{Hair Product Review} Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo

I had originally purchased this product for my daughter's hair, but it ended up to be a disaster. Maybe because I sprayed too much on her hair or it was just not meant for her hair type. Instead of throwing the bottle away, I kept it because I know I could find other uses for it. I did today. I ended up using the dry shampoo on my lace system just to see how it would turn out. Because my scalp is very oily, my lace system tends to get oily as well. I sprayed a light mist from the middle to end of the lace system and used a loop brush to brush out the dry shampoo. I added a small amount of Moroccan Oil to my hair to avoid the alcohol from drying out my ends. I must say that I was pleased with my overall look and feel of my hair. I would not use this product too much because of the alcohol content within the dry shampoo.

Tips to Using Dry Shampoo:

• Do not use close to the lace system base.
• Spray lightly from the mid point to end of the hair.
• Use a loop brush to brush out dry shampoo.
• Seal the hair with Moroccan Oil to avoid the hair from drying out from the alcohol.

Why Can't I Get My Lace Wig To Bond Anymore?

When I was a first-time lace wig wearer, I ran into an issue where I could no longer achieve a good bond the way I did when I first purchased my unit. I washed it several times with my shampoo as instructed, but to no avail the lace wig would still not adhere properly to my skin. Fast-forward through many years of wearing lace wigs and learning how to clean them properly, I found that a regular shampoo wash is just not enough to get the job done of removing all the residue...especially if your lace wig was bonded for more than two weeks. Think about it....sweat, oils, and dirt has been building up on your skin and the lace for over two weeks. Sound nasty, but it's true. This combination sometimes leave behind microscopic residue, if you're only washing your unit with regular shampoo.  I use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo products in addition to my shampoo to help remove any residue left over from removing the adhesive and tape. These two products are powerful and works fast.

How to Use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo To Remove Residue:

What You Shouldn't Do When Your Hair System (Lace Wig) Is Bonded

Spring is finally here & the temperature is rising. With the temperature rising, we must keep a few things in mind when our hair system is bonded. I encountered a mishap the other day with my partially bonded hair system and let me just say that I was disappointed in myself because I should have known better! The temperature was in the mid-high 80's, so I cruised home after a long workday with the windows down and sunroof open enjoying the warmth of the sun on my skin. I checked that mirror (which I often do) to make sure my hair and face looked good...only to see my hairline was a little glossy. I went to dab the area with my finger and it was sticky. This event made me think about some things that should not be done while the hair system is bonded.

1. Avoid Extreme Heat/Humidity - regardless of the type of bond you use, the extreme heat & sweat will still break it down. So when in the car on a sunny hot day, use your A/C to protect your bond from melting. If you can't avoid a hot steam room, sauna, or Jacuzzi  protect your bonded unit by wearing a scarf of some type, but this may not protect your bonded area fully. 
2. Avoid Roller coasters Sky Diving, Swimming and similar activities - Daily/weekly bonds will not hold your unit when doing a high performance activity. To enjoy these activities  you would need to wear a bond with a stronger hold that last up to 6 weeks.
3. BE PREPARED & ALWAYS HAVE YOUR WIG KIT. 

***Prior to bonding your hair system, use a scalp protector and a perspiration blocker which acts as a barrier to minimize sweat, body oils, and odor.

Best Hair Buys For Hair Systems (Lace Wigs) & Hair Extensions With Different Textures

Hair systems & Hair extensions have become extremely popular over the last five years...mostly because it's the best accessory that completes any outfit. The most popular hair for hair systems & extensions is the Remy hair where the cuticles are still attached because the hair can last up to two years IF taking care of properly. Remy hair comes in various hair types and textures and it's important to use the right products to care for the hair that is curly, kinky, wavy, or straight.

The most IMPORTANT thing to remember when buying hair products is to look for shampoos & conditioners that are sulfate-free & alcohol-free. These two ingredients will dry out the hair and making it brittle. Hair systems and extensions are an investment and should be treated with the best care possible.

