I’m not sure if this is a new photo or an old photo of Beyonce, but I am not too sure how I feel about this hair. I mean Rihanna, Tiny, Trina, and now Bey? I hope this is isn’t permanent. I like the blonde bombshell Beyonce.

What do you think? Rock it or drop it?

The new year is upon us and it is about that time that everyone sets goals that they want to accomplish throughout the year. I don’t necessarily believe people have to wait until January 1 to make a change, but for many people this is a good starting point. I always write my goals out in various categories such as: faith, relationships, career, finances, health, etc. So this year I added two new categories, fashion/style and beauty thought it would be fun to share my fashion and beauty resolutions with you all for the upcoming year.  So here it goes…

1. Shop my closet: When I shop, I sometimes forget to think about what I already own. I sometimes end up with two or three of the same or very similar items. It’s not until I get home and put everything away that I realize I had something similar. So I can only buy things that I don’t already own.
2. Create more creative looks: When I say creative looks, I don’t mean “crazy.” I usually stick to classic pieces, which you can never go wrong with, but I want to play around with more colors, textures, prints, and accessories
3. Buy more accessories: My accessories collection is slowly fading, and accessories transform an outfit. So when I shop, I will look for accessories first, since they are significantly cheaper than purchasing an entirely new outfit, to create different looks.
4. Use my makeup: I have A LOT of makeup, not as much as a makeup artist, but I only wear makeup when I’m going out or on the weekends. Sometimes I don’t feel like getting up 15-minutes earlier to “put on my face” for work. So I must not waste my money and use what I have.
5. Hair Rules: I want to try different styles. I have three “signature” styles that I rock now: my good ol’ faithful doobie wrap, a sleek-chic ponytail, and curly/waves. I want to try different hairstyles to switch up my look. Also work on getting my hair healthier. I am not on this “natural” bandwagon that most people are on. I was considering going natural, but then I really thought about it and thought why? My hair is healthy now, and I am relaxed, but I want it to grow fuller and longer.
6. Nails, Nails, Nails: I used to do my at home manicures every Sunday, then I fell behind with some things at work and spent my Sundays trying to catch up instead of pampering myself. So I need to keep up with my manicures because they do wonders for my old lady hands.

What are your 2011 fashion and beauty resolutions?

R&B Songstress has a new look. Following in the footsteps of Keri Hilson, Rihanna, Beyonce, Christina Milian, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, and others, she has gone BLONDE!

This is definitely a drastic change for Ameriie. First it was her engagement, then she added the extra “i” to her name, and now the blonde hair. Is this look authentic or is she just trying to stay relevant?

VOTE!

Doing my daily rounds on the internet, I found this article on Essence.com about the most common myths for “black hair.” When I read this article I was surprised at a few of the myths because from my experience, I have found them to be true. I will share which hair myth I am referring to once you get through reading the article.

Via Essence.com Interview with Ursula Stephens (celebrity hair stylist)

MANE MYTH: Trimming your hair will make it grow faster.
TRESS TRUTH: “While frequent trims are great for removing split ends, they don’t actually make your hair grow faster,” says Ursula. That being said, don’t skip your trims! If you ignore split ends for too long, they can creep up the hair shaft, and then you’ll need to snip off more than you bargained for. Regular snips every 6 to 8 weeks will keep your coif looking crisp and clean.

MANE MYTH: Natural hair is stronger than relaxed hair.
TRESS TRUTH: According to Stephen, natural hair is actually quite fragile. “It should be treated gently at all times to prevent breakage,” she says. To maintain your strands’ strength, never brush your natural hair while it’s wet; instead, use a detangling comb or your fingers. Also, skip cotton pillowcases — the rough fibers can cause fragile hair to break off. Try a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf.

MANE MYTH: Braids make hair grow.
TRESS TRUTH: We think this myth started when Black women began sporting braids to carry them through the grow-out process. But while braids are a cute style option, they have nothing to do with the rate of hair growth. “Hair grows about a half inch a month, period,” says Stephen. “Strong, healthy hair comes from the inside out… it has nothing to do with any attachments you might wear!”

MANE MYTH: Black hair doesn’t need to be shampooed often.
TRESS TRUTH: According to Stephen, there isn’t a “correct” schedule for washing hair, but infrequent shampooing can result in dirt, oil and product buildup, which weighs down the hair shaft and makes it look dull. It’s best to wash hair once a week, at least.

MANE MYTH: Greasing your scalp keeps hair healthy.
TRESS TRUTH: Stephen says that grease actually clogs pores, which can inhibit scalp circulation and hair growth! “A healthy scalp is gained by a healthy diet,” she adds. To help maintain strong, healthy hair, eat tons of proteins (like fish and chicken), and foods high in vitamin C, which help with scalp circulation.

