LBS Beauty Review: MegaGrowth Detangling Conditioner + Giveaway

I'm back with another product review guys. This one is courtesy MegaGrowth. They sent me their complete collection of new products including their Pro-Growth Anti-Breakage collection.

There were so many different products in the lineup but since I'm still rocking my extensions and I'm sensitive about product overload, I decided to start small with their Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner.

There are so many different uses for a great conditioner so I thought that was a good start. You can use it as part of a pre-poo treatment, after shampoo or just for the purposes of detangling hair. And this collection was created for both relaxed and naturals, so that's a win.

So I started here with super dry and frizzy hair in dire need of detangling. I used the Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner as part of my pre-poo regimen. On weeks when I'm not co-washing my curls (both my natural leave-out and my Indique extensions), I start my regimen with a pre-poo. For this, I simply dampen my hair and run conditioner through it and then proceed to detangle my hair while it's damp (instead of soaking wet). I let it sit for 15 minutes, then I wash my hair in sections.

Before I do anything, I separate the hair into 4 even sections. It makes the detangling process so much easier and it assures that I get the product evenly all around the hair. When I have my full head of natural curls exposed, I actually do this in 6-8 sections since my hair is shorter than this.

I started the first section off by simply dampening the hair with lukewarm water.

I then applied the Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner, which has a thick creamy consistency (and smells really fruity too). I will say just a little bit of this product goes a LONG way. I didn't really need all of what I put in my hand for this one section so definitely use the product sparingly.

I started off by smoothing it onto my natural curls on top. It actually soaked into the hair really well and didn't leave any white residue.

Next, I proceeded to apply the conditioner to my Indique extensions. It gave the curls a nice shine and made the detangling process relatively easy. I started from the ends and worked my way up to the root. Again, to avoid buildup, I would suggest only using a dime-sized amount for each section.

Here's a closeup of how the hair (my natural curls and the extensions) looked after applying the MegaGrowth Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner.

Overall thoughts about the product: a) I love the smell and consistency b) Use sparingly! A little goes a long way c) Works great as a pre-poo treatment or simply as an affordable conditioner just for detangling the hair before or after shampoo.

Interested in trying out? MegaGrowth has agreed to give 5 lucky winners both their Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner as well as their Leave-In Strengthener to try out. Just enter your information below to be entered to win a set of products:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends Friday, June 7th at 12AM EST. This review and product giveaway is sponsored by MegaGrowth. All opinions expressed herein are solely my own and not those of the company.

LBS Beauty: 3 Easy DIY Natural Hair Styles

So one of my daily favorites Refinery 29  posted a lovely slideshow featuring 3 super-easy and chic hairstyles for natural hair. Instructed by stylist Alana Williams of the Mirror Salon at Carol's Daughter in Harlem and modeled by natural stunner Natasha Gaspard of Mane Moves TV, there's a style in here for everyone from the easy, breezy classic puff to the vintage-style Victory roll, which gives me Janelle Monae vibes.

The trick to pulling off the three styles is to start with an old yet defined twist-out. It's the perfect foundation.

Aside from your favorite styling products, to achieve hese various looks you'll need sturdy hair pins to hold everything in place.

Check out the full story here at Refinery29

Would you try any of these styles?

LBS Salon Review: Mirror Salon at Carol's Daughter in Harlem

I first stepped into the Mirror Salon at the Carol's Daughter flagship in Harlem, NY with the expectation that it would be wildly similar to many other hair salons I'd been to. You know how it is - salon chairs, hooded dryers and stylists. Very simple. Upon walking into the Mirror Salon however, you quickly come to realize there's way more to this salon than meets the eye. 

From the attentive salon hostess to the stylists that not only make it a point to know your hair goals and challenges but actually educate you on the condition of your hair and the steps necessary to get it at its best. Oh, and don't forget about the enchanting mirrors above and below that reassure you that stylists are focusing on your hair's health and doing it in a transparent way.

Check out my experience at the Mirror Salon:

Walking into the Carol's Daughter flagship in Harlem has always been an enchanting experience for me. What makes it even more beautiful now is the hair oasis that is waiting for you towards the back of the location, now equipped with hair stylists who specialize in curls and kinks.

