JLife Hair Care

I was contacted to try a product from Jlife Hair Care. I had never heard of Jlife so I quickly hit the Internet to find out as much as I possibly could. The creation of the line is based on renowned celebrity stylist Andrew Jose wanting to simplify the hair industry. He felt hair styles and the products required to maintain them had become way too complicated for real people and even hairstylists. So in turn Jose created products with the base ingredient of Sea Moss that would each serve a purpose and deliver on it’s claims.

Instead of a styling product that just enables hair to be sculpted Jlife makes products that also keep hair looking healthy and shiny. Key ingredients include: Red Sea Weed (to provide moisture and conditioning), red algae (add volume), hydrolyzed wheat protein (increase shine, durability and moisture), sugar cane juice (soften hair & reduce static), vitamin e extracts for strength and pro vitamin b-5 for light conditioning.

I was sent a styling product: Perfect Wave- a defrizzing curl definition styler. It’s recommended use is to apply to hair before round brushing which I did. Was I impressed? No. But I did discover that this product has another use. First let me tell you about my hair. It’s shoulder-length, chemically-relaxed and I do love my flat iron. I decided to use it on my hair dry before I used my flat iron to do a flip. I applied about a dime-sized amount to my hair especially the ends. Perfect Wave is the combination of a gel and a shine serum. Not greasy but light and it has great slip and didn’t leave any residue or film on my hair. The fragrance of the product reminds me of a lovely unisex fragrance; something women wouldn’t mind their hair smelling like and men wouldn’t be embarrased having their hair smell like.

I was amazed at how my flip lasted throughout the day. And this was a rainy and misty day where my hair got drizzled on several times without it frizzing up or even falling and it even maintained a nice sheen. I thought ok now let me try this without using this product and see what my hair will do? And it was quite a stark contrast. Without using Jlife’s Perfect Wave my hair fell and even frizzed a little bit. So if it’s a misty, drizzly or humid day and you want to get your hair to behave and not fall prey to the moisture; ask your stylist about Jlife’s Perfect Wave.

I still have yet to use this product for creating curls so look for another review coming soon letting you know how it performed for a wet set.

(JLife Perfect Wave Styler, retail $18.00)

Find out more about Jlife Haircare

Related posts:

1. Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment | “Repair Damaged Hair in an Instant”
2. Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil | “Heal Your Scalp & Hair Naturally”
3. Individualized Hair Care | According to “Andre Talks Hair!”

First of all when shampooing hair never pile your hair on top of your head like you see in the commercials. Use a dime-sized amount of shampoo and gently stroke it through your hair and scalp. Rinse thoroughly. You don’t need to repeat. Every six weeks wash your hair with a good clarifying shampoo. This will remove any residue of styling products and help your shampoo perform optimally.

If you have forgotten your hair type or need to figure it out check out the “What’s Your Hair Type?” article.

Type 1A (fine, limp hair that is rarely dry unless it is coarse or color treated)

Shampoo daily to give hair volume. Use a gentle shampoo specified for oily hair or daily use or clarifying shampoo.

Don’t use a conditioning shampoo it will weigh it down. Use a moisturizing conditioner once a month. Will benefit from a finishing rinse.

Type 1 hair that is baby soft looks best cut in a shoulder length bob. Avoid layers it makes thin hair look thinner. The only exception is a very short “boy cut” in layers like Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby.

Type 1B & Type 1C- (a more medium to coarse version than type A)

Shampoo every day or every other day with a gentle shampoo.

Condition with a good moisturizing shampoo for chemically treated hair if your hair is coarse or color treated. Would also benefit from a finishing rinse.

Cut types 1B and 1C into soft layers for versatility.

Type 2-(Normal type hair neither oily or dry)

Shampoo daily or every other day with shampoo formulated for normal hair.

Condition once a week with a moisturizing conditioner. Would benefit from a finishing rinse.

Wavy type 2 looks good in variety of shapes and cuts. Layers do bring out movement and texture in wavy hair. Layers will never add curl. Long, blunt cuts are best on coarse type 2 hair.

Type 3-(Curly, loopy hair)

Keep curly type 3 hair moist because when it’s dry it tends to break. If worn natural wash every three days with a moisturizing shampoo and rinse daily to keep moist. If you like to blow it dry you may want to shampoo more often.

