Last Minute Christmas Gift List




Hi All,

I thought there might be a few of you still struggling to find that last minute Christmas gift. Never fear, we've put together a list of our favourites!

Not feeling like running out into the cold and crowds, my remedy, check in with a cuppa &Amazon


On Amazon you only have three more days for FREE Christmas delivery and six if you are a Prime customer!


Technology Gifts



Hard to Buy for Men Gifts

 


Luxury Hamper Gifts



Hair & Body



Still Not Sure... Amazon Gift Card?


Hope this helps with your search

Good Luck
Merry Chritmas & Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity

Shea Moisture Hair Color System Review



Shea Moisture Colour System
GOLDEN HONEY BLONDE

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed using this product. OK so I am a novice when it comes to dying hair but this system did make it pretty easy. I blogged earlier on in the autumn about my ColorCones experience and I also posted places you can buy the Shea Moisturise Hair Colour. Although I gather this is now available in your local Boots stores.

I chose the 'Golden Honey Blonde' as the picture of the hair on the box looked similar to the colour my children's hair is. I love this colour and now that autumn is here I thought I'd give my dull black hair a break.  

   

I didn't expect it to go blonde as my hair is dark brown and Shea Moistures tells you a choose a colour two shades lighter than your own. I wasn't even sure it would work. However I have red hair on the sides and middle and enough grey hairs that I thought I'd give it a go and see what happens.

You know what the hey!

Please note if you want dramatic colour change from a deep/dark brown, a red hue might suit you better.  I really wanted mild highlights.

I had been told previously by 'Tola of My Long Hair Journey' that the secret to dying hair is lots if moisture and plenty of deep conditioning treatments.

Shea Moisture say on their instructions not to wash hair at least 24 hours prior to dying and make sure hair does not have too much product build up. As I had washed my hair 3 days previously I figured this  should be OK.

Using all the products as instructed my hair was soft and mildly brown/blonde hints as I had hoped. The ColorCones did an amazing job so I was one happy camper. The dye kits comes with well laid out instructions and lots of extras to keep your hair in tip top condition.


Product Description
Nourishing moisture-rich hair colouring system with no ammonia or sulfates. Provides vibrant colour, body and shine and grey coverage. Pleasant and natural smell. This is a no-drip permanent hair colour formula. 

The kit contains:
1. Radiant colour creme 
2. Radiant developer creme 
3. Professional latex-free gloves 
4. Salon application brush 
5. Raw shea moisture retention shampoo 
6. Raw shea restorative conditioner 
7. Raw shea reconstructive finishing elixir.

My hair felt moisturised an shiny afterwards. This dye is Ammonia free hut not completely natural. For a completely natural dye you might want to try henna. 


If you have a new or innovative product or design that you want Leilu to talk about just send me an email at leilu@afrodeity.co.uk.

To find out more about ColorCones find there site at www.colorcones.com or buy your Shea Moisture Dye below.

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu

     

HALF PRICE Gold Friday & Cyber Weekend Sale!


Gold Friday is here!

You've got until MIDNIGHT to get your all your goodies!
Just use code 'CYBER' at checkout for 50% all orders over £20!
This discount applies to everything in store!
Any problems jus drop us a line sales@afrodeity.co.uk

Frizz Free Hair Solutions? We've got you covered with our gorgeous selection of Caribbean Inspired Hair products
Need Christmas Gifts? We've got you covered with the best selection of Luxury Black Hair Gifts on the Net!
Bob Marley Fan? We got you covered Check out  Marleyology
Gifts for people who are difficult to buy for? We've got you covered with unique and interesting gifts


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Sign Up for the Newsletter today!


Hair Dryers for Black or Afro Hair in the UK


Hair Dryers for Black or Afro Hair in the UK

Hi All

Every so often I get requests from people about the best afro hair dryer on the market. I completely love my Toni & Guy Moisture Lock Afro Hair Dryer which I have used occasionally over the last 5 years. Unfortunately this is no longer available, so I have put together a list of products available to buy both in the UK and US.

Some Hair Dryer Tips:
* Use a good heat protectant
* Try not to blow dry the hair until bone dry.
* Remember not use shampoos that strip natural oils,
* Drink plenty of water
* Use deep conditioning treatments at least one a month

Doing these things can stop hair from becoming brittle and dry.

If you are the US and looking for a good hairdryer some of the best on the market are:
* Chi Rocket Hair Dryer
BaByliss Pro Porcelin Ceramic Dryer
Andis Ceramic Ionic Dryer

Unfortunately theses are quite difficult to get hold of here in the UK.

