Diva Spotlight: Ciara

Tell us a little about yourself & your daughter:

Ciara is 7 years old and has beautiful, thick 4B hair

What is your daughter's hair care routine?

I wash and style her hair every weekend unless I do really small cornrows that can last two weeks. She always wears her scarf before bed.

What kind of products do you use on her hair?

I've pretty much given up on most all natural products because they can be very expensive and usually don't produce the results I'm looking for, so I tend to use mostly drugstore/bss products.

These are the products I'm currently using:

• Shampoo: Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo
• Conditioner: Cheapie conditioners like Suave Tropical Coconut or Herbal Essences Totally Twisted
• Leave-in/detangler: Hawaiian Silky 14 n 1
• Moisturizer: BB Oil Moisturizer
• Gel for braids and ponytails: Jamaican Mango and Lime Locking gel

The only natural product I use on her hair is Jane Carter Solution Nourish and Shine - this product is a great alternative to traditional greases. I use it to grease her scalp and moisturize her ends throughout the week. Just like the name says, it really does nourish and give the hair a brilliant shine. It's expensive ($18.99 for 4 oz), but so worth it!!

Have you ever used chemicals on her hair?

I haven't, but I thought about it in the past. I was having trouble managing her hair, but through online resources I learned that it wasn't that her hair was unmanageable, I just didn't know what I was doing :) Now I manage her hair like a pro...no chemicals necessary!!!

Can we see a few of your favorite styles?

















How did you learn to do all of this?

I started braiding Ciara's hair when she was 6 months old. I don't have any pics, but they were a hot mess back then! lol I kept practicing and eventually got better.

How does your daughter feel about her hair? Can we see her favorite style?

We went through a difficult period where she didn't really love her hair like she should. She wanted it to be long and straight like the other girls at her school (she is one of very few blacks at her school). I've had to constantly reassure her that her hair is beautiful and unique and that God did not make a mistake when he gave her this hair. Through this blog, I've learned the importance of accessorizing and it has made a huge difference in how she feels about her hair. Now, she doesn't worry so much about length, she just wants to feel girly and pretty.

If you had to share one hair care tip, what would it be?

Don't be afraid to be a little heavy-handed with your products if your child has hair that tends to be dry. I've found that most products absorb quickly and leave the hair very shiny and soft.

______________________________________

Ciara is a gorgeous little girl with a head full of gorgeous hair! Mommy LaToya has blown me away with her styling skills. I would have thought for sure that the heart style was professionally done. I like that LaToya knows what works best for her daughters hair and keeps her routine simple. Keep up the great work!

______________________________________

Click here to see how you can sign your Diva up!

Back To School Shopping!

I wanted to share some of the items I got A for back to school. I think I got some pretty good deals, and I know you all love to shop...so why not? I would also love to hear what you all got for the kiddos or if you've found any good deals lately!

Gymboree

I picked up some things from Gymboree's Smart Girls Rule line while they had their 40% off sale and I got Gymbucks!

Tie Polo: $15 Plaid Skort: $20 Bow Shoe: $20
Smart Girls Rule Shirt: $15 Striped Skort: $20

Korkers: $3.75/each Headband: $7 Necklace: $10 Watch: $10 Socks: $6/each

Patch Cap: $10 Backpack: $20

The Children's Place

I didn't buy the first two outfits on sale but The Children's Place has been having great sales lately. I thought these sets were perfect for school, especially for young children. Nice and comfy!

Butterfly Hoodie: $19.50 Butterfly Shirt: $14.50 Butterfly Capri: $14.50 Shoes: $14.50

Cupcake Hoodie: $19.50 Cupcake Shirt: $14.50 Cupcake Capri: $14.50 Cupcake Shoes: $14.50

Hoodie: $10.00 Shirt: $14.50 Capri: $10.00

Tiara Shirt: $10.00 Cami: $7.50 Tiara Ponytail Holders: 2 for $5

Crazy8 & Old Navy

I found an online promo code for Old Navy so I got a few dollars off the shirts and I shopped Crazy8's sale items during their 25% off sale, I also got Crazy Cash!

Old Navy Shirt: $7.50 Crazy8 Korkers: $6 for both Crazy8 Flats: $17.06

Crazy8 Ruffle Trench: $20.24 Crazy8 Beret: $5.99

Old Navy Shirt: $7.50 Crazy8 Korkers: $4.50 for both Crazy8 Flats: $17.06

Crazy8 Knit Blazer: $15.74

Crazy8 Jeans: $8.99/each

Crazy8 Flats: $17.06

Crazy8 Necklace: $4.87 Crazy8 Bracelet: $3.74

Finishline

Jordans: $65

Burlington Coat Factory

HK Backpack: $10

All Accessories

All Shoes

All Bags (By the way, the plaid purse with the dog was $10)

I purchased this stuff during the last 1.5-2 months of Summer. I also purchased several things from TJ Maxx during the Summer (not pictured) and you know TJ Maxx always has a good deal.