Like type 4 keep hair moist and deep condition twice a month. Use heat to help penetrate by using a conditioning cap and hood dryer or wrap a hot, moist towel around your head. Your deep conditioning sessions should last at least twenty minutes.

With all the bends, twists and curls inherent to type 3 hair cutting your hair can be tricky. To be on the safe side get an expert to do it.

Type 4-(Kinky hair that is normally dry)

Shampoo at least once a week. More if you have an active lifestyle. Since hair is made of protein use a protein based shampoo with natural ingredients like shea butter, glycerin or carotene. Also look for products for dry or chemically treated hair. Short, natural hair can be shampooed daily long, natural hair not so frequently. Wash braids and dreadlocks normally but do give the scalp extra attention.

Type 4 hair needs the most attention. Deep condition twice a month if relaxed or color treated and use a restructuring conditioner that strengthens hair. Do not use hot oil treatments as deep conditioners.

Cutting relaxed type 4 hair is the same as cutting type 1 hair. Once the texture is relaxed you can cut it into any shape. Natural type 4′s can easily get a trim especially if you have the TWA (teeny weeny afro). Type 4A’s benefit from cutting into layers to help the coils of the hair release. To help it get past the TWA stage braid it while wet or or blow out with a blow dryer.

(Andre Talks Hair! also has great pictures, stories and more tips to assist you in growing your hair out after a haircut and color.)

Related posts:

1. What’s Your Hair Type? | According to “Andre Talks Hair!”
2. Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding | “Moisturize Natural Hair”
3. Urban Bella | “Boutique Care for Natural Hair”

Who is Andre Walker?

Andre Walker is the hairstylist to many Hollywood celebrities but he is mainly known as the man that keeps Oprah Winfrey’s locks looking so thick and healthy. What I love about this book is that he breaks hair down into types. He doesn’t generalize hair by race giving the same advice for everyone that has “Black hair” or “Asian hair”. He actually acknowledges that within each ethnic group you will encounter varying hair textures from stick straight to downright kinky.

For the coming months I will share with you some of the most significant hair care facts that I have learned from reading Andre’s book. This weeks feature will guide you to analyze your hair to figure out your specific hair type. Once you find your hair type check back on the site because I will be featuring articles that will tell you how to shampoo, condition and even cut your hair to get the absolute best out of it.

Type 1: Straight Hair Characteristics: More oilier than dry, shiny, has the tendency to not hold curls. Hard to damage.

Subtypes: 1A: Very shiny, thin, soft and fine.

1B: A lot of body with a medium-texture.

1C: Extremely resistant to curling and shaping.

Notable type 1′s: Cher and Joan Chen.

Type 2: Wavy Hair Characteristics: Lies somewhere between straight and curly hair. Has the tendency to be coarse with an “S” pattern. Lays flat against the scalp.

Subtypes: 2A: Thin easy to handle, quite fine can easily take on curlier or straighter styles.

2B: Medium- textured hair that hugs the head. More resistant to styling and has the tendency to frizz.

2C: More coarse than 2B, resistant to styling and has the tendency to frizz.

Notable type 2′s: Supermodel Yasmeen Ghauri and Isabella Rosellini.

Type 3: Curly Hair Characteristics: Has a loopy “S” pattern. Curly hair straightens when wet and contracts back to a curly state when the hair absorbs water. Humidity will make this hair type curlier or frizzy. Type 3′s have a lot of body and can easily straighten their hair with the use of a blow dryer. Type 3 hair that has been damaged will look dull, frizzy and feel dry and hard when touched. It isn’t unusual for type 3′s to have several different hair textures in one head with the crown being the curliest.

Subtypes: 3A: Loosely curled with very large shiny curls. The shorter it is the straighter it will appear to be. The longer it is the more defined the curl.

3B: Medium amount of curl that ranges from ringlets to corkscrews.

Notable type 3′s: Susan Sarandon, Cree Summer and Cleo Laine.

Type 4: Kinky Hair Characteristics: Very wiry, very fragile in tight coils. At initial glance it appears to be coarse but in actuality is fine with many strands densely packed together. People think this hair type is durable and tough but it isn’t because it has the least amount of cuticle layers out of all the hair types. Type 4′s can easily damage their hair especially with all of the abuse it’s subjected to. Relaxers are commonly used to make hair more manageable.

