Our Very First Featured "Curlz Next Door"!

Meet Ebone!

 The following were standard questions I asked Ebone...
- Instagram and Twitter name (if you have one)
- Location (city and state, or just state is fine)
- How long you transitioned (or if you are currently)
- Why you decided to go natural
- Your favorite products and Go-to style
- 3 of the hardest things about natural hair and 3 of the easiest
- What you love most about natural hair
- One question you want answered most about natural hair

...And her responses:

- vanity_fro (instagram)
- Tampa, Fl
- I transitioned for a year for my first big chop. (I have BC'ed twice)
- I decided to go natural because I was natural my whole life except for two years. And in those two years I noticed that my hair wasn't nearly as healthy, long, or thick as it was when I was natural.
- My favorite products are Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Cantu Leave-in Conditioner, Aussie Moist Conditioner, Shea Moisture Curl & Shine Shampoo, and Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-in. My go-to styles are dry braid-outs or cornrow-outs and puffs with a pompadour or twist in the front.
- 3 of the hardest things about natural hair are keeping people from touching my hair, the in-between stage (which I am currently in),  and having people say "Do something with your hair!" when it's actually in a braid-out or twist-out lol. 3 of the easiest are styling my hair because I can always do a quick wash-n-go or puff when all else fails, hearing at least one compliment everyday, and being able to wear my hair out in the humidity because I like the frizzy hair look.
- What I love most about natural hair is that it's so versatile. I can have straight hair one day, shoulder length curls another, or a shrunken twa the next.
- Why are so many naturals becoming judgmental on how other naturals care for or style their own hair?

Texas Natural Hair Meet Up!

Hey tHAIR ladies! I am in the process of trying to organize a Texas Natural Hair Meet Up. The event would be a Friday and Saturday long affair with forums, contests, giveaways, product swaps, etc! Please comment below to let me know if you are interested and also include your city and feel free to email any ideas you have for the event to kinkykouturehair@gmail.com

Wash Day Routine, DIY Sea Salt Facial Scrub, & Two-Strand Twists

Store Launch Coming Soon!

Launch of the Kinky Kouture Boutique Coming Soon! Check out a preview of some our the inventory!

http://kinkykouture.bigcartel.com/

The Many Wonders of Grapeseed Oil

If you follow me on any social network (Twitter, Instagram), then you by now know my both newfound and undying love for Grapeseed Oil. What I love most about it, is its versatility. I adore products that have multiple purposes, as I am into the health of both my hair and my skin. Before I get into the many ways I use GS Oil, let's explore some of the science behind this miracle elixir.

Grapeseed Oil, is extracted from the seeds of grapes. For the most part, it is affordable. Previously I have purchased my GS oil from Whole foods, 16oz for $9.99. Just yesterday, however, I found a bottle at HEB for $3.87!! (I will be doing a review on that particular brand soon). It contains high amounts of antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids. It's super light and odorless, and I like that as well (never been a big fan of the smeel of olive oil).

Now, on to the good stuff! Are you aware of the many purposes that one single bottle of Grapeseed Oil in your cabinet can serve at any givven time?

Yum. Yum. Yum. --The obvious, and most widespread use of GS Oil is for cooking, of course. Try substituting it to make your favorite dressing, instead of using Olive oil. It is known to contain up to 25% of our daily Vitamin E intake!

Heating up. --GS oil is my definite go-to as a heat protectant for my natural hair. Different sources account it's smoke point of being generally between 420-475 degrees( I know, that's a big gap, but some bottles of it will list the smoke point on it for better reference).

Smooth it out. --Whether when flat ironing, twisting, or wash and going, GS oil smooths my hair cuticle and takes away a little of the God-awful frizz I so commonly experience.

Let yo souuuul glo. --That right, GS oil is an excellent source for that non-greasy shine, every natural desires.

Dive Deep. --Need a hot oil treatment, or a carrier oil to add to your favorite conditioner? Great for deep conditioning treatments.

Blemish, Be gone. --GS oil, is great for the skin. It's especially good for sensitive skin. I have conbination skin (oily in some spots, dry in others) and I find that when I use it in my homemade Sea Salt Scrub (details later), it really evens my complexion and provides the perfect level of moisture.

Take it off. --Why buy expensive, sometimes harsh make up removers? A little GS oil on a cotton ball and viola!

All over. --I love to add a little Olive & Grapeseed Oil to my bath water, talk about baby smooooof skin! GS is also said to make a good sunscreen!

Pucker up. --after exfoliating my lips, I apply a light moisturizer and seal with GS oil, before bed...and in the morning, I'm simply kissable!

I Straightened My Hair!

Hey tHAIR my fellow and aspiring Naturals! So, I straightened my hair for the first time in 6 months and I am LOVING the results! After wearing my hair in a pony/puff from an old twist out for a week, it was time for something different. I started by shampooing my hair, then I applied Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration (I SWEAR BY this conditioner, about $3.84 at Walmart), I sealed the conditioner with GrapeSeed Oil (purchased from Whole Foods, 16oz for $9.99). Then, I baggied and proceeded to watch 2 episodes of Pretty Little Liars…After that I detangled and then rinsed the conditioner/oil with Cold water. I sectioned my hair in 3 parts, applied Giovanni Direct Leave In and Grapeseed Oil and combed both through each section. I then banded it and let it air dry for another episode of PLL (Gotta love Netflix). Before blowdrying, I applied a little MORE GrapeSeed Oil and did each section with the tension method. Once blowdried I proceeded the flat iron small sections on 392 degrees, adding GS Oil to each section again before passing the flat iron. GS Oil is VERY light and it really smoothed my hair cuticle. I didn’t not experience any sizzling or smoking from the oil. I loved it! My hair is silky, shiny, light and fluffy! I wrap my hair each night for maintenance. I am 3 days into this style and this is the longest my hair has stayed straight! I will update you all when I am ready to wash and detail a post on how much hair reverts. Feel free to ask me any questions and follow me on Twitter/Instagram!

A Natural Hair MUST: Moisturize and Seal!

It is no secret that healthy, moisturized hair is something that every Natural covets. However, at times moisturized hair can seem almost unattainable. This is largely due to the fact that many Naturals hold the common misconception that applying Oils moisturizes our hair. Wrong. Oils are actually "Sealants", meaning they are used to smooth the hair cuticle and lock in existing moisture. In order to truly benefit from the use of oils they should be applied AFTER a leave in conditioner or moisturizer. Naturals should be sure to moisturize and seal hair DAILY. M&Sing should be a staple to any Naturals routine.

Some great moisturizers to try are:

-WATER (that's right, water is the most natural/greatest source of moisture for our hair, Natural tresses LOVE water!)

-Aloe Vera Juice/Gel (see one of my previous posts for information on AV)

- Curls Creme Brule (see one of my previous posts for a product review)

- Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner

- Cantu Shea Butter Leave In

These are just a few!

Some beneficial Sealants are:

- EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil, this can be found at your local grocery store)

- Coconut Oil (Also can be found at your grocery store, or Organic grocer)

- Shea Butter (Most Beauty Supply Stores now carry shea butter, or it can be ordered online)

- Grapeseed, Safflower, Almond Oil

Most of these above are called Essential Oils and your hair can benefit differently from each one. When starting out, I would note that a little goes a long way with these oils, you want to test out and gage the right amount for your hair as not to become greasy.

Please Comment below with any questions, I would love to help you on your Natural hair journey!