Since Gymboree is a little more expensive than I'd like, I almost always buy stuff when it's on sale. They always have a sale so check out their website and sign up for their mailing list to be notified. Also try shopping when you're able to earn GymBucks. You earn $25 Gymbucks for every $50 you spend, then they have a period when you can redeem those GymBucks. It's like real cash in their store. If you have one GymBucks ($25 Gymbucks) when you get $50 worth of stuff you only have to pay $25. See how it works? Same goes for Crazy8 Crazy Cash, only you get $20 for every $40 spent. Both Gymbucks and Crazy Cash are going on right now!

Also, if there is an option for you to enter a promo code online, ALWAYS look for a promo code! Just google "Store name here promo code"...you will find one! I always find promo codes.

I ordered a cute Junk Food T-shirt from GAP to match the Crazy8 Pink Ruffle Coat but unfortunately they sent me the wrong shirt and their customer service has been horrible so needless to say I will never order from their website again. I'll post the shirt once I (finally) get the right one though.

I also want to add, you can find printable coupons for a lot of stores as well, so once again- Google is your friend! I believe Finishline has a $10 off coupon on their website.

And remember, sign up for those rewards cards! I have a rewards card with several stores including Gymboree and Finishline.

Oh...my favorite "tip", I almost always buy clothes/shoes a size or two bigger so the kids can grow in to them. So far it has worked like a charm and their stuff really lasts.

Anyone else have some shopping tips? Do share!

Curly Is Cuter Giveaway!

Curly Is Cuter is a website with a wide variety of hair accessories including: beads, snaps, barrettes, ballies and much more! Perfect for back to school!

Curly Is Cuter has very generously offered one of our readers the following:

• 1 EZ Beader Tool
• 2 Sets Pony Beads
• 2 Sets Large Beads
• 2 Packages Barrettes
• 2 Packages Elastics
• 2 Sets Hair Snaps

Here's the cool part, YOU get to decide what color beads, elastics, snaps & barrettes you want!

Enter the Giveaway:

• You must follow Beads, Braids & Beyond. To follow the blog simply look to the upper right column. There's a little button that says "Follow". Easy peasy!
• Visit Curly Is Cuter and tell me your favorite hair accessory they carry. Make sure you leave your name with your comment!

Example: I follow BBB and I LOVE the star snaps they carry! -Nikki G.

That's it! Please only leave one comment.

One winner will be chosen on September 1st, 2010 using Random.org

Good luck! Another big thanks to Curly Is Cuter for the great giveaway!

Sister Twists with Bantu Knots On The Side

Instructions:

• As always, start with clean, well moisturized, properly detangled hair.
• I banded A's hair the night before, so the next day it was slightly stretched out.
• I began sectioning off the hair on the side so I could make the bantu knots. I tied off the left side of her hair to get it out of my way and started making the bantu knots. I tried parting medium sized triangles. To make the bantu knot I just took the small/medium section of hair and twisted the entire section around, as if I were making a finger coil, I then started twisting the hair all around near her scalp. As you twist, you want to twist the section of hair under the bantu knot. So when I finally got to the end of the bantu knot, I twisted that section under the entire bantu knot so it would stay in place. I hope that makes sense.
• After I was done with the bantu knots, I began on her sister twists (or rope twists). I untied the left section of hair, and parted small/medium squares starting at the nape of her neck. At this point, you probably know how to do the sister twists but for those of you who do not, you simply section off some hair, split it into two sections, then you begin twisting one entire section clockwise, and the other section counter clockwise, you will then start twisting each section around one another while you continue to twist each section clockwise and the other counter clockwise.
• I twisted the entire left section and she was all done!

Tools Used:

• Metal rat tail comb
• Modified Denman D3 Brush
• Bee Mine Products (specifically Luscious Moisturizer & Curly Butter)
• Ponytail holder to tie off left section

Total Styling Time: 2 hours

Q.O.T.W: Do you have a back to school hair style/outfit picked out?

Do you have a back to school hair style and/or outfit picked out? Do tell!

Product Review: Bee Mine Deja's Hair Milk

Bee Mine Deja's Hair Milk

The Claim: This hair milk has many benefits for the health and condition of your hair. It's lightweight but very moisturizing. The oils and butters will nourish and naturally moisturize every strand of your tresses without leaving your hair greasy. The grapefruit essential oil strengthens and keeps your hair healthy while the peppermint essential oil helps to stimulate growth. Good for all hair types, braids and weaves too. We aim to help your hair be the healthiest it can be.

Prince: $15 8oz

Ingredients: Distilled water, Coconut milk, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrosperumum Parkir (Shea Butter), Emulsifying wax, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter), Prunus dulcis (Almond Oil), Grapefruit & Peppermint Essential Oils, Paraben & Formaldehyde Free Preservative, Vitamin E, Panthenol (Vitamin B Complex), Fragrance.

