There's nothing better...

When it comes to hair, together my friends and I have probably covered every style imaginable. 1 friend has chemically relaxed hair, 3 are natural, 2 are in transition to going natural and currently in the "growing out" phase, 2 has extensions, 2 currently went a-la Amber Rose, and between all of that at least one person has the latest Rhianna cut!

Thinking of this took me back to a conversation I had with a white co-worker a couple months ago. This day, I wore my hair naturally curly, which is something I don't do often at work. She was amazed that just yesterday my hair was flowing and straight and today it was a totally different texture and style completely. She then continued to speak about how she wished her hair could transform so she could wear different styles - her hair is simply straight and limp and can not hold a decent curl to save her life. Amazingly another co-worker joined the conversation and mentioned she has the same problem.

This simple conversation and comparison of hair reconfirmed and strengthened my pride of my Crown & Glory. Although we have our ups and downs and I hate my hair from time to time...I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Give yourself a hot oil treatment to heat things up!

Upon my move to Chicago I knew one of many things. 1. I knew it would be extremely cold. 2. I knew it would snow all the time. 3. I knew I would need to upgrade my winter wardrobe to include thermals, several scarfs and winter hats. But...what I didn't know; however , was the dramatic toll this harsh winter weather would take on my hair.

Now from my knowledge, so far, this winter has been a tough one around the country, not just here in Chicago. If you are one who can't make it to the hair salon every week, because I know I can't, there are several easy ways to keep your Crown & Glory fabulous during these frigid temperatures. Heat things up with an hot oil treatment!

Giving myself a hot oil treatment is one of my favorite hair remedies to pamper myself with. Not surprisingly, very cold temperatures will make the scalp extremely dry so a hot oil treatment is a great way help add moisture keep away the unwanted snowflakes on your shoulder called dandruff. In addition, this treatment is a great way to add oil to the hair without weighing it down...one of my favorite things as well!
So you've never given yourself a hot oil treatment before? No problem! It is very simple. Depending on the type of hot oil treatment you purchase there are two ways to prep the treatment. I've used both ways and the results are the same.

1. Immerse packaged item into hot water to heat the oil
2. Gently heat the oil in the microwave in a small mixing bowl

After your regular shampoo and conditioning, simply part large sections of the hair, apply a moderate amount to the scalp and gently massage throughout your entire head. I like to part my hair in 4 large sections by making a long vertical part from my forehead to back of my head and then a horizontal part from ear to ear. Afterwards I part those 4 sections in half and massage more oil into the scalp.

Secondly, you want to make sure the product penetrates. A great way to concentrate the product into the scalp is to sit under a hooded dryer with a plastic cap for 15 minutes. Personally I don't own a hooded dryer so I just use a hand blow dryer to apply to heat to my plastic cap and it works just fine. No time to sit under the dryer? You can also keep the oil your hair for about 30 minutes without heat under a plastic cap. I like to use this time to do chores around the house, cook or whatever.

After the product is set into the scalp, it is important NOT to re-wash the hair or you will undo all the hard work you've just accomplished! Instead rinse the hot oil out with warm water, blow dry and style as usual. Personally, I don't always feel that just rinsing the oil out with water does the full trick so I also like to add more conditioner to my hair after I rinse the oil out....but that's just my preference.

So if this winter is kicking you and your hair's butt..try giving your self a hot oil treatment and see if there is a major difference. Hey, it works for me!

Side Part Under...No more!

I'm not sure how many other The Game fanatics are out there but if you are, clearly you might know what this blog post is about. In season 3 of the very much missed show The Game, abruptly cancelled by the CW network, Melanie is discussing her turbulent love life with a patient of hers. The patient, an elder woman, mentions how Melanie is a "Side Part Under", which is a very simple hairstyle parted on the side and neatly tucked behind the ears. It doesn't stand out and overall no one will ever challenge this hairstyle because it is safe. Now although this is a analogy to Melanie's current dramatic love life, I started to think...in a certain way this pretty much sums up my hair history.

For as long as I can remember, I've been wearing the same hairstyle since I bought my first Golden Hot flat iron in the 8th grade. (Yes I said Golden Hot...lol) One would think because I am such a hair guru, trying the latest products and what not, I would certainly have a different hairstyle every other month. But no, I am stuck on my nice wrap with my right-sided part usually to my shoulder in length. On occasions I wear it curly during the summer since I've started to grow out my relaxer. However; the most dramatic thing I've done is color my hair a shade of red, a lighter shade of brown, and get a sew-in for about 4 months. Overall very safe.