Ok so the myth about the braids was surprising. When I was younger I went to Florida for the summer with my siblings to visit my aunt and cousin. I went to the pool EVERYDAY rain or shine. To make a VERY VERY long story short, my hair was badly damaged from the chlorine. My mom ended up doing the “big chop” and I had to start all over. From the middle of 8th grade until the end of 9th grade I wore my hair in braids-in every style you could imagine. My hair grew TREMENDOUSLY in within a year and a half. I went from not having a pony tail (not even a stingy one smh) to hair that reached my shoulders. So I was shocked to when I read that because I thought the braids helped with the hair growth, not the actual extension, but just having my hair in one set style for 6-8weeks and not fussing with it. I guess for me there is some truth to that myth.

My friend and former classmate Nigeria asked me to do a few posts on natural hair care, I was supposed to do this post a little ago, but I am now getting to it (sorry). Although my hair is not natural (I considered going through the transition) I did my research and compiled a list of basics and essentials for women with natural (chemical free) hair styles.

Essentials

• Sulfate free shampoo
• Silicone free instant and deep conditioner
• Daily moisturizer or grease with no mineral oil or petrolatum
• Daily leave in conditioner
• Good natural oils
• Silicone based heat protectants.

Reading the ingredients listed for products at the local beauty supply store or drugstore and watching product reviews from other women will help determine which products have helpful ingredients as opposed to harmful.

Basics

• Plastic wide tooth comb
• Denman brush or boar bristle brush (some would advise no brushes of any kind)
• Hair clips that are hair stress free
• Metal free elastic bands
• Satin or silk scarf, pillow cover, or bonnet

Source

1. Nappturality
2. Curly Nikki
3. Motown Girl
4. Miss Jessie’s
5. Treasured Locks

Summer is my favorite season, but I hate what the heat and humidity does to my hair! My hair is relaxed and I have a hard time styling my hair in the summer other than my usual wraps or pony tails. When I wear my hair wrapped, I end up putting it in a ponytail because it puffs up from sweat and the humidity. It is really annoying. I find myself needing to get my hair done every week rather than every two weeks.

My mom has this issue also. So a few months ago I bought this Enzo Milano clipless curling iron and I only used it once. I loved how it curled my hair and the curls lasted for about 2-3 days (with minor touch ups on the third day).

I also braided my hair to get the crinkle effect and that lasted a few days also and it gave me the same look as the clipless curling iron. So I am going to try this look again. It is low maintenance and cute. If my hair puffs up  because of the humidity it won’t really matter because the twists/curls/crinkles will camouflage my puffy roots. Hopefully this style will survive the heat this weekend.

How do you ladies style your hair to beat the summer heat? I need suggestions

Rihanna revealed a new look yesterday on her “Last Girl On Earth Tour.” She is not longer a blonde bombshell. She is a smoking hot red head! Take a look

Rock It or Drop It?

I am sure most of you have seen these pics, but just in case you haven’t Janet Jackson has done the unthinkable! She chopped off her tresses (or got rid of the weave) and is now rocking a short do!

So I have been contemplating on cutting my hair again for some time now. In August I cut my hair into an inverted bob and it has grown back I don’t know if I want to cut it again or if I want to continue to let it grow. So here are some looks of celebrities who have made the cut and some who have abandoned the short do and went for long luxurious locks.

I love Dawn’s new cut!!!! When I saw her on American Idol last week I wanted to make an appointment immediately to get this look. Of course that didn’t happen but I am still contemplating…

Selita Ebanks looks great with long or short hair but I would have to go with the shorter look here

Keri Hilson’s short due gave her an edge. She just kind of blends in now

Malinda Williams was known for her short cut but I like the long hair

Toni Braxton has shed some years with her short do!

Sesilee Lopez the short look definitely sets her apart from other models

Vanessa Simmons has chopped off her long tresses and now has a short curly cropped do. I actually like the shorter look. It gives her a bit more edge.

So to cut or not to cut?

Source

Our favorite Barbie (sarcasm) is on the set of her new video “Roger That.” I must say if I hear another girl say”and you can roger that” I am going to scream!! I guess that’s what happens when you work in a high school right? Anyway….so today’s Rock It or Drop It is the courtesy of Nicki Minaj’s two-toned hair. Half blonde and half pink so ladies is this “what’s hot on the streets?”

 Rock It or Drop It?

*Her makeup is flawless! Kudos to the makeup artist*