Review: I actually started using the Bee Mine Deja's Hair Milk a couple of weeks before I went on break. I have been using it almost after each wash. It has left her hair soft and well moisturized. It's true to its claim, it is very lightweight, yet moisturizing. I also tried it on dry hair and I must say, it didn't work as well as it did on her wet/damp hair. I love it on her wet/damp hair and after applying it dries beautifully. Absolutely no residue. It has a nice, kind of light lemon scent.

In the photos shown in this post, I washed her hair wish Bee Mine Products, lightly finger detangled her hair, then added the Bee Mine Deja's Hair Milk. I did not use a comb, I just ran the product through her hair with my fingers. I loved the results. Her hair was nice and defined, but not too defined. Soft & fluffy! I will continue to incorporate this product in her hair care routine.





Disclosure: The product(s) were sent to me free of charge from the company or PR agency for the purpose of this review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by any other part.

Natural Flower Girl Hair Style: Quick Veil Style into Braids

Instructions:

• Start with well moisturized, properly detangled, stretched hair. I stretched A's hair this time around with about 7-8 large single braids.
• You will start by parting the hair from ear to ear. Tie off the back section to get it out of your way.
• On your top section, part a square right in the front of the hair, place that section in a rubberband or ponytail holder. You will then part a square on both sides of your first section, place those sections in a rubberband/ponytail holder as well. You now have three sections in the front.
• Split each front section into two and braid each section about two inches down. So you have a total of 6 half braids in the front.
• Part right in the middle, behind your first square to start your back sections. Part a square slightly to the side then take one of your front middle braids and connect it into the back section.
• Part a square next to your first back section square and once again, take the other front middle braid and connect it into that ponytail.
• You will continue this process until you are done. Once complete, you should have 3 squares in the front, and 4 in the back. The ponytail squares in the front should connect to the back ones.
• Braid the rest of the hair left over in your back sections, so you will have 4 medium/large braids.
• Untie the back section, part it straight down the middle then cross over the two middle braids. Braid all the way down.
• From there you just need to accessorize. I choose some flowers for this style but this can easily be dressed down. Choose colorful ponytail holders and fun accessories!

Tools Used:

• Metal rat tail comb
• Modified Denman D3 Brush
• Bee Mine Products
• Rubberbands, flower clips, ouchless ponytail holders

Total Styling Time: About 20-25 minutes

Braids To The Side With A Puff

Braids Tutorial:

Start with clean detangled hair. I washed/conditioned Anisa’s hair the previous day using HEHH. I banded her hair for bedtime. I used Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer, Bee Hold Curly Butter, and Deja’s Hair Milk for this style.

1. When I began this style, Anisa’s hair was still a little damp and not as stretched as I normally prefer. That was okay because I wanted a big puff. I began braiding her hair in the back and secured the rest of her hair with an ouchless band. You will begin your braid on one side and continue the braid to the opposite side. For instance, if you start you braid on the right side, you will continue the braid all the way to the left side. You do not have to complete the braid because the end result is a big puff.

2. Continue braiding from one side to the other in your own preferred style. I used plastic clips to keep the extra hair from the braids out of the way.

3. Continue braiding the hair, adding the luscious balanced cream moisturizer and curly hold butter as you go. I should add that I did not use the hair milk on her braids. I only used it on her puff.

4. I ended up with 18 cornrows/braids in all. I divided Anisa’s cornrows/braids into 3 sections (6 braids each) and secured each section with an ouchless band. I used purple ouchless bands to match her outfit. Having 3 separate sections will result in a larger puff.

5. Once she had her outfit on, I added 2 purple curly clips. One clip was placed on top of the middle section, and the other clip was placed on top of the front section. I applied a little bit of the Deja’s Hair Milk to her puffs, fluffed, and I was done!! (Anisa’s top is from Old Navy. It was on sale ($8) when I bought it but its regular price now - $10.50. It matches the purple and white Jordan’s perfectly!)
6. Maintaining this style: I will moisturize Anisa’s hair as needed, especially at night, with the Bee Mine products. I will use a spray bottle with water to wet her puff so I can detangle it if needed. I will apply the Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer or Deja’s Hair Milk and create a 2-strand twist for each of the 3 sections. I will use Bee Mine Juicy Moisturizing Daily Spritz on her braids. She will sleep with a satin bonnet. In the morning, I will unravel the twists and fluff. I will moisturize as needed. This style could last for about a week with proper care.

Total Styling Time: 1 hour

Products Used:

• Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer
• Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter
• Bee Mine Deja’s Hair Milk
• Bee Mine Juicy Moisturizing Daily Spritz
• Ouchless bands
• A comb for parting
• Wide-tooth comb
• Plastic clips (for separating the braids from the rest of the hair)
• Curly clips

With flower clip from Charlotte Russe


Picture from first time I did this style. The flower clip is from Target.