocolate sweater, $9-12 at Marshall's 
Sparkle & fade lightning pant, $38
"Howie" Suede Double Buckle Clog in black, $50.73 

Tip 17 Evian for Hair

I highly recommend that all naturals carry a spray bottle with water at all times. I even carried one around during my transition. If you're using tap water, you will have to empty the bottle every day to avoid bacteria and other hygiene issues. Plus tap water is rife with all kinds of foolishness. So, unless you have an access to an expensive water deionizer system, it's just so much easier, cheaper and healthier to carry around the a spray bottle. Evian Brumisateur is one of my favorites. It is a great pick-me-up on hot summer days. You can spray it in your face as well as use it to re-moisturize your hair. It leaves your face with a dewy look and is great if you have dry skin. This is definitely one of the things I would take with me if I were stranded on a desert island. It's a must in my book. What's cool about the Evian Brumisateur is it comes in sizes ranging from 1.7 ounces to 10.5 ounces, so there will be a size to fit your purse whether you're a cute clutch kind of girl or a fabulous tote carrier. The last one I purchased was under $5 in the smallest travel size. I just ran out, it's disgusting how much I love this stuff. It works by cooling and hydrating, but honestly I love it because it's just so dope and fun to use.

Ingredients: Evian® Water, Nitrogen. Evian is propelled by natural and safe nitrogen (80% of the air we breathe is nitrogen) so it does not damage the ozone layer.