Your treatment at the Mirror Salon starts off with a thorough consultation. Before they even touch your hair, they make it their mission to find out as much about your hair as possible. They have you fill out a questionnaire about your hair challenges, your hair goals and your hair type. They focus on finding out your hair's porosity as well as texture before recommending a hair treatment and regimen for you. I found out I have high porosity curls with a cotton texture.

My wonderful stylist Tlisha did a thorough evaluation of my scalp and hair and then told me what she planned to do for my hair including a cleansing, deep conditioning treatment and a twist set using Carol's Daughter products.

I love that they have mirrors in the ceiling right above the wash/treatment chairs so you can see everything your stylist is doing, from the products they use to the techniques they implement.

After my shampoo, Tlisha had me sit under the steamer for a deep moisturizing treatment. She explained the benefits of steam treatments to me in locking in essential moisturizing properties for the hair.

After my steam treatment, Tlisha went to work detangling my hair from root to tip in sections.

Next up, she twisted my hair (both my natural curls and my Indique extensions) using the Macadamia Heat Setting Foam ($18.00). She sat me under the hooded dryer for about 30 minutes but since I had to skip out to run some errands, I just allowed the rest of the hair to air dry out and about. See my results below:

Here are my two-strand twists before unraveling!

They are flat twists at the crown and then two-strand twisted at the ends. This really helped with curl definition!

Love how defined the curls came out!

Overall I'm thoroughly pleased with my Mirror Salon experience. It was by far one of the best salon experiences I've ever had. From the warm atmosphere, to the seasoned stylists and the personalized service, I would recommend this for anyone who wants a really educating and luxurious hair pampering session.

Here's a snapshot of the services offered & prices:

If you're in the NYC area, head on over to the Mirror Salon and tell 'em LoveBrownSugar sent you! Also, for those of you in other major cities in the US, stay tuned for announcements as Carol's Daughter has plans to open up a few more locations nationwide before the end of the year!

Mirror Salon at Carol's Daughter

24 West 125th St (between 5th & Lenox Ave)

New York, NY 10027

212-828-6757

Disclosure: The Mirror Salon provided me with a complimentary hair service for this review. As always, all opinions expressed herein are mine and not reflective of the company.

For those of you curious about Mirror Salons's straightening services, check out Ijeoma of Klassy Kinks who received a Ceramic Fusion treatment there. See below:

5 Ways to Protect Curls from Sun & Heat Damage

Aren't you guys extremely excited about how warm the weather has been?! On a scale of 1 to 10 we're at 20 right now - that is until it gets too unbearable to part from the AC. As the temperature rises, we are continuously reminded of how important it is to protect our skin and sunscreen becomes a top priority.

While putting all the focus on our skin, we tend to overlook protecting one of our most valued assets - our hair! The sun can cause just as much damage to your tresses as excessive ironing and blow-drying.

Here are 5 ways to protect your hair from sun and heat damage while stylishly weathering the elements:

1. Turban It Up: Take advantage of the turban trend. It will keep the sun from deep frying your hair. Just wear a silk bonnet underneath and you're set! There are no limits to which colors and patterns you can rock. Need a little inspiration? Stylists June Ambrose & Joy Adaeze are known for their turban-wear.

2. Hats Off To Ya: As curly girls we tend to make excuses as to why we aren't able to wear hats. Newsflash ladies! Natural hair artist Janelle Monae knows how to rock a hat or two. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. A cute bowler hat or any hat of your choice will shade your hair and prevent any unwanted crispy split ends.

3. That's A Wrap: You don't have to completely tuck it all in. Head wraps are hassle free, cute, and simple. This method keeps your hair out of the way and can also serve as an alternative to sprucing up an old hairdo. Just make sure the exposed hair is well moisturized and sealed with a natural sunscreen.

4. Betcha didn't know! Avocado, Sesame, Jojoba, Coconut and Macadamia Nut oils are all natural sunscreens. Stumped?! Yeah, we were too. If you're not into the whole head-wear shabang, this little piece of info will go a long way.

5. Gimme Moisture: Natural Hair Care 101: Moisture is your hair's best friend. Keeping your hair moisturized is crucial, especially in hotter & drier weather. It's simple, use your favorite H2O-based leave-in or moisturizer and seal in with one of the oils listed above.

