Khamit Kinks Natural Hair Salon Moves to New Home in Downtown Brooklyn | The Natural Socialite

 Anu Prestonia, the owner of Khamit Kinks, has moved her natural hair salon to the Boerum Hill section of downtown Brooklyn, and says the new location will be easier for clients to find, and offers better amenities. The new salon is located at 400 Atlantic Avenue, near the corner of Bond Street.

The new neighborhood is buzzing with high quality boutiques, eateries, florists, and even art galleries. “This move was something that I began working on five years ago. And I am so excited to see my vision coming into fruition,” said Ms. Prestonia. “In addition to our move, we’re upgrading our presence by updating our logo, our website. And as always, we continue to strive towards perfecting the quality of our services and exceeding our clients’ expectations.”

The salon is adding manicure and pedicure services at the new location, and its website features a blog at http://www.khamitkinks.com/blog that focuses on natural hair. For more than 22 years, Khamit Kinks has provided all natural hair services including one-on-one consultations, guidance for transitioning to natural hair, all natural hairstyles – including braids, twists, Locs, Sister Locs, Extension Locs, twist-out styles, treatments and much more.

Anu Prestonia has been in the natural hair care business for more than 30 years, and is considered a pioneer and standard-bearer in the cottage industry. While natural hair is seen as a niche part of the beauty industry, it continues to grow exponentially as a new generation of young black women are embracing their natural hair with confidence.

A trend-setter in the natural hair industry, Anu Prestonia and Khamit Kinks have introduced many popular hair styles, including Casamas Braids, Senegalese Twists, and Goddess Braids. The natural hair salon has a roster of loyal clients and high-profile devotees including such celebrities as Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Lenny Kravitz, and Queen Latifah.

For more information about Khamit Kinks, or to schedule an appointment, call Anu Prestonia at 718-422-2600 or visit the natural hair salon online at http://www.khamitkinks.com. You can also connect on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/khamitkinks.

About Khamit Kinks

 

Khamit Kinks is a high-end natural hair care salon that specializes in styling, growing and promoting healthy, stylish natural hairstyles. They offer one-on-one consultations and assist many clients in transitioning from chemical services to natural hair.

WebMD Q&A interview with Hair Guru’s Ellin La Var & Kim Kimble | The Natural Socialite

Myths and misunderstandings abound when it comes to caring for African-American hair textures. Top experts gave WebMD crucial info on caring for ethnic hair, whether you wear it straight, braided, loose, or curly.

Here their answer common hair care questions.

How is African-American hair different from other textures?

One common myth is that there is just one type of African-American hair, says New York stylist Ellin LaVar, who has worked with celebrities including Angela Bassett, Naomi Campbell, Whitney Houston, Iman, Serena and Venus Williams, and Oprah.

“African-American hair isn’t just the very kinky, coarse texture,” says LaVar, who created the Ellin LeVar Textures hair care line.

Though the texture may vary, there are some similarities that make African-American hair different from other types, says Philadelphia dermatologist Susan Taylor, MD, who also directs the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in New York. In general, the hair contains less water, grows more slowly, and breaks more easily than Caucasian or Asian hair.

Why is it so difficult to style my hair?

Product labeling can often be confusing and may lead African-American women and others with similar hair texture to purchase something that’s too heavy or just not appropriate.

“Look for products that describe the texture of your hair, not the color of your skin,” LaVar says.

 How often do I really need to shampoo?

The experts interviewed for this story told WebMD that you should shampoo at least every 14 days, but every seven to 10 days is recommended.

“I often have to explain to clients that African-American hair needs to be washed regularly,” says West Hollywood stylist Kim Kimble, who has worked with Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Kerry Washington, and Vanessa Williams.

“Bacteria can grow on the scalp without regular cleansing and that’s unhealthy,” says Kimble, who has a line of products called Kimble Hair Care Systems.