Now currently, a lot of why I do not change my hair often is due to Corporate America. Personally I prefer not to come to work one day with my nice shoulder-length bob and the next day looking like Beyonce with 18 inches of blonde extensions. But as I continue to grow and find myself in the journey we call life, I've decided I'm tired of being safe! No more "Side Part Under"! I'm now on a mission to find a cute new hairstyle that is very different and outside my comfort zone; however still acceptable for the workplace. I mean a girl's still gotta make money.

So until I find my new "do", I'll just admire the ladies who have no problem going out of their comfort zone while being fabulous doing so. And who else could I admire but number one hair diva.....Rhianna!

Although sometimes her hair styles are crazy (well at least to me), we all must admit Rhianna has paved the way for hair trends since 2007.

Char's Favorite Things

Ever been sitting at home watching Oprah and the episode is about a deserving set of people who contributed to the world in some way? Now, because you love Oprah, most likely you are already crying, thinking to yourself, wow this is incredible. All of a sudden Oprah shouts, "You're on Oprah's Favorite Things!!!" Next thing you know, tons of people start walking from backstage passing out several gifts from watches, to ipods, and flat screen TVs.

Well although I'm no Oprah and I will not give away anything for free...I've complied a list of my favorite hair things for my readers who are obviously deserving if you are taking time to read my little blog. Often, my friends ask what I use on my hair so I figured I'd share. These are the top 5 products and tools that I absolutely live by and have no problem endorsing. Since I usually where my hair straight, these are the tools and products I use to wash, blow out, and flat iron my hair to achieve a nice salon-ish finish. (I'd like to say I usually do a good job...lol).

5. Revlon Tourmaline Ceramic Blow Dryer & Paddle Brush


Ladies, these two things go together like peanut butter and jelly. In my opinion, a GOOD blow dryer is the second most important step in the flat ironing process next to the flat iron it self. Notice I said GOOD blow dryer, not the $9.99 one from the local beauty supply store. (But if that works for you, more power to you). However, I like the Revlon Ionic Ceramic Blow Dryer, which surprisingly was only about $40 at Ulta (cheaper on Amazon). Reasons I like: different temperature settings, the Ionic aspect helps add shine and the ceramic aspect helps with heat control to prevent damage. When blowing out the hair it also helps to use the narrow nozzle provided. This will allow heat to concentrate on those coarser, thick areas and in return aide you in the flat ironing process. In my opinion, the better the blow out...the nicer the overall straightening process will be.
Another great alternative is Conair's Yellow Bird Blow Dryer.

The paddle brush makes a difference too whether you know it or not. I personally prefer a semi-wide tooth brush with rounded tips on the teeth of the brush. This not only helps de-tangle hair but the rounded tips helps to smooth your hair, another factor to help with the flat ironing process.

Blow drying tip: Make sure each section is about 75%-80% dry before blowing out with the brush. Your hair is in its most fragile state when wet.

4. Rat-tail Comb with Metal End


This little thing may seem very unimportant, however; if I can not find this comb when it's time to flat iron my hair I'm going crazy! The very small teeth in the comb are the most important so if it doesn't have a metal end it's really not that big of a deal. The small teeth allow you to precisely comb though each section before applying heat which makes for a nice, straight finish and prevents clumping. Try combing through your hair with a regular wide-tooth comb and proceed to flat iron....trust me you will see a difference. The metal end is just a little extra to help part very small sections in the hair, which is also key when flat ironing. Taking small sections is always better than flat ironing large chunks at a time.

3. Kera Care Dry & Itchy Scalp Glossifier


Now I don't know about other ladies, but I have a serious problem when it comes to dry scalp, especially living in Chicago. For the longest I used to wonder how I can 'grease my scalp' (like my momma used to do back in the day) while still having lots of body and volume. We all know grease weighs down the hair; however, this is the main reason I love Kera Care's Dry & Itchy Scalp Glossifier. This product is VERY light so it will not weigh down your tresses. In addition, it actually works! Dab a little on the dry areas of your scalp (not all over). You will feel a little tingle, but you will also achieve instant shine as well. Love this stuff!! You can usually find this at your local beauty supply but one thing I've noticed is not all beauty stores sell Kera Care products. If this is not at your local store try Sally's Beauty or Ulta. BTW...Ulta is my guilty pleasure so you will often see me refer to this store.