You will be looking for words like Ceramic, Tourmaline or Ionic when choosing a good hair dryer for your hair. There are very few specifically for Afro Hair available in the UK. However these are a few that would work well with this hair type.



You may need to buy a Pik Attachment separately


Toni & Guy Moisture Lock Afro Hair Dryer 
Found an instance of this here
http://www.hairsalonproducts.co.uk/shop/toniguy-tgdr5354uk-2000w-moisture-lock-afro-hair-dryer/

Also find these on Amazon
     

Enjoy!

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu

How does Chlorine affect Your Hair?



I talk about swimming and maintaining your hair after swimming a lot on AfroDeity. It is one of my favourite past times and it is great exercise. You can even do it when you are pregnant. My only problem with swimming is the effect it can have on my hair and I am constantly wary of damage. 

I used to always wear a swim hat but their are occasions where you might not. Pool party for kids or taking the kids to the local swimming pool seems a bit over kill for a swim hat (that being said, I wear mine anyway.)

So what the big deal anyway, why not just wash it out when you are done. 
As any Mum will know covering your hair isn't always an option (well it is but a much less glamorous one), but as I've mentioned previously there are lots of great swimming shampoos or I at least try to find one with citric acid in it, which is has been shown to help in  removing chlorine from skin and hair.

So what effect does chlorine have on your hair?
Chlorine is usually added to pol water to help in stopping growth of microorganisms in the pool. For a public pool that sounds like a good thing!

Chlorine directly reacts chemically with hair and can changes its physical properties of the hair, as well as by changing electrical charge of minerals bonded to hair and reacting with those minerals.

* Chlorine can directly react with oils that cover the hair and proteins that form the hair shaft causing a chemical change. the removal of oils results in loss of hair shine and flexibility, as well as making them more susceptible to mechanical damage. 

Chlorine reacts with with keratin resulting in creation of water-soluble chemicals and weakens chemical bonds between fibres forming hair shafts. * Water soluable - water loving*

Chlorine can get between hair fibres. A crystallization process develops inside the hair, and the chlorine crystals can separate the hair fibres disrupting structural integrity of hair shaft. Once the bonds are broken, the hair becomes weak and ends of the hairs split. 

The hair cuticle can also be affected by this chlorine salt crystallization process. The cuticle is an outer layer of very hard, dead cells over the hair surface. If chlorine gets between the scales of the cuticle, it could push up the scales,, making it rough and prone to damage or breakage. These flaked cuticles reflect light poorly and  the hair fibre looks dull, dry and may feel rough when touched.

Chlorine can change electrical charge of minerals bonded to hair and oxidize those minerals.
Hope this all makes sesnse

Other AfroDeity Posts on Swimming
Swimming and Afro Hair
Swimming and Afro hair Part II
Swimming and Afro Hair Part III
* Summer Hair and You
* Swimming and Natural Hair Another Great Vid
*Afro Kids Hair - Detangling, Swimming, Nits


Sources
http://www.desalinatedwater.info/chlorine-study.php
“The World of Hair” Dr. John Gray www.pg.com/science/haircare
“Swimming Pool and Spa Sanitation” Health Canada, April 1999.
“The Complete Guide to Pool and Spa Care” AquaChek
www.keratin.com


Any questions drop us a line! or comment below

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity 
Leilu

Joliette Ambassador supports Inspiring Edge 2015!

Joliette Ambassador supports Inspiring Edge 2015!


'Donation ticket sales set to exceed previous record of 250 attendees'

We were very pleased to hear that Joliette's ambassador, Vashtina Johnson, will be supporting Edge 2015!

What is EDGE?
EMBRACE U Empire is a network of young creative entrepreneurs, who are passionate about making a difference in the world, starting with their community. Their main aim being to provide unique distinctive community & social events& projects that provide a platform for elevation to aid individuals in building their careers and personal development using creative initiatives.

Embrace U are very proud to host the 4th Inspiring Edge Fundraiser Fashion show in London Inspiring Edge is a Fashion event that provides a platform for creatives to showcase and develop their gifts, passion and individualism for a compassionate cause. ‘Your circumstances do not define you, you do!’ Says Founder Haylee Venus.



After Haylee completed her degree studies as a young mum of 2, she was buzzing with excitement to get into the work environment. Regardless of her graduate level qualification, she found that most entry level positions required some form of work experience. Albeit frustrating, Haylee chose to strive ahead and create her own opportunity hence her successful journey as a social & business entrepreneur. 

