Kickin' It: Keith Campbell Book Launch With Melanie Fiona, Chrisette Michelle, Bridget Kelly

Last night at the Limelight Shops in Chelsea, celebrity hairstylist Keith Campbell hosted a launch party for his newest book "DECIDE to be BEAUTIFUL". Co-hosted by his celebrity clientele Melanie Fiona, Chrisette Michelle and Bridget Kelly, the event was a star-studded kickoff to Keith's newest work.

Check out what we got into last night:

A few weeks ago we debuted Melanie Fiona's new hair cut and color (courtesy Keith Campbell) and you guys weighed in on her new look. Last night, the songstress showed up to support her dear friend and stylist sporting her goldie locks in romantic waves.

Melanie Fiona opted for a graphic tee, a bold printed skirt and layered jewelry for boho chic look.

Chrisette Michele rocked the red carpet in a casual glam 'fit - a brown leather jacket, denim oxford, oxblood jeans and sky high Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos. Love!

I'm absolutely obsessed with her new natural hair 'do! It's a fly faux hawk with highlights, cut and colored by Keith Campbell.

Fierce!

They were joined by songstress Bridget Kelley whose face actually appears on the cover of his book "Cuts For Our Infirmities".

At the launch event, Keith dazzled the audience by putting on a spectacular hair show. With hip-hop and live violin music in the background, Keith Campbell expertly cut and layered two heads of hair. All on beat, no doubt.

It was truly a sight to see! It was like the Bronner Brothers hair show but a more swagged-out NYC version of it. Amazing!

Overall we had a blast at the event. You guys can order a copy of Keith Campbell's "DECIDE to be BEAUTIFUL" on his website HERE starting November 1st. 

Drop The Dryer: 5 Tips For Natural Hair

This week Nikita of My 12 Month Natural Hair Challenge reflects on her 3 years as a natural and the top 5 lessons she's learned:

Last Press & Curl (April 2012)

I have reached the 3 month mark of 12 month challenge! In addition, I am celebrating 3 years as a natural haired gal! I wanted to share some of my reflections after 3 years of the natural life because I think that they will be helpful to those of you who are starting and continuing the journey...

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Drop The Dryer: Curlformers

Alright folks! Nikita of My 12 Month Natural Hair Challenge is back with another installment. Check out how she made use of Curlformers to style her locks...

Want curls, but don't want to us heat? Curlformers are the answer. I had never heard of them before watching Naptural85's video, but they seemed to really work for her so I started doing some research. I found them for a good price and decided to give them a try.

I purchased a bag of the long and wides which came with 40 Curlformers and 2 hooks and ended up using all 40 curlformers after I washed and moisturized my hair, and separated it into 6 sections using plastic duck clips (I find that the plastic ones are much kinder to my hair than the metal ones).

 I kept a spray bottle full of water with me to make sure that my hair was damp before going into the curlformer. I also combed my hair out with a tail comb before it went into the curlformer.

I had already detangled when I conditioned my hair, but I wanted my hair to be as smooth and detangled as possible going into the curlformer. Sleeping on these things was not at all pleasant. I suggest you sleep on the fluffiest of pillows when you do this lol.

Here are the results!

Give them a try and let us know how it goes! Have a cool heat-free style to share? Send us your picture and description at dropthedryer@gmail.com!

Drop The Dryer: Bantu Knot Out

So last week I introduced you guys to Nikita of My 12 Month Natural Hair Challenge! Here's her very first installation of "Drop The Dryer". Check out how she styles her Bantu Knot Out:

One of my favorite heat-free styles is the bantu knot-out. It's quick, easy, really cute, and maintainable for days at a time. I also like it because it is also a great way to retain moisture. I start my bantu knots by first creating twists with wet or damp hair.

I make about 15 twists (4 at the bottom, 5 in the row above that, 3 at the crown and 3 at the front) and then create a bantu knot out of each twist, which I then secure with a bobby pin. Tie a scarf on your head (I suggest satin or slik) and then put on a satin bonnet over that in case the scarf slips while you sleep. If you have your own hair securing method, please use what works for you.

The next morning, after showering (do not take your bantu knots out pre-shower!), Pull out each knot and separate the twist. Then separate each half into two halves. To get rid of the all of the parts, use your fingers to gently lift your roots (you can use a pick instead if you'd like) making sure to not pull your fingers all the way through.

It's nice and easy, and you can just moisturized with some jojoba oil and shea butter, re-twist and bantu knot at night for the same look the next day. Below are my results:

This style requires no heat, retains moisture and can easily have handbands, clips, and hats incorporated with it. Give it a try and let me know your results!!

- Nikita, My 12 Month Natural Hair Challenge

Have a cute heat-free style you want to share? Send us your pics at DropTheDryer@gmail.com!

Top 5 Natural Hair Tips For Travel

As the Spring Break season is in full swing, and many of us will be planning spring and summertime getaways in the coming months, it's important to highlight proper haircare when you're on the go. As someone who adores travel, I've had my fair share of natural hair WTFs while on the road. From leaving for a week-long excursion without a leave-in conditioner, to extreme after-swim shrinkage. Yep, you name it, it's happened to me. Jet-setting naturals, arm yourself with these super quick & easy tips for a stress-free vacay and healthy curls...