Taliah Waajid Product Review:  Curly Cream, and African Healing Oil

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

 

In my time as a naturalista, I have tried many products especially in the beginning!  I was using trial and error to see which products worked best for my hair.  Prior to locking, I had 4b/c hair that was tightly coiled in a TWA.  Taliah Waajid was one of the products I tried in the beginning as I was searching how to keep my hair moisturized! 

 

Taliah Waajid is a natural hair specialist who has over 20 years experience as a natural stylist and cosmetologist.  She is best known as the owner of the Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Care Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and creator of the World Natural Hair, Health, & Beauty Show.  The World Natural Hair, Health, and Beauty Show is held annually in Atlanta, Georgia in October.  Next year, that will be the 13th year that it is being held. 

 

 

Taliah Waajid products are typically sold at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, and beauty supply stores.  I first saw Taliah Waajid products in CVS, and have seen them at all the above mentioned stores.  The Taliah Waajid line includes products ranging in cost from $7 to $20 for regular sized items and $20+ to 55 for larger sizes greater than 32 ounces.  The products I brought-- the Curly Curl Cream and the African Healing Oil-- were less than $20 together. 

 

 

The Curly Curl cream is a curl definer that it meant to be put on the hair after washing the hair.  The purpose of the product is to help define your curls for a Wash-N-Go look.  The cream smelled pleasant and went onto my hair smoothly.  I applied it to damp hair that I had co-washed that day.  After drying, my hair felt stiffy and extra dry with this cream.  I immediately washed it out the next day because I felt it was super drying to my hair. 

 

The Afrian Healing Oil (Oyl) is a multi-use product that can be used on the hair and body.  Taliah Waajid suggests to use it as a hot oil treatment.  This is achieved by saturating the hair with the oil after shampooing and letting it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.  The ingredients are natural oils like olive oil, almond oil, and sunflower oil, that combine for mositurizing power.  I actually used it as a pre-poo and the result was amazingly soft hair!  I also have used it with a cream based butter/lotion for the body, which worked well for me too!  I liked this much better than the Curly Curl cream.

 

 

My next product to try is Taliah Waajid Crinkles and Curls as a setting agent for curls on my sisterlocks.  I see the consultants at Natural Clarity LLC using this product as well as water to achieve curly looks with sisterlocks. 

 

 

 

Have you tried Taliah Waajid's products?  What was your experience?  Let's discuss!

 

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva





 

 

My Fav Five from Nappy Oke

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

The Sisterlocked Diva

 

 

Nappy Oke is an annual event in the DC area where karaoke meets natural hair!  You have many natural hair vendors, jewlery vendors, natural hair salons, natural beauty products, as well as a natural hair fashion show all coming together for a great event!!  Just to spotlight a few businesses and vendors that I loved!

 

 

Ivie Rose Boutique

Sometimes, it can be a challenge to find fashionable plus size fashion in the DC area, outside of stores such as Ashley Stewart, Lane Bryant, and the Avenue.  However, Ivie Rose promises to deliver on edgy, fun fashion for the plus sized diva like myself!  The picture to the right is me at the grand opening of their physical store, which is located in Laurel, MD.  The dress I am wearing is a cap sleeve dress with a belt I had in my closet.  The dress is an Ivie Rose Boutique dress called Monroe.  Since it was so cold, I paired it with black leggings from Lane Bryant and hot pink peep toe wedges by Bandolino!  At Ivie Rose Boutique, they carry t-shirts, dresses, leggings, shirts, and skirts for the curvy diva!  After talking to one of the owners, who are sisters, she shared that they began the company in Atlanta, Georgia, and moved the business back to DC when she returned to the area.  These ladies are fun-loving and it shows through their fashion that they carry.  If you want to add some unique pieces to your wardrobe, please visit their store at 389 Main St., Laurel, Maryland inside of Finders Keepers.  Theie shop is open Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 7pm.  They are open by appointment Tuesday through Thursday.  They are on Facebook (Ivie Rose Boutique), Instagram (ivieroseboutique), and Twitter (@IvieRose).

 

 

Na-Klectic Natural Hair

 

This is a natural hair salon in the Baltimore area that offers an array of services such as loc maintenance, loc styling, big chop, loose natural hair styling (e.g., two strands, twist outs, coils), and transition styles. For California divas, they opened up a second salon in Los Angeles, California. According to their website, the owner Natasha opened the salon in March 2004.  She has been a natural hair stylist and loctician for 11 years.  There are currently 5 stylists including the owner in the shop.  One of our page members, Carmen Tucker Richardson, has raved about the salon when she has gone to the shop in Baltimore to get her hair done.  When I met a few of the stylists at the Nappy Oke event, they shared that they have a sisterlock consultant on board.  Perhaps, I may stope through for a style if I am in the Baltimore area!  Find them on Facebook (Na-Klectic Natural Hair)

 

 

Barbara, Natural Hair Stylist/Jewlery Designer

 

At her booth, she had bowties for women, eclectic earrings and purses, and denim necklaces such as the one I have on below!  The denim necklaces are made from old denim patches, gathered in the form of a flower!  Mine is a triple flower necklace, purchased for just $10!