Many women are worried about stripping the hair of moisture when they wash (in addition to the time-consuming ordeal of styling). LaVar suggests lathering with a moisturizing shampoo designed for normal or dry hair and following with a moisturizing conditioner.

Why does my hair keep breaking?

When you sap moisture from the hair, it loses suppleness and is more susceptible to breakage, LaVar says. Because African-American hair is naturally dry, it needs supplemental moisture to stand up to styling.    

Curly textures tend to be the most vulnerable because the bends in kinky hair make it difficult for natural oils to work their way down the hair shaft. So the curlier your hair the more vulnerable it is to drying out and breaking.       

Chemical and heat styling suck the internal moisture from hair, making it brittle and fragile. To fight breakage, look for heat-shielding and hydrating products that contain silicone, Taylor says. They coat the hair and help seal in moisture.

LaVar tells her clients to avoid products designed for limp hair. Ingredients that add body can actually strip oils and remove moisture, she says.

The experts also suggest wrapping your hair in a satin scarf or bonnet before bed to help your hair retain moisture. Cotton fibers in your pillowcase will wick away hydration.

Are there any moisturizers that don’t feel greasy?

“If the product feels greasy, it’s probably not adding moisture inside the hair,” LaVar tells WebMD. “You need a penetrating conditioner with lightweight oils that are absorbed rather than sit on top of the hair.”

Kimble agrees. She says that lanolin or other greasy products moisturize, but they clog the pores on your scalp and weigh hair down. She prefers conditioners with essential oils, like grape seed oil for example, that moisturize without leaving an oily residue.

Another tip: LaVar says that body lotion can be a good stand-in for a leave-in conditioner because it is designed to be absorbed into the skin. Rub a dime-sized drop between your palms and smooth it over the length of your hair.

Why is the hair around my temples thinning?

Braids are usually the culprit, experts tell WebMD. Tight or aggressive handling of the hair causes traction alopecia, a form of hair loss, Taylor says.

Plus, the weight of braids can stress the hair follicles and cause hair to fall out as well, Kimble notes.

Thinning can also be a result of hormone changes, genetics, or a health condition, so you should see a doctor as soon as you notice a change in your hair growth or texture.

Shea Moisture BOGO 1/2 off sale at Walgreens this week (8/28-9/2)!

Boo Yah!  The Shea Moisture hair care line (and Baby care too!) is BOGO 1/2 off at Walgreens this week! I was advised that Target is honoring the Walgreens price this week (WITH the ad-only), so if your nearest Walgreens store is out of stock then take the sale paper to your local Tar-Jay! I’m still waiting on the BOGO free offer again so I can stock up for life….. but this will have to do until that glorious day.. Enjoy!

High Protein Scalp Conditioner | Natural Socialite

This high-protein, all-natural hair conditioner will help to dislodge any debris or pollution that may be clogging the tiny openings in your scalp.

This conditioner will also open the tiny openings for better passage of nutrients into your hair. This scalp conditioner also enriches the hair, helping to make it stronger and more lustrous.

Blend together, preferably in an electric blender:

1. 250 ml (1 cup) fresh skimmed milk
2. 1 egg yolk (separated from the egg white)
3. 2 capsules of wheat germ oil contents (you may have to open up capsules & squeeze the contents out)
4. 1 tablespoon of fresh wheat germ
5. The contents of 1 tablespoon of lecithin granules (you may need to open capsules)
6. 1 tablespoon natural wheat brain (available in bulk also)

*Besides the milk and eggs, all other ingredients are most likely to be found at a health food store*

Instructions

Slowly and firmly massage the mixture into your scalp. Leave the mixture on for about 10 minutes. If you cover your head with a shower cap or you drape a towel around your head and lie on a slant board while the conditioner does its work, you will benefit even more because of the gravity effect.

After 10 minutes, completely rinse conditioner from your hair with warm (not hot) water. Follow with your usual shampoo and rinse-out, and follow with a deep or leave-in conditioner.

Its best to apply this recipe in the bathroom because it can get a little messy.