Subtypes: 4A: Tightly coiled. Has an “S” pattern when stretched. Has more moisture than 4B.

4B: Wiry and has a less defined “Z” pattern. If your hair is relaxed you will need at least one inch of new growth to determine your subtype. Once you do pull at your roots. If you have a definite curl pattern you’re a 4A if not you’re a 4B.

Notable type 4′s: Angela Bassett and Oprah Winfrey

(Sounds good? Find out more tips and techniques to care for all types of hair in Andre Talks Hair!)

Related posts:

1. Urban Bella | “Boutique Care for Natural Hair”
2. Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding | “Moisturize Natural Hair”
3. Celebrity Hair Stylist Darico Jackson

About 90% of the reviews were positive where women raved about their hair after they used the treatment. The other 10% said they lost hair or the treatment didn’t improve their hair at all. So with those odds I decided to try it and I’m so glad I did. The people at Aphogee recommend the treatment if your hair is:

• Is too weak or fine to take a perm or relaxer. (use the week PRIOR to service)
• Is over-bleached.
• Will not hold color. (use PRIOR to color application)
• Breaks when combed or brushed.
• Is mushy when wet and brittle after drying.

The treatment is two step process that includes the protein treatment and then the Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer. I must stress you have to use both products together. Do not just get the protein conditioner and use a conditioner you already have at home because the Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer is formulated to work with the protein.

Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment

The Aphogee two-step protein treatment is unlike any protein treatment I’ve used. It’s a bit sticky and smells of apple cider vinegar. What’s so different about it is it makes you hair helmet hard but don’t worry that’s the protein bonding to your hair. When your hair is totally dried (preferably by sitting under the dryer) then you get to rinse it out and make sure you do it thoroughly.
(APHOGEE Treatment for Damaged Hair Stops Breakage Rebuilds Hair Structure 4oz/118ml)

Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer

Once your done rinsing your hair apply the moisturizer and let sit for a few minutes and then rinse. The moisturizer is formulated with collagen amino acids and silk amino acids and restore moisture back to the hair after the intensive protein treatment which is critical.(Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer Improves Shine & Manageability 8oz/237ml)

(Editor’s Pick: This is a line I have always been aware of but never tried but I am now a customer for life. I’ve tried a lot of products but my hair after this treatment was unbelievable. Let me explain why. I have 4B relaxed hair that goes past my shoulders. I work out a lot so my hair is constantly exposed to sweat and salt. I am seven weeks post touchup and trying to stretch my touchups out to 10 weeks apart. I used Creme of Nature shampoo to wash my hair and felt a big difference after rinsing out the protein but nothing earth shattering. I applied the Balancing Moisturizer and my hair felt nice and smooth but nothing out of the ordinary. I used Lottabody setting lotion to roller set my hair, sprayed it with ORS Olive Oil Sheen Spray, got under the dryer and then wrapped my hair and went back under the dryer. The next day I flat ironed my hair and used a bit of BB Growth oil before I started. My hair was very soft, silky and the shine for being seven weeks post touchup was amazing and the amount of hair I usually lose when detangling my hair wet and combing once dry was dramatically reduced. I love this stuff.)

Discover all of Aphogee’s products
Also pick up Aphogee at Sally’s Beauty Supply

Related posts:

1. Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil | “Heal Your Scalp & Hair Naturally”
2. Celebrity Hair Stylist Darico Jackson
3. Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding | “Moisturize Natural Hair”

Read more about the Unbraider Hair care Kit

In order to be entered to win your Free Unbraider kit you need to do two things.

1. Subscribe to the Urban Beauty Online Update our free newsletter filled with special deals,coupons and what’s new at UBO. If your already a subscriber then you got that step already taken care of.

2. Drop me a line using our contact form telling me your braid takedown horror story and how the Unbraider will help you.

Make sure you enter now because the deadline is Sunday, August 10,2008 and the winner will be announced on August 11,2008. Good Luck!

Related posts:

1. The Unbraider | “Remove Braids with Ease”
2. Soft-Sheen Carson Weave Care Line | “Keep Your Weave Looking Tight”
3. Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil | “Heal Your Scalp & Hair Naturally”

Darico, who was your first celebrity client?
Shaq was my first celebrity client for a Nestle crunch commercial in 2002. I continued to work with him on all of his campaigns from Icy Hot to Microsoft from 2002 until 2004. I relocated to LA permanently in 2003 with my first salon job at the Elgin Charles salon.