 

 

 

 

 

 Sassy Pleasurable Pieces

 

 

Jacqueline Tycise McDuffie had some chunky jewlery pieces that can set off any outfit!  She specializes in costume jewlery and boots/shoes.  I chose the chunky pearl set as a way to glam up any look as I represent my sorority of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.!  I wore it and many chapter sorors wanted it!  There is a chunky silver neklace and earring set that I am currently eyeing. She is on Facebook as Sassy Pleasurable Pieces.  She accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Paypal. 

 

 

Pretty Little Wire

 

This sweet young naturalista, Allison Frith, began making her own jewlery when she got frustrated with the selection of jewlery once she went natural and was looking for pieces to spice up her look!  She makes a lot of pieces and always has new selection on her website!  I love the pic earring look and was excited when Allison had them in silver.  Here they are!  She is on Instagram as 'prettylittlewire', and on Facebook as Pretty Little Wire.  Love her work!

 

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva

 

Fashion, Beauty, & Lifestyle Expo 2012

 

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

On October 20th, I attended the 4th Annual Fashion, Beauty, & Lifestyle Expo 2012 (FBL 2012).  This event was exciting:  vendors representing all kinds of fashion from couture to everyday fashion, jewlery, bath/body products, hair stylists, hair products, nail products, and fun accessories!  There were fashion shows on the hour by different vendors present at the event.  I got a few goodies at the event that I want to share with you!! 

 

 

Red Hue Boutique

The Red Hue Boutique is located in Rockville, MD in the heart of the downtown area.  The boutique specializes in "contemporary women's clothing with a retro feel"!  At their booth, I loved their funky accessories-- they had lots of rings and earrings that can add some "pop" to anyone's style!  I purchased the ring in the headliner picture for this post. 

It is a larger white stone with antique-flair with the distressed brass-colored band.  Loved the funky style!  Also, the earrings I selected were torquoise square earrings with rhinstones for a little bling.  They have a Facebook page (Red Hue Boutique) and a Twitter page (@redhueboutique)highlighting their latest clothing and accessories. 

 

Kimycat Kolors

These ladies are bringing a new spin to nail color!  After speaking with Cheryl Mearis (owner) at the event, she explained that they work with a manufacturer.  They have the vision behind different colors, and the manufacturers create the fun, bold colors they carry.  There was a wide range from matte colors to sparkling color for the nail!  I got two polish colors-- a matte blue and a glittery multi-colored polish! 

 

 

 

Nobody Does It Like TEP Photography

Using green screen photography, this is a different spin on photgraphy.  The photo subject is shot on a green background, then computer software eliminates the green background and allows you to add any background in front of or behind the photo subject.  Not to mention, the precision of photo is excellent with the use of a mobile printer. This brings mobile photography to a whole new level!  Check out my shot!

 

So, check out the rest of the pictures on Facebook under the FBL 2012 album for more pictures!!  Visit The Sisterlocked Diva on Facebook at www.facebook.com/The.Sisterlocked.Diva!  "Like" the page to continue to receive more updates!! Interested in attending the event?  It is typically in October in the latter part of the month :-)

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva

 

 

 





Where in the world is The Sisterlocked Diva: Weekend Events

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

Well the weekend is here- yipee!  With a day off, I got a lot done today including planning where I will be.  So here's the lowdown:

• Saturday, getting my hair retightened at Natural Clarity in the morning with my fabulous sisterlock consultant, Charlee
• Afterwards, heading out to the Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle event sponsored by DC50tv!
• Then, Friends get together to celebrate a birthday
• Sunday will be church and my First Mary Kay appointment :-D

First, the Fashion, Beauty, & Lifestyle Expo sounds exciting!!  The Washington Convention Center is turning into a fashion and beauty mecca for several hours tomorrow from 2 to 8pm!  Hosted by Miss J (from America's Next Top Model), this event will have a variety of beauty and fashion vendors, hourly fashion shows, free makeovers, celebrity photo shoots, and more!  There will be amazing discounts and coupons offered to attendees!  For $15 tickets purchased online, it sounds like the place to be for all beauty enthusiasts! 

As I was purusing the vendor list, I saw that one of my new favorite consignment shops will be there:
Diva's Couture! This place is a high-end consignment shop specializingin women's fashion, jewlery, and accessories. I stopped in there with friends after going to the Healthy Hair Affair in Washington, DC last month.    I scored these Bandolino hot pink wedges for *drum roll* $12!  Yep that's all! 
Excited for more finds tomorrow!  Stay tuned!

Recently, I became an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc. and have begun loving the world of entrepreneurship!  I believe that every women needs to feel beautiful-- inside and out.  Sometimes, this can be more of a challenge at different times in our lives.  Even if I can help one woman see the beautiful, gorgeous, and confident woman whom they are, I feel I have done my job each day!  This week, I hope that I can do that for three phenomenal women I am blessed to call my sorors!  In my quest for helping others, I have learned more about my beauty regimen and made changes accordingly.  My latest tip:  Just because you used XYZ product in your 20s, does not mean that it will still work for you in your 30s and 40s.  As a thirty-something, I have seen changes in my skin's texture and type.  I use different products now, than I used at age 21.  Skin care changes as we grow and mature.  Major life events such as having children and increased stress can cause changes in our skin.  Take care of your skin, or as my Mom always said, "Always use product!"