Snag our cheatsheet below so you don't forget!

How do you protect your curls? Soundoff below!

- Gracie J

Fierce or Foolish: Ciara's New Haircut

The seasons are changing and so are the looks of many of our favorite girls. Gearing up for the release of her forthcoming album Ciara, we’ve noticed that Ciara has been changing up her crown more frequently than she has in the past, but this look is by far our favorite!

Yesterday the singer debuted a short blended blonde bob at the Tate Americas Foundation Artists Dinner she attended here in New York City. Wearing a nude floor length dress that hugged her to-die-for body in all the right places, this time her hair is what really has us talking. 

Photos via Ciara on Instagram

There’s something really edgy, yet sophisticated about this look and Cici looks simply beautiful!

Thoughts? What do you think of her new cut?

- Kisha Timothy

Source: TheYBF & Instagram

LBS Beauty: Motions Straight Finish Collection Review + GIVEAWAY

For those of you like me who enjoy the versatility of natural hair, and exploring all the options your hair has to offer, whether its wearing a curly fro or rocking it sleek & straight, Motions® Haircare has a new product line catered specifically for you. Their Straight Finish™ Collection is a line of three products geared towards taking natural hair from curly to straight, and they sent me a sneak peek at the full range collection. Here's what I thought:

So the collection consists of a Cleanser, Leave-In Conditioner and a Sealer. Using the products together is supposed to produce smooth and sleek strands for curly girls like myself, who want to go from curly to straight.

Even though I'm currently wearing Indique extensions, I wanted to test the product out, so I decided to straighten the natural curls that I have left out of my extensions and blend them in after straightening. I started with just three-day old twistout hair.

The Straight Finish™ Cleanser includes a blend of Shea Butter, Soy Bean oil and Keratin protein as part of the ingredients list. Although it does have SLS in it (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) which I normally try to avoid, it has a milky consistency that was not stripping to my hair at all.

I was pleasantly surprised by how moisturizing the formula is. Milky shampoos tend to do well with my hair as they help preserve moisture and they provide the slip needed for detangling.

The Straight Finish™Leave-In Conditioner had more of a cream consistency. It was really thick in texture but went onto the hair really light, melting right in. It made my curls feel soft and moisturized. It was super easy for me to detangle and twist the hair in sections after using the leave-in.

These are the tools I was working with for my attempt at straightening. (Left to right: Instyler, Conair Curling Iron, Wide Tooth Comb, Ionic Blow Dryer w/ Comb Attachment)

I tend to use serums as a prep for my hair before I apply any heat. I never use heat on my hair without protection as I want to maintain my curls and not sustain any permanent heat damage. So I lightly blew out my my curls from root to tip on low heat and promptly applied the Straight Finish™ Sealer to my strands before straightening.

After that, instead of flat-ironing, I used my Instyler on Medium heat to lightly straighten the strands. 

Already, they look glossy and shiny without being too oily.

Next I used the curling iron similar to a curling wand by taking chunks of my own hair with the extensions and twirling it around the base of the curling iron for big, fluffy curls.

I'm so pleased with the results! My natural hair is bouncy, has a light natural shine and blends really well with my extensions after trying the Motions® Straight Finish™ collection.

It smells amazing, the sealer gave my hair superb luster and shine (without it feeling too heavily weighed down) and using the cleanser and leave-in in tandem left my curls feeling really moisturized. Highly recommend this line!

I'm also running a fun giveaway for ONE of you lovelies to try out the complete collection and win a FREE Proliss Flat Iron to complete your #curly2straight look. Rules below:

1. You must be following @LoveBrownSugar on Instagram and/or Twitter
2. Submit a picture of your favorite straight-haired look. Highlight in the caption (or 140 characters) how you would use the Motions Straight Finish™ product to achieve the look on yourself, and make sure to tag me @LoveBrownSugar w/ hashtag #curly2straight
3. For bonus entry, tweet your submission tagging @MotionsHair on Twitter and using hashtag #curly2straight

This weekend I will be attending a fun night on the town with Motions® and their celeb stylist and Global Ambassador Ursula Stephen. We'll be getting a sneak preview of her new salon in Brooklyn, as well as hitting the town for a fun concert.

The winner of this contest will be announced in my recap post on Monday, May 6th - good luck!