Book Review - If You Love It, It Will Grow

Hey Kinkies.  There are two, of many, things that I love in life.  One is reading and the other is hair.  If you combine the two - it couldn't get any better!!

I am grateful for the opportunity to read and review "If You Love It, It Will Grow!" This book was written by the truly beautiful, Phoenyx Austin, M.D.  

What's your first impression of "If You Love It, It Will Grow!" Kinky?  I absolutely loved this book!  

I have read about some natural hair care books and how they are intended to teach us things about our hair, yet most, if not all of what is written, is stuff that a lot of us may already know.  Given the multiple, negative reviews on some books, I may not be as apt to buy that book.  However, in my humble opinion, "If You Love It, It Will Grow!" is an excellent book to purchase.  The book is very informative and although I knew some of what Dr. Phoenyx spoke of, I also learned A LOT!  This is the kind of book that you will highlight, take notes of, and likely reread to make sure that you didn't miss anything the first go round.

Now, for those with relaxers, texturizers, and/or any other 'chemically processed' hair, don't think that you too won't learn from this book.  It not only touches on natural hair but also touches on chemically processed hair as well as how to go from relaxed to natural.  You will learn about hair products, and how to choose them, how to go about finding a stylist, what you need to know prior to going natural, as well as other suggestions/tips with regards to hair care.  

This books helps to put hair care into perspective and breaks things down into simple, easily understood terms and examples.  As I read the book, I had moments where I thought "I already knew that," "I'm glad I don't do that anymore," and "I didn't truly realize the impact of x,y and z."  However, I also had thoughts of "I wish I had read this book sooner," "Yayness, I've been doing SOMETHING right," "Really?!?  So I've been doing that wrong" and "I can't wait to share some of this information with my Kinkies!"

The books covers some of the following: the structure of hair, coming up with a regimen, why (and how) hair becomes damaged, scalp issues, Ayurveda, explanations of a lot of terms as well as their meanings, and much, much more!  You will even find yourself giggling at some of Dr. Phoenyx's humor.

One of the great things about this book is that at the end of each chapter, there are "Take Home Points" that essentially summarizes the chapter that you just read.  Dr.  Phoenyx not only shares information pertaining to hair care and how to help it grow, she also tells her story and how she came about with her 'Labor of Love.'

So, all in all, it is a great book!  As I reread my review, I was thinking - does this sound like I am selling the book?!?  While you and I both may have shook our heads yes to this question, I decided not to change it.  I was excited as I read this book because now I feel that I have more knowledge about hair care and how to grow hair, to not only help myself and my daughter, but to also help my Kinkies!  

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble and/or Dr. Phoenyx

~Keep It Kinky!~

Disclaimer: I was NOT paid to do this review. The above review/opinions expressed was based on MY experience using the product. Kinky Kinetik is not affiliated with Dr. Phoenyx and/or If You Love It, It Will Grow and is thereby not responsible for your experience with the product or author.

Mini-Viola Davis On The Oscar Red Carpet

Hey Kinkies.  I saw a picture online and thought it was too cute.  I HAD to share it with you all, as if you probably haven't seen it before!


Look at Viola Davis on the red carpet at the Oscars...

 Now look at the 'mini-Viola' on the red carpet... (a reenactment)

OMGosh... isn't the idea of it all just too cute?!?  They couldn't have picked a better natural belle to be represented!

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

 ~Keep it Kinky~

Hey Kinkies, It's My 1500 Likes Giveaway!!!

Whoo hoo!!  I hit 1500 likes on Facebook and I am just too excited!!  So, you know what that means kinkies?!!?  ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!!


So, not too long ago, I did a review on one of the products that I am giving away.  If you have not had the chance to read it yet, make sure you check it out Kinky's Product Review of Naturél Lyfe Essentials.  In my review, I told you all to stay tuned for a giveaway and here it is!  One of my fabulous Kinkies will win the sample pack pictured (your choice of scent).  

This sample pack includes a 2 ounce item of each of the following: Sugas Honey Butter, Whipped Shea and African Black Soap.

In order to be eligible, you MUST do the following:

1. Like my FB page Kinky Kinetik as well as Naturél Lyfe Essentials  

2.  Post a comment on Naturél Lyfe Essentials FB wall saying that Kinky Kinetik sent you (feel free to tag my page in your post)

Bonus entries:

1. Follow my blog and comment on this giveaway blog post that you are following and what your FB name is.

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet that you are following and what your FB name is. 

The giveaway will run from 3/1 - 3/4/12.  It will end at 1159pm EST and the winner will be announced on 3/5/12.

The winner will have 24 hours to reply once announced (since everyone does not accept inbox messages, please be sure to also check back on the Kinky Kinetik FB page on 3/5/12).  The giveaway is open to US residents only.

Good luck Kinkies!

See something you like over at Naturél Lyfe Essentials?  Use coupon code KINETIK10 for 10% off, not applicable to bulk products or sale products, one time use per person.


Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

PS - I'm jealous because I didn't get any black soap!  Hmph!

~Keep it Kinky~

Um Viola, Wendy Thinks Your Dress Is Formal, But Not Your Hair

It wasn't even two months ago that I was basically praising Wendy Williams on my blog for a comment she made on her show about being natural.  (If you missed it, that blog post is here).  Now today, I'm singing a bit of a different tune.