~ The Sisterlocked Diva

Healthy Hair, Healthy Body

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

We all want healthy hair so that our hair can grow, be strong, and look fabulous!  You can have the best products, read and build your natural hair knowledge, and stay away from harmful ingredients, however all of your good efforts can still end up causing breakage and a lack of growth.  Why?  Because you need to be fulling our bodies with healthy foods to get the healthy hair you desire!  As the phrase Mom always use to say, you are what you eat!  You eat unhealthy, your tresses will pay for it.  You chose more healthy options, your hair will thank you for it!  Something that has been happening to me is that since getting sisterlocks-- I have had flakes because of poor water intake.  My hair definitely was letting me know that I am lacking the proper nutrients to promote healthy hair. 

So what to do about eating better, and what should you be eating?  Great question!  Well lets talk about some basics and then delve into some deeper knowledge. 

Water:  Yes ladies we need to be drinking water to support our hair and skin health!  Many vitamins, lotions, creams, etc. on the market are not a replacement of drinking water.  For me, this can be a challenge!  I am always "in motion" and often was getting dehydrated because I was not taking time to drink enough water.  One thing I have started doing is planning out when I will drink water.  For example, before breakfast, before packing my lunch, as I am driving to work, and as I walk the dogs are all targeted times during the day that I am reminding myself to drink water.  So how much water should we be drinking?  According to the Mayo Clinic, it depends on a variety of factors including level of physical activity, type of climate we live in, whether we are sick or not, and current body weight. They recommeded consuming about 2.7 liters for an average woman. The website eHow.com also stated that we need to drink an additional cup of water if we are consuming sodas and other caffienated beverages.  The message is clear: Drink up ladies (water that is)!

Vitamins: 

Vitamins should be a part of your overall body health plan, however there are targeted vitamins that support hair growth. According to eHow.com, there are some specific recommendations.  B Vitamins are great for heair growth, and can be taken in a supplement form.  Keep in mind we can also get B Vitamins in eggs, beans, and berries.  Also, Biotin is a popular vitamin known to support nail and hair growth.  Consuming brown rice, oats, and sunflower seeds is a way to ingest Biotin.  This can also be purchased in supplement form in places like The Vitamin Store, and GNC.  Vitamin A, C, and E are also helpful for hair growth.  Vitamin C is responsible for increased blood flow in the scalp and follicles, which can speed up the hair growth process.  Vitamin C is poperful found in fruits. 

Healthy foods that promote hair growth:

According to webMD.com, the top 10 foods that support hair growth are:

-Salmon

-Dark Green Vegetables

-Beans

-Nuts

-Poultry

-Eggs

-Whole Grains

-Oysters

-Low-Fat Dairy Products

-Carrots

Brittle hair, breakage, amd minimal hair growth plaging you??  It may all start with what you are eating  (or not eating)!  Are you eating what you should for healthy hair growth?? 

~The Sisterlocked Diva

Who is The Sisterlocked Diva??

Hello All,

Welcome!  I am an educator, professor, a Christian, friend, daughter, girlfriend, member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.-Tau Delta Zeta Chapter, avid reader, and thinker.  I am also a new natural hair blogger, beauty and fashion enthusiast!  Let me tell you about my journey to natural hair. So, November 22, 2010 I am sitting in the hair salon getting another relaxer because another 6 weeks have past.  I have been hearing a lot of buzz about the movie "Good Hair" by Chris Rock.  I didn't see the movie, but it made me think "What really is in a relaxer?".  I heard about the clip where the relaxer dissolved a soda can, and needless to say I was concerned about what I was doing to me and my hair.  As I am using Google to research this, my stylist is putting the relaxer on my hair.  Then, it hits me- just one simple phrase.  It said, "The most active ingredient is the same main ingredient in drain cleaner".  What?!?! Oh wow!  I was determined that day was the day I ended my relationship with "creamy crack".  I had no idea what to do next, so thanks to Google again I found websites, Facebook pages, and any other information I could get my hands on about how to move towards natural textured hair!  As I ran into girlfriends, they too were having a similar experience.  They knew they wanted no more of the creamy crack, and were ready for the transition.

I wanted to big chop after transitioning for a few months.  I felt that because my hair was already short in its relaxed state it would be easy to rock short natural hair!  So, I began to transition using braided styles and sew-in weaves.  I figured having my hair braided mostly would allow my relaxer to grow out and lessen the manipulation of my transitioning hair. The original game plan was to have a big chop party with an old high school friend I have recently reconnected with.  Needless to say, the battle with the two textures was a losing battle-- those stringy relaxed strands just hanging on for dear life.   In the early AM hours after taking out African twists on April 14. 2011,  a naturalista was born!  I was so excited and thought my new 'do was Fierce, Fabulous, and Fun!