Source: HairBoutique.com

Will the next Miss Universe be one of these Natural Hair beauties? | Natural Socialite

My girlfriend & fellow Blogger Nia at Chic Working Moms shared a great post by Lexi at Curls, Coils & Kinks where we were introduced to some GORGEOUS natural haired beauties that are contestants in this year’s Miss Universe Pagent which will air on September 12th. It’s truly refreshing to see that these women are rocking their natural curls & kinks on such an amazing stage!   I hope one of these ladies will ultimately win the coveted title.  I can assure you that I will be watching!  Who’s down for a live watch party?!?

Miss Universe is an annual international beauty contest run by the Miss Universe Organization. The pageant is the most publicized beauty contest in the world with 600 million viewers. The contest was founded in 1952 by California clothing company Pacific Mills. The pageant became part of Kayser-Roth and then Gulf and Western Industries, before being acquired by Donald Trump in 1996.

Check out Lexi’s full article here

Frizz Fighting Hair Smoothie | The Natural Socialite

I found this recipe this past weekend by curl expert Mahisha Dellinger, creater of CURLS organic hair care line and it sounded SO amazing that I just had to share it with you Socialites! My hair has had its fair share of frizz since I moved a few weeks ago, so this will definitely have to go on my to-do list to try very soon! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 can of pure coconut milk (hydrates, conditions and defrizzes hair)
1 ripe avocado (natural source of protein)
2 tablespoons of pure honey (conditions and adds sheen)
2 tablespoons of olive oil (moisture)

Directions:

Add all ingredients into a blender. Mix at high speed until your concoction reaches a smoothie consistency.

• Section the hair into 4 parts
• Apply mixture evenly through your hair from root to tip, concentrating on your ends
• Smooth hair into a protective style (ponytail or bun)
• Leave mixture in hair for 15-30 minutes
• Rinse and enjoy your frizz free hair!

Substitutions:

• Feel free to substitute the olive oil with any natural oil that you prefer
• Add more oil for extra dry hair try one tablespoon
• Add more honey for hair that needs more sheen, try 2 tablespoons

7 Easy Steps to Stress Free Detangling | The Natural Socialite

Detangling natural black hair can be really stressful to some people. Very tight curly, coily or kinky hair has a tendency to tangle easily and as this type of hair tends to be dry, combing through the tangles would cause breakage. Detangling should not be taken lightly as tangled hair can sometimes get so badly knotted that only a pair of scissors can get rid of the knots! When your aim is to grow your natural hair long then scissors should never be part of your wash day routine!

1. The first step to detangling is to section the hair into smaller manageable sections. 4-6 sections through the head should be enough depending on the thickness and length of the hair. The next step is to lubricate the hair to allow your fingers to get rid of the larger tangles. Apply a small amount of a natural oil on each section and gently pull apart the hair that has clumped together (if the hair was in a braided or twisted style). Good oils to use are coconut oil, carrot oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil etc. Rake your fingers through each section to gently detangle. Never attempt to brush or comb natural hair when it is dry. This should only ever be done when it is wet and with conditioner!

2. If the hair is especially long or thick then to avoid further tangles, braid or twist the sections loosely then shampoo the hair thoroughly with a sulphate free shampoo. The shampoo will get rid of the oil that you added to untangle it and leave the hair completely clean without drying it out.

3. Apply a deep conditioning treatment of your choice and sit under a hooded dryer for 20-30 minutes to allow the deep conditioner to penetrate the hair. It is advisable to use a conditioner with either silicones or natural oils as they have the greatest ‘slip’ and make detangling a dream!

4. While the hair is still wet with conditioner, use a wide tooth comb to detangle each section beginning from the tips and working your way to the roots of the hair. Make sure that each section is completely free of tangles before, re-braiding again loosely and moving on to the next section.

5. Once hair has been completely detangled, rinse the conditioner out of the hair thoroughly with warm water. At this stage, you may want to undo all the braids as all your hair is now free of tangles.