What was your first major job?
My first major job was with Karrine Stephans for cover of book “Confessions of a Video Vixen”. I think it’s the best she ever looked.

What is the biggest trend in celebrity hair right now?
Bobs are the trend but now they have varying shapes. There are edgier bobs, bobs with long bangs and razor cut bobs.And what I like to do is give a woman a bob based on her face shape and her lifestyle.The simple classic bob is perfect for women with a round face because it highlights the cheekbones and jawline. If a woman has an active lifestyle I would make her bob one length so no matter what her hair looks clean and polished because she has shape to her hair. Artists usually want something more edgy with random pieces or a razored bang or an assymmetrical bob but these types of cuts a lot more maintenance is required. For actresses I suggest lots of layers to reduce the weight of the hair and to give more options. With layers you can curl the ends under, flip them up or put your hair behind your ear.

If you could get your hands on any celebrity’s head who would it be?
Whitney Houston. She has such a natural beauty but her hair never complements her. With her working on a new album and getting herself together she deserves to look good.

What products do you love to use & actually do what they say they do on the label?
Mizani shampoos. They are perfect for ethnic and white hair because they really focus on moisturization of the hair. The Mizani butter blend relaxers are excellent because they use microfusion technology and that means the molecules of the ingredients are small enough to truly penetrate the hair shaft. Also Sebastian products like their finishing sprays and gels. They do what they say because they are great for creative styling and they maintain hair. Their spray Shaper holds the shape of the hair but the hair stays comable and the Laminates concentrate gel holds and moisturizes with no swelling of the cuticle. The result no frizzies.

You’ve managed to build a strong career for yourself in a short amount of time. What advice would you give to an aspiring celebrity hair stylist?
Remain consistent, go after it and ask questions. Don’t be intimidated and don’t be afraid to ask people questions to understand the industry. It is vital to network in every situation and goal to set is to connect with 10 people in the room because you never now who of those 10 contacts will lead to an opportunity. And don’t be afraid to work for free. When I work with a client on occasion the first one is on me because I know it will lead to more work. Look for jobs on Craigslist, find people needing stylists for test shoots. You will need photos to show your work so do as many tests shoots as possible. Have faith in God period and step out on faith.

What are your future goals or what do you see yourself doing in the future?
I see myself developing a hair care line that combines the ability to nuture and keep hair healthy with the ability to be a high performance product that can be used to create extreme hair styles.

What are your tips for healthy hair?
Keep it moisturized and not by greasing. Do not use anything petroleum based to moisturize your hair. I recommend Mizani custom blend because its fortifying. The key to healthy hair is to balance equal amounts of moisture and protein. Too much protein makes your hair hard so slow down on the protein treatments and remember to use moisturizing conditioners as well. A natural way to condition your hair is to mash an avocado, apply it to your hair and sit under a dryer and then rinse. Some good moisturizing conditioners on the market are Mizani’s Moisturefuse and Nexxus Humectress.Another way to ensure you’re getting protein and moisture in the right amounts is to use half and half together at the same time. Do that for no more than 30 minutes under the dryer twice a month. On the other hand you can tell your hair is overconditioned if it frizzes, is flat and won’t hold a curl.

If a woman is between stylists what should she look for in when finally choosing one?
First find a male hair stylist. That will dramatically reduce your choices. And the reason I say to choose a man is because men can offer a different point of view. They usually don’t have the ability to practice hair styles on themselves so they have to be more creative and give a woman a hair style that works for her and because of that men have to be more solid in their technique. Then match your style to your stylist. So if your more conservative pick a stylist that is too. Look also for consistency. You want a stylist that is at their salon on a regular basis taking clients regardless if they have appointments or not. Never pick a lax stylist; you want a stylist that stays working.

What are you up to right now?
I just finished styling Kelly Price’s hair for the red carpet of the ASCAP awards. I will be training with Mizani and traveling to London to train with Vidal Sasson. I’ll also be doing a pilot for a show called “Dichotomy” that starts shooting in July and I just opened my own studio called Amiri.