Straight/Relaxed | Curly/Wavy | Kinky 

Best Products for Straight/Relaxed Hair

• Creme of Nature Argan Oil collection (Shampoo, Conditioner, & Leave-in Conditioner)

Best Products for Curly, Wavy, & Kinky Hair

• Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo, Deep Conditioner, & Leave-in Conditioner diluted w/water in a spray bottle

Best Products for all Hair Textures

• Nunaat's Silicon Collections
• Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream & Moroccanoil Oil Treatment 

The product brands mentioned above are what I use on a regular basis and have kept all my units in great condition. Again, I must stress that when you are shopping for hair products to maintain your hair system or hair extension remember these key words: Sulfate-Free & Alcohol-Free!

Quick Hair Tips While Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is only a couple days away and I know we are all making a list of what we're cooking. I wanted to give a few quick tips on how to keep your hair fresh and ready to go when it comes time to meet, greet, and best of all EAT! These tips are also for those who stand around in the hot kitchen sneaking food and watching your loved ones cook *talking about myself* :-). I'm happy to say that I will be doing more of the cooking this year, except the turkey & ham! On to my mini tips:

For Straight Hair: Bump your hair the night, wrap it and wear a satin scarf to bed. Next day, keep the hair wrapped up in the satin scarf until you're done cooking and ready to meet & greet friends and family.

For Wavy Hair - Twist or braid the hair in section, pin and cover with a satin bonnet. Unbraid/twist when you're done cooking and ready to meet & greet friends and family.

For Curly Hair - Do pin curls all over & cover with a satin bonnet. Unpin the curls ready when you're done cooking and ready to meet & greet friends and family. 

As you see, these tips are very simple and will help you keep your 'do fresh for the Thanksgiving holiday!

Have A Happy & Glamourful Thanksgiving!

www.couturelacecrowns.com

Quick Wig Tips For Winter Hair Care

Hey Couture Beauties!

Now that Summer has past and Fall is slowly drifting away, the cold air is coming upon us quickly. Remember that dry air = dry hair. The key word this winter is MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE. Yes I have to stress this word because it's vital in keeping your stands nice and strong. The cold dry air can cause your hair to become brittle, dry, and lead to breakage if you do not keep the hair conditioned & moisturized.

• Use a moisturizing shampoo & conditioner once a week
• Deep condition the hair for 3 to 5 minutes with a masque once a week
• Use a serum & a hydrating cream to seal the hair strands  
• Every two days lightly spray the hair with conditioner water (How to make Conditioner Water)
• Wear a satin scarf/bonnet every night to keep the hair moisturized (Why wear a Satin Bonnet)
• When wearing a wool coat also wear a satin or silk scarf to protect the hair from rubbing against the coat. This will prevent breakage and tangling.

To find to out the items recommended to use for lace systems, click here.



Source: Google Images



Let's keep those tresses nice, smooth, silky, & healthy!

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Natural Hair Care: Natural Hair Wigs and Weaves: Would you try it?

Source: curlynikki.com

Hey Couture Beauties!

I found an interesting article on Curly Nikki's site about wearing Natural Hair Wigs and Weaves. *Yes I am always researching and educating myself to bring you the best!* But I wanted to share this post with you because the Fall & Winter season is a great time to experiment with wigs and try different styles. Natural hair is a huge trend and if you are not able to achieve the best look with your own hair, why not opt for a wig!  Click the link below to learn the benefits of wearing natural hair wigs and which celebs actual rock the afro wigs.
Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Natural Hair Care: Natural Hair Wigs and Weaves: Would you try it?: by Kurlee Belle

Try something new & change up your style this Fall with a natural hair wig. Contact me today!