This is how Inspiring Edge was born. It was the perfect way of bringing together like minds, creating a great platform in which myself and others could build skills, gain experience and build a portfolio to assist them as they made steps towards their dream career choices. 

The Awesome Part!
Embrace U Empire are hosting their 4th Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser Inspiring Edge on Saturday 19th December 2015, at The Irish Cultural & Community Centre, Pretoria, N17 8DX, 7pm. This amazing entertainment evening themed Fashion MEETS Comedy, will involve aspiring models, artists, musicians, designers, hairstylist, makeup artists, creative directors, choreographers, event planners, business owners & investors. Businesses to showcase & develop their services & talents for a compassionate cause.

It’s Competition Time!
7 designers, 25 models, 4 World Class UK Comedians, 4 industry icons on the judging panel, 3 titles to be won, live music, amazing talent & networking all under the same roof.


Charity Fundraising - The Cause
This year Inspiring Edge will support the Mek Ah Step Creative Arts Programme – a 10 day Creative Arts Programme aimed at 5-15 yr olds, male & female from disadvantaged backgrounds supporting them to make steps towards a brighter future. The first Programme was delivered with servitude in July 2015 at a Jamaican orphanage. They aim to set up as a charity with the MISSION to spread love through creativity & art techniques GLOBALLY!



“Sometimes all we need is all around us!!” 


Come and be blown away by the astonishing talent that is bound to inspire and challenge you to embrace what is wonderfully unique about YOU!


Vashtina Johnson, Press & Media Relations Manager 07415720058
Haylee Venus, Event Director
Embrace U Empire Twitter:@EmbraceUEvents
E: inspiringedge@gmail.com

Facebook: Inspiring Edge Fashion Show
Online tickets: https://inspiringedge.eventbrite.co.uk 

Hair Supplement: GoldCrush

Hi All, 

I wanted to introduce you to another great new product. I had the good fortune of meeting Alicia Gold at a Keziah Connections event last year and again early this year at a beauty conference. I am so amazed at just how much this young woman has accomplished in such a short time. When we met last year she was just about to launch and now GoldCrush is everywhere. Impressed... I am! 


I also love the fact that GoldCrush promotes the best of British, produced in the United Kingdom, proudly supporting British manufacturing. 

Alicia created the product after being diagnosed with PCOS, which can cause hormone imbalances, acne and thinning hair. 

So what is Gold Crush all about...

GoldCrush Launches Revolutionary Beauty Vitamin With No Toxic Fillers

London-based beauty supplement company, GoldCrush has announced the launch of a super vitamin with a difference. The unique formula contains 21 key nutrients for healthy hair and is one of only of a few such supplements available in the UK completely free from any bulking agents or fillers. 

GoldCrush Hair supplements have been specially created to nourish hair, skin and nails for optimal growth and cell regeneration. The formulation, containing a blend of vitamins and minerals including Zinc, Selenium and Vitamins A, B and C; when taken daily as part of a haircare routine, helps to improve general health and physical appearance with visible results in just two weeks. 

Alicia Gold, founder and creator of GoldCrush said, “GoldCrush Hair Vitamins are formulated to help boost nutrients in the body and feed the follicles, which in turn contributes to maintenance of healthy hair, skin and nails. What we put into our bodies is just as important as the styling and cleansing products we use topically. The formula’s active ingredients include Biotin, MSM, Bamboo Silica, Collagen and Spirulina but what is perhaps more significant is what has been mindfully omitted from the formulation.”



Most direct competitor brands available both on the high street and online, contain bulking agents and fillers such as Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, hydrogenated oils and colourants. These ingredients, as well as generally reducing the efficacy of vitamins, have a been linked to a number of possible side effects including suppression of the immune system and blocking nutrients from entering the bloodstream. 

Gold added, “Our mantra is beauty, without the ugly fillers. I had in mind the need to create a supplement of the highest quality without compromise. Lower quality supplements increase the likelihood of ingredients being unrecognised by our bodies and thus the ability of the nutrients to be absorbed.” 

GoldCrush Hair Vitamins suitable for vegetarians free from parabens, artificial colourings, hydrogenated oils, MSG and preservatives. The vitamins are also free from added sugar, artificial colourings, gluten, wheat and lactose. 

To find out more visit Gold Crush Here



Have you tried Gold Crush or any other Hair Supplements you would like to tell us about. Let us know in the comments.