Find Darico on Myspace
Contact Darico through the Crystal Agency
If you’re in Beverly Hills you can book an appointment at his studio Amiri at the Chess & Berman Bldg., 9911 West Pico Blvd. 90035, (213)446-0096, darico@amiristudio.com.

Related posts:

1. Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil | “Heal Your Scalp & Hair Naturally”
2. Urban Bella | “Boutique Care for Natural Hair”
3. Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding | “Moisturize Natural Hair”

Weaves are prone to looking dry and can tangle easily so a line of hair care products that address all these needs along with the needs of your scalp and natural hair is a must.

Soft Sheen Carson has come to the rescue and launched the Weave Care collection the first and only advanced weave and extensions maintenance line designed to deliver three levels of care. Level one is to the scalp by relieving dryness and tightness, level two strengthens and protects natural hair and level three prevents tangling and matting in weaves and extensions.

Their products includes Feather Light Detangler, Heat Protecting Spritz, Weightless Sheen Spray and Weightless Styling Foam. A Lightweight Shampoo and Conditioner round out the line.

(Find out more about the Soft-Sheen Carson Weave Care Line @ walgreens.com)

Visit the Soft Sheen Carson web site for more about the Weave Care line

Related posts:

1. The Unbraider | “Remove Braids with Ease”
2. Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil | “Heal Your Scalp & Hair Naturally”
3. Urban Bella | “Boutique Care for Natural Hair”

To take care of your hair while it’s braided Glamour Devine has also created a whole hair care system that works perfectly with the Unbraider. There’s No More Itch Shampoo a gentle shampoo formulated to cleanse yet not strip your hair of natural oils and invigorate the scalp with Peppermint Oil and Tea Tree Oil.

Comb Out & Soft Conditoner is not only to be used when removing braids but as a daily maintenance spray to condition the hair, soothe an itchy, dry scalp and prevent breakage.

Used together you have a complete scalp and hair care system that nutures and allows your hair to grow while braided in micros, individuals, cornrows or a sew-in weave.

(Get your unbraider, shampoo and comb out conditioner with taxes and shipping & handling paid @ theUnbraider.com, $24.95)

Related posts:

1. Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil | “Heal Your Scalp & Hair Naturally”
2. Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding | “Moisturize Natural Hair”
3. Olay Daily Facials | “Travel-Approved Skin Care”

Owner Keenesha Hudson opened the boutique after running her own successful website recommending products for natural hair. So making the big chop eventually led to her taking the big plunge and leaving her lucrative career as a financial consultant to open Urban Bella- the curly, kinky, wavy hair apothecary.

And with summertime approaching you might want to stop in to get some styling tips because the humidity in the South can be murder on curly hair.

(Find out more about the events and products at Urban Bella- the curly, kinky, wavy hair apothecary, 141 West Wieuca Road Suite 202A Atlanta, GA 30342, 404.255.5022,or visit online @ urbanbella.net)

Related posts:

1. Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding | “Moisturize Natural Hair”
2. Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil | “Heal Your Scalp & Hair Naturally”
3. Olay Daily Facials | “Travel-Approved Skin Care”

Miss Jessie’s was started by sisters Titi and Miko ,who as mixed race girls, found it difficult to style their multi-textured hair. They initially started a salon in 1997, Curve, to help women understand their natural and naturally curly hair which eventually in 2004 lead to the creation of Miss Jessie’s hair products. For most of 2007 Curve salon has been closed and word on the street is that they will be relocating the salon to the Washington DC area.

Miss Jessie’s was inspired by the girls’ grandmother Miss Jessie, of course, who took a special interest in keeping the girls’ hair looking their best with her homemade concoctions. Inspired by these homemade preparations Tito and Miko birthed their line to include products named: Curly Pudding, Curly Meringue, Curly Buttercreme, Baby Buttercreme, Unscented Curly Pudding and Rapid Recovery Treatment.

(Get your curls under control with Miss Jessie’s line of products @ missjessies.com)

The coolest part of the Miss Jessie site are the pictures and education you receive on natural hair care and styling.

Here are the highlights:

See other women in transition to natural hair

Natural Hair styling:
Fingerstyling 101
Coil Out 101
Twist set 101
Shingling 101

Related posts:

1. Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil | “Heal Your Scalp & Hair Naturally”