Top 5 Tips to Keeping Your Lace Wig Looking Good Every Day

1.       Wash & condition hair often. If you wear your unit every day, it is best to wash it once a week. Try to stay away from products that contain alcohol for it dries the hair out causing it to become brittle. Take notice of the hair’s origin when selecting hair products. Most African American products are too heavy for the tresses on the lace wig. Try products like Nunaat Silicion, L’Oreal, MoroccanOil, and Garner Fructis. Do not allow any of the hair products to sit on the base of the lace too long for the knots can become loose causing the hair to shed. Remember to use a knot sealer before and after every wash.

2.       Take caution when drying. The best way to dry your unit is by air drying preferably overnight.

3.       Use a wide tooth comb and ceramic/loop paddle brush. Comb or brush the hair often to avoid matting and knotting. Always start from the bottom working your way up near the roots. Never brush the hair while wet.

4.       Wigs require regular maintenance. Special attention is needed for human hair lace wigs at least every two months.  A stylist will wash, condition, trim, and restyle the wig just like he or she does for a client.

5.       Properly store your wig. When you are not wearing your unit, it should be placed on a mannequin head covered with a satin scarf or stored in a satin bag.

Following these tips will help in prolonging the life your lace wig making it worth your investment!

Wig Tip Monday: Protect Your Tresses from Heat

I am so against using excessive heat on lace wigs because it will damage the hair. If heat is necessary to style the unit, please use a heat protectant.  Heat protectants will help in creating a barrier between the hair and curling/flat iron to guard the cuticle from straight heat.


Visit www.couturelacecrowns.com to shop for your lace crown.

Wig Tip Monday: Avoid Excessive Shedding of Your Lace Unit

Follow these tips to avoid excessive shedding:
*Remember light shedding of your unit is normal, just like with natural hair. 

1. To avoid excessive shedding, always use a knot sealer after each and every wash for is reseals the knots and makes the strand stronger. 
2. Stay away from products that contain alcohol because it will cause the hair to dry out and lead to breakage and shedding. 
3. When sleeping in your unit, tie your hair up in a ponytail or braid it into two braids and cover your head with a satin/silk bonnet, and sleep on a satin pillow case for extra protection. Your satin bonnet can be purchased from Couture Lace Crowns.

Wig Tip Monday - Less Heat = More Beauty

Just like with your real hair, too much heat can damage it. The same is true for the hair on a lace wig. To achieve the curls or waves you want, try using flexi rods or magnetic rollers. These items can be found at your local Walmart or Target.  This is one of the safest ways in keeping your unit damage-free and extended the life of the hair.

If you want to have a custom wig designed just for you, please visit www.couturelacecrowns.com or contact me at couturelacecrowns@gmail.com.

Wig Tip Monday - Conditioning Your Lace Wig

One of the keys to keeping your lace wig moisturized and soft is by lightly spraying or applying leave-in conditioner on the hair every 2-3 days. You can make your own leave-in conditioner by mixing in a spray bottle 10% regular hair conditioner and diluting it with 90% water. Do not use any hair products that contain sulfate and/or alcohol because it will dry out the hair that will ultimately lead to tangling and breakage.

*Applying excessive leave-in conditioner and other hair products will cause build-up that will lead to tangling. 

Wig Tip 102

Overnight Protection of Lace Wig 
Wearing a satin bonnet is the key to preventing dryness and tangling of the strands on a lace wig. You can wake up in the morning with your hair looking fresh with minimal maintenance. At night, prepare your hair by either braiding it, use flexi rods, or a ponytail and then place the satin bonnet over your head. For double protection, sleep on a satin pillow case. When the lace wig is not attached, it is still important to protect it by covering it with a satin bonnet or scarf.

Wig Tip 101

When I developed alopecia totalis, I went through countless wigs because I had no idea how to care for them. It took years of trial and error to understand how to care for my pieces and expand the life of them. I've learned the best way to care for a lace wig is the same way I had cared for my natural hair. If you give your pieces some TLC, it will do the same in return. Stay tuned for more wig tips...Couture Lace Crowns is coming soon.