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu

Guest Post: Moisture Retention – Tips for Natural Hair



Guest Post
Moisture Retention – Tips for Natural Hair
The key to the healthiest of natural hair is moisture. Although water was once seen as the enemy when it came to natural hair, now it is embraced as one of the main components of keeping the hair in its best condition. Moisturising your hair will not only reduce the amount of breakage, but it will also help maintain the elasticity and strength of the hair as well.  Locking the moisture in with oils, creams, and protective hairstyles are also important when it comes to keeping the hair moisturised. By sealing the hair shaft with an oil or cream, it guarantees that the water will not evaporate from the hair and leave it dry, therefore retaining the moisture. 

How Do I Know if My Hair Needs Moisture?
When your hair is in need of moisture, it will:
* Have a dry, crackling/crunchy sound 
* Feel rough/dry
* Break very easily
* Show no signs of elasticity

Since everyone’s hair type is different, each person will show a variety of different signs and will require different regimens. For example, if your hair naturally has a rough texture, that characteristic may not be one of your tell-tale signs that you need to moisturise your hair. If you honestly don’t know what signs indicate that your hair needs moisture, go a week without moisturising your hair and examine how it feels, sounds, sheds and whether or not it breaks. Once you see how your hair reacts to needing moisture, moisturise it and take a mental note of the differences you see. Now that you have an idea of how your hair is when it’s in need of moisture, here are a few key tips for 
moisturising and retention. 



Deep Condition Every Time You Wash the Hair
Deep conditioning is very important when it comes to moisturisation. Using a deep conditioner will repair any damage that the hair has undergone in order to keep the shaft healthy. When the cuticle is damaged it will not lay flat which allows moisture to escape and evaporate, causing dry hair. By using a deep conditioner that strengthens and moisturizes, the cuticle will be able to lay flat again and retain the moisture that the conditioner provides. A great deep conditioner that I use for when my hair is damaged is the Silicon Mix Bambu Hair Treatment by Avanti. Since the product contains silicon, the hair shaft will be repaired and protected from further damage. The silicon also acts as a sealant by locking the water into the cuticle and acting as a barrier against humidity as well as heat damage. Here’s how I use it:
* Cleanse the scalp and hair with a shampoo or cleansing conditioner.
* After parting the hair into workable sections, coat each section with a liberal amount of conditioner. 
* Cover with a plastic cap and leave on for 15-30 minutes. You can also opt to sit under a dryer for 10 minutes, just make sure you leave the conditioner on long enough to fully penetrate the hair shaft in order to reap the full benefit. 
* Detangle hair and rinse out. 

Apply a Water-Based Leave-In Conditioner
Using a water-based leave-in is essential when trying to retain moisture because water is technically the only thing that can moisturise the hair. I know what you’re thinking, “if that’s the case, why don’t we just use water and leave it at that?” In addition to the water, leave-in conditioners usually contain proteins, vitamins, nutrients and other beneficial ingredients that will improve the overall health of the hair. Using this in conjunction with the deep conditioner will not only allow the hair to repair faster, but it will also aid in the moisturising process.  To use, work the leave-in from the roots to the ends, making sure to focus on the ends since it is the oldest part of your hair. 

Seal 
This is the most important step when it comes to moisture retention. Water has the tendency to evaporate from natural hair the easiest which is what makes the hair seem so dry. Since our sebum- the natural oil produced by the scalp- cannot make its way down the hair shaft, the water is not sealed into the hair and it winds up evaporating. If you want your hair to remain moisturised for a longer period of time, you will need to seal the shaft with an oil or butter after applying your leave-in conditioner.

Repeat
While you may not need to repeat the deep conditioning treatment until the next time you wash your hair, you will need to re-moisturise your hair with a little bit of water or leave-in and seal it again with oil. Depending on your hair type and the style you’re currently wearing, you may need to repeat your moisturisation routine multiple times in between washes. 


This obviously isn’t a regimen that you’ll be able to conduct if you’re wearing your hair straightened, but keep in mind the fact that it will need to be done eventually. Not giving your hair the proper amount of moisture will lead to damage, and eventually breakage so set aside a week or two where you’ll be able to pay close attention to your hair and its needs. 


Bio: Kayla Black is 24 year old freelance writer from Brooklyn, NY. She is currently a stay at home mom who just recently graduated with her B.A.S in Food Service Management and Event Planning from Johnson & Wales University ('14). In addition to writing food blogs and working on her own up and coming site, Kayla is also taking the time to contribute to the natural hair community. Formerly known as curlywurlygurl on YouTube, and her old blog Fitfluffyfood, Kayla is hoping to remain active in the natural hair community once again.