On the 1/27/12 show, Wendy, along with 'style expert' Mary Alice Stephenson, talked about the Red Carpet hits and misses of the Oscars.  Mary said, "I have a feeling you're not going to like this, but I am going to say Viola Davis.   You know why?  No wig, no weave!  I like that she went au natural, I know, I know, I know..."  Wendy made a face and then proceeded to say, "All respect to naturals but I don't want to see Room 222 flashbacks on the red carpet."  They both laughed about it.  The good part of this; however, was when Mary said, "I just still think it's kind of great.  She wore wigs all season then she just went natural."

While I love the fact that Mary commended Viola's choice, I frown upon Wendy's statement that Viola's natural hair wasn't 'formal' enough for the Oscars.  Really Wendy?!?  I guess it should have been pressed or relaxed huh?  I guess it's better to be an 'in the closet' natural!  (rolling eyes)

Here are a few pictures of the show Room 222.

Viola looking beautiful while adorning a wig...

  Pictures that debuted a few days ago, prompting interest in the (hair) style Viola would wear at the Oscars.

 Viola's AWESOME look at the Oscars.

Of note, Mary also said that J. Lo and Viola did too much 'nipple slippage' and said that they need to cover it up.  Well, although I didn't watch the Oscars, I have seen both of their dresses.  Viola's dress was so fierce!  I can't understand the continuous negativity Wendy threw at Viola.

Here is Viola and her husband on the red carpet at the Oscars.  He encourages her to rock her natural hair!  He told her "If you want to wear it for your career, that's fine, but in your life, wear your hair.  Step into who you are." 

During the show, Wendy also said, "It ain't easy sitting here and then having to face people you guys."  Well, what do you expect when you go in all the time Wendy?!?  Yes, we may giggle at what you say at times and that's your career choice; however, you DO need to understand (and expect) the possibilities of what may result based on what you discuss in your Hot Topics.  A lot of people have been offended by this... unfortunately.

When asked about her hair, Viola reportedly said:

"You know, my husband encouraged me. And I think it was time to step into who I was. And to be bold about it. I don’t think that when you tell people that you need to do it with a whimper.

Husband: She’s not making a statement. She’s who she is.

Reporter: Was it hard, though? Was it hard? Because we see you and you always look so glamorous. We know you wear wigs. But was it hard to just take it off?

Viola: Yeah, it was. But, I have to tell you. It was not as hard as I thought it would be. So, therefore, I think it was time. That’s why. It was just time.

Yay for Viola!  I wonder how many other celebrities will follow suit.  I'm looking forward to it!

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

 ~Keep it Kinky~

Product Review - Ma Mocha Naturals (DB Coconut & Cupuacu Butter/Zenzele Sangria Hair Oil)

Ma Mocha, a natural beauty consultancy and online boutique, sent me out a few of their natural products that they sell for review.  I was sent the Darcy's Botanicals Coconut & Cupuacu Butter and the Zenzele Sangria Hair Oil.

What's in the products from Ma Mocha Naturals?

DB Coconut & Cupuacu Butter: Organic castor oil, cupuacu butter, organic virgin coconut oil, organic shea butter, ucuuba fruit butter, beeswax, and fragrance.

Zenzele Sangria Hair Oil: Safflower oil, olive oil, castor seed oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and fragrance.

What's your first impression of these products Kinky?  As for the Zenzele Sangria Hair Oil, it is a light oil with a very sweet and pleasing smell.  I used this as a hot oil for me and my daughter's hair (prepoo) as well as for scalp massaging and sealing in the moisture.  I do like this product for our hair and love the scent.  It can be used on the body; however, I have not yet tried it as a body oil.  You know how some oils smell like oil?  Well this one doesn't!

With regards to the DB Coconut & Cupuacu Butter, I must say, a little may go a long way.  I can be 'heavy handed' when using products and may use more than necessary some times.  This product does add shine to your hair; however, don't over use this product as it you will be left with 'grease' on your fingers.  I am not sure if I used too much of it or if it's just naturally like that.  Nonetheless, it doesn't take away from the product.  I actually liked it; however, I don't think it did much for laying down edges (at least when I tried it on dry hair).  I used it on my daughter, to do flat, two strand twists, and on my hair for a combo of two strand twists and flat, two strand twists.  Our hair was twisted wet.

After leaving the twist in for three days, I took mine down using a bit of the DB butter on my hands.  I didn't need much for the reasons noted above.  I left my daughter's twists in for seven days and then took them down with the Zenzele oil.  During the week, I used the oil on our scalps and a few times on my twist out.

I think both products work well together, as well as independently, as I didn't always use them together.  Below are some pictures of our hair.

 And now for my favorite part of twists... the twist-out!

After a few days, I decided that I wanted big hair and so here's day one and two of big hair!

 

And the princess had totally cute hair too.  See for yourself...


The twist and the hair on the right has both products applied.  The hair on the top right has absolutely no product on it.  The bottom pictures are of her styled hair.

So, after a few days, even with covering her hair at night, my daughter's hair starts to get a bit crazy and does not appear as neat as it originally was.  However, her twist-outs seems to come out darn near perfect!

See... told you!

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

Where to buy: Ma Mocha Naturals

PS - Ma Mocha Naturals is having a grand opening as of 3/1/12 and I will also be hosting a giveaway for one of their items so please stay tuned for that giveaway!

 ~Keep it Kinky~ 

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for the purpose of a review and I was NOT paid to do this review. The above review/opinions expressed was based on MY experience using the product. Kinky Kinetik is not affiliated with Ma Mocha Naturals, Zenzele and/or Darcy's Botanicals and is thereby not responsible for your experience with these products.