Dry hair note: Ladies also if water is not an active part of your diet you should start because that helps with dry scalp.

2. Biosilk Silk Therapy


This is hands down my favorite hair serum! (mind you I have at least three as of right now...I know I have a problem). But Biosilk is the best one I've tried to date. This is the one hair product that takes me from "Oh your hair looks nice" to "Where do you go to get your hair done?". Not really much else to say besides its great! And the best part is you only need to use a dime-sized amount per flat iron so it can last for a very long time. I bought a bottle about 9 months ago and I just ran out of this product last week. Can be used while hair is wet or dry but I prefer to use when my hair is dry. Ok the other best part is Biosilk provides lots of shine and creates tons of volume! Clearly I have a lot of "bests" about this product so just purchase it if you are curious :) You can find this at any Walgreen's or CVS, but be careful because the mark-up is ridiculous and will run you close to $15 for a small 2.26 o bottle. My suggestion is to go to Marshall's or TJ Maxx where you can find it in the hair care section for at least half the price. You may also be able to find my #3 pick there as well.


1. FHI Heat Flat Iron


Well well...if you know me this is surely no surprise! Honestly ladies, never have I ever met a hair styling tool I've loved so much since the pressing comb...you know the kind your mom used to put on top of the stove to heat. True story, when I first moved to Chicago I was on the hunt for a stylist who could take care of my hair when I didn't feel like doing so and trim my ends. The first place I attended was a very nice black owned Salon and Spa. People were great and everything. The stylist then proceeded to flat iron my hair with a CHI. Now don't get me wrong, CHI is a very good product as well, but it just doesn't have that special touch like the FHI does. I continued my journey to find a hair stylist only now I was searching for someone to complete a sew-in. Finally I found a place and as I was waiting to be seen, the stylist started to flat iron another woman's hair. As soon as I saw the red-coated plates of the FHI I felt like it was heaven sent! I wanted to cancel my appointment for the sew-in and let here flat iron my real hair right, then and there! I've used the FHI flat iron for about 4 years now and I still haven't found a better one.

FHI has 4 kinds of flat irons which are all fabulous by the way. They all range from $120-$500; however, usually cheaper on eBay or Amazon like everything else. I have the FHI Platform, which I prefer because it has a temperature setting. The FHI Technique is a little cheaper than the Platform, but it does not offer a temperature setting. I've found that it still works just as well as the Platform. I personally prefer to have a temperature setting just because some areas of the hair require less heat than others for example, if you know you have a very thin area of hair. The FHI always leaves my hair with a very glossy finish and gives my hair tons of volume, which we all love! Partnered with my #2 pick Biosilk and this is another "head-turning" favorite that seals the deal every time.

So there you have it! These are my top 5 favorite hair things. You may notice that I didn't include shampoo or conditioner in my list. This is primarily because I'm often trying new shampoos and conditioners every six months. For me, each s & c serves a different purpose depending on season, if I have color, or if I'm wearing my hair naturally curly. Also, because I've noticed that no matter which shampoo or conditioner I use, my top 5 favorites are always the constant denominator to making my Crown & Glory shine and look great!

"A Passion Deferred..."

We've all heard it a thousand times: "Follow your passion and the money will follow!" As I embark into my second year out of college, I like many of my peers wonder what my next steps will be. I've also once heard, "If you could do one thing in the world for free what would it be?"

Well for me that one thing would be hair. I love this stuff, can't get enough! Anyone who knows me can attest that hair is the one thing I can talk about all day and let's face it, hair is the one thing I've done for free in the past over and over again! And to be honest...not once did I complain about money. My friends are often surprised when I tell them I gave myself a relaxer for the first time when I was in the 8th grade. Some women my age can't even flat iron their own hair....let alone give themselves a relaxer (no offense to any of my girls...lol).

Now I'm all for following one's passion, however; I am also a realist. My current lifestyle filled with school loans, planning a wedding, and other obligations do not warrant me to completely forgo Corporate America and start a new career right now. So I figured instead of jumping into the cosmetology field right away, this blog can serve that purpose until I'm ready to go after that passion. We'll just call it a "passion deferred" for now.

Hope you enjoy all that I have in store, because let's face it...what woman doesn't cherish their Crown & Glory!?!