Product Review: Highlights on Afro Hair with ColorCones

HIGHLIGHTS & OMBRE
ColorCones Review -Precise Hair Colouring




I love new innovative products that make our lives easier, so when I was introduced to the concept of ColorCones I jumped at the chance to try them. They are marketed as 'Precise Hair Colour' and I completely understand why! You are able to target specific parts of your hair for highlighting, ombre and retouching. Also for Afro Caribbean Hair where foils can be tricky I found these and excellent alternative.

Each re-usable kit contains:
 16 x Cones
2 x Special Applicator Brushes
6 x pin Tools
16 x Indicator Lids
Instruction Leaflet
'Clam' pack for storage


These cones seemed perfect for Afro Hair due to their unique shape. Unlike foil where the hair has to lie flat, the cones seemed more likely to be to hold a mass of my curly hair quite neatly.  I have never had highlights and I dyed my hair blue once some 17 years ago. Also even though I relaxed my hair at home quite happily many years ago, doing highlights didn't seem like something I could do myself. 

How was it?
Loved using these, so easy to pull onto the hair. However I think I put too much hair in each cone, so the dye didn't go up to  the root. This is actually one of the best things about this cones.  The ability to put them right up the root and minimal dye touches your scalp. When the Cones are removed they pull any excess dye off with them.

Due to mistake of putting too much hair on each cone there was a slight area up to the root that didn't get dyed.

Putting ColorCones on my Afro Hair



All in all perfect for curly hair. Especially for a first timer who had never had highlights before.  This was exactly what I was looking for. I would recommend to anyone looking to add highlights or ombre their hair.

Where to Buy?

   


My tips for using ColorCones
* Get a second pair if hands if you've never done this before.  Also having someone else there makes it easier to keep dye off your skin and face.

* Dont put too much hair in each cone. Even though they are wide, too much hair will mean you cannot  go up to the root for touch ups. On the other hand for ombre styles this wont matter too much.

* The yellow caps are quite fiddly. I didn't end up using them but they are great to help you know which ones you've done already. I didn't end up using these though.

* I found it easier to just apply with my fingers (gloved) rather than a brush.

Here is an instructional video giving you more of an idea on how to use the ColorCones.



What Can you Use ColorCones for?



My final results, I loved this as it just showed a tinge of reddy blonde. I may go a bit more flamboyant next time but but now I just wanted sun kissed highlights for me really. I also chose quite a light colour for my dark brown hair.



If you have a new or innovative product or design that you want Leilu to talk about just send me an email at leilu@afrodeity.co.uk.

To find out more about ColorCones find there site at www.colorcones.com

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Leilu

      

The African Bridal Show Returns

It must be event time. There is something for everyone this year and our gorgeous Brides-to-be are not to be left out! Looking for a traditional outfit or ideas on getting that cake just right, check out the African Bridal Show. Put the date in your diaries and be ready to be wowed!

African Bridal Show (ABS) presents the ultimate traditional wedding exhibition by bringing culture to you. The autumn edition of African Bridal Show (ABS) in 2015 is will be taking place on Saturday 10th October 2015.




WHAT IS AFRICAN BRIDAL SHOW (ABS)?

Founded in 2012, ABS is UK’s biggest wedding exhibition dedicated to the continent of Africa!

ABS is a free-to-attend wedding exhibition for brides to be and visitors with a niche focus on celebrating the beauty and uniqueness of the African Culture by highlighting the traditional aspects of an African wedding.

ABS is dedicated to highlighting the traditional aspects of an African wedding, which will help the wedding to be as authentic as possible. The exhibition not only aims to increase the varieties and options available for every African bride to
be, but are also passionate about providing exposure for African wedding
service providers in order to broaden their business horizon!

Our exhibition in November 2014 saw:



 - 45 high class wedding professionals that exhibited their services
and/or products
- Over 1000 guest registered online
- Sought-after free seminars such as wedding planning, makeup and tips on traditional attires



Our edition in  2015 promises to be an even bigger event!!




WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

Traditional attire designers
Traditional attire suppliers
Cake and Food tasting
Skin Care, Make up and Beauty consultations
Decorators and venue stylists
Photography & Videography
Wedding Planners
And much more…




DETAILS

The Lindley Hall
Elverton Street
London
SW1P 2QW

Nearest Tube:
Victoria
St James’s Park

For Businesses, you can book a stand at www.african-bridal.com 

For Guests, please visit our website at www.african-bridal.com

Contact:


Web: www.african-bridal.com

Email: info@african-bridal.com

Tel: 020 3633 2028