6. You may also want to use an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse to get rid of any residue that the conditioner left behind. Just mix 1 part Apple Cider Vinegar to 4 parts water and stream this through your hair. Work in with your fingers gently and rinse out thoroughly. Don’t worry; your hair won’t smell of vinegar once it’s dry!

7. Finish off with a cold water rinse to help the hair cuticles close and proceed to style as usual.

Source: Blackhairinformation.com

Karen’s Body Beautiful Product Review | The Natural Socialite

 

Check out my product review of Karens Body Beautiful’s Heavenly Jojoba Oil & Sweet Ambrosia!

 

 

This product line can be purchased at www.karensbodybeautiful.com

Have you tried any of Karen’s product line?  What products do you use & how do you use them?

 

Rosemary Honey Hair Conditioner | Natural Socialite

The extremes of heat and cold we endure throughout winter can make even the greatest of hair look and feel like straw. This nourishing conditioner blends honey for shine; olive oil for moisture and essential oil of rosemary to stimulate hair growth.

You’ll need….

• 1/2 cup Honey

• 1/4 cup warmed Olive oil (2 tbs for normal to oily hair)

• 4 drops of essential Rosemary Oil

• 1 tsp. Xanthum gum

Instructions :

Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid.

Apply a small amount at a time to slightly dampened hair. Massage scalp and work mixture through hair until completely coated. Cover hair with a warm towel (towel can be heated in a microwave or dryer) or shower cap; leave on to nourish and condition for 30 minutes. Remove towel or shower cap; shampoo lightly and rinse with cool water. Follow up with your favorite conditioner. Dry as normal and enjoy shinier, softer and healthier hair the natural way.

Source: The National Honey Board

6 Tips for Perfect Blow Drying | Natural Socialite

Photo by Derek Blanks

If blow drying your tresses is giving you the blues, try employing one [or hopefully all] of these methods for a hassle free styling experience. Improper blow drying techniques can lead to brittle, dry, and lifeless hair! The key to using heat without “heat damage” is using it in moderation, as utilizing proper techniques.

• Do not blow dry sopping wet hair! Blow drying hair that is dripping wet will lead to dry, damaged hair. Carefully towel dry hair in sections using a microfiber towel prior to blow drying. When towel drying, be sure to “squeeze” not rub to avoid breakage and unnecessary tangles.
• Use a heat protectant! I always use a heat protectant when thermal styling, and I swear by Aveda Brilliant Damage Control. Good heat protectants have proteins that bind to your hair shaft that acts as a barrier to prevent heat damage. + Watch your heat setting! I normally blow dry on low heat with a high power setting. Kinky hair has a tendency to be a little on the drier side, so blow drying on high heat should really be a no-no.
• Blow dry hair until 75% dry, then sit under a dryer to dry the remainder of your hair. I prefer this method versus blow drying my hair until it’s 100% dry because it makes for much softer hair. Another plus is that you cut down on the amount of direct heat that is applied to your hair. This technique is also beneficial to those have been less than successful at air drying. Blow drying first gives your hair that “smooth” appearance, and drying under a hooded dryer the remainder of the way gives your hair the soft “air dried” feeling [minus the crunch or kink factors]
• Hold the blow dryer 5-6 inches away from your hair when blow drying. Again, the key here is to avoid heat damage. Holding the dryer too close to your hair can also lead to issues with your scalp as well [dry, flaking]. + Detangle thoroughly before attempting to blow dry! Hair should be soft, smooth, and free of tangles prior to blow drying. This is the time to break out that heavy-duty seamless comb [I recommend Mason Pearson], and Fermodyl 619 if your hair is prone to tangles.

MopTopMaven applies Fermodyl after applying leave-in conditioner to help detangle. She only uses this product if her hair is very kinky or dry. Fermodyl helps with the detangling IMMENSLY and I believe it is due to the high content of lactic acid. Blow drying hair that has tangles can lead to unnecessary hair loss, as well as breakage.

Source: